Brewster Shea Funeral Service Obituaries

Life, Death, and Everything In Between: A Chat About Obituaries

Ever found yourself scrolling through the local paper, coffee in hand, and stumbled upon the obituaries? You're not alone. It's a curious thing, isn't it? A glimpse into the lives of those who've left us, a snapshot of their journey from cradle to grave. Today, we're diving into the world of obituaries, with a little help from Brewster Shea Funeral Service, who've been guiding us through life's final chapter since 1893.

Obituaries: The Original Social Media

Think of obituaries as the original social media platform. Before Facebook, Twitter, or even MySpace, there were obituaries, sharing the stories of our neighbors, friends, and family. They've evolved over time, from simple death notices to full-blown tributes, but their purpose remains the same: to honor the deceased and provide comfort to the living.

In the 19th century, obituaries were often written by the deceased themselves, a morbid form of life insurance. They'd dictate their life story to a printer, who'd publish it posthumously. Talk about planning ahead! Today, obituaries are typically written by family members or funeral homes like Brewster Shea, but the sentiment remains the same: let's celebrate a life well-lived.

Obituaries: The Art of Storytelling

Obituaries are storytelling at its finest. They weave together a tapestry of memories, from the mundane to the magnificent. We learn about their favorite hobbies, their proudest achievements, their quirkiest habits. They're not just about the big moments, but the little ones too. After all, it's the little things that often make life worth living.

Take, for instance, the obituary of New York Times journalist, Verlyn Klinkenborg. His obituary wasn't just a list of his accomplishments, but a love letter to the written word. It was a testament to his life's work, his passion, his legacy. That's the power of an obituary, folks. It's not just about the facts, but the feelings.

Obituaries: A Guide to Living

Obituaries aren't just about death; they're about life. They remind us to cherish our loved ones, to follow our passions, to make every moment count. They're a gentle nudge, a whisper in the wind, saying, "Hey, you're not getting any younger. Live your best life, already!"

So, the next time you find yourself reading the obituaries, don't shy away. Embrace it. Let it inspire you. Let it guide you. Because life is short, and we're all just trying to make the most of it. And who knows? Maybe one day, your story will be told too. Until then, keep living, keep loving, and keep making memories.

Tips for Writing an Obituary

If you're tasked with writing an obituary, don't stress. Here are some tips from the pros at Brewster Shea:

• Be honest. Don't sugarcoat. Celebrate their quirks, their humor, their humanity.
• Include the basics: full name, age, date of death, cause of death, survivors, and services.
• Share stories. What made them unique? What will they be remembered for?
• Keep it positive. Focus on the life they lived, not the death they died.
• Proofread. Typos in an obituary are a sure-fire way to make an already difficult time even harder.

And remember, an obituary is just the beginning. The real tribute comes from the lives we lead, the memories we make, and the love we share. So, go on. Live your best life. And when the time comes, let your story be told.

Until then, keep reading, keep learning, and keep living. Because life, as they say, is what happens when we're busy making other plans. And isn't that a beautiful thing?