About Us

    About Doves Funeral Directors

    Doves Funeral Directors was founded by second-generation Funeral Director Sean Costello in the 1980’s, with the first premises in Bromley.

    Doves Funeral Directors quickly established a local reputation for empathy and experience in supporting the community in planning funerals for loved ones and soon expanded the business across Kent. Many of the team at Doves are continuing a family history of funeral directing.

    We have conveniently located funeral homes in Ashford, Larkfield, Maidstone, Orpington, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne, Staplehurst, Swanley and Bromley and are proud to serve the people in those communities of many different cultures and faiths, as well as those with no religious beliefs.

    The teams across Kent will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.

    Here at Doves Funeral Directors we also offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance.

    If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, or our Choice plan, please come and see us in any of our funeral homes, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call your local funeral home.

    Featured Reviews

    Google

    Dear Rose and Team, A huge thank you to Doves Funeral Directors for the outstanding service, kindness, and compassion shown during such a difficult time. The care, understanding, and professionalism you provided meant so much to us. You made a very emotional time that little…

    Jo Barber

    Google

    So we'll done thank you for all of it and you are the best service to come to

    Freddie Ford

    Google

    I was extremely impressed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by everyone at Doves Funeral Directors. In particular, Jenny was absolutely wonderful. Her kindness, understanding and support made such a difficult time a little easier to bear. She was caring, patient and attentive to…

    Julie Lowrie

    Google

    Excellent care and consideration by all the team

    Rajiv Malhotra

    Google

    Many thanks to Karen, Bill and Toni for the professionalism and great kindness they showed both in the preparation for the funeral and during the event itself. It made a difficult experience much easier and we are very grateful.

    Alison Green

    Google

    I cannot thank doves in Sittingbourne Enough, they made my mum‘s final journey in the final goodbye here the perfect one, Julie is lovely and she helped me arrange my mum‘s funeral as I’ve never arranged a funeral before. I cannot thank her enough will…

    claire attrell

    Google

    Doves Funeral Directors, Swanley and Rose in particular made a difficult time arranging my Father Gary's funeral as smooth as possible. Before the day, Rose was very sympathetic and nothing was too much trouble, co-ordinating the Photos, Order of service, music, flowers, minister and various…

    Kenton May

    Google

    Doves Funeral Directors, Swanley and Rose in particular made a difficult time arranging my Father Gary's funeral as smooth as possible. Before the day, Rose was very sympathetic and nothing was too much trouble, co-ordinating the Photos, Order of service, music, flowers, minister and various…

    Kenton May

    Google

    Rose made the whole experience easier from the moment we met. Her friendly and professional manner was reassuring during a difficult time and I felt my Dad was in good hands. Her advise and care throughout the bereavement was exceptional and understanding. The celebrant she…

    S&D Perry

    Google

    We have rated Doves Funeral Directors in Maidstone 5/5. On our first visit to the shop we were met by Laura who expertly guided us through all the stages of organising Mum’s funeral and she was always ready to help if we had queries along…

    June Watson

    Meet the Team

    Laura Rainsford

    Funeral Director

    Laura joined T W Boorman in spring of 2023, having previously worked with Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives for ten years. In her free time, she describes herself as “a Bookaholic (or Bibliophile, to use the posh word!)” and will go through at least one book per week. About her work, she says “it’s so rewarding to know that, with the team here, I can help families at their toughest times.”

    Julie King

    Funeral Arranger – Sittingbourne

    Julie has worked at Doves Funeral Directors since 2011. She is local to Sittingbourne, where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

    Cheryl Cox

    Funeral Arranger/Administrator (Sevenoaks)

    Cheryl joined Doves Funeral Directors in 2016 having previously worked in insurance, where she dealt with Theft Claims. Working in that position led her to working with people at a very vulnerable time, which was very challenging.
    She says “I enjoy all aspects of my job, as I enjoy meeting new people and building great relationships with our families, giving them all the support and guidance, they need at a very difficult time. I find that the job is very rewarding as I feel it’s a privilege when I get to help families remember their loved ones in their own special way”.
    Cheryl completed Race for Life 10k Run in July 2018 in Maidstone Mote Park with a time of 1 Hour and 30 Minutes on one of the hottest days of the year!

    Kayleigh Harris

    Funeral Arranger (Maidstone)

    Kayleigh joined Funeral Partners in June 2022, having previously worked for Kent County Council for 15 years.
    She said: “It is a privilege to be able to support families at this difficult time. I try and make the process as smooth as possible and help my families to give their loved ones the send-off they deserve.”

    Kayleigh has climbed Ben Nevis and Snowdon. She enjoys long walks with her Husband and two dogs.
    She danced for 21 years doing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Street, Disco, Modern and Zumba.

    Jennie Ollive

    Funeral Arranger

    Jennie previously worked in the motor trade for 20 years before working in HR for a care company.

    She enjoys meeting families and being able to support and guide them through the funeral arrangements.

    “I live locally and am proud to support the community and build relationships with families at their time of need”

    Karen Colman

    Funeral Arranger (Orpington)

    Karen joined the funeral profession four years ago following the loss of her father. Through her own personal experience of bereavement, she gained a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate care and support at a time when families need it most.

    Reflecting on her decision to join the profession, Karen explains: “I joined the profession because I felt I would be able to look after families in the way they deserve at such a difficult time.”

    Building meaningful relationships with the families she supports is one of the most rewarding parts of Karen’s role.

    “The part I enjoy most about my job is meeting families, building connections with them, and knowing they can leave the branch assured that they have all the support they need.”
    Karen’s caring nature and commitment to providing exceptional service shine through in every family she helps, ensuring they feel guided, supported and understood throughout their funeral arrangements.

    Outside of work, Karen loves travelling and spending quality time with her three grandchildren, Finley, Scarlett and Teddy, who keep her busy and bring her endless joy. When she finds time to relax, you’ll often find her curled up with a good book, especially one with a happy ending.

    We are also delighted to celebrate Karen’s recent achievement of passing her Level 2 Funeral Arranger Apprenticeship with Distinction. Karen worked incredibly hard throughout her studies, and this accomplishment is a testament to her professionalism, dedication and passion for providing the highest standards of care to families and their loved ones.

    Rose Fairweather

    Funeral Arranger

    The best parts of being a funeral arranger is that I get to show kindness, especially when people are at their most vulnerable.  

    It is an honour to look after the families and their loved ones, and I strive to make sure that their loved ones have the best service from me and my team.  

    Our Values

    Pride

    We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.

    Helping People

    Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends.

    Respect for everyone

    We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.

    Professional Standards

    We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.

    Accept responsibility

    We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.

    Partnership

    We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.

    Our locations

    We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

    Call 01233 643 000 visit branch or arrange a home visit