Collecting Memories

Copy and Paste the questions below into an email addressed to us: [email protected] (subject line should say “Collecting Memories Questionnaire.”). Answer the questions within the email and send. If you’re not sure how to copy and paste, here is a brief tutorial:

1. To select text, click and drag the cursor until the entire text below is highlighted, then release the click.
2. Right-click on the mouse or touchpad. If using a touchpad, depending on your computer's settings, you can perform a right-click by either using two fingers to click the pad or by tapping the far-right side of the touchpad with a single finger.
3. Click Copy. The selected text will be copied to the Clipboard (a type of temporary storage) on your computer. Alternatively, press Ctrl+C. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Copy.
4. Go to the email and put your curser in the message section. Right click your mouse or touchpad and click Paste.  Alternatively, press Ctrl+V. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Paste.

 
As you work through the questions below, be truthful - be authentic - don't leave anything out that will help us get to know the one you knew so well. Please remember that we can only know your loved one by what you tell us. The boxes will expand to accommodate all you want to say. If some questions don't apply or you don't feel comfortable sharing, feel free to leave them blank. Please put your answers BELOW each question.

The best eulogies include stories of your loved one. We're going to ask you to provide three. These do not need to be full blown stories. Just give the details. We'll take care of the rest - but DO include at least the three we request, if not more. There is an * on the story questions, requiring that something be included in the box.
 
Your Name
 
Your Loved One's Name
 
Phone Number
 
Your Email Address
 
A eulogy often begins by thanking people for coming and for the words of sympathy and encouragement that have been sent in cards or emails. Would you like the eulogy to begin with a ‘thank you’ statement?
 
He/She is my (relationship)
 
Did he/she have a Nickname?
 
What did YOU call him/her?
 
When will the funeral or memorial service be held?
 
What is the name of the Funeral Home?
 
What was his/her age?
 
If married, spouses name. How long were they married? Is the spouse living?
 
Describe their relationship. Choose two or three of the following and tell how they apply to the marriage relationship as you saw it: Mutual Admiration And Respect, Affection, Commitment, Communication, Companionship, Mutual Support, Loving, Helper, Soul Mate, Inspiration to others:
 
Children's Names Are the children adults or children? Are they all living?
 
Did he/she have grandchildren and/or great grandchildren?
 
Describe his/her relationship with the grandchildren. Choose two or three of the following words and tell how they apply - or TELL A STORY that shows the relationship: Patient, Fun, Always there, Empathetic, Supportive, Flexible, Encouraging, Willing listener, Fairness, Unconditional love, Responsiveness, Good Role Model
 
What stories of his/her childhood did he/she tell?
 
Any stories about teen and young adult years?
 
Did he/she ever serve in the military? Which branch? Any stories you recall?
 
Choose at least one of the following characteristics and TELL A STORY about your loved one: Adaptable, Compassionate, Confident, Creative, Emotional, Empathetic, Forgiving, Generous, Honest, Kind, Natural Leader, Loyal, Open-minded, Patient, Perseverante, Positive, Problem-solver, Reliable, Resilient, Respectful, Self-aware, Self-disciplined, Self-motivated, Funny, Hard working, Outgoing:
 
Had he/she been ill for a while or did he/she die suddenly?
 
Was he/she living independently or in a nursing/rehab facility?
 
What education level did he/she reach? If college, what did he/she major in?
 
Did he/she have any obstacles to overcome in his/her life?
 
What did he/she do for a living? For what company? For how long? Had he/she retired? Did he/she enjoy their work?
 
What are some things he/she enjoyed doing? Choose one or two of the following (or something else) and TELL A STORY: Reading , Shopping , Singing, Listening to music, Going to the theatre , Dancing , Scrapbooking , Genealogy , Hiking , Biking , Board games , Swimming , Surfing the web , Writing , Watching movies , Going for walks , Going to the beach , Visiting museums and art galleries , Lunch with friends , Playing a musical instrument.
 
Was he/she a religious person? If so, to what extent? Did he/she have a church or synagogue or mosque? Is there a passage of sacred writing that you would like to have used in the eulogy?
 
Who were his/her closest friends? How did they meet? What did they enjoy doing together?
 
Is there some phrase or words he/she always used - some expression uniquely his/hers? What did it mean?
 
Did he/she have any pets? If so, please describe them.
 
How do you think he/she most influenced the lives of those he/she knew?
 
Anything else you think we should know about your loved one
 
What do you think he/she would say were the biggest achievements of his/her life (other than having and raising family)?
 
What do you think he/she was most grateful for in life?
 
What would you say might have been the greatest day or days of his/her life (other than children being born)?
 
What trait or characteristic or value do you think he or she would most like to have passed on to the next generations?
 
Did he/she enjoy music? What kind? Any favorite songs?
 
A eulogy typically ends with a final thought or message to your loved one, talking about the impact they had on others and on you. What should that statement include.