Even if you never knew this person, personally, you can feel empathy for the deceased and his or her survivors. As genealogists, we know, though, that reading the obituary can often bring understanding as to how the family tree fits together.
What are the major points we should look for? Everyone's story is worth telling; what clues in the obituary can help us to know this person better? What indicators will help us to unravel family history mysteries?
I have tried in the past to create a template of questions or facts that will help us to lift from the obituary the relevant information. You may want to create your own template.
You may want to remember that the obituary was most likely prepared by family members who were in mourning or composed quickly on account of time constraints. Any information that is presented should be verified by a second or third source.
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