Living wakes: Why people are having funerals before they die

by · Australian Financial Review

Sydney Page
May 14, 2026 – 5.00am

On a spring weekend in Boise, Idaho, more than 100 people gathered at Ember Maucere’s home for a three-day party filled with live music, dancing, food and art.

They weren’t there for a wedding or birthday. They were there because Maucere, 56, was dying – and she had invited them to celebrate her life with her. People showed up in colourful outfits, ready to take part in a silent disco, performances from local artists and group meditations.

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