The psychology of over-the-top obituaries (college, attractive, emotion, marriage)

[MyNameIsBellaMia]

Originally Posted by convextech

My staunchly Republican aunt had at the bottom of her obit: If you ever loved me, you will not vote for Hillary Clinton."

I thought it was crass, and rather sad, that politics, and not family, was the only thing she cared about at the end of her life.

And I find it crass and sad that you think politics was the only thing she cared about. It was likely an election year and she wanted to be heard since she knew she wouldn't be able to vote.


Your aunt was a very wise lady.

[katharsis]

I once heard (secondhand) of a proposed obituary for a major newspaper in which the deceased's next of kin wrote an obit that included one paragraph that talked about the life of the deceased, one paragraph that listed survivors, and a four-paragraph rant against abortion that included the fact that the deceased was a "Right to Lifer" and begged everyone who read the obit to campaign against abortion in memory of the deceased. I heard that the next-of-kin was absolutely furious at the severe editing that took place before publication; all but the two non-controversial paragraphs had been deleted. (This was before the time that people had to pay for obituaries in that particular newspaper.)

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by katie45

I understand what you're saying; perhaps some write the type of obit you referred to:
The angels rejoiced as she slipped silently and gloriously into the arms of her waiting Jesus, Savior of her soul as a comfort to the bereaved. And you wrote 'nice' . . and I agree it was nice.

And maybe some people are grieving so deeply they can't think straight when drafting an obit.

I've yet to see one about a person that everyone hated. . .would it say something like: The family is rejoicing that Uncle Jerk has finally left this world?

Also, on another topic of those who've passed, and maybe this wasn't factual, but someone wrote a long time ago about seeing a tombstone that read, "I told you I was sick!"

As far as my obit . . have no idea.

My obit will say lots of things but nothing about Jesus. My funeral will be within 48 hours and many of the prayers in foreign languages.

[steiconi]

When my sister-in-law died, her brother wrote an effusive obit, mostly cribbed from over-the-top listings in her local paper in Texas. So I'd guess that a lot of people do the same, copy bits and pieces they like from other obits.

my obit:

life is fleeting
time is short
sheep are bleating
and pigs snort.

[nativenewenglander]

This gentleman was a friend of my dad's, who never lacked of interesting stories.
Burt Todd, 81, Entrepreneur Who Dreamed Big, Is Dead - The New York Times

[jbgusa]

See Texas man’s family writes savage obituary on his passing, refuses to hold funeral. An over-the-top obit but in a different way.

Excerpt:

“Leslie Ray ‘Popeye’ Charping was born in Galveston on November 20, 1942 and passed away January 30, 2017, which was 29 years longer than expected and much longer than he deserved. Leslie battled with cancer in his latter years and lost his battle, ultimately due to being the horses ass he was known for. He leaves behind 2 relieved children; a son Leslie Roy Charping and daughter, Shiela Smith along with six grandchildren and countless other victims including an ex wife, relatives, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses and random strangers.

[convextech]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsBellaMia

politics was the only thing she cared about. It was likely an election year and she wanted to be heard since she knew she wouldn't be able to vote.

You are obviously just like her.

She also couldn't carry on a decent conversation without bringing politics into it. I'll be ignoring you from now on.

[foundapeanut]

I read an obit in the last year for a 4 year old. I cried and cried.
He died of cancer.

It said he spent the last few days playing and cuddling with his parents and siblings, etc. What a way to go. Good memories for all.

Everyone was requested to dress as their favorite super hero for his funeral.

Really touched me. I don't know his family, never met them, probably never will but I will never forget them now.

I still think about this when I'm having a first world problem.

My issues are peanuts compared to going through something like this.

[ss20ts]

I don't want an obit. They're all full of fluff and nonsense. Many people write them and turn the dead person into a saint who was dripping in angels. Oh please!

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by ss20ts

I don't want an obit. They're all full of fluff and nonsense. Many people write them and turn the dead person into a saint who was dripping in angels. Oh please!

Charles Manson's obit didn't do that.