Sons’ unconventional obituary for “wild” mom goes viral: “Bring a shovel”

The unusual death notice for an Australian family is being talked about around the world.

Jennifer Anne Kelly, known as Jenny, died on Monday, October 28, aged 88, and her sons Sean and Chris Kelly, who grew up in the Sydney suburb of Forestville, New South Wales, have since written tributes to their “wild and wayward” ways. mother, by Sydney Morning Herald.

In an article published by the outlet on Saturday, November 2, Sean insisted that the family “refused to say ‘passed'” and mentioned Jenny’s love of drinking champagne and gin, among other facts about her.

“We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing,” Jenny said. She believed that introducing religion to young people was a form of child abuse,” the report said.

“It was impossible to watch the news in her presence because of her outrage at the way the country was being run. She particularly despised John Howard,” the report added, citing the former Australian prime minister.

The brothers continued: “Mum was very cool growing up, never wanted to leave a party and would often say no to champagne or gin, but never both.”

“Her rare attempts at ‘responsible’ parenting or parenting were always touching. She said Sean was a much better driver than Chris. News about what’s next. Bring a shovel,” the post ends.

After the report made headlines, lawyer and author Sean Kelly said, according to Sydney Morning Herald“Sometimes words just resonate. And the fact that mom had her own opinion, she was different and thought differently from everyone else, I just managed to catch her.”

Author Book in the Bottom Drawer: Plan for After DeathLisa Herbert shared a link to the post on Facebook, writing: “Rest Jenny. We would be great friends. 🍾”

Others commented Sydney Morning Herald piece. “Your mom sounds phenomenal. Amazing tribute reached thousands of people in the UK,” one person wrote.

“I wish I knew (Jenny), she sounds wonderful. Thanks for the wonderful obituary – clearly (Jenny) lived until she died,” another added.

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The death notice comes after Kristina Novak went viral for posting a four-sentence obituary for her mom. Kennebec Journal August 30.

It said: “Florence ‘Flo’ Harrelson, 65, formerly of Chelsea, died February 22, 2024, with no family at her side due to burned bridges and destruction left in her path.”

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Novak, 47, said it was “not a joke.”

“It was written with sarcasm and relief, but it’s true,” she added. “It was done in four sentences because I refused to spend another dollar on this woman.”

“Florence did not want the obituary or anyone, including her family, to know about her death,” the obituary states. “This is because even in death, she wanted those she terrorized to continue to live in fear, looking over their shoulder. So this is not so much an obituary as it is a public service announcement.”