Ruth Memorial Service Details

Several friends and family members have asked for the details on the music and poetry performed, as well as the order of speakers, at Ruth's memorial service. They are as follows:

The lighting of the candles was done by Ruth's grandchildren, Nina and Milo Auslander-Padgham.  Before the lighting, Rabbi Ben Biber recited, at the family's request, Walt Whitman's "The Last Invocation" from Leaves of Grass:

At the last, tenderly,
From the walls of the powerful fortress'd house,
From the clasp of the knitted locks, from the keep of the well-closed
doors,
Let me be wafted.
Let me glide noiselessly forth;
With the key of softness unlock the locks--with a whisper,
Set ope the doors O soul.
Tenderly--be not impatient,
(Strong is your hold O mortal flesh,
Strong is your hold O love.)

Ruth's daughter Bonnie Auslander then read her eulogy, "Truths about Ruth"

Lisa Rein, friend of the family, led us all in singing the Shaker song, "Simple Gifts" (Joseph Brackett, 1848)

Amy Kleppner, a friend of Ruth for five decades, read her eulogy, "Remembering Ruth"

Ruth's grandchildren play duet

Nina & Milo Auslander-Padgham, Ruth's grandchildren performed on violin the Waltz from Boda (traditional Swedish folk tune)

Ellen Schattschneider, Ruth's daughter in law, read Nina Auslander-Padgham's eulogy, "My Nana"

Eller reads Nina's eulogy to her Nana

Jon Padgham (son-in-law), Eric Epstein (nephew), and Danielle Foullon (friend of the family)  read reminiscences from friends and family.

Isiah Johnson performed on piano the Impromptu in G flat major by Franz Schubert, one of Ruth's very favorite musical works.


Mark Auslander, Ruth's son, read his eulogy, "All real living is meeting"

David Margulies, an actor and Ruth’s cousin through marriage, read Jane Kenyon’s poem Happiness.

The service, at the Kay Spiritual Life Center of American University, was authored and officiated by Rabbi Ben Biber, Humanist Chaplain at American University.


The reception was held at Le Pain Quotidien, 4874 Massachussetts Ave, NW, a restaurant Ruth loved.

At memorial reception. From left: Carl Epstein, Mike Bruckner, Mark Auslander, Bonnie Auslander, Mark Bruckner, Bonni Epstein

Floral arrangements were by Chevy Chase Florists. The music and flowers were made possible by the generous gift of a friend who wishes to remain anonymous.