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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

Florid descriptions of death

Looking through some old, old newspaper clippings the other day, I came across some old obits, from the early 1900s, and from various newspapers.

Of one 94-year-old who died in 1908, it was written: "For several weeks, she has been lingering from day to day only awaiting the summons to lay down down the mortal for the immortal."

Of a 38-year-old man who died in 1912: "Bright's disease, followed by a complete breakdown with nervous prostration, was the cause of death.

And this sad one from 1880: "Happy Alice King died of Psuedo Membrane Laryngitis. Aged 1 year, 7 months and 27 days."



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.