Finding a specific obituary for someone like Mary D. Allen in a large city like Chicago can be challenging due to the sheer volume of records. This article aims to provide guidance on how to locate such an obituary and explore resources for finding information on deceased individuals. While I cannot provide specific details on a private individual without violating privacy, I will cover the common avenues for obituary searches.
How to Find an Obituary in Chicago
Several avenues exist for searching for obituaries in Chicago. The most effective strategies often involve combining different methods.
1. Online Obituary Search Engines:
Many websites specialize in compiling obituaries from various sources. These sites often allow searching by name, location, and date of death. Popular options include:
- Legacy.com: A comprehensive database covering many US cities, including Chicago.
- Findagrave.com: Focuses on cemetery records but often links to obituaries.
- Obits.com: Another large database with a powerful search function.
- Chicago Tribune Archives: The Chicago Tribune often publishes obituaries. Their online archives (likely subscription-based) might have the information you need.
Tip: When searching, try variations of the name (e.g., Mary Allen, M. D. Allen, etc.) and potentially include the approximate date of death if known.
2. Local Funeral Homes and Newspapers:
Chicago has numerous funeral homes. If you know the funeral home used, checking their website might provide information. Similarly, contacting local newspapers, especially the Chicago Tribune and smaller community papers, could be fruitful.
3. Genealogy Websites:
Sites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage often have obituary records, although these might require a subscription.
4. Social Media:
Searching on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms using the deceased's name might uncover tributes or posts mentioning the obituary's location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Finding Obituaries
Q: What information do I need to find an obituary?
A: The more information you have, the better. Ideally, you'll need the full name (including middle initial), approximate date of death, and possibly the location of death (Chicago in this case) or the funeral home used.
Q: Are obituaries always online?
A: No. Older obituaries may not be digitized and might only be available in physical newspaper archives.
Q: What if I can't find the obituary online?
**A: ** If your online searches are unsuccessful, consider contacting the Cook County Clerk's office (for death certificates) or attempting to find information through family members or friends of the deceased.
Q: How can I access older Chicago Tribune obituaries?
A: The Chicago Tribune archives are a valuable resource, but they often require a subscription. Check their website for access options.
Q: Are there any free resources for finding Chicago obituaries?
A: While many extensive resources require subscriptions, some parts of Legacy.com, Findagrave.com, and free searches on other websites offer some free access to obituary information.
Finding a specific obituary can require persistence and strategic searching. By utilizing these methods and resources, you'll increase your chances of locating the obituary you're looking for. Remember to respect the privacy of the deceased and their family during your search.
