Our five favorite obituaries
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You've undoubtedly read at least a few obituaries in the past. They follow a familiar format: the name of the deceased, details of their passing, stories about their life, a little information about their family, and some pertinent details about memorial or funeral services.
Every once in a while, though, somebody decides to break the mold. Typically written by themselves before their passing, the more creative obituaries -- sometimes humorous, sometimes touching or downright cranky -- strike a chord with us and often with internet readers at large. We love the idea of injecting a little ... ahem ... life into the last words published about us. We've been collecting some of our favorite obituaries of all time, and we'd like to share them with you.
After reading Freddie's hilarious, if not a little (a LOT) boastful obituary, we feel like we knew him. And we liked him. He had a way with women, he appreciated the finer things in life (candy, fishing, Jim Beam), and he clearly had a wicked sense of humor. Read Freddie's whole obituary at the link above. You won't believe how he died ... and neither do we.
Mary "Pink" Mullaney's obituary is a long list of incredible lessons she taught the people who knew her. We learned the right way to walk a dog, which foods to pack in our pockets for church, and what to do with old pantyhose. Our favorite nugget of wisdom? "Put picky-eating children in the box at the bottom of the laundry chute, tell them they are hungry lions in a cage, and feed them veggies through the slats." Pink loved life, and we love Pink.
Walter George Bruhl, Jr. clearly didn’t take life – or death – too seriously. He wrote his own obituary, incorporating phrases such as “his spirit was released from its worn out shell” and “Walt was preceded in death by his tonsils and adenoids.” This is a hilarious, personal statement of a life well-enjoyed, and it ends with an uplifting message.
Short and sweet, Nevena Ann Topic’s obituary shirks all seriousness and gloom. It’s a brief celebration, in which her death is referred to as a call to a really fantastic appointment. Her obituary is an insistence upon celebrating her life, even (especially) at the time of her death.
Like some of our other favorites, this obituary was written by the deceased herself. We can imagine, while reading her words, that Marge was a charming person with a quick wit. But beyond her way with words, what we love about her self-written obituary is the way she used the opportunity to praise the people who touched her life. Obituaries written by others often mention friends and family members, but Marge’s obituary reads like a thoughtful, beautiful thank-you card.
After reading some of these tributes, we’re prepared (even excited!) to try to write our own. How about you?
As we approach Memorial Day, we’re reminded that this day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It's a solemn occasion—a time to pause, remember, and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifice of the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is about honoring those who never came home. It's a day to recognize the weight of freedom—the cost of which has been paid in lives lost on battlefields near and far. From the beaches of Normandy to the deserts of the Middle East, these heroes fought not for recognition, but for a cause greater than themselves: the preservation of liberty and the protection of the values we hold dear. But our reflection doesn’t stop there. While Memorial Day specifically honors the fallen, it's also an opportunity to acknowledge the living veterans and active service members who carry the burden of memory and continue to serve with courage and dedication. Their stories, resilience, and sense of duty remind us what it truly means to serve. This Memorial Day, let’s remember with gratitude, honor with intention, and live in a way that reflects the depth of their gift. To all who have served—and to those we have lost—we remember you. We honor you. We thank you.
Grief is one of the most universal yet deeply personal experiences we go through as human beings. Whether someone is mourning the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a long-held dream, the pain can feel isolating and overwhelming. If you’re reading this, chances are you care about someone who is grieving and want to know how to support them in a way that is loving, respectful, and helpful. That’s a beautiful first step. Here’s a guide to approaching these delicate conversations with empathy and grace. 1. Be Present More Than Perfect You don’t need the perfect words. In fact, there aren’t any. Trying to "fix" their grief or offer silver linings can unintentionally minimize their pain. Instead, focus on showing up. Your presence—physically, emotionally, or through a simple message—speaks volumes. Sometimes, "I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you" is exactly what they need to hear. 2. Avoid Clichés and Platitudes While phrases like "They’re in a better place" or "Everything happens for a reason" may be well-intentioned, they often feel dismissive to someone who is in deep pain. These kinds of statements can imply that they shouldn’t feel as bad as they do, which can create guilt or frustration on top of their grief. Instead, try: “This must be incredibly hard.” “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” “I’m here with you, no matter what you’re feeling.” 3. Follow Their Lead Grief doesn’t follow a timeline or a template. Some people want to talk about their loved one. Others might not be ready. Some may want a distraction, while others may want to sit in silence. Let them set the pace and the tone. Ask open-ended questions like: “Do you feel like talking about it today?” “Would it help to share some stories, or would you rather sit quietly together?” Respect their boundaries without pulling away. 4. Be Comfortable With Silence Silence can feel awkward, especially when we want to offer comfort. But for someone grieving, the space to simply be—without needing to explain or perform—is a gift. Just sitting with them, holding their hand, or being a quiet presence can provide deep comfort. 5. Offer Specific Help Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try to offer something concrete. Grieving people often don’t have the energy or mental clarity to make requests. Try: “Can I bring you dinner on Tuesday?” “Would it help if I took care of [a specific task] for you this week?” “I’m going to the grocery store—what can I pick up for you?” Even small acts of service can be a huge relief. 6. Don’t Rush Their Grief Grief has no deadline. Just because time has passed doesn’t mean the pain is gone. Continue checking in—on anniversaries, holidays, or random days. A quick “Thinking of you today” message can mean the world. Let them feel what they feel, when they feel it. Your steady presence can be a grounding force in a time when everything else feels uncertain. Supporting someone who is grieving isn’t about having the right answers—it’s about showing up with your heart open. Be gentle. Be kind. Be patient. Grief is messy and unpredictable, but knowing they’re not alone makes all the difference. The best thing you can offer isn’t advice—it’s love
Throughout our lives, we plan for significant events. We plan for retirement to ensure financial security in our later years. We meticulously plan weddings to celebrate love and commitment. We save for education expenses, investing in our children’s futures. And of course, we plan vacations to create lasting memories with those we care about. These plans allow us to live life fully, knowing we’ve prepared for what’s ahead.
Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased's personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.
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