For Barack Obama backers, kudos from the grave

In the paid death notice for Hester Holbrook Abrams deep in Sunday's New York Times, the basic biographical information offered no hint that the 66-year-old woman was overtly political.

A devoted mother, yes -- in the 1970s, when this was not yet routine for women, she coached soccer and Little League Baseball teams.

A talented person, most certainly -- according to the obituary, she "mastered everything she put her hand to, from water color painting and photography to bronzing and sculpting, and finally the intricacies of beadwork jewelry design to which she devoted her last years."

And, the write-up said, Abrams "embraced life and she is remembered for her infinite capacity to love, to share, to be creative, to support and to show unlimited acceptance and compassion."

All in all, someone we wished we had the privilege of knowing. But what really caught our eye was the notice's last line: "P.S., Hester appreciates everyone who voted for [Barack] Obama."

Abrams, who passed away Oct. 20 in Austin, Texas, also had done her pre-election part for her preferred candidate. The paid obit that ran in that city's local paper shortly after her death offered this P.S.: "She would appreciate it if you would vote for Obama."

More evidence, if any was needed, of the unusual ways in which this campaign captured the public imagination.

-- Don Frederick

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Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Leslie Ren Terry]

I was intrigued to read this blog about "kudos from the grave" as I had the exact opposite experience placing a paid obituary in the Florida Sun-Sentinel for my step-mom, Selma Silverman, who passed away on November 2nd. As the obituary was to appear on election day, the last sentence stated, "in lieu of flowers, a vote for Barack Obama would be appreciated." They printed the obituary, but wouldn't allow that sentence. Does anyone know if this violates our first amendment rights?