Creative Obituary Examples

Frank "Frankie" Robert Martinez
April 1, 1950 – September 15, 2023
Miami, Florida

Frank "Frankie" Robert Martinez—husband, father, grandfather, and the guy who never met a bad joke he didn't love—left this world on September 15, 2023, probably because he finally ran out of puns. Born on April Fool's Day (we're not making this up) in 1950, Frankie lived his life with humor, heart, and an uncanny ability to make everyone laugh, even when they didn't want to.

Frankie was a retired electrician who spent 40 years "lighting up people's lives" (his words, not ours). He married his high school sweetheart, Maria, in 1972, and together they raised three children who inherited his sense of humor (and his terrible jokes). He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren who thought he was the funniest person on Earth (they were right).

Frankie loved fishing, watching old comedies, and telling stories that got funnier every time he told them. He was a member of the Miami Jokers Club (yes, that's a real thing) and volunteered at the local children's hospital, where he made kids laugh even on their hardest days.

Frankie is survived by his wife Maria; his children Carlos (Amy), Sofia (Mike), and Diego (Lisa); his grandchildren; his brothers Tony and Luis; and countless friends who will miss his laughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Buster (who probably greeted him at the pearly gates with a wagging tail).

Instead of a somber funeral, we're throwing a "Celebration of Laughter" on September 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Miami Beach Park. Wear bright colors (Frankie hated black), bring your favorite Frankie joke, and let's laugh together one more time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miami Children's Hospital—because making kids smile was Frankie's superpower.

Frankie, thanks for all the laughs. We'll keep telling your jokes, even if we mess up the punchlines. You'll be forever in our hearts (and our funny bones).

Eleanor "Ellie" Grace Thompson
November 5, 1945 – December 10, 2023
Portland, Oregon

Once upon a time, in a small town in Oregon, there lived a woman named Eleanor Grace Thompson. She wasn't a princess or a superhero, but to everyone who knew her, she was both. On December 10, 2023, Eleanor's story on Earth came to an end, but her legacy of love, kindness, and adventure lives on in everyone she touched.

Ellie's story began on November 5, 1945, when she was born to James and Margaret Thompson. She grew up with a love for books, nature, and people. At 22, she met the love of her life, Robert, at a coffee shop where she worked part-time. He ordered a black coffee, she recommended a cappuccino, and the rest was history. They married in 1968 and spent 55 years building a beautiful life together.

Ellie was a teacher for 35 years, and her students remember her as the teacher who made learning fun, who believed in them when they didn't believe in themselves, and who always had a story to tell. She retired in 2005 but never stopped teaching—she taught her grandchildren to read, her neighbors to garden, and her friends to see the beauty in everyday moments.

Ellie loved hiking in the Pacific Northwest, reading mystery novels, and hosting Sunday dinners for her entire family. She was a master storyteller, a terrible cook (but she tried!), and the person everyone called when they needed advice, a hug, or just someone to listen.

Ellie's story continues through her husband Robert; her children Sarah (Mark), David (Lisa), and Emily (Tom); her seven grandchildren; her sister Margaret; and all the lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James.

We invite you to join us for a "Storytelling Celebration" of Ellie's life on December 17, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Portland Community Center. Bring your favorite memory of Ellie, and let's share stories that will keep her spirit alive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portland Public Library's Children's Reading Program—because Ellie believed that every child should have access to books and stories.

Ellie's story may have ended, but her love, her wisdom, and her spirit will live on in all of us. The end? No, just a new chapter.

James "Jim" Patrick O'Connor
March 17, 1960 – October 25, 2023
Boston, Massachusetts

James "Jim" Patrick O'Connor didn't just live life—he celebrated it. Every. Single. Day. On October 25, 2023, Jim left this world to continue his celebration in the next, but we're not saying goodbye. We're saying "see you later" and celebrating the incredible life he lived.

Born on St. Patrick's Day in 1960 (of course he was!), Jim was Irish through and through—loud, proud, and full of life. He grew up in Boston, played hockey in high school, and never lost his love for the Bruins, the Red Sox, or a good Irish pub. He worked as a firefighter for 30 years, saving lives and making friends wherever he went.

Jim married his college sweetheart, Kathleen, in 1985, and together they raised three children who inherited his zest for life: Patrick (35), Meghan (32), and Sean (28). Jim was the dad who coached every team, attended every game, and never missed a chance to tell his kids how proud he was of them. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren who thought he was the coolest person alive.

Jim loved fishing, playing guitar (badly but enthusiastically), and hosting backyard barbecues for his entire neighborhood. He was a member of the Boston Firefighters Association, a volunteer at the local food bank, and the guy everyone called when they needed help moving, fixing something, or just someone to talk to.

Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen; his children Patrick (Sarah), Meghan (Tom), and Sean (Jessica); his grandchildren; his brothers Michael and John; and countless friends who will miss his laughter, his stories, and his friendship.

We're throwing a "Celebration of Jim's Life" on November 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Boston Harbor Park. Wear your favorite sports jersey (Bruins, Red Sox, or Celtics—Jim loved them all), bring your favorite Jim story, and let's celebrate the amazing man who made every day brighter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boston Firefighters Charitable Foundation—because helping others was what Jim did best.

Jim, you lived life to the fullest, and we're going to keep celebrating you every single day. Sláinte, old friend. We'll see you on the other side.

Rose Marie Chen
May 20, 1955 – November 30, 2023
San Francisco, California

In a garden of life, there bloomed a rose,
Whose petals touched all who came near.
Rose Marie Chen, with grace she chose
To spread love, joy, and cheer.

Born in May of 1955,
She grew with beauty, strength, and grace.
A teacher, mother, friend, and wife,
She brightened every single place.

For 40 years, she taught the young,
Planting seeds of knowledge and care.
Her gentle voice, her songs she sung,
Made learning something rare.

She loved her garden, books, and art,
And Sunday brunches with her friends.
But most of all, she loved her heart—
Her family, to the very end.

Rose leaves behind her husband, Li,
Her children, Anna, Ben, and Grace,
Her grandchildren, who'll always see
Her love in every single face.

A celebration of Rose's life will be held on December 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM at San Francisco Botanical Gardens. In lieu of flowers, plant a rose in your garden, or donate to the San Francisco School District's Arts Program—because Rose believed that beauty and art make life worth living.

Though the rose has left the garden,
Her fragrance lingers still.
In our hearts, she'll always be,
And her love, we'll always feel.