Encore: How Zenith became her true self, as a lesbian and a deathwalker

Zenith Virago was a married mother of two, when she left her family to begin again as a lesbian.  Then she found a new path as a death walker, helping people navigate their life's end. Zenith grew up in England, and she was still at school when she fell in love with another student. At seventeen, she married Richard, Head Boy of the local Comprehensive school. They had two children, Jodie and Todd.Then at 24, Zenith had a realisation about who she really was. She left her husband and children to begin a new life as a lesbian in New Zealand,Eventually she arrived in Byron Bay, where she met a community of people who inspired her.One day, Zenith's dear friend Sylvia died unexpectedly doing yoga in her garden. Rather than outsourcing to the funeral industry, Sylvia's loved ones took over her funeral and cremation themselves.This experience launched a new path for Zenith, and she became a ‘death walker’, helping people navigate the end of life with reverence and calm.In the midst of her new chapter, the death of a former lover brought her third son Tane back into her life unexpectedly.Further informationOriginal broadcast February 2019Learn about Zenith Virago's Natural Death Care CentreHelp and information are always availableLifeline 13 11 14 24 hour counsellingBeyond Blue's telephone and online counselling 1300 22 4636