Crafting a Memorable Obituary for Jared Felice, Colorado Springs: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide provides a structured approach to writing an obituary that honors the life and legacy of Jared Felice, Assistant Principal at Grand Mountain School in Colorado Springs. The goal is to create an obituary that is both informative and emotionally resonant, reflecting his impact on the community and leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic Writing Skills: Familiarity with grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure is essential.

  • Access to Information: Gather information about Jared Felice's life, including his birthdate, place of birth, education, career, accomplishments, family, hobbies, and personality. Speak with family members, friends, colleagues, and students to collect stories and anecdotes.

  • Sensitivity and Empathy: Approach the task with respect and understanding, recognizing the grief of those who knew and loved Jared.

  • Patience: Writing an obituary takes time and consideration. Don't rush the process.

    • Tools:

  • Word Processor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs): For writing and formatting the obituary.

  • Note-Taking App or Notebook: To record information gathered during research and interviews.

  • Online Obituary Archives (e.g., Legacy.com, Colorado Springs Gazette): To review examples of obituaries and understand formatting conventions.

  • Contact Information for Publication (e.g., Colorado Springs Gazette, funeral home): To submit the completed obituary.

    • Numbered Steps:

    1. Gather Information & Brainstorm:

    * Interview Loved Ones: Speak with Jared's family, friends, and colleagues. Ask specific questions about his personality, achievements, passions, and the impact he had on others. Collect anecdotes and stories that illustrate his character.
    * Compile Key Dates and Facts: Record his full name, date of birth, place of birth, date of death, place of death, education (schools attended, degrees earned), career history (positions held, notable achievements), and any awards or recognitions received.
    * Identify Defining Characteristics: What made Jared unique? What were his core values? What was he most passionate about?
    * Consider a Central Theme: Think about a single word or phrase that encapsulates his life. This can serve as a guiding principle for the obituary. For example, "dedication to education," "unwavering optimism," or "a champion for students."

    2. Structure the Obituary:

    A typical obituary structure includes:

    * Opening Statement: Announce the death and identify the deceased.
    * Biographical Information: Provide key facts about the person's life.
    * Achievements and Contributions: Highlight significant accomplishments and contributions.
    * Personal Qualities and Interests: Describe the person's personality, hobbies, and passions.
    * Family Information: List surviving family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.).
    * Funeral/Memorial Service Information: Provide details about the service, including date, time, and location.
    * Closing Statement: Offer a final thought or expression of remembrance.
    * Optional Sections: Charities for donations, special acknowledgements.

    3. Write the Draft:

    * Opening Statement: Start with a clear and concise statement, such as: "Jared Felice, beloved Assistant Principal at Grand Mountain School in Colorado Springs, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age]." or "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jared Felice of Colorado Springs, a dedicated educator and cherished member of the community."
    * Biographical Information: Present the facts in a chronological order. For example: "Born in [Place of Birth] on [Date of Birth] to [Parents' Names], Jared graduated from [High School] and went on to earn a degree in [Degree] from [University]."
    * Achievements and Contributions: Emphasize Jared's impact at Grand Mountain School. Examples: "During his tenure as Assistant Principal, Jared was instrumental in implementing [Specific Program] which led to [Positive Outcome]. He was a tireless advocate for students and created a supportive and inclusive learning environment." Use specific examples and avoid generic statements.
    * Personal Qualities and Interests: Share anecdotes that reveal his personality. For example: "Jared was known for his infectious enthusiasm and his ability to connect with students on a personal level. He had a passion for [Hobby] and enjoyed [Activity] in his free time."
    * Family Information: List surviving family members, following a standard format: He is survived by his wife, [Spouse's Name]; his children, [Children's Names]; his parents, [Parents' Names]; and his siblings, [Siblings' Names]."
    * Funeral/Memorial Service Information: Provide clear and accurate details. For example: "A memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. All are welcome to attend."
    * Closing Statement: End with a heartfelt sentiment. For example: "Jared's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Grand Mountain School community." or "His dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his students will never be forgotten."
    * Donations (Optional): If the family requests donations to a specific charity in lieu of flowers, include the information here: "In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jared's memory to [Charity Name] at [Charity Website or Address]."

    4. Edit and Refine:

    * Read Aloud: Read the obituary aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
    * Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or family member to review the obituary for clarity, accuracy, and tone.
    * Proofread Carefully: Pay close attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
    * Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all dates, names, and facts.

    5. Format and Submit:

    * Follow Publication Guidelines: Check the submission guidelines of the chosen publication (e.g., Colorado Springs Gazette). They may have specific formatting requirements, word limits, and deadlines.
    * Include a Photo: If possible, include a recent photo of Jared.
    * Contact Information: Provide contact information for the person submitting the obituary.
    * Submit on Time: Adhere to the publication's deadline.

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Writer's Block: If you're struggling to start, try focusing on a specific memory or anecdote about Jared.

  • Emotional Overload: Take breaks when needed and allow yourself time to grieve.

  • Conflicting Information: If you receive conflicting information, verify the facts with multiple sources.

  • Word Count Restrictions: If the publication has a word limit, prioritize the most important information and condense the writing.

Short Summary:

Creating a memorable obituary for Jared Felice involves gathering information, structuring the content logically, writing a heartfelt tribute, editing carefully, and formatting according to publication guidelines. By focusing on his achievements, personal qualities, and the impact he had on others, you can create an obituary that honors his life and leaves a lasting impression on the community. Remember to approach the task with sensitivity and empathy, and to seek feedback from trusted sources. The goal is to create a tribute that is both informative and emotionally resonant, reflecting the essence of Jared Felice's life and legacy.