Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Bailey Funeral Home - Plainville

48 Broad Street

Plainville, Connecticut

Michaela Petit Obituary

CHESHIRE - Michaela Rose Petit, came into this world smiling on November 17, 1995, daughter of Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit and William A. Petit, Jr. M.D., and the sister of Hayley Elizabeth whom she adored. Michaela, 11, was taken from us tragically at too young of an age on Monday, July 23, 2007.

Michaela was looking forward to attending middle school at Chase Collegiate this fall. Following in her big sister Hayley's footsteps, she was to take over her Multiple Sclerosis cause "Hayley's Hope", renaming it "Michaela's Miracle" when Hayley left for Dartmouth this fall. She had completed her summer reading and was embarking on the new Harry Potter series. Michaela had a joyous time at the summer "Athletic Experience" at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She was known for her amazing friendships and being a champion by including everyone.

Michaela loved watching the cooking network and preparing "gourmet" meals for her family, and could always be found jumping on the trampoline in her backyard where her friends and neighbors gathered. She recently had her first flute solo at the Cheshire United Methodist Church. Michaela's perpetual smile will forever be remembered and missed by everyone.

She is survived by her father, William A. Petit Jr. M.D.; her paternal grandparents, William and Barbara Petit of Plainville; her maternal grandparents, Richard and Marybelle Hawke of Slippery Rock, Pa., and Venice, Fla.; her maternal great-grandmother, Florence Triano; her Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bill Renn and their children, Evan and Lydia; Uncle Glenn Petit, his children, Rachel and Alicia, and their children, Jacob and Molly, Aunt Kyla, Uncle Mike and Aunt Erin Petit and their children, Michael, Brooke, Tristan and Paige; Uncle Brian Petit; and Aunt Johanna and Uncle Dennis Chapman and their children, Abby and Andrew; she also leaves her great aunts and uncles, Jean McNuff, Judith Hodge, Jim Buchanan, Elnora Richards, John Hawke, Johanna and Joseph Ierna, Frank Triano, Andrea and James LaChapelle, Edward and Roberta Petit, Beverly and Larry Joyce, Sharon and Eugene Beaulieu, Gary Petit, Clara, Marilyn, Victoria, Sally, and Linda Petit; and many dear friends.

We meet to pay tribute to the lives of Michaela, her sister, Hayley, and their mother, Jennifer on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Herbert D. Welte Auditorium on the campus of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St, Plainville, is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michaela Petit Scholarship at Chase Collegiate School, 565 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708 or "Michaela's Miracle" at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater CT Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06112 or at www.ctfightsms.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Record-Journal on Jul. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michaela Petit

Sponsored by William A Petit, Jr..

Not sure what to say?





Maria

July 25, 2025

Hello Michaela:

It has been a while since I left a message. I am sorry. How are you, your mom, and your sister doing in Heaven? I can only imagine how it is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. I know you are having an amazing time with the angels, God, and everyone in the Heavenly Realm of peace, joy, and free from pain. Until next time, Michaela, continue with your sweet smile, giggles, and a ray of sunshine spread upon the world.

Love

Maria

William A Petit Jr

July 23, 2025

Remembering your sweet smile and easy laughs and giggles. You always made me happy. I miss you every day, Love, Dad

William A Petit Jr

July 21, 2023

William A Petit Jr

July 21, 2023

William A Petit Jr

July 21, 2023

Miss you and love you every day KK
Daddy

William A Petit Jr

June 6, 2023

William A Petit Jr

June 6, 2023

William A Petit Jr

June 6, 2023

KK, Planting more gardens in your memory . Much love, Dad

Jennifer O'Hara

June 5, 2023

Dearest Michaela, you and your sweet family will never be forgotten.

William A Petit Jr

July 21, 2022

Think of you every day, darling KK
Miss you every day
Love, Dad

Jonathon

June 1, 2022

Rest in Peace Michaela,

What happened to you and your family was incredibly tragic, no one can hurt you know, I hope you are in place you are happy and safe.

