M. John Scanlan Funeral Home Obituaries

So, I was walking my dog the other day, and we passed by this old, grand building. It had this classic, elegant look, you know, the kind that makes you think of old movies or historical novels. I looked up, and there it was, in big, gold letters: M. John Scanlan Funeral Home. Now, I've lived in this town for years, but I'd never really noticed it before. It got me thinking, what's the story behind this place? And that's how I ended up here, digging into the world of obituaries and the fascinating history of M. John Scanlan Funeral Home.

Obituaries: More Than Just Farewells

You might be wondering, why would anyone want to read about obituaries, right? Well, let me tell you, these aren't your average, boring death notices. Obituaries, especially those from historic funeral homes like M. John Scanlan, are like little windows into the past. They tell us about the lives of our ancestors, the history of our town, and even the societal norms of the time.

M. John Scanlan: A Name, A Legacy

M. John Scanlan Funeral Home has been a staple in our town since 1894. That's over a century of serving families, of helping them say their goodbyes. The Scanlan family, who founded and ran the funeral home, were more than just business owners. They were community leaders, philanthropists, and, in many ways, the town's historians. And their obituaries? Well, they're a treasure trove of information.

Take, for instance, the obituary of Michael John Scanlan Sr., the founder. It's not just a eulogy; it's a history lesson. It tells us about his humble beginnings, his service in World War I, his dedication to his community. It's a testament to a life well-lived, and a legacy that continues to this day.

Obituaries: A Mirror to Society

Obituaries aren't just about the deceased. They're also about the living. They tell us about the values and norms of the time. In the early 20th century, for example, it was common for obituaries to mention the deceased's church affiliation. This wasn't just a personal detail; it was a reflection of the town's strong religious community.

And then there are the obituaries that challenge societal norms. Like the one of Evelyn Marshall, a woman who defied expectations in the 1950s. She was a businesswoman, a philanthropist, and, gasp, a divorcee. Her obituary was a celebration of her life, not a condemnation of her choices. It was a sign of changing times, a testament to the evolution of our society.

Dorothy May Breen Troast Obituary - 2015 - M John Scanlan Funeral Home

Obituaries: A Connection to Our Past

Obituaries are more than just words on a page. They're connections to our past, to the people who came before us. They're stories of love and loss, of triumph and tragedy. They're our collective history, and they deserve to be remembered.

So, the next time you see an old obituary, don't just gloss over it. Take a moment to read it. You might just find a piece of your town's history, a story worth telling. And who knows, you might even learn something about yourself and your community in the process.

And as for me, I'll be walking my dog past M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, looking up at those big, gold letters, and thinking about the stories they hold. Because every story deserves to be told, even the ones that start with "Once upon a time, there was a life well-lived..."