Write the story only you can tell. This light‑hearted workshop helps you capture a life—your own or someone else’s—with honesty, humor, and heart.

Writing your own obituary is a meaningful, even celebratory act.  It’s a chance to appreciate your life, reflect on what matters, and is the perfect final gift for those you love, saving them the burden of this task during a time of shock or grief. More importantly, you ensure your entire existence is encapsulated from your unique perspective, giving your spouse or family insight into your nuances and allowing you to leave behind one of the last memories others will have of you.

What to expect: 

Bring your favorite note-taking supplies and prepare to draft your obituary or an obituary for a loved one. We will take you step by step through the process, which can be modified to your specific preferences. Samples of a variety of obituaries will be available to spark ideas. We hope that you will leave our course with a rough draft and a meaningful experience. 

By the end of the workshop, we want you to feel comfortable tackling this daunting task — and maybe even walk away with a first draft or outline of your own obituary.

Suzanne Hood_instructor photo for website

Suzanne Hood

Suzanne Hood Suzanne brings a unique and comforting perspective to end of life planning, blending a deep background in counseling with legal expertise. She holds an MS in Counseling and Personnel Services from Purdue University and a JD from the University of Baltimore, practicing Dispute Resolution and Elder Law. Across her career, Suzanne has guided countless individuals and families through life’s most significant transitions with empathy, clarity, and practical wisdom. Her courses offer a supportive, structured environment that demystifies complex choices and helps participants turn a challenging subject into a meaningful gift of preparation for their loved ones.
LeeAnn Hutchison

LeeAnn Hutchison

LeeAnn Hutchison is a retired Easton High School biology teacher and former adjunct educator at Washington College. She holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. A dedicated volunteer and board member at Positive Strides Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, LeeAnn has written obituaries for several family members — as well as for herself and her husband. She hopes to help others craft obituaries with reflection, passion, and insight, offering comfort not only to surviving family and friends but also to the writers themselves.
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