This girl and music performance really reminds me of you, so I would like to dedicate it to you.

https://youtu.be/yJCSCWXxhig

SP

July 26, 2021

Michaela,
You and your sister and mother and father are thought about frequently and prayed for often. Your dad has lots of prayer warriors out here taking care of him that he doesn´t even know about. You should be here too.. the world knows this. You are loved by so many. Rest easy little lady

Maria Osborn

July 24, 2021

Dear Michaela, your sister, and your mom

Another year has passed! You, and your family have not been forgotten. Yet, I feel like I have met you, your sister, and your mom throughout this whole ordeal of this horrific crime. My heart and soul goes out to your Dad, and your family. You, your sister, and your Mom, are up there in Heaven, happily, and merrily dancing with joy. God has you in Heaven; with your contagious smile you and enjoyment you must bring him.

---Rest in Peace Michaela, your Sister, and your Mom.

Sincerely,

Maria

William Petit Jr

July 21, 2021

KK, You should be celebrating your 26th year. Think of you, love you and miss you EVERY day.

William Petit Jr

July 23, 2020

My KK Rosebud ❤
Miss you every day ❤

Maria Osborn

July 21, 2020

Dear Michaela Rose, I personally did not know you; but, I heard about what had happened to your family. The whole country heard and stood still. My heart when out to your family and especially your father. Reading your story from your Dad's voice I felt his pain as a mother and parent. Because, i myself have beautiful daughters, and I can only imagine if anything happaned to them I would not know what I would do. Your life, your sister's and your mom's were taken on a sudden moment. My heart was touched forever, by what had happened. I browsed through your photographs on the news and internet. I see your smile brought joy and life to the people close to you. Even you brought a smile to my heart and soul. Just looking at your photos you were a happy and joyfull little girl. Full of life. Now, God has your smile and joy of happiness up there with him. Along, with your sister and your mom. I am just sorry your father misses you, as I am sure of that, being a parent myself. Sweet Michaela, I thank your family for sharing you, and to the world. Because, here in Chicago, it hit hard as well.
Rest in Peace Michaela.....now you are bringing joy and laughter to God!

Darryl S Oswalt

July 8, 2020

You were taken from us too soon. When the sun rises in the sky and sets beneath the shoreline, it shines your beauty on EVERYTHING it touches. You will never really leave us for you are everywhere that is beautiful. RIP Michaela.

Petit Jr. William A

July 8, 2020

KK,
I miss your sweet smile and hugs everyday as well as your infectious laughter and joie de vivre❤
Love,
Daddy

F

July 7, 2020

Dear Friend,

You are so loved. You will never be forgotten. You are in a place where you never have to feel pain ever again. The world still thinks about you. Thank you for the sweet memories

Cindy Hawke-Renn

July 23, 2019

KK, Miss you,Miss your sweetness! Love you girl, no one can take that away.
Love always, Auntie Cind

William Petit

July 23, 2019

KK,

I love you my littlest one Miss your kindness and sweet smile. Miss watching movies with you and reading books.
Much love,

Daddy

Darryl Oswalt

July 22, 2019

Michaela, you were definitely a beautiful young woman who was tragically taken away from this world before you had a chance to live your life and fulfill your dreams and aspirations. May God bless and keep you. Rip Michaela.

Your 4 O'Clocks ❤

William A Petit Jr

September 19, 2016

KK Rosebud,

I miss you every day honey. Less than 2 months to your 21st birthday! What a celebration that would have been! ☺❤ Little Bill is growing fast and is as impish as you. You two would have been great friends and siblings.

