Mark the story of your life through your obituary and photo
After my father-in-law passed away in September 2022, I saw firsthand how many things there are to do for funeral preparations. His obituary and photo were two tasks that my journalism skill set was ready for and honored to take on. You can see his obituary by clicking here.
The ultimate timing of our departures is not in our control. However, for each of us, our legacy can be in our control. When it comes to sharing your legacy, someone you love will someday have to break down your life into paragraphs to share with the world. That's a tall order.
Let me help you create a gift for your family: your living legacy - in writing AND in a photo frame. It is truly yours when you get to be at the helm of its creation. With tedious care, I’ll craft your obituary to reflect your story the way you want it shared someday.
What is the process for getting a "living obituary"?
No. We can meet over the phone, virtually (FacetTime, Zoom, etc.) or I can come to you!
What if I need changes later?
As humans we are constantly changing and so are the lives of our loved ones around us. You can contact me in the future if you have changes you want to make. I will keep a copy of your final draft at all times.
What about my obituary photo?
We all want to be remembered as our best selves. I will coordinate a time with you to take your photo in a weather permitting month outside in natural light. Together we can choose a local location such as a park or downtown. Alternatively, if you want to knock it all out in one go, we can meet for your interview and I can take your photo on the same day.
Just a "Note": I’ll sing for you, too!
Keep my info handy because I am a classically trained vocalist with a decade of professional private voice lessons under my belt. I have been a soloist for weddings, funerals and church services. I have sung in classical, jazz, pop, chamber, musical theater and church choirs over the years. If you have songs in mind, be sure to note them for your loved ones. I will learn any song you want.
Why do you take obituary photos?
I have a client to thank for this. During a photo session for his family he requested an obituary photo. I was confused and wondered if I’d misheard because he didn’t look ill. His family looked equally confused. He explained that so many of his departed friends had obituary photos of themselves as teenagers - cherub faces and all - but those photos didn’t look like them as he knew them. He had an interesting point! I took his obituary photo and a few years later, he passed away. His family knew what he wanted for his photo. Your obituary photo is one less thing your family will need to scramble to decide on and there won't need to be a vote on which photo you would like best.
