DYING FOR THIS HOT TOPIC
Brenda Kellow
September 23, 2012
One of the hottest things these days is to write your on obituary. It is not just for the baby boomers, but all age groups seem to be getting into the action because that old grim reaper might visit anytime. Would you write your own obituary? Some people think it is bizarre, but once they give it some thought, the idea grows on them. Besides mentioning your family, would you include any long-time friends? Would you mention your job or the job from which you retired? How about your hobbies and genealogical groups?
I have been to several funerals where the deceased scripted the entire event. Frankly, those funerals were some of the most ideal I have attended, not that I do attend many funerals. Would you script your own funeral? Would you rather your service be held in a funeral home or a church? Would you want religious music, pop music or a mixture of several genres?
If I may, I would like to give you my thoughts on this new trend. The idea of writing my own obituary and funeral began to appeal to me a few years back after attending the funeral of a good friend and fellow genealogists and a member of many of my lineage societies. It was beautiful.
In 2002, I sat down and wrote my obituary. After naming my immediate living family members, my birthplace, where I grew up and my education, I began to write about my life before genealogy. The latter is what I enjoyed learning about my deceased friends who wrote their own obituaries and funeral service. Sometime we only know one facet about the life of someone without ever knowing of other accomplishments and hobbies.
I also have written how my funeral should be handled at my church. Called a celebration of life, I have listed my favorite music, few of which are the usual sad songs played at funerals today. Maybe it will start a new trend where we observe the life of and respect the wishes of the deceased.
Consider writing your obituary and making your own funeral arrangements. Doing so may become one of the hottest things in dying!
FREE GENEALOGY SEMINAR OCTOBER 20: Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries present a free seminar, “An Overview of the Genealogy Collections in the Plano and McKinney Libraries” by Cheryl Smith and Susan Kusterback. It is in the program room at Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road from 10:30-12:30 p.m. At the end of the presentation join members for lunch at T.G.I. Friday’s and network with other genealogists including the presenter. For further information, their website is www.genealogyfriends.org, or call 972-936-9436.
DAR AND SAR PRESENT A FREE WORKSHOP: The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) join with the Shirley McGuire Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to present a two-hour genealogy program on September 29, 10:30-12:30 p.m. at Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road. Retrace the roads followed by your ancestors in their Westward Migration presented by Don Raney followed by instructions on joining SAR and DAR including what is needed for proof. For more information go to their website at www.planosar.org.
GENEALOGY FRIENDS WORKSHOP PLANNED: Lloyd Bockstruck will speak at the all-day event on November 17. It is still in the planning stage, but you can check the progress on their website, www.genealogyfriends.org/all-day-workshops.html.
PLANO SAR CHAPTER MEETS OCTOBER 2: The Sons of the American Revolution Chapter (SAR) meets at Outback Steak House at Central and 15th Street the first Tuesday evening of the month. Wives are encouraged to attend. Sit down dinner begins at 6 and the program at 7 p.m. Their website has further information, www.planosar.org. You can view the menu at http://outback.com/restaurant/locations/TX/Plano/Plano/index.aspx.
Brenda Kellow has a bachelor's degree in history, teaches, and lectures on genealogy. Before retiring to publish her family’s histories in 2007, Brenda held certification as a Certified Genealogist and as a certified Genealogical Instructor. Send reunion announcements, books to review, and genealogy queries to: [email protected].