All my love,

Dad

sid munian

September 18, 2016

Jus read the story truly sorry & shocked for ur loss & sister & mum u never got to live ur life properly but u are now in a better place with the Angel's. God bless your souls xx

Nancy Jones

December 23, 2015

Dear Michaela,
I think about you all the time. You are so loved and your memory is so alive, you inspire me everyday to live as a caring, and open hearted human being and to cheerlead whenever possible. Thank you sweet girl for touching me so deeply. Love to you in heaven. ♡
Nancy

William Petit

December 23, 2015

We light a x=candle for you, your Momma Jenna, and hayley

December 22, 2015

Happy b-lated Birthday Michaela...20 years old...in heaven....celebrate with your precious smile....sweet angel...along with your mom and sister.....I did not know you personally, but your story touched alot of people in this country.....Rest In Peace little one!!!

Colleen Wojna

November 18, 2014

You, your mother & sister will never be forgotten by my family & I in NJ. We never had the pleasure of knowing you, but have always prayed for your Dad & whole family since their unimaginable loss. We truly admire your dad's strength &his dedication to the Petit family foundation. He truly inspires people to appreciate life more & Spread kindness &compassion as you ,your mom and sister did. May you all rest in peace.

Darryl Oswalt

November 18, 2014

Happy 19th Birthday Michaela. You're a sweet Angel in Heaven.

KK Rosebud, 11yo

William PetIt Jr.

November 18, 2014

KK,

We miss you everyday. Little Bill loves your self-portrait which is on the wall in the living area. I love you. Happy 19th birthday yesterday. We had a nice mass, visited the cemetery and had breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa.
Love you always,

Dad

Nancy Jones, MD

November 17, 2014

Dear Michaela,
Happy Birthday sweet girl.
I think of you often and your cheery smile. You've touch so many hearts, thank you for being such a bright light, Michaela, and for your courage. You've taught me so much about courage.
?

Hand of God

July 31, 2013

KK,
I miss you every day. You were a smiling bright light in my life. I know God is holding you in his hand. I love you.
Dad

Melissa

July 30, 2013

Forever with God may you be, blessed girl, and with your loving mother and beloved sister.

kelly McCauley

July 29, 2013

I didn't know you ,unfortunately you had to witness first hand what pure evil looks like, your an angel now and god bless your family, your father has so much strength and I admire him immensely, rest in peace sweet girl

Bill Petit

November 18, 2012

KK Rosebud,
Love you so much. Miss you every day. Will see you again.
Love,
Dad

Nancy Jones

November 17, 2012

Dearest Michaela,
It's your 17th birthday today and it's hard to say what only a heart can feel. Bless you for being yourself, your perfect Michaela self.

Linda

September 14, 2012

No one can hurt you know precious little girl. Your mama and sister are with you. God please put your protective hand on this little girls head.

Nancy Jones

November 17, 2011

Dear Michaela,
Whenever I look into the heavens and see the stars, I think of you. Happy Birthday Beautiful Star Traveler. Beautiful angel.

darryl oswalt

March 12, 2011

You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

Donna

January 7, 2011

Life is a garden and we are to sow seeds for the good of all who will enjoy the fruits of our labor now and after we ourselves are called home. Sounds like your own "4 o'clock" seeds live on, Michaela, as does the spirit and good works of your sister, you and your mother. The world is a better place because you three were in it. Thank you and please ask the Lord to guide us all here on earth in His ways so that we may leave the world a better and brighter place as well.

Myra

January 6, 2011

Our lives will never be the same after knowing such beautiful people like you, your sister, other and father. Rest in peace.

Darryl Oswalt

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Beautiful Girl

Derek booth

December 21, 2010

May you rest in peace Michaela along with your sister Hayley and your mom Jennifer all three of you will forever be beautiful!

Melanie Safir

December 11, 2010

MIchaela your life was not in vain. Your spirit stays strong. I will never forget you

River Peace

Joel Kelm

November 19, 2010

I just read about these events and I am so sorry!! I pray that the Lord would bless you and keep you may his face shine upon you. I am praying for swift justice for the men who did this. I have teer filled eyes right now for you...you all will remain in my prayers!

