Hi, I'm Ruth

Image of Ruth Silverstone

For me, it’s all about love. When I listen to the stories about your loved one, it is always with love; and when everything else is stripped away, love is what shines through the often seemingly insurmountable, inexplicable death of your loved one. I am a celebrant because of love and when I speak for you about your loved one on the hardest day of your life, it is with compassion, generosity and a great sense of privilege. It’s more than a job: conducting funerals is my vocation. I was drawn to this line of work because of my own bereavements and my positive experiences of attending non-religious funerals. I’ve survived the death of my parents, my favourite aunt, a dear friend, and most difficult of all, my beloved partner. It doesn’t make me an expert in death, but it does mean that I will understand the subtleties of your loss and I will approach the telling of your story with insight, compassion and uniqueness. 

I’m simply interested in people. Our meeting will be informal and friendly and I will spend time with you listening to your memories. Together we can choose photos and poems and readings and music with which to represent the singular personality of your loved one. We may laugh, you might cry, but whatever the exchange, it will be an authentic one. Find out more by visiting my website here: https://www.ruthsilverstonecelebrant.co.uk/

"From the moment I met Ruth something just clicked, she is a truly beautiful soul...She came,she listened, she immersed herself in our story of our much loved Dad & Grandad, she laughed with us & I truly believe she felt our pain & loss. Ruth got to know Dad. Ruth soothed us & reassured us from our first meeting up until Dad's Celebration of Life. Ruth led Dad's beautiful Celebration telling his story & bringing wonderful memories alive. I could never thank Ruth enough, I don't have the words to express just how special her delivery of Dad's story was & how, thanks to her, though sad & heartbroken I can smile remembering his beautiful ceremony. This is one special, compassionate lady. Thank you Ruth x"

— Lisa

"Ruth was excellent…kind, compassionate and a brilliant script writer. She read the room and delivered the tribute with compassion and humour which is just what we all needed."

— Mona

"Ruth created two wonderful rituals to mark the passing of my partner Lucy. Ruth led the memorial service near home in West Norwood, London, soon after Lucy's death in 2019. The crematorium chapel was overflowing and Ruth's warmth, calm and strong presence were just right. So many people commented on how much the service reflected Lucy's life and character. The personal tributes, music and poetry that family and friends offered were woven in beautifully by Ruth. She added her own reflections, showing more layers of who Lucy was, which is pretty amazing given she only knew her through other people's accounts. Lucy's ashes were laid to rest in 2022, in the natural burial ground near where she grew up in Mobberley, much delayed by COVID. I was delighted when Ruth agreed to hold that service too even though it's a long way. She suggested a very touching format that fit the place and circumstances perfectly. Along with the contributions of family and friends Ruth evoked Lucy's life and character, and the ritual truly was a rite of passage. Ruth has a gift for understanding people, both the departed and those who are saying goodbye. She is wise and very genuine, and was great with the many people who spoke at both events, being more or less involved as each person preferred. She made everything come together with supportive kindness, patience and practicality. All in all, she was a solid anchor in these big life events, for which I am very grateful."

— R

Image of Ruth Silverstone

Ruth Silverstone

Where I work

I work across London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. At times. my work takes me further afield and I am happy to travel.

Fees from...

Cremations from £250; Burials from £300; Memorials from £450; Interment of ashes from £150. Find out more here: https://www.ruthsilverstonecelebrant.co.uk/

How to contact me
Email

ruth.silverstone@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07779 719562

Website

www.ruthsilverstonecelebrant.co.uk

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.