Back to Search Start Over

Life stories interrupted: an exploration of United States obituaries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors :
Carmon, Anna F.
Rothrock, Matthew C.
Source :
Mortality. Nov2024, Vol. 29 Issue 4, p867-884. 18p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 global pandemic drastically changed the lives of so many, including creating a sense of mass bereavement in the United States because of the million plus lives lost. As obituaries provide public documentation of personal legacies as well as serve to create a generational memory, this study sought to determine how obituaries, published in the United States during a public health crisis with excess deaths, discuss living and dying. We analysed 82 obituaries published in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine their functions during this time. These U.S. obituaries documented how the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the life stories of so many. Several key themes emerged in the obituaries – cause of death, COVID-19 changing lives, resilience/positivity, political statements, and thanking healthcare workers. These COVID-19 obituaries shared many of the known functions of obituaries, but they also served as public service death announcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13576275
Volume :
29
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Mortality
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180330225
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/13576275.2023.2263381