Donna

November 17, 2010

Michaela, Hayley and Jennifer have each enhanced the radiant light of heaven by their wonderful presence.

To Bill and the Petit and Hawke families: Psalms 32:8) I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.

Trust in the Lord with your heart, mind and soul and you will be well.

Sophia Papadakis

November 15, 2010

Dr. Petit-

What a beautiful legacy your family has left to us all. Learning about who your wife and daughters were, the goodness they bestowed on this earth, has inspired me to be the best that I can be. It is not only their death that has inspired me, but truly how they lived. There are so many around the entire world who feel the same. I can only hope that my life will have such a profound impact on others. As Jesus's actions, albeit through life and death, brought love and compassion to all, so has the life of your beautiful children and wife. And you, Dr. Petit have been an inspiration to millions. God Bless

Jennifer Verardi

November 13, 2010

Michaela,
Thinking of you as you approach another birthday in heaven. I never met you but I know you were a brave and beautiful young woman.

Victor

November 12, 2010

Michaela, impressed with your dad's and family's fortitude. Wish they never lose it.

G K

November 12, 2010

Rest in peace, baby girl. God bless you.

November 11, 2010

Still Remembering you with Love KK & wishing we could be together for your upcoming birthday celebration. If you can be bothered with court cases in heaven we hope you feel justice was served, if there is such a thing. Love you! Auntie Cind'

Amy Murphy

November 10, 2010

Three beautiful, unique spirits,which will live on in the hearts of all who came to love you because of this tragedy.You are forever an example of courage. I will never forget you.

Darryl Oswalt

October 21, 2010

God Bless You

lisa thompson

October 15, 2010

I say a prayer every night that your father can remain strong, he has been through so much, I am sure you, your mother and sister can shine down on him and guide him.

patti groce

October 8, 2010

Guide your Dad ..........he has been through a lot over the years. Let him feel your love Give him signs that you and your sis and mom are ok. You will meet again. Keep him close. Sweet Angels Fly!!!!!!

Geysha

October 6, 2010

Michaela, YOU are an Angel ... I know that your work will continue from Heaven ~ With Love ~ Geysha (Toronto, Canada)

carol kesling

October 2, 2010

may god bless and keep all of you in his arms !! rest well angels.

Teresa

September 24, 2010

With deepest sympathy...I only recently read about this horrific tragedy. You have a beautiful family and I wish peace for you, above all.

September 23, 2010

Dear Michaela Rose,
I heard you this morning,
beautiful girl
Laughing on the garden breeze,
and dancing through my mountain’s trees
You lay beside me a fairy doll,
then blew some magic and she grew tall,
She sings and plays,
her heart’s content
She plays for you,
while you were sent
To teach all angels,
to know of love
To teach us humans,
we must look above
Where we will find, that laughing girl
Dancing on a garden breeze,
And playing in God’s summer trees.
And we will see, upon a Rose,
The name Michaela,
God’s most precious own…

~Nancy Jones, MD

September 21, 2010

I know there is a place in heaven for this precious child. Lord, Jesus I ask that you will grant Dr. Petit peace and surround your love around and about him. God bless you! My prayers are without ceasing for you and your family at this most difficult time in your life.

Renee

September 16, 2010

Michaela,
I am SOO SORRY for the ALL the horror you, your mom and sister went through. You all are in GOD's HEAVEN and may you all rest in peace. Watch over your dad, he needs you, your sister's and mom's guidance. Know that Justice will PREVAIL! My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family!

-Renee NJ

Caroline Longacre

September 15, 2010

Michaela,I'm always thinking about you,and when it comes to schoolwork, I think about how smart you are, and what you would do...Thank you for helping me, and the many fun bus rides. Send my love to you, your mom, and you sister.
Love,
Caroline Longacre

j norman

September 15, 2010

I’m so sorry for what you went through, the pain you felt. Now that you are in God's hands remember to look after your dad, he needs your strength for the days ahead.

