Sons’ Unconventional Obit for Their ‘Wild and Wayward’ Mom Goes Viral: ‘Bring a Shovel’
The sons of Jennifer 'Jennie' Ann Kelly wrote a hilariously honest obit following their late mom's death on Oct. 28
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A stock photo of a candleAn Australian family's unconventional death notice is being talked about around the world.
Jennifer Ann Kelly, known as Jennie, died on Monday, Oct. 28 at age 88, and her sons Sean and Chris Kelly — who grew up in the Sydney suburb of Forestville, New South Wales — have since written a tribute to their "wild and wayward" mother, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
In the piece published by the outlet on Saturday, Nov. 2, Sean insisted the family "refused to say 'passed,' " and referenced Jennie's love of drinking champagne and gin, among other facts about her.
The Sydney Morning Herald
The unconventional death notice has gone viral“We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing said Jennie. She believed that exposing youth to religion was a form of child abuse," the message read.
"It was impossible to watch the news in her presence due to her vocal outrage at the way the country is run. She held John Howard in particular contempt," the post added, referencing Australia's former prime minister.
The brothers continued, "Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously.”
"Her rare attempts at 'responsible' parenting or grandparenting were always touching. She said Sean was a much better driver than Chris. News on what's next to follow. Bring a shovel," the post concluded.
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A stock photo of a spadeRelated: Son’s Hilarious Obituary for Dad Who ‘Broke the Mold’ Goes Viral: ‘He Is God’s Problem Now’
After the post made headlines, solicitor and author Sean Kelly said, per the Sydney Morning Herald, “Sometimes the words just resonate. And the fact that Mum had opinions and was different and didn’t think like everyone else, I just managed to capture her.”
Author of The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan, Lisa Herbert, shared a link to the post on Facebook, writing, "Rest well, Jennie. We would have been great friends. 🍾"
Others commented on the Sydney Morning Herald piece. "Your mum sounds phenomenal. The amazing tribute has reached thousands of people in the U.K.," one person wrote.
"I wish I'd known [Jennie], she sounds wonderful. Thank you for a wonderful obituary - clearly [Jennie] lived until she died," another added.
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The death notice comes after Christina Novak went viral for posting a four-sentence obit for her mom in the Kennebec Journal on Aug. 30.
It read: "Florence 'Flo' Harrelson, 65, formerly of Chelsea, died on Feb. 22, 2024, without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path."
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Novak, 47, said it was "no joke."
"It was written with sarcasm and relief, but it’s real,” she added. “It was done in four sentences because I refused to spend another dollar on that woman.”
"Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died," the obituary continues. "That’s because even in death, she wanted those she terrorized to still be living in fear looking over their shoulders. So, this isn’t so much an obituary but more of a public service announcement."
