Obituary Analysis

This obituary was found in the New York Times.

Marion Cunningham, Home Cooking Advocate, dies at 90

The sources used in this obituary are John Carroll, a family friend, Michael Bauer, executive food editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, Ruth Reichl, author and former food critic, and Alice Waters, a fellow cook.

It has the standard obituary lead, stating the name, a short characteristic clause, and when and where she died, then her age. This lead works for this obituary.

This obituary is different from a resume because instead of a laundry list of her accomplishments, the author paired certain facts about her with anecdotes and quotes from friends and loved ones, and that touch made the obituary personal and engaging.