Ending Life Well: Conversations & Connections
Remembering a Loved One: Obituaries and More
By Alex Trevino , Caregiving and End of Life Specialist
Obituaries have long been a way to honor a loved one who has passed away. Historically, obituary notices served as public records of people's lives, highlighting their accomplishments, relationships, and the impact they had on others. Obituaries were published in newspapers and perused regularly by curious community members. But with print media’s decline, the methods for remembering a loved one have become less convenient, but significantly more diverse. Today, digital technology offers a wide range of unique and personalized options to commemorate loved ones, including online obituaries. Many funeral homes offer online obituaries as part of their memorial service packages. Other fee- based websites and online platforms (like legacy.com, joincake.com, and everloved. com) have become increasingly popular, allowing families to create detailed and personalized tributes. These may contain photos, videos, and personal anecdotes, and may provide an interactive way to celebrate someone’s life. Social media also plays a significant role in reshaping traditional obituaries. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow families to create memorial pages dedicated to their loved ones. These digital memorials can serve as a lasting tribute that can be revisited, shared, and “liked” by those who knew the person to whom the post is dedicated. Some people even offer written comments that honor the person on their birthdays, or death anniversaries.
Digital technology affords opportunities for families to explore alternative formats to share their loved ones’ life stories. Video tributes, for example, offer a dynamic and emotional way to celebrate a person's life. Favorite memories, photos, videos, and music can be compiled into a cohesive narrative that captures the person’s essence. Even those in distant geographic regions can contribute to and access video tributes by using their computers or smartphones. In fact, some people choose to embed QR codes on their loved one’s headstone, or grave marker so that anyone can view the video at any time in remembrance of their loved one. Digital memorials can serve as a lasting tribute that can be revisited, shared, and “liked” by those who knew the person to whom the post is dedicated. And for those who embrace traditional newspaper obituaries, there are creative options. Some may wish to print the obituary in newsletters, bulletins, or publications related to the person's ties with professional associations, religious communities, or alumni networks. Others may seek out specialized publications related to their loved one’s interests and accomplishments. And while many of these groups currently produce print copies, some are moving to publish online content only.
In our ever-changing, technology- advancing world, remembering a loved one holds seemingly endless possibilities. But perhaps the most important way to memorialize loved ones is by creating happy times together, saying those things yet unsaid, and making amends with those who are most important to us while they are alive. And in doing so, we invest in our loved ones’ legacies, and in our legacies too. Feel inspired to consider end of life planning, memorials, or building a legacy? Reach out to our End of Life Initiatives Team today. Simply call (520) 790-7262.
Shaaron Kent Endowment held at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Page 22 | July/August 2024, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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