When a loved one dies, most people usually find themselves saddened and grieving. For these two Australian brothers, however, what they actually felt was … relief, and the unconventional obituary they wrote for their mother shows it.
Jennifer Ann Kelly, known as Jennie, died on Monday, October 28, 2024, at age 88. Her sons Sean Kelly and Chris Kelly, took it upon themselves to write a sarcastic tribute in honor of her, who they described as “wild and wayward.”
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The brothers published their mother’s “death notice” in the Sydney Morning Herald. “Farewell Jennie Kelly,” it began. “Our wild and wayward mother died on 28 October 2024. She refused to say ‘passed.’ We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing said Jennie.”
They continued, sharing that their mother viewed “exposing youth to religion” as a “form of child abuse” and mentioning that it was also impossible to watch the news around her because she was full of outrage about the way the country is run.
“She held John Howard in particular contempt,” they wrote, referring to Australia’s former prime minister.
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And apparently, their mom had some side hustles, too. “Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously,” they concluded. “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 obituary gained viral attention, with many finding the brutal honesty hilarious.
“Congratulations on honouring your Mum with such honesty,” one person commented. “She must of done some things right! 😍.”
“Clearly a life not half lived!” another added. “This is how i want to be remembered! 🔥👏❤️🙌.”
“I want a death notice like this when I die,” another person wrote. “It’s brilliant. May the gin, bubbles & dope be flowing freely up there🥂🍸.”
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sean said, “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.”