In the realm of journalism and community engagement, the concept of citizen voice obituaries has emerged as a powerful tool to amplify the stories of individuals who have passed away. These obituaries go beyond the traditional format, allowing the community to share their personal experiences, memories, and reflections on the life of the deceased. By doing so, they provide a unique and heartfelt tribute, ensuring that the legacy of the individual continues to resonate with those they touched.
The power of citizen voice lies in its ability to personalize and humanize the obituary, moving beyond the formalities of a typical obituary notice. It invites friends, family, and acquaintances to contribute their own narratives, creating a rich tapestry of memories and anecdotes. This approach not only honors the deceased but also fosters a sense of community and connection among those who knew them.
One of the key benefits of this approach is the opportunity for collective remembrance and celebration of life. It encourages people to share their joys, struggles, and triumphs associated with the individual, providing a comprehensive view of their journey. This can be particularly meaningful for those who may not have had a close relationship with the deceased but still wish to pay their respects and contribute to the narrative of their life.
Educational Assets & Diagrams
John Blazes Obituary (1936 - 2023) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A vibrant, colorful mural on a city wall depicts a diverse group of people, each holding a sign with a personal message. The mural reads, 'Our Voices, Our Stories'. It captures the essence of a community's collective memory, honoring the lives of those who have passed and the impact they had on the neighborhood.
Download This Template →Thomas Rogish Obituary (1944 - 2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
An old, yellowing letter, its edges frayed, is opened to reveal a handwritten note. The letter reads, 'Dear Friend, I wanted to share the news of my passing...'. The image evokes a sense of intimacy and the power of personal storytelling, allowing the deceased to speak directly to their loved ones.
Download This Template →John Yourishen Obituary (2018) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A solemn funeral procession winds through a quiet neighborhood. The image captures the somber atmosphere, with mourners holding hands and walking in silence. The procession is a powerful reminder of the community's support and the importance of giving voice to the deceased's life and legacy.
Download This Template →Lillian Sokoloski Obituary (2022) - Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA - Citizens Voice
A close-up of a typewriter, its keys gently clacking, with a blank page in the background. The typewriter is a symbol of the act of writing and the power of self-expression. The image suggests the creation of an obituary, a personal tribute, and a way to honor the life of a loved one.
Download This Template →Judy Shovlin Obituary (1919 - 2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A group of friends, all of different ages and backgrounds, gather around a table, each holding a photo of a deceased friend. The photo album, titled 'A Life Remembered', is a visual timeline of the friend's life, from childhood to adulthood. It celebrates the community's shared memories and the impact of the deceased on their lives.
Download This Template →June Grimes Obituary (2024) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A single, solitary tree stands in a vast, empty field, its branches reaching towards the sky. The tree, titled 'The Legacy Tree', symbolizes the enduring impact of a life. The image can be used to represent the idea that even in death, one's legacy can continue to grow and provide shade for future generations.
Download This Template →Loraine Honeywell Obituary (2024) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A vibrant, abstract painting of a heart, its colors blending and merging into a beautiful, yet somber, palette. The painting, titled 'The Heart's Journey', represents the emotional journey of a community as they grieve and remember. It captures the essence of love, loss, and the power of art to express these feelings.
Download This Template →Antoinette Heck Obituary (1939 - 2023) - Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA ...
A black-and-white photograph of a young man, his face filled with determination, standing in front of a city skyline. The caption reads, 'A Visionary's Legacy'. The image portrays the impact of a deceased individual who left a lasting impression on the community, inspiring others to take action.
Download This Template →Stephanie Sepela Obituary (2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A collection of old, yellowing newspapers, each with a different obituary, stacked on a table. The newspapers, titled 'The Archive of Memories', serve as a visual representation of the community's history and the lives that have shaped it. It is a tangible reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased.
Download This Template →Albert Draht Obituary (2023) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A solemn ceremony at a cemetery, with a small group of mourners standing by a grave. The grave marker reads, 'Here Lies a Community Leader'. The image captures the moment of reflection and the profound impact of a life that has left a lasting mark on the community.
Download This Template →Shirley Knelly Obituary (2021) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A close-up of a hand writing on a notepad, with the words 'Remembering [Name]' at the top. The hand, steady and focused, adds a personal touch to the act of writing an obituary, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience.
Download This Template →Charles McKeown Obituary (2020) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A vibrant, colorful collage of newspaper clippings, each with a different story about a local hero. The collage, titled 'Community Heroes', celebrates the lives of individuals who have made a significant impact on the neighborhood, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Download This Template →Isabel Zoepke Obituary (2023) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A black-and-white photograph of a couple, their hands intertwined, standing in front of a beautiful sunset. The caption reads, 'A Love That Endures'. The image captures the eternal bond of two souls and the legacy of their love, which continues to inspire and comfort their community.
Download This Template →Patricia Mathews Obituary (2018) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A group of children, all holding hands, walking towards a community garden. The garden, titled 'A Legacy of Growth', represents the impact of a deceased individual who left a lasting mark on the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community and environmental awareness.
