SAMPLE PIECES for

Eulogies/Obituaries

Professionally penned and available at this link

https://ko-fi.com/paulinemilner/commissions 

Extended Obituary Example:

 

After a beautiful life lived, Harold Angus Petrie passed on to Heaven peacefully on the evening of March 31^st, 2021.

Harold was born on April 25^th, 1949 to John and Annie Petrie. He grew up in Marlin, Oklahoma and moved to Barton, Illinois when he and Susan married then to Lisbon, Florida after his retirement in 2014. His favorite recreation time was spent at their family’s cottage and cruising the lake in their catamaran in Palm Lake, Illinois where Harold and his family vacationed every summer.

 His career as an independent accountant afforded him the opportunity to give his clients exceptional service and they admired his dedication and his attention to the smallest details.

He spent time as a coach of the Ramblers little league baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. One night, on a dark highway near Bains, Illinois, Harold learned that the ‘E’ on the gas tank gauge did not mean ‘enough’ leading to a prolonged trip where the other van they were traveling with had to set out in search of gas.

 Harold was very involved with his children’s activities as they were growing up. He faithfully kept the statistics for their basketball teams, drove players along hours of road trips to play in tournaments, and went along as a chaperone on their school trips to New York and California in addition to assisting them with endless school projects throughout their education.

 A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and with his children being unwavering Yankees fans  it made it interesting for Harold and he took much ribbing about cheering for the Cubs, though he did have a kindred spirit in his sister, Hazel.

Together, Harold and Susan raised two children, Shawn and Samantha. Annual vacations were fun-filled times, always with new adventures. In addition to time spent at the family cottage in the summer, they traveled to the U.K and Italy. Their children were always thrilled when they took a week each year to travel to theme parks around the country. During their travels, they did many activities together which included horseback riding, an air boat ride in the Florida Everglades, roadside picnics and exploring many national parks.

Like his father, Shawn became an accountant. He left his long term employment with a large firm to take over Harold’s clients when he retired. Samantha is an accomplished writer with many works credited to her. Shawn’s two sons, Gregory and Carter, love all things sports with soccer being by far their favorite. Samantha’s daughter, Amelia, loves ballet and has had lead roles in several local productions.

Harold’s last six-and-a-half weeks were challenging after a shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver cancer that had spread to his bones. This was complicated by his severe Osteoarthritis. Through the truly appreciated help from incredible caregivers, nurses, doctors, family and friends, he was able to remain at home until his last day – which was his wish – duly fulfilled. Both Harold and Susan credit the dedication of those amazing people who gave him the best quality of life possible and they could not have asked for anything more.

 Harold is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan, children Shawn (Marianna) Petrie and Samantha (Randall) Court as well as his grandchildren, Gregory and Carter Petrie and Amelia Court.  Also mourning his passing are his sister, Karen Wainwright and his sister-in-law, Christina Petrie. In addition, he will be missed and forever remembered by an extended network of family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Annie Petrie, his brother, Henry Petrie and his brother-in-law, Alex Wainwright.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to McLellan’s Funeral Home, Lisbon, Florida where visitation will take place on Friday, April 2^nd from 2 PM to 4 PM. Harold’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 3^rd at 1 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Illinois at a later date.

Donations in memory of Harold to the Lisbon Museum Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

 

 

Portrait of a Life

Karen Smith

 

If you knew Karen Smith, then you will not be surprised that we have already celebrated her life.

When Karen found out that the cancer ravaging her pancreas was terminal, she spent her remaining time planning and throwing a memorable party where she could enjoy the company of her family and friends one more time. Her philosophy was – ‘Why come to my funeral? Make time to visit with me when I am alive!’

So it came to fruition that three short weeks ago, everyone gathered to share joyful reminisces, look through photos of days gone past and sat down to a delicious dinner - with Karen at the center of it all.

Tuesday, May 6^th, was Karen’s last day with us. She passed quietly just at twilight but the welcoming she received when she crossed over was surely celebratory beyond imagination with the harmony of choruses sung by the Angels.

Our broken hearts at her loss will be mended knowing that she is free of the pain that kept her from doing the many things she loved and that her soul lives on for an eternity. We will all continue moving forward with Karen watching over us.

Karen graduated from Mount Garrauount High School and went on to earn a degree in business administration. She spent the entirety of her working life with BLK Communications where her career led her from a receptionist to head of human resources. 

She championed the importance of respect between co-workers and made it a priority to settle workplace conflicts expeditiously which often required accommodations for those involved.

Outside of her employment, she continued her talent for dispute resolution whenever an issue arose. Her advice was always appreciated and she used ‘common ground’ to develop her many personal relationships. Karen carried no prejudices and always went by the adage, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’

Karen’s life was chronicled by her many adventures shared with family and friends. From her senior high school year class trip to New York City to the many vacations with her husband and children, Karen loved to travel. Visits to places nearby her home as well as overseas gave her a chance to experience how the locals live.

Her and her traveling companions would usually forgo the organized excursions and set off on their own to explore the area. She said the locals always knew where to find the best restaurants and the phenomenal hidden gems.

Both her family and friends were the building blocks she used to create an extended support system that was important as she faced her last few months in excruciating pain and the weakening of her physical and mental abilities.

Karen leaves behind a memory of her in the heart of everyone she loved. These remembrances will get them through the tough times ahead.

We thank each person who made Karen’s final days comfortable. We will not post a list identifying you all as we would surely forget to include someone.

Left here to carry on her legacy is her husband of 48 years, Kevin, and her children, Amanda (Gregory Townsend) and Alexander (Orillia) Smith. She also leaves her sister, Maryann (the late Shawn Cavet), her brother, Curtis (Susanna) and their children, Rory and Lacy Townsend and Sara Cavet.

