Character Obituaries

 Our life dreams the Utopia. Our death achieves the Ideal. Victor Hugo

I needed a little help getting into the heads of my characters so I wrote an obituary for each of them.
You can say WOW with me?
Wow!
What an enlightening activity both for the character and their loved ones. I searched through a few papers to find examples. Obituaries are written by a parent, sibling, off spring, spouse or friend. Each is unique. Some are stuffy, others humorous. Short and long. But each not only gives an insight to the one who has passed away but also those who are left behind.

Here are a few from my story. Can you tell anything about the character?

Our wonderful Josefina is finally free of her diabetes. She brought joy and happiness to our family.
The memory of her laugh and kindness to each of us will stay with us forever! She was cherished and loved by many and will be greatly missed!
From an early age, Josefina suffered from diabetes. She wore a brave face and carried a big stick. Her brothers taught her self-defense well but her illness couldn’t be fought,
Thanks to all who loved her. She felt your love.
Josefina left this earth before her time on earth was finished. She was the bright, desert rose in this drab world.
She walks spiritually with her grandparents and one sister now.
The burial will be a private service, open to family on Tuesday at 11 AM.

***

 Norma Louise Shaw passed away in her sleep due to a heart attack in her beloved home of seventy years. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Henry Shaw. She was an only child and had no living children of her own.
Her friendship and twinkling eyes will be missed. She loved baking cookies and sharing them with others. Her greatest love were her many cats. All her cats found a loving home and they will miss Norma.
 Cremation and scattering of ashes in a private ceremony were held at a local funeral home per Norma’s request.

***

Our precious angel returned to heaven following a tragic accident. Sheila’s bight light was snuffed out, her brilliance dimmed; her bubbly laughter quieted before her time. We have no doubt if she were allowed to remain in our arms, she would have changed the world. She lives in our hearts, never to be forgotten, never to truly die.
Our darling baby is somewhat survived by a loving mother, Helen, and adoring father, Troy, who can never, ever replace her or dim her memory.
Sheila is in a brighter place, singing with angels, glowing in her new wings. The music she must be playing on her golden harp will no doubt bring the angels running to listen to her wonderful music.
May she find joy in her new life and think often of her grieving parents. Some day they will be reunited. Hopefully sooner than later.
We love you, dear, dear Sheila Helena Macartney.

This one was an actual obituary I found. It's hilarious! I wonder who wrote it?

Dandelion B. Treecraft died August 4, 2011

Christened "Daniel Bryan Whipple" at his birth, in Fresno, California, Dan endured 13 mind-numbing years of public schooling in California.

After divorcing Leta, his wife of six years [formerly, his step-mother for 12 years], Dan moved to Spokane and took up, promptly, with a former babysitter from his grade-school years.

From 1991 until 2009, having found his calling, Dan employed himself as an arborist, changed his legal name, and attempted to make an honest living providing ethical tree care. Anyone who's attempted to make a living - ethically - can attest that it is no small feat. Mr. Treecraft's scorecard, here, looks fairly good - if graded on a --curve'. He was pleased, though, that many of his clients also became enduring friends.

Jan and Dan were married on the Autumnal Equinox, 2001, a pot luck affair which drew a crowd of well under one thousand.

The next nine years passed in what appeared to be sublime, flawless bliss. Both Treecrafts were generally satisfied to let that appearance prevail.

Dan was also exceedingly proud of being ousted from several dozen Spokane City Council meetings, by Council President Joe Shogan.

Besides his wife, Jan, Mr. Treecraft is survived by their dog, Skippy, Cuckoo, the cat.
Burial will be at Worley Township Cemetery 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2011.

A caravan of grave-digging friends and well-wishers are expected to provide funereal talent, shovels, sweat, cheer, graveside manners. Eulogizers of quick-witted brevity are welcome to speak. Long-winded droners may be stoned and used as backfill. Bring a picnic lunch to share, and something to sit on.