If you have read obituaries, you’ve probably wondered how last names connect us to the past. The “meaning of your last name” in obituaries often tells stories about a person’s life and includes information about their parents, children, spouses, and places of death. However, a few factors must be considered when determining how last names should be included.
Maiden Names
Maiden names in obituaries can help us connect to the past. They are often listed on the back of photographs or the front of funeral memorial cards. But how can we find them?
First, you’ll want to check out the newspapers in the city where you’re interested. You’ll also want to check out probate records. This will show you the relationships of the heirs and will give you a sense of the family’s naming patterns.
There are also birth certificates. These are important as they will list the mother’s maiden name. The father’s name may also appear, but it’s up to you to determine which one is correct.
Census records can also reveal a woman’s maiden name. This can help you determine whether she had children.
Sometimes you can find a woman’s maiden name in church records. However, these are only sometimes available online. You may have to contact the newspaper and ask for a copy.
Birth certificates can also give you a good idea of her parents’ last names. However, it would help to be careful when searching for a maiden name. As with any record, different spellings can mean the same person.
Children
Some people are surprised to see the obituaries of the dead. But a little background research on the subject can produce some useful tidbits. For example, in the context of a grandma’s obituary, likely, your grandmother isn’t the only one who would be curious. The obituary is a great way to learn about your family history and a time to pause and reflect. Some families like to tell tales about their departed relatives. To do this, an obituary fan may want to consult an extended form on a memorial website.
While at it, you may look at some of the other obituaries you’ll be reading. In particular, it’s a good idea to read obituaries in reverse order, i.e., obituaries that are more relevant to you. Not to mention that it’s a fun exercise, especially if you’re a family historian with a knack for a good story. After all, what better way to learn about the rest of your family than to get to know them all?
Of course, you should also take note of obituaries that need to be better suited to your needs. While there are some obituaries to avoid, the majority of these are useful. This is because many of these obituaries are written by the family. You’ll also be able to learn a thing or two about what’s important to you and your loved ones.
Spouses
The spouse of a deceased individual is considered a survivor and thus a topic of interest for his or her family and friends. Whether the obituary is written for a friend or relative, a well-crafted obituary will serve to acquaint the reader with the demise of a loved one.
When writing an obituary, it’s important to list the right people. For instance, an obituary should contain the names of the deceased’s immediate family members, especially children. It’s a good idea to include the names of the grandparents.
It would help if you also tried to include the names of your pets. A dog or cat is a common inclusion in an obituary.
An obituary should also include the names of the surviving relatives, especially if they were not mentioned in the funeral program. Besides, they’re the ones who will remember the deceased.
A well-written obituary will help the surviving family cope with losing their loved one. The best thing about obituaries is that they can be tailored to fit the deceased’s unique tastes. For example, if you have an unusually high number of cousins, you can easily create an obituary that lists them all. Likewise, a family with more than two children will need to include both their parents and any children who live with them.
Parents
When writing an obituary, it is important to list all family members. This will include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is also important to list siblings and parents.
The main details of an obituary include the deceased’s name, date of death, residence, and causes of death. They are usually written in chronological order.
The biographical section of the obituary is the longest part. It should describe the deceased’s life by summarizing their accomplishments and notable achievements. Besides education, hobbies, and career, it should also include military service and volunteer work information.
When a person passes away, the obituary is a way to celebrate that person’s life. Usually, the obituary contains a photo of the deceased. Sometimes, the photograph is a black-and-white picture. However, a color photo can be added if the newspaper layout allows it.
Some people write obituaries in a humorous or traditional style. Others may choose to include euphemisms. No matter your writing style, the main goal is to provide the reader with all the necessary facts to identify the deceased.
Most obituaries begin with the deceased’s first name. To help readers recognize the name, it is important to spell it correctly. Misspelled names can hurt the feelings of family members.
