Canadian artist's journey with medically-assisted death

Summary

The script documents the final moments of Jeanette Lowden, an 87-year-old artist from Saskatoon, who chose a medically assisted death. With the support of her family, she shared her life's memories, her reasons for this decision, and her peaceful transition. The narrative captures her preparation for death, including plaster casts of her hands and a serene outlook, reflecting on her life, family, and art. The family's acceptance and participation in her choice offer a profound look at dignity, control, and the beauty of a well-lived life coming to an end on her terms.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Jeanette Lowden, an 87-year-old artist from Saskatoon, allowed CBC News to document her medically assisted death process.
• 💫 Jeanette asked her family to decorate the lid of her coffin, reflecting her artistic nature even in her final moments.
• 👵 Jeanette's daughter, Phyllis, supported her decision to end her life due to unbearable pain and inability to do anything.
• 🌟 Jeanette's outlook on life changed positively after deciding on medically assisted death, as she saw an end in sight.
• 👋 Jeanette expressed her love and farewell to her family, stating she would be watching over them from 'the other realm'.
• 🤝 Jeanette's family has accepted her decision and is grateful for being part of the process, showing a deep understanding and support.
• 👶 Jeanette involved her grandson in making plaster casts of her hands, creating a tangible legacy for her family.
• 🖼 She cherished her family and her art, considering them her second love after her family.
• 📚 Jeanette's family read a poem to her, 'Relax back beloved, into the Timeless presence', during her final moments.
• 🍸 A small detail about her personality was revealed when her family mentioned ginger ale as her favorite drink.
• 🛌 The doctor explained the procedure to the family, likening it to falling asleep and ensuring Jeanette's comfort and dignity in her final moments.

Q & A

What significant event is Jeanette Lowden preparing for?

Jeanette Lowden is preparing for her medically assisted death, which she has chosen to have shortly.

How does Jeanette's family feel about her decision?

Jeanette's family has come to accept her decision and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the process, supporting her throughout.

What is the significance of decorating the lid of Jeanette's coffin?

Decorating the lid of her coffin is a way for Jeanette's family to participate in her final moments and create a personal touch to her farewell.

What does Jeanette reminisce about when discussing her life?

Jeanette reminisces about her first boyfriend when she was 13 years old, indicating her eagerness to recall and share memories from her life.

How does Jeanette describe her physical condition leading to her decision to end her life?

Jeanette describes her physical condition as unbearable, with constant pain and an inability to do anything, which led her to make the decision to end her life.

What change in Jeanette's outlook on life occurred after deciding on medically assisted death?

After deciding on medically assisted death, Jeanette's outlook on life changed completely; she became happy, seeing an end in sight.

What does Jeanette consider her legacy to be?

Jeanette considers her family and her art as her legacy, expressing love for them and the joy her art has brought to her life.

What activity does Jeanette engage in to create a lasting memory for her family?

Jeanette makes plaster casts of her hands with the help of her grandson, intending to leave a tangible memory for her family.

How does Jeanette describe the process of medically assisted death?

Jeanette describes the process as similar to going to sleep, a peaceful and restful transition without waking up.

What does Jeanette envision after her death?

Jeanette envisions being in another realm, looking down on her family, smiling, and telling them she loves them.

How does Jeanette's family view her decision and the process of medically assisted death?

Jeanette's family views her decision with acceptance and sees the process as a good death, without pain, with all things said, and exactly how she wanted it.