Living Fully to the End: Reflections on Sister Una's Journey

I recently watched Sister Una Lived a Good Death on PBS Passport, and I was deeply moved. It offered a profound glimpse into the final chapter of an extraordinary life—one filled with adventure, deep social connections, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Sister Una, a cigarette-smoking, free-spirited nun, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and had only nine months to live. Yet, in that time, she continued to show what it meant to embrace life, love, and community until the very end.

Sister Una didn’t just face death—she lived her way through it. She saw dying as a natural part of life and approached it with grace, humor, and an openness that is rare but deeply needed. She separated her disease from her spirit, saying:

“My body has a disease, my spirit is alive. Dying is another level of freedom—freedom to live out loud. Every day is a new gift, and I’m going to live it the best way I can.”

Her perspective is a powerful reminder that every stage of life, including the end, is an opportunity to connect, love, and live with intention. She surrounded herself with people who knew and loved her, ensuring that she was not just cared for but a whole person deserving to be loved and seen.

What Can We Learn from Sister Una?

Sister Una’s journey holds lessons for all of us, whether we are facing our own aging journey or supporting a loved one. Her story highlights the importance of:

1. Planning Beyond The Basics—Planning for Life Conversations about aging and end-of-life planning often focus on legal documents, financial preparedness, and medical care. While these are crucial, Sister Una’s journey reminds us that planning should also include how we want to live. Who do we want around us? How do we want to be supported emotionally and spiritually? What unfinished business—whether relationships, dreams, or personal reflections—do we want to address?
2. The Power of Connection Sister Una’s deep sense of belonging didn’t happen by chance. She built a life rich in relationships, and when she faced her final chapter, those connections carried her through. Too often, people wait until a crisis to build their support system. But investing in relationships—whether with friends, family, or community—is one of the best ways to prepare for the future.
3. Redefining Freedom in Aging Many people fear aging because they equate it with loss—of independence, of ability, of control. But Sister Una found freedom in the process. She embraced each day as a gift, choosing to focus not on what was ending but on what she still had to give and experience. This shift in mindset can be transformational. Aging is about continuing to expand into who we are, right up to the end.

Living with Intention at Every Stage

Sister Una’s story is a reminder that how we approach aging and the end of life is just as important as how we approach our younger years. Being proactive about our future—whether it’s securing the right care, strengthening our relationships, or making peace with the unknown—allows us to live fully until the very end.

Her words resonate deeply: “Dying is another level of freedom.” When we accept that death is part of life, we open ourselves to living more boldly, more connected, and more alive in every moment.

What choices are we making today that will allow us to experience aging—and even dying—as Sister Una did?

Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador, where she helps families navigate the complexities of transitioning to senior living and aging in place. Helen has extensive experience serving families across Rhode Island and New England. You can learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.