Nadir Karanjia

September 15, 2010

You are too young to have faced the horror you were subjected to in this life - forgive us all for not having created a world safe enough for one as young and innocent as you .

Cheryl Gallagher

September 13, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

November 2, 2008

Michaela, Your daddy, family and all your friends love you very much and will never forget you. Take care of your mom and sister, and watch over your dad.

Cindy Renn

July 25, 2008

Cakes, We miss your smile and your beauty. Your cousin misses her bud. We live for the days to see you again. You deserve every moment of a blissful heaven! Love, Auntie Cind' Uncle Bill, Evan and Lydie

Susan Anderson

July 23, 2008

From your place in heaven, shine and shower down the strength your family needs to live life without you.

July 23, 2008

It has been a year, but you are not, and never will be, forgotten.

July 15, 2008

~*~ Mother Teresa's Prayer ~*~

This poem was written by Mother Teresa and is engraved on the wall of her home for children in Calcutta. It's super.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
...Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
...Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
...Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
...Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
...Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
...Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
...Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
...Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

"We can do no great things -
only small things with great love."

--Mother Teresa

5th Grade graduation

william petit

July 2, 2008

KK Rosebud-I miss you everyday. you were a ligght in my life and a good, good person. I love you.
Dad

Victor and Terry

November 27, 2007

Michaela,
Not a day goes by when we don't think of you and your family. Just a few days ago, we honored you on your birthday, as we did for Hayley on hers. We wish we had known you and your family better, but we still pray for you, your sister, your mother and your loving father every day.

GEORGE MILAVSKY

November 17, 2007

JUST A WISH FOR YOU ON YOUR BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON FOREVER. I ALSO WISH THE BEST TO YOUR DAD.

Caroline Connor

November 16, 2007

I want to wish Michaela a silent happy birthday on November 17, 2007. She is not here in person but her spirit will live on forever. She is resting in peace with her Mom and sister and will for eternity. They will never be forgotton and like fireflies in the nite they will shine on forever. May you Dr. Petit find some peace one day in your life and join them when the time is ready. My heart goes out to you in hopes that you heal enough to go on through life without them. For they will always be with you no matter if you can not touch or see them. Take care.

Ken Maness

September 15, 2007

I pray that Dr Petis is able to heal from this tragedy, and that in the future he is able to enjoy life and remember the good times without hurting. I couldn't begin to imagine losing so much, so quickly. I wish for him a new life with a new family over time. God is with him.

Amanda

August 23, 2007

i am so sorry for you michaela. i am the same age as you and i could not even imagine what you went through, i have never met you, but i am sure you were a wonderful kid.

Jason Ayer

August 16, 2007

Dr.Petit,
The loss you have endured has truly stunned a nation. Please know there are many many of us that have you in our thoughts and in our prayers! And in the days to come you are able to see the sun shining down from heaven and you remember nothing but the wonderful times you shared with your family! You know Michaela will be watching down on you! God bless you Dr.

Nicola Michel

August 8, 2007

Dear Dr. Petit

While I have never met you or your beautiful family, I feel compelled to let you know how much you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart just aches for your indescribable loss. I know "your girls" are looking down on you from heaven and will bless you with comfort, peace and hope for the future. I pray for your continued strength.


N. Michel
Huntley, Illinois

Marianne McDonough

August 8, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you. I know that God is holding you, your mother, and sister in his protective arms. May you find peace and joy in Heaven.

Susan

August 7, 2007

Always remembered, always loved.

I know God wrapped you in His loving arms when He brought you Home. May He bless your dad and help him endure the loss of your mom and sister.

