Welcome
Welcome to a space of compassion, understanding, and reverence for life's most profound transitions. My name is Ruth McGill, and I am honoured to guide you through the intricate journey of death and remembrance.
My journey toward becoming a death doula began with the passing of my beloved mother seventeen years ago—a loss that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. In 2019, my world was further shaped by my father's diagnosis, deepening my understanding of life's fragility and the importance of embracing each moment with gratitude and acceptance.Click here to read more about me
As a death doula, I offer compassionate support to individuals and their families during the sacred transition from life to death. Whether you seek guidance in navigating end-of-life decisions, creating meaningful rituals, or simply a compassionate presence during times of uncertainty, I am here to walk alongside you with empathy and understanding.Click for more about the work
In addition to my role as a death doula, I also offer a unique service as a memorial singer. Music has the power to transcend words, offering solace and comfort during times of grief. Whether you seek a heartfelt rendition of a beloved song or a personalised musical tribute, I am dedicated to crafting a melodic tapestry that honours your loved one's memory with grace and reverence.Click for more information
I invite you to explore my website further to learn more about my services and approach. If you're ready to embark on this journey together or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let us navigate life's most profound transitions with courage, compassion, and understanding.Contact Me
About Ruth
My name is Ruth McGill, and I hail from the wilds of Donegal, Ireland. I wear many hats—Mother, Actress, Singer, Singing Facilitator and Death Doula. Each role has woven its own thread into the fabric of my life, leading me on a journey marked by both losses and gains, sadness and joy.Growing up amidst the untamed beauty of Donegal, I learned early on to embrace the unpredictability of life's path. As an actress, I've graced the stages of Dublin's vibrant theatre circuit, breathing life into stories that mirror the complexities of human experience. As a singer, I've found solace and connection through music, both with my band, The Evertides, as a soloist and as a facilitator guiding others on their own vocal journeys.The journey toward becoming a death doula has been one of profound discovery and evolution for me. It began with the passing of my beloved mother seventeen years ago, a loss that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. Her departure opened my eyes to the profound impact of death and the importance of honouring life's transitions with grace and compassion.In 2019, my world was further shaped by my father's diagnosis. The news brought a new dimension to my understanding of life's fragility and the importance of embracing each moment with gratitude and acceptance. His illness became a catalyst for deep conversations about life, death, and the preciousness of time—a journey that continued until his passing in December 2022.In the tender moments of our conversations, I discovered the power and enduring comfort that comes from confronting the inevitable with honesty and compassion. These moments, though bittersweet, illuminated the depth of connection that can be found amidst life's most poignant moments.The role of a death doula has been a calling long in the making for me. Since the passing of my mother, my heart has yearned to offer support to those navigating the journey from life to death, just as my aunt—a soul-midwife—did for my mother and our family.My official training with Journey with Death, coupled with the guidance and mentorship of my aunt, Phyllida Anam Aire, has equipped me with the tools and insights to walk alongside individuals and their loved ones during this sacred transition.I am driven by a deep-seated desire to normalise conversations about death and dying, to foster a sense of openness and acceptance that transcends fear and discomfort. Together, let us break down the barriers that separate us from this universal experience, embracing it with courage, compassion, and understanding.
About the Work
A death doula offers emotional and practical support for individuals and their families at the end of life. This support may be deemed necessary on receiving a terminal diagnosis, while in the final stages of a long-term illness, as a forward-planning tool or for support on the sudden death of a loved one.A death doula is not a new concept. We have perhaps forgotten our natural ways with death and dying, but we can re-heart ourselves to the instinctual ways of being with death's energy, and its reality.If we could start to open our minds and our hearts to death's inevitability, what might a conversation and consideration of our death look or sound like?
What might it have to offer to our way of considering living?
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Funeral Singing
A Cherished PrivilegeWhen a family entrusts me with creating a musical tribute for their loved one's funeral, it's a privilege I hold dear. Each song becomes a heartfelt thread woven into the fabric of remembrance, resonating with the depth of emotions shared by all who gather to say goodbye.Crafting Meaningful TributesCrafting this tribute is a responsibility I take seriously. My goal is simple yet impactful: to provide a space for reflection and solace, whether for a religious or non-religious ceremony, where grief can find expression and love can be felt. Together, we'll create a tribute that honours their legacy, celebrates their spirit, and offers comfort to those left behind.Discover My StyleBelow, I've included recordings below to give you a sense of my voice and style.Curated Song ChoicesAdditionally, I've compiled a list of potential hymn/song choices for you to consider.Personalised Accompaniment and Service FeesCrafting a meaningful musical tribute is a heartfelt endeavour, and I believe in transparency when discussing the associated costs. For most pieces, I can accompany myself on guitar for a fee of €180 (Dublin-based). If piano or organ accompaniment is required, arrangements can be made for an extra fee. My services cover Dublin and surrounding counties.
Singing Samples
Song Choices
Contact
To contact me directly by phone: 086 3056048By email: [email protected]Otherwise, please fill in the following contact form, and I will reply to you as soon as possible.
Online Death Cafe
Next Online Death Cafe is Tuesday 18th May 2021 | 6-8pm GMT+1
More info and to register, see image below.Death Cafe was founded by Jon Underwood with the objective to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.
A Death Cafe is a not-for-profit group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. The objective of a Death Cafe is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.
For more info on Death Cafe movement, click here.
