Finding obituaries can be a difficult task, especially when searching across a large geographic area like Westchester County, New York. The Journal News, a prominent newspaper serving Westchester County, provides a valuable resource for locating these important records. This guide will help you navigate their obituary section effectively and understand the information you can expect to find.
Where to Find Obituaries in The Journal News?
The Journal News' obituary section isn't always consistently located in the same place on their website, so it's best to use their search function. Simply go to lohud.com (their website) and use the search bar, typing in "obituaries" or the name of the deceased individual. You'll likely find a link to their obituary search page or directly to the obituary itself. Alternatively, you can often find links to recent obituaries on their homepage.
What Information is Typically Included in a Journal News Obituary?
A typical obituary in The Journal News usually contains the following information:
- Full Name of the Deceased: This is prominently displayed at the top of the obituary.
- Date of Birth and Date of Death: These crucial details help establish the timeline of the individual's life.
- Place of Residence: This often specifies the town or city within Westchester County where the deceased lived.
- Cause of Death (Sometimes): While not always explicitly stated, the cause of death might be subtly implied or mentioned if the family chooses to include it.
- Immediate Family Members: This typically includes the names of the surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, and sometimes grandchildren.
- Biographical Information: This is a key part of the obituary and can include details about their career, hobbies, interests, achievements, and personality. It aims to paint a picture of the person's life and legacy.
- Funeral Arrangements: This section usually specifies the date, time, and location of the funeral service or memorial, if applicable. It may also mention whether a viewing or visitation will be held.
- Memorial Contributions: Often, families request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a specific charity in the deceased's name. This information will be included if applicable.
How to Search for Obituaries from a Specific Date Range?
The Journal News' online search functionality may allow you to refine your search by date. Look for options to specify a date range within their search parameters. If this isn't available, you might need to browse the online archives, which can be more time-consuming.
Are older obituaries available online?
The Journal News likely has a digital archive of past obituaries. However, access to these older records may be limited, and you may need to contact them directly or check local libraries for assistance with accessing older archives. The extent of their digital archive varies.
What if I can't find the obituary I'm looking for?
If you cannot locate an obituary using the online search, consider the following:
- Check for variations in spelling: Ensure you have the correct spelling of the name.
- Broaden your search: Try searching using only the first name or last name if the full name yields no results.
- Contact The Journal News directly: Their customer service department might be able to assist you in your search.
- Search other online resources: There are other obituary search engines that aggregate obituaries from various sources.
This guide aims to assist you in effectively navigating the obituary section of The Journal News. Remember that respecting the privacy of the bereaved is paramount during this difficult time.
