Yes...There’s a Port Charlotte Workshop for Writing Your Own Obituary |
A local workshop is asking residents to put their own life story into words — before someone else has to tell it for them. |
A local workshop is asking residents toput their own life story into words —before someone else has to tell it for them.
Okay, this is probably one of the more unexpected things happening in Port Charlotte this month.
Instead of learning how to cook, garden or pick up a new hobby, local residents are being invited to do something a little more personal: Write their own obituary.
Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is hosting a “Write Your Own Obituary – Your Story, Your Words, Your Legacy” workshop on Tuesday, September 22, in Port Charlotte.
The event is also listed through the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, which regularly shares local business and community events throughout Charlotte County. Why Would Anyone Write Their Own Obituary? Think about it. An obituary usually gets written after someone is gone. Suddenly, family members are trying to remember all the things that made that person who they were.
Where did they grow up? What did they love? Who mattered most? What were the stories nobody else knew?
That's where this workshop takes a different approach.
Instead of leaving your family to piece everything together later, you get the opportunity to put your own version of your story into words. And if you're not sure where to start, that's apparently part of the point.
The workshop encourages attendees to bring their bullet points and ideas, with help turning those thoughts into something meaningful. Your Life Is More Than a List of Dates
That's probably the most interesting part of this whole idea. A good obituary isn't just a birth date, a death date and a list of relatives. It's the stuff in between.
Your career. Your family. The places you've lived. The trips you took. The people who changed your life. The hobbies you couldn't give up. The funny stories your friends still tell.
Resources like Legacy.com offer examples and guidance for writing obituaries, while online obituary resources show just how different people's life stories can be.
There are even resources dedicated to how to write an obituary and what information families commonly include. The Port Charlotte Workshop
When: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
You can learn more about Kays-Ponger & Uselton's Port Charlotte location, including its services and contact information.
And if you're someone who likes keeping up with what's happening around town, the Charlotte County Chamber's community guide is another useful place to find local businesses, attractions and community information.
Because at the end of the day, this workshop isn't really about death. It's about making sure your story sounds like you.
(And honestly, that's a pretty interesting thing to think about.) |
33 Comments
Join the conversation
Not something I ever pictured myself doing, but after reading this, I think I might actually find peace through writing my own obituary.
I call it a workshop on living your story, because writing your obituary means reflecting on life. Glad to see it here in town.
This made me think about what stories I’d want to be told about me. It’s kind of inspiring to own your narrative like that.
I hope they do more of these around town. It’s helpful to talk about these things before it’s too late, for both us and our families.
I feel like this workshop could also be a way for people to celebrate their lives, even younger folks who want to be remembered.
I’d love to bring my bullet points but have no idea how to turn them into an obituary. Glad this workshop can help with that.
Margie P.Same here, Margie. That kind of support to organize your thoughts would be so helpful.
For those who find it too heavy, just think of it this way: you’re writing a last love letter to everyone you care about.
Was a little weird at first, but the message that it’s not really about death but about YOU makes the idea less scary.
Sofia V.Totally get that. Framing it as your story makes it feel more personal and meaningful.
I like the idea of ‘your story, your words, your legacy.’ It feels empowering to put it together yourself rather than leaving it up to others.
I used to think obituaries were just lists of facts, but this made me realize they can be a beautiful part of storytelling.
Nina S.Exactly! It’s like a chance to celebrate a full life, not just dates and names.
If I had to write my own obituary, I’d probably focus on travel and family. Those are the parts of life that mattered most to me.
I wonder what kind of funny stories people put in their obituaries? That would be a nice way to leave a smile even after you’re gone.
Erica F.Right? Sometimes the little quirks or silly moments are the best part of someone's story.
I didn’t expect anything like this in Port Charlotte. It’s nice to see a local event that’s thoughtful and different from the usual workshops.
I've seen people struggle after a loved one passes trying to piece together memories. This might actually save some pain for families.
This is a neat idea but also a bit emotional. I’m glad the funeral home is trying to connect with the community in this way.
I don’t want to sound gloomy but sometimes thinking about your own obituary makes you realize what you’ve done and what you want to do still.
Harold J.Yeah, it can be a real wake-up call. Makes you want to live a life worth writing about.
I bet talking about death is hard for many, but a workshop like this normalizes it and helps people take control of their story.
Annette K.Absolutely, Annette. Talking openly about it can take away the fear and bring some peace.
It’s interesting to ponder what makes a good obituary. It’s more than just facts but capturing a whole life in a few sentences must be tough.
Gregory H.For sure, Gregory. Summarizing a whole lifetime in a few words is definitely a challenge.
I might just go to this. Thinking about what I'd want people to remember about me is kind of powerful in a motivating way.
I think this shows a lot of respect for life and memory. We sometimes forget that obituaries tell more than dates, they tell legacies.
The fact that they help you craft your story if you don’t know where to start is pretty cool. Not everyone is good at writing about themselves.
My grandmother always joked she had her obituary ready already. Maybe this workshop is for folks like her who want to get ahead of things.
I lost my dad last year and it was so hard to put his story into words. If he had done this, it would’ve been easier for all of us.
I’m not sure I like the idea of writing my own obituary. Looks a bit morbid to me. But I see how it could actually help family later on.
This workshop is really unique. I think it’s a good way to reflect on life and make sure your loved ones get the real you, not just the facts.
Jenna M.I agree, Jenna. It’s a thoughtful way to leave something special and clear for family and friends.