I've been a funeral celebrant from 2004 onwards and became one of Humanists UK’s busiest celebrants for quite a few years. I enjoyed taking wedding and naming referrals but since 2021 I've concentrated on funerals and memorials, including celebrations of life separate from cremation / burial. There’s a great sense of responsibility for ensuring each ceremony meets the needs of those involved and I trust that I bring experience, care and warmth to each and every occasion. Even the saddest of funerals offers an opportunity to help those involved take just one painful step forward in the way that is best for them. Celebrating a life well lived can be joyful too in some ways and our ceremonies seek to balance the many aspects of loss.
Hi, I'm Sue
“All my family felt your kindess”
— Kathleen
You should take credit for smoothing the painful path ahead of us and everyone commented on what a lovely service it was
— Sarah
How attentive you were, as there's so much in there that really sounds like you knew our Mum
— Astrid
Uplifting and refreshing rather than sombre... and my cousin said it was a case of "if you've got to go, go in style..." my heartfelt thanks for your professionalism, attention to detail and the sympathetic handing of a distressing time for me.
— Fay
A very kind sincere thank you for your kind and tender delivery at father's funeral
— Jack
Sue
What can I say it was an amazing fitting tribute to my dad today. You are amazing and I am so so glad we met
We are forever grateful
— Dawn
Just a quick message to say thank you for a brilliantly delivered funeral today, very much appreciated.
— Colin
Sue Baumbach
Where I work
I work mainly in East Kent (Canterbury, Thanet, Dover, Deal and Folkestone) but am willing to travel to all parts of Kent, particularly for families who've used my services as a celebrant before
Fees from...
My fee for a funeral ceremony at a Crematorium or burial ground is usually the current fee payable by the Funeral Director. Memorials involving lengthy travel and preparation time are considered individually in each case.
How to contact me
Phone
Website
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.
