How our obituary writer can honour Suffolk's Loved and Lost

I have been a news reporter for just over a year, and in that time, I have had the privilege of being introduced to many families and learning all about the person they had recently lost. 

I quickly realised that these stories were the ones which I was most passionate about telling.  

Some people find that puzzling. “Isn’t it depressing to think about death all day?” is a response I often hear. 

Actually, I tell them, obituaries are about celebrating life. The way a person died is often such a small part of their story - I spend my days being introduced to a whole host of interesting people. 

There was Margaret Doe, who used to perform comedic sketches in the Suffolk dialect with her friend.  

There was Alvin Henderson, whose friend described him as a “ginormous teddy bear”.  

And there was Jill Stannard, who planned her own funeral down to the last detail so that her family wouldn’t have to. 

Abygail Fossett is the new obituary writer for the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Often when I approach a family about a tribute to their loved one, they are surprised. 

“Doesn’t the newspaper only write tributes to important people, like local politicians and wealthy businessmen?” is a question I am asked a lot. 

My answer is always the same – everyone is important, and the story of every life is worth telling and celebrating. 

If you would like to have a tribute written for your loved one, I promise to do my best to tell the story of their life. 

Please note – tributes are completely free; there are no hidden costs. 

You can call me on: 07557 232127 or email me at: abygail.fossett@newsquest.co.uk  

To view all our obituaries and tributes, join our Facebook page Suffolk’s Loved & Lost