The phrase refers to death notices published in a specific local newspaper. These notices traditionally provide details about the deceased, including their life history, surviving relatives, and funeral arrangements. They serve as a public record of a person’s passing and offer an opportunity for the community to acknowledge their life.
Such announcements are important for several reasons. They offer closure to friends and family, inform the community of the passing, and provide valuable genealogical information for future generations. Historically, these announcements were a primary means of disseminating information about deaths within a community, predating widespread internet access.