Do you read obituaries?

Yes I do, and usually do to look for certain persons of families who perhaps passed on or for my own as was the case this year and previously. It don't freak me out or anything, just a fact of life.

i read if that person is known to me. i mean famous and i had some liking for that. if i do not like that person, i do not read it.

Yes, I do read over the obituaries. I scan the names. If I see one I know then I will pay a little more attention. I am usually looking for data for my genealogy research. If I find that person connects to my family history, I will cut out the article and make proper notes about the publication. I try to keep my family documents and records some what organized. Then I enter the information into my computer program.

Good Morning,Wiz...I must say that I read the obituaries fairly regularly. I too used to scoot by them while trying to think healing thoughts for the families..but as I "mature" I find that I do know more of the people listed and it provides me with information that helps in my profession also. Let me clarify that...I work in pharmacy and we happen to be in an area that serves a large population of retired and aging persons that live in wonderful assisted living establishments. These people are part of our "extended family" at work and I often find an obituary for one of them that not only notifies me of the passing of this great soul but allows me to prepare a sympathy offering in the form of words or actions that might help comfort the family. It sort of saves me having to put them through the repeated trauma of having to retell the news. It keeps me from asking about a sensitive subject for those that are having a hard time withit. Usually a family member will call us or stop by and deliver the news before I even read it..but it also affords me the opportunity to read about that person's life if I choose to do so. Many times in the past few years I have been shocked to find the name of a person I used to know well, listed in the obits...it makes me take pause and not only walk down memory lane ( good or bad) but to think of my own mortality..which we sometimes tend to push aside such thoughts. I do find myself always saying a prayer for those left behind to grieve...they are the ones that take on the pain. Good topic..as usual..:)

I only check the obituaries when someone I knew passed away. At other times, I read it if I have nothing more to read in the newspaper. Now that you brought up this discussion...it just occur to me that I may very well enjoy a day of fame when my name will appear right there on that particular section someday. Not a very happy thought but a reality that we need to face.

I seldom read obituaries. I do not like people dying. So when I read the newspapers I just skip the page saying Obituaries. But sometime I could not just help but to look at it and read.

I read them when someone I know passes , thats about it ... Not being rude , but I find it really hard to think about this type of thing . I do this only cause I have a hard time dealing with this type of Sadness now , so I always think if I read it I`m cursing everyone .... I know thats not about to happen but you know ...

I always look over the names to see if it is anyone that I know. If I know the person then I'll read it but if not then I don't read it.

Yeah I do read them from the little town where I used to live. I used to joke that I read the obits every morning to make sure I was still alive. I do look at the ones from this little town cause I either knew some of the people or knew of them. I also found it interesting that a lot of those people lived very long lives there. I wondered about that cause I always felt it was a boring little town.

oddly enough, i do sometimes read them. i used to work with the elderly many years ago and that is why i read them at that point, but now i just read them when i get the chance to see if there are any names i recognize.

I always read the obituaries, how else are we suposed to know if we're still here? hehehe Seriously yes I do read them because I have moved to the next town down and I have lost touch with a lot of folks and because I'm getting older and so is everyone else I hve noticed people have passed that I have either worked with or known.

No friend, just as you were in early days, i still skip those pages and avoid it, but in my heart i will always pray for those peoples soul to rest in peace. Take care friend and have a nice day:)

I only ever read them if I know or have heard that a friend or relative has passed. Generally, to make sure I got the information I was given correct. Location of service, time etc. Otherwise, no I don't. It makes me sad. I would also find it kind of creepy.

Nope nope nope... I always skip them as quickly as possible! I don't even know why it's become a habit. But I do have this feeling that as I get older I'll start having a peak to see if anyone I know might have past away. Who knows how bored I'll get once I'm retired...

Yes.I have this strange habit of knowing how long they lived. Quickly I turn to the other pages to get a fresh air.

Greetings oh wizardly one, If I buy a newspaper I'll read it from cover to cover. Though it is a rarity. Instead, I get my news from online sources, generally from the international wires. Obit's are not listed in the wires. So, I rarely ever encounter an obituary. Though if I do, I tend to do as you do -- say a little prayer for the departed and their families, then take a moment to appreciate the majesty that is life. I have lost many, friends & family, in my life. I've generally been notified by a family member or mutual friend. This is largely due to the fact that Hubby & I live over 2000 miles from most of our friends and families. So, it would be exceedingly unlikely that we would learn of the passing of a loved one in our local paper. Although, I guess the longer we live in our current location and as we get older this will happen with a greater frequency. So, I'll take your topic to heart.

I do not specifically look out for obituaries to read except when I know someone already has a place there. Otherwise, it is only when I read the papers and happen to flip to the page. I would then take a look to see if there is anyone I know among the dependents :P

I moved from a rural area of Texas 4 yrs ago, I had lived there for 10 years, a lot of the residents of that community were elderly, so yes, I read the newspaper from there online, and I do check the obits, so that I might send a card or make a phone call. I also research family history, and have read some very interesting obits in my research.

Actually, I am ashamed to say I hardly read newspaper =P The only newspaper I truly read (only the second half of the paper) is none other than.. Newpaper (the soccer paper) =P I do not think they have an Obituary section in Newpaper. During those rare occasions when I actually take the effort to read the newspaper, I quickly flip through those pages too. I do not feel comfortable read those pages. I feel very sad reading it. =( I do know of people who actually read those pages everyday. I asked them why they do that. Their answer was 'To look out for friends whom they have lost touch with'. =X

I dont read obituaries.On the other hand, i also dont read weddings, ceremonies,events and the rest that usually are in the last pages.Newspaper isnt a real routine for me, i only buy one at Sunday and enjoy with my coffee in the morning.Why would i read obituaries or the rest?Its like reading the open pharmacies section:only to be done when you want to find sth, thats my opinion.