What You Need To Know About Berkshire Eagle Obituaries The Berkshire Eagles Tribute To Those Who Shaped Our Valley Right Now
What You Need To Know About Berkshire Eagle Obituaries: A Beginner's Guide
The Berkshire Eagle, a cornerstone of news in Western Massachusetts, serves as more than just a chronicle of current events. It’s also a keeper of memories, a platform for celebrating lives lived, and a vital community resource. A significant part of that role is fulfilled through its obituaries, often titled “A Tribute To Those Who Shaped Our Valley Right Now.” This guide aims to provide a clear and straightforward understanding of Berkshire Eagle obituaries, covering everything from understanding their purpose to navigating the submission process.
What is a Berkshire Eagle Obituary?
At its core, an obituary is a published notice of a person's death. But it's far more than a simple announcement. It's a biographical sketch, a summary of a life's journey, and a way for family and friends to publicly mourn and celebrate the deceased. In the Berkshire Eagle, obituaries hold a special significance because they document the lives of individuals who have contributed to the fabric of the Berkshire community. They tell stories of local entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and everyday citizens who have made a difference, big or small.
Why are Berkshire Eagle Obituaries Important?
- Record of Life: Obituaries provide a lasting record of a person's existence, preserving their name, date of birth, date of death, family connections, and significant accomplishments. This is invaluable for genealogical research and future generations.
- Community Connection: They foster a sense of community by allowing friends, neighbors, and colleagues to learn about the passing of someone they knew and to offer condolences to the grieving family.
- Tribute and Celebration: Obituaries are a way to publicly honor the deceased, highlighting their personality, passions, and contributions. They offer a space to share cherished memories and celebrate the impact the person had on others.
- Notification and Funeral Information: The obituary often includes details about funeral services, memorial gatherings, and charitable donations in the deceased's memory. This helps those who wish to pay their respects to do so.
- Paid Obituaries (Death Notices/Funeral Notices): These are essentially advertisements placed by the family or funeral home. They are typically more detailed and offer greater control over the content and length. They are subject to a fee, which varies based on the word count and inclusion of photos. These are the most common type of obituary you’ll see.
- News Obituaries (Editorial Obituaries): These are written by the Berkshire Eagle's editorial staff. They are reserved for prominent figures in the community – individuals who have made significant contributions to the region through politics, business, arts, or other noteworthy endeavors. These are less common and the family typically has limited input.
- Full Name of the Deceased: Including nicknames or known aliases, if appropriate.
- Date of Death: Crucial for identification and record-keeping.
- Age at Death: Helps to contextualize the life lived.
- Place of Death: The city or town where the person passed away.
- Brief Biography: A concise summary of the person's life, highlighting key achievements, career milestones, hobbies, and passions.
- Family Information: Names of surviving and predeceased family members, including spouses, children, siblings, and parents. Be sure to double-check spellings!
- Funeral/Memorial Service Information: Date, time, location, and any specific instructions (e.g., "In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to...").
- Photo (Optional): A recent photo of the deceased adds a personal touch and helps readers connect with the individual.
- Inaccuracy: Double-check all dates, names, and other factual information for accuracy. Errors can be embarrassing and difficult to correct after publication.
- Omission of Important Information: Ensure that all key family members and significant achievements are mentioned.
- Overly Sentimental or Negative Language: While expressing grief is natural, avoid language that is excessively sentimental or that speaks negatively about the deceased.
- Poor Writing Quality: Strive for clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. If you're not confident in your writing skills, consider asking a friend or family member to help.
- Ignoring the Deadline: Pay attention to the Berkshire Eagle's obituary submission deadlines to ensure timely publication.
- Forgetting to Include Service Information: Provide clear and accurate details about funeral or memorial services to allow those who wish to attend to do so.
Understanding the Different Types of Obituaries:
While the term "obituary" is used broadly, there are typically two main types you'll encounter in the Berkshire Eagle:
Key Elements of a Berkshire Eagle Obituary:
Whether paid or editorial, most obituaries share common elements:
How to Submit an Obituary to the Berkshire Eagle:
Submitting an obituary typically involves working directly with the Berkshire Eagle's obituary department or, more commonly, through a funeral home. Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Contact the Berkshire Eagle or Funeral Home: The easiest way is to contact the funeral home handling the arrangements. They are experienced in writing and submitting obituaries and will guide you through the process. You can also contact the Berkshire Eagle directly to inquire about their obituary submission guidelines and rates.
2. Gather Information: Collect all the necessary information about the deceased, including dates, names, biographical details, and service information. Having this information organized beforehand will streamline the process.
3. Write the Obituary: If you're writing the obituary yourself (or contributing to it), focus on highlighting the person's life and accomplishments. Keep the tone respectful and avoid overly sentimental or negative language.
4. Review and Proofread: Carefully review the obituary for accuracy, clarity, and spelling errors. Have a trusted friend or family member proofread it as well.
5. Submit the Obituary: Submit the obituary to the Berkshire Eagle according to their guidelines. This typically involves sending the text and photo (if desired) electronically.
6. Pay the Fees: If it’s a paid obituary, be prepared to pay the associated fees. The cost will depend on the length of the obituary and whether you include a photo.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
Practical Examples:
Here are two short examples to illustrate the difference between a basic notice and a more detailed obituary:
Basic Notice:
> John Smith, 82, of Pittsfield, passed away on October 26, 2023. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Church on October 30th at 10:00 AM.
More Detailed Obituary:
> John Smith, 82, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lenox on January 15, 1941, to the late Thomas and Mary (Jones) Smith, John was a lifelong resident of the Berkshires. He worked as a carpenter for over 40 years and was known for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. John enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, David and Sarah; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Pittsfield on October 30th at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Berkshire Humane Society.
In Conclusion:
Berkshire Eagle obituaries serve as a vital community resource, providing a platform for remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have shaped the Berkshire Valley. By understanding the purpose, types, key elements, and submission process, you can ensure that your loved one's life is honored with the respect and dignity it deserves. Remember to work closely with the Berkshire Eagle or a local funeral home to navigate the process smoothly and create a lasting tribute.