Karen LeRoy

August 7, 2007

Doctor Petit,

I too do not know you, but I was so emotionally affected hearing your story. I have three daughters and don't know how I would be able to live with the pain. How someone could take your beautiful family from you in such a calous way. I hope that justice is served and somehow, your heart will heal. I will say a prayer for you. Keep their memories alive in your mind and heart. God Bless you.

Emory Farb

August 6, 2007

Dear Michaela, I always had fun playing with you. We jumped on the trampoline together with Mary Beth Hanrahan and giggled a lot. I hope you are happy in heaven with your sister and your mom. I will miss you a lot. You are a good friend. I will know you will stay in my heart and my memory forever.
Love your friend, Emory Farb

Andrew Goldstein

August 6, 2007

Dear Dr.Petit,
you do not know us and there are no words to express our feelings other than to say that if you ever need someone to talk or be with any time in the future any time day or night we would be happy to be there for you.
God Bless you.
Andrew, Gina, Emily & Kate Goldstein

Jill

August 5, 2007

Dr.Petit,

Although,I do not know you personally. I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your devastating loss. I can not stop thinking about your beautiful daughters and wife. My tears could fill an ocean. Such a senseless inhumane act and for what? May God Bless you and your loved ones.

Victor and Terry

August 5, 2007

Michaela,
We did not know you personally but feel a great loss at the tragedy of your passing. Be at Peace, little one, and remember how you were so loved. You were such an angel here on earth and in the Resurrection, we’ll all be back together. Watch over your father and let him feel your touch.

Sherry Rios

August 4, 2007

What a beautiful family whose tragic end to life will forever leave a mark on our souls. May Our Lord give you the strength to endure this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.

sandy mapula

August 4, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We admire your strength. The tribute you gave to your family was beautiful. May God bless you always. I leave with with a quote by mother teresa
Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but a sign that you are so close to Jesus that He can kiss you.
-Ven. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

ed and sandy mapula

Dana Smythe

August 4, 2007

I did not know your family but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.God will help you thru this.

Sophie Konicki and Family

August 3, 2007

Dr. Petit
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The Hanson Family

August 3, 2007

Dear Dr. Petit,

I don’t know your family but felt compelled to share my feelings.

You have been in our prayers and thoughts since this tragedy happened.

I know your wife and beautiful daughters are looking down on you every day.

Prayers and Sympathies from San Diego, California.

D Marino

August 2, 2007

Dear Dr. Petit:
We are so sorry for your tragic loss . Your family was beautilful in this world and will be beautiful in heaven,watching over you. We are so sorry. The Marinos

judith williams

August 2, 2007

dr petit again, my deepest condolences from my mother and I. You are in our hearts and in our prayers.

Karen Hartje

August 1, 2007

We hope you get through the pain of losing your beautiful family. May God and the people who care and love you help you to continue on.

Rose Maglio

August 1, 2007

Dear Bill.
I am writing this with a heavy heart. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.
Your beautiful angels are now in Heaven watching over you. Please find peace in knowing that they are safe now and free of pain and are at peace. May you find that same peace.

Lucille Sullivan

July 31, 2007

I am a former Connecticut resident and I am very saddened by the lost of your beautiful family. Please know that you are in my daily prayers- that God may give you strength during this most difficult time.

Bill Mauhs

July 31, 2007

god bless the petit family

July 31, 2007

Words cannot express the sorrow I feel in my heart for this incredible family. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Under the Mercy,
The Carter Family, Cincinnati, Ohio

Linda Van Buren

July 31, 2007

My heart aches for you and your family on this tremendously tragic and senseless loss.May God be with you as you go on without them but carry the memories of them forever in your heart.

Randy

July 31, 2007

You are in my thoughts & prayers, May God hold you in his loving arms.

Showing 1 - 100 of 204 results

Make a Donation
in Michaela Petit's name

Memorial Events
for Michaela Petit

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bailey Funeral Home - Plainville

48 Broad Street P.O. Box 158, Plainville, CT 06062

How to support Michaela's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michaela Petit's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more