Karen’s family that went on before her was her parents, George and Mabel Garnett, her infant sister Diana along with several aunts, uncles and extended family members.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held June 6^th at 2:00 PM at Fairfield Cemetery with a time of fellowship to follow at The Gathering Place on Rosewood Avenue.

 

Basic Obituary Example

 

Louise (Creighton) Johnson, 82, of Connelly Creek in Dover, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 14^th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Louise was born in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Bert and Sara Creighton.

After graduating high school, Louise went on to teach elementary school until her retirement in 2008. Her and her beloved husband, Terence, made their home in Dover where they raised their three children. Louise loved to make homemade crafts as gifts at Christmas. She was a member of the Dover Senior’s Group where everyone looked forward to her delicious pies when they had pot-luck suppers.

Louise is survived by her son, Christopher (Lauren) Johnson and daughters, Anna (Bruce) Boyce and Emily (Sean) Seaver and grandchildren Margaret-Ann Johnson, Michael Johnson, Caleb Boyce and Carson Seaver along with her fur-baby Duke.

Besides her parents, Louise was predeceased by her husband, Terence, and her sisters Laveena Gregory (the late Robert) and Laura Huntley (the late John).

Following Louise’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial informal gathering at Cassidy Hall, Dover, Mass. on Monday, May 19^th from 2 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to attend.

Internment will take place at Grace Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in memory of Louise may be made to your local SPCA or the charity of your choice.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

 

Adieu

Katherine Watson

 

        If my beloved granddaughter, Grace, is reading this memoir aloud then I have seen my last tomorrow. This is my final journal entry, my own eulogy, saving everyone the anxiety of figuring out what to say now that I have passed on to whatever comes next.

        My promise to every one of you, given at different times – I could not vow that I would be here for the rest of your life, but I pledged to be here for the rest of mine – now duly fulfilled.

        I knew five months ago that the diagnosis of Glioblastoma would ensure I would not live to comb grey hair. Please understand that I did not share this with you earlier as I wanted the time I had left to be normal and without my loved ones starting to grieve prior to my passing. Before my symptoms became most troubling, we had time to say our last words before I knew I would slip into a coma then gently drift away. I know as my next journey approaches, those last days will likely find me sometimes incoherent with my responsiveness fading in and out. It was the disease that ravaged my brain, but my soul still remembered your friendship and your love.

        It was July 22^nd, 2015 and we were all enjoying our family reunion. Planning that special weekend was made all the more sweet because everyone who wanted to be there were able to attend. Those five days filled with BBQs, playing washers and horseshoes along with the entertainment of you all belting out your favorite tunes via karaoke made memories, well documented with photos and videos, that will last all of you a lifetime.

        On September 1^st, 2019, we were able to pull off another reunion where our family and friends spent a magical 10 days at Disney World. We put on a lot of miles park-hopping, enjoying shows and were even able to score two nights where all of us could dine together. It has warmed my heart to look at all of the photos taken by Disney photographers. They truly documented our Disney adventures so we didn’t have to see one another from behind a camera lens. I am sure you all remember and smile, or even giggle, when you think about the epic water blaster competition that took us in and out of the resort. It was great that the staff enjoyed the battle as much as we did – They had a super time pointing out which corner someone was hiding around.

        Over my years as a resident on this planet, I have learned a lot about our species when it comes to being a happy and productive citizen. As well, I have taken advice, given in kind, that has made life easier and more enjoyable. Here, I give you bits I have used that made me a better person in addition to helping me become acclimatized to the challenges we face during our time on earth. Here, I will pass on words of wisdom and advice that were present throughout my life and this is a more fitting way, I think, to say my farewell.

Please do not practice what John Steinbeck described as ‘inactive kindness’. When you tell someone you will be there if they need you or that you will visit more often, make good on those commitments. Many times, people already have an excuse ready, in regards to why they can’t help, before someone even calls on them. Consider your priorities carefully and reorder them if needed. Being there when someone calls on you trumps the errands you were planning to do that day or the two hours you were going to spend reading.

Always engage your brain before you speak – in any situation. You can apologize for saying words, but they can never be unsaid. Also, note that the phrase ‘forgive and forget’ is inaccurate. You can always forgive someone but you can’t forget what happened.

Be careful of what makes its’ way into your brain. You cannot ‘unsee’ an atrocity shown in an online video as much as you can’t ‘unhear’ the howls of an injured animal. Don’t ignore the bad that is in this world – it needs to be addressed – but take the time to look for the good. When you have more positivity in your life than negativity, both your mental and physical health will benefit.

Give your loved ones ‘unconditional love’ and guard their secrets. Everyone needs someone in their life that they can trust who will not turn their confidences into gossip. Be that person.

I will conclude with a bible verse and poem that you can use to help you through your grief – yes THROUGH your grief. There is no way around allowing yourself to grieve. You cannot outrun it as it will be nipping at your ankles no matter how fast you run away. Let yourself heal, cry when you need to – letting that emotion out is a good thing – think about me, but keep putting one foot in front of the other. Grief can drain you of energy and rob you of sleep – Please get counseling if sorrow is dragging you down so you can live a full and happy life.

My faith is strong and I am there, just beyond the veil – nudging you forward when life gets tough, perched on your shoulder and stroking your cheek when tears flow and being your best cheerleader from the other side.

Until we meet again…

From the Bible, Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

A beautifully written poem by Mary Lee Hall:

 

Turn Again to Life

 

If I should die and leave you here a while

be not like others – sore, undone – who keep

long vigils by the silent dust and weep.

For my sake – turn again to life and smile,

Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do

something to comfort weaker hearts than thine.

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine

and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.