Martha Waite presented The ObitKit on May 11, 2021. This was the first live post-Covid presentation, and at the new Sage meeting location of the Pat Conroy Literary Center (thank you!!).
ObitKit by Susan Soper 861
A guide to Celebrating Your Life
Sage Society Presentation
by Martha T. Weeks
May 11, 2021
Susie says, “No detail is too small; neither is any attribute or accomplishment. It’s OK if it is meaningful to you.”
And remember, when you are healthy and living life to the fullest and your obituary is the last thing on your mind is the best time to share your life in the upbeat way it deserves.
The following are suggested to help you flesh out an obituary:
-contact friends from earlier times and rehash the past
-go through yearbooks or photograph albums to prompt memories
-reminisce about old times with friends who might have a different perspective
-contact a best friend for ideas
-talk this over with your spouse, children, cousins
-work through your own ObitKit with a friend, spouse, or children
What to include in an obituary:
-birth and background information
-who will be left behind
-military service
-higher education
-impact on others, or yours on theirs
-mention the person who had the greatest impact on your life
-accomplishment that gave you the most satisfaction
-*any final messages you might not have said out loud
-Give information about formative years
.schools
.nicknames
.notable turning points
-work life: jobs, careers, awards,
Most of all, how you would like to be remembered.
-civic life: memberships in groups, volunteer work, what make you
unique
-your hobbies and interests. Remember, this is about you, so say what’s important to you.
Characteristics that make you who you are
-Family stories
Excerpts from obits of James M. Tower (from Stuart Heath) and Eric A. Sauser (from Susie Soper)
Practical Things to consider:
-organ donations?
-where is your will?
-your attorney’s name, address, phone number, email address
-Executor
-Insurance policies and location
-Bank accounts
-Friends who can be called on to make arrangements and to make phone calls. Include their contact information.
-Publications to receive the death notice (costs!)
-where you keep your list of passwords for all your internet accounts
Planning a Service
-burial or cremation?
-where do you want to be buried or have your ashes buried or scattered?
-what kind of headstone do you want and what do you want inscribed on it?
-are there any special readings or songs you would like included in your service?
-what music would you like played?
-who do you want to speak?
-and of course, the all-important question is, what do you want to wear?
Reading from The Last Hurrah by Susan Soper
You can order ObitKit by Susan Soper at obitinfo@ObitKit.com