Download This Template →Frank Bonick Obituary (2023) - Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA - Citizens Voice
A solitary candle, its flame flickering gently, sits on a table in front of a window with a view of the city. The candle, titled 'A Light in the Darkness', symbolizes the comfort and warmth that the memories of a loved one can bring during times of grief.
Download This Template →Carol Gallagher Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A black-and-white photograph of a woman, her face filled with joy, standing in front of a stage at a local theater. The caption reads, 'A Star is Born'. The image celebrates the life of a local performer who has left a lasting impression on the community through their art.
Download This Template →John Oxford Obituary (2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A collection of old, wooden books, each with a different title related to local history, stacked on a shelf. The library, titled 'The Community Archive', is a treasure trove of knowledge and memories, allowing the community to learn from and honor the past.
Download This Template →Michael Vesek Obituary (2020) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A close-up of a hand holding a small, delicate flower, with a grave in the background. The flower, a symbol of remembrance, is placed on a grave marker that reads, 'A Life Remembered'. The image evokes a sense of peace and the importance of honoring the deceased with care and respect.
Download This Template →Joseph Tirpak Obituary (2019) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A vibrant, colorful mural on a city wall, depicting a famous local landmark. The mural, titled 'A Landmark's Legacy', celebrates the impact of a significant structure on the community, reminding residents of their shared history and the importance of preservation.
Download This Template →John Henry Obituary (2024) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A black-and-white photograph of a couple, their faces filled with love, standing in front of a beautiful garden. The caption reads, 'A Love That Grew'. The image captures the beauty of nature and the enduring love that can flourish even in the face of loss.
Download This Template →Tara Donato Obituary (2023) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A group of friends, all wearing matching t-shirts with a deceased friend's name and a meaningful quote. The t-shirts, titled 'A Friend's Legacy', are a way to keep the memory of a loved one alive and to honor their impact on the community.
Download This Template →Leonard Paraventi Obituary (2016) - Wilkes-Barre Township, PA ...
A close-up of a hand writing a letter, with the words 'With Love and Rememberance' at the top. The act of writing a personal letter is a powerful way to express grief and to keep the memory of a loved one alive, ensuring their voice continues to be heard.
Download This Template →Linda Grey Obituary (2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A collection of old, yellowing letters, each with a different handwriting, stacked on a table. The letters, titled 'A Correspondence of Memories', are a personal and intimate way to preserve the memories and stories of a loved one, allowing their voice to be heard through their words.
Download This Template →Theresa Shiner Obituary (2017) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A black-and-white photograph of a man, his face filled with determination, standing in front of a city hall. The caption reads, 'A Leader's Vision'. The image portrays the impact of a community leader who has left a lasting mark on the neighborhood, inspiring others to take action.
Download This Template →Donna Wysocki Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A vibrant, colorful painting of a cityscape, with a prominent building titled 'The Community Hub'. The painting, titled 'A Place of Gathering', celebrates the role of a local building in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
Download This Template →Mary Bullock Obituary (2016) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A close-up of a hand holding a small, delicate vase, with a grave in the background. The vase, filled with wildflowers, is a symbol of remembrance and the beauty that can arise from grief. The grave marker reads, 'A Life Remembered with Love'.
Download This Template →Helen Lawrence Obituary (2017) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A group of children, all holding hands, walking towards a community art project. The art, titled 'A Creative Legacy', is a way to honor the deceased through creative expression, allowing the community to find solace and beauty in the process.
Download This Template →Featured Obituaries - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice
A black-and-white photograph of a woman, her face filled with pride, standing in front of a local business. The caption reads, 'A Family Legacy'. The image celebrates the impact of a family-owned business on the community, passing down traditions and values through generations.
Download This Template →Rebecca Sauer Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A collection of old, yellowing photographs, each with a different family member, stacked on a table. The photo album, titled 'A Family Tree', is a visual timeline of a family's history, allowing the community to learn about and honor their ancestors.
Download This Template →David Searfoss Obituary (2020) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A close-up of a hand holding a small, delicate book, with a grave in the background. The book, titled 'A Life's Story', is a way to preserve the memories and experiences of a loved one, ensuring their voice and legacy live on through the written word.
Download This Template →Marilyn Blessing Obituary (2024) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A detailed look at citizen voice obituaries .
Download This Template →Kevin Ryan Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →Karen Hogan Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →All Obituaries - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice
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Download This Template →Florence Garbush Obituary (2016) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A detailed look at citizen voice obituaries .
Download This Template →Brian Jennings Obituary (2015) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A detailed look at citizen voice obituaries .
Download This Template →Michael Hogan Obituary (2019) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A detailed look at citizen voice obituaries .
Download This Template →Sheila Doyle Obituary (2021) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →Shawn Murphy Obituary (2016) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
A detailed look at citizen voice obituaries .
Download This Template →Francis Estock Obituary (2022) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →Walter Fox Obituary (2015) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →Chester Krushefski Obituary (2024) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →Stanley Wysocki Obituary (2018) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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Download This Template →William Shaffer Obituary (2016) - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Citizens Voice
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