A Holocaust survivor and her husband crafted a poignant farewell to their loved ones before opting for assisted suicide.
Ruth Posner, who fled a Nazi ghetto during her childhood, later built a notable career in the arts, excelling in both dance and drama.
The actor, originally from Poland, and her 97-year-old spouse, Michael, passed away in Switzerland last month through assisted suicide, a practice permitted by Swiss law.
Ruth and Michael communicated their decision to family and friends in an email, which was dispatched posthumously.
In an email shared with The Times, they wrote: “So sorry not to have mentioned it, but when you receive this email we will have shuffled off this mortal coil.
“The decision was mutual and without any outside pressure. We had lived a long life and together for almost 75 years. There came a point when failing senses, of sight and hearing and lack of energy was not living but existing that no care would improve.”
The message continued: “We had an interesting and varied life and except for the sorrow of losing Jeremy, our son. We enjoyed our time together, we tried not to regret the past, live in the present and not to expect too much from the future,” and concluded with: “Much love Ruth & Mike.”
Though they were not suffering from terminal illnesses, the couple traveled from London to a Swiss clinic to end their lives.
Sonja Linden, a friend, was among those who received the email and expressed her regret at not having a chance for a proper farewell.
Linden explained to The Times that Ruth had become frail, while Michael struggled with loss of sight and hearing in his later years.
“This was a decision they made together some time ago that they wanted to die together,” Sonja remarked.
“They made an arrangement to go to Switzerland a year ago. We did not know they had actually gone until we received the email, which is sad as we wanted to say goodbye.”
Sonja added: “They had such a lovely flat packed with art and books and I can’t imagine them not being there. They thought this was a positive decision and it helped them in their later life. I did not try to stop them.”
“I understood and supported their decision, but it was still a shock to receive the email.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or needs support, assistance is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988 for a 24-hour crisis center, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Alternatively, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.