Graveyard Keeper Addresses the Biggest ‘Taboos’ About Her Unusual Job (Exclusive)

A Graveyard Keeper Takes on the ‘Taboos’ of Her Unique Profession

Aoife Sutton-Butler, a part-time post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bradford in England, spends the rest of her time as a graveyard keeper in a nearby cemetery. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sutton-Butler sheds light on her journey into the realm of death and the insights she has gained along the way.

Growing up in rural Ireland, Sutton-Butler’s exposure to death began at a young age when she witnessed her first dead body during her grandfather’s wake. She explains that in Ireland, families are deeply involved in the funeral process, fostering open conversations about death. After losing both her parents at a young age, Sutton-Butler found herself drawn to discussing and normalising the topic of death to overcome the taboo associated with it.

Sutton-Butler’s academic journey led her to study archaeology and bio-archaeology, focusing on archaeological human remains. Despite initially considering a career as an embalmer, pandemic restrictions redirected her towards a Ph.D. in England, exploring anatomical wet specimens from past centuries. Her involvement with the Undercliffe Cemetery in Bradford as a trustee eventually led to her role as a cemetery registrar.

As a cemetery registrar, Sutton-Butler manages burials, coordinates with funeral directors, and oversees the sale of burial plots in the Victorian-era cemetery. She acknowledges the mystery and stories hidden within the cemetery’s grounds, including unmarked graves that often hold untold narratives, particularly of children. Despite the nature of her work focusing on death, Sutton-Butler emphasises the emotional aspect of supporting bereaved families, considering it an honour.

Sutton-Butler debunks the misconception of her job being morbid and highlights the vibrant aspects of researching and interacting with the living while dealing with the dead. Through her Substack, Lady Graveyard Keeper, she shares her experiences and perspectives on death, aiming to challenge societal taboos. Her goal is to broaden conversations about death within communities, exemplified by projects like Lost and Found, designed to facilitate discussions with children about loss in a sensitive and engaging manner.

Emphasising the universality of death and the inevitability of the human experience, Sutton-Butler views her role as a reminder to cherish life. Despite the stigma surrounding her profession, she finds that people are curious and receptive to learning about death’s intricacies. Through her impactful work, Sutton-Butler is paving the way for more open and inclusive conversations about death, encouraging individuals to embrace the transient nature of life and appreciate every moment they have.

Aoife Sutton-Butler’s dedication to demystifying death and fostering understanding reflects her commitment to breaking down societal barriers and reshaping perceptions surrounding the end of life. Her multifaceted approach to engaging with death serves as a testament to the importance of acknowledging and honouring the cycle of life, demonstrating that even in the face of mortality, there is room for celebration, remembrance, and growth.

In conclusion, Aoife Sutton-Butler’s unique role as a graveyard keeper transcends mere job duties; it embodies a profound understanding of life’s impermanence and the significance of embracing every moment with reverence and gratitude.