“Great info on a topic that is difficult enough for those that are prepared and frustrating for those unprepared.”
That was just one of the many responses Leacey Brown, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, received after hosting the online obituary workshop, “Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing,” in April. On July 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. CST, SDSU Extension will once again provide adults the opportunity to preserve their life stories in their own words while crafting a document that is available for family and loved ones when most needed.
“After the April session, we had several participants mention they were not only going to start working on their own obituaries but planned to draft their parents’ and spouses’ tributes,” says Brown.
Free and open to the public, the workshop will be taught by Molly Barari. Originally from Kearney, Nebraska, the freelance writer has called Rapid City home since 2008. She has written for several local publications and also teaches creative writing classes for adults through Community Education of the Black Hills and the South Dakota Humanities Council. This summer, Barari will graduate with her doctorate degree in adult and higher education from the University of South Dakota. Barari believes that writing your own obituary is a unique opportunity to preserve your legacy.
“Obituaries should have personalities, just like the people they represent,” says Barari. “This workshop helps you write down important life events in your own voice. It’s never too soon to start preserving your legacy.”
For the workshop, participants should have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on their computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend.
This program is made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register soon.
Registration can be found on the SDSU Extension Events page.
For more information, contact Brown at 605-394-1722 or Leacey.Brown@sdstate.edu.