Sons’ Unconventional Obit for Their ‘Wild and Wayward’ Mom Goes Viral: ‘Bring a Shovel’

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennie Kelly.Photo:Courtesy Sean Kelly

Courtesy Sean Kelly

An Australian family’s unconventional death notice is being talked about around the world.

Jennifer Ann Kelly, known as Jennie, died on Monday, Oct. 28 at age 88, and her sons Sean and Chris Kelly — who grew up in the Sydney suburb of Forestville, New South Wales — have since written a tribute to their “wild and wayward” mother, per theSydney Morning Herald.

The unconventional death notice has gone viral.The Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald

“We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing said Jennie. She believed that exposing youth to religion was a form of child abuse," the message read.

“It was impossible to watch the news in her presence due to her vocal outrage at the way the country is run. She held John Howard in particular contempt,” the post added, referencing Australia’s former prime minister.

The brothers continued, “Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously.”

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

Jennie Kelly.Courtesy Sean Kelly

After the post made headlines, solicitor and author Sean Kelly said, per theSydney Morning Herald, “Sometimes the words just resonate. And the fact that Mum had opinions and was different and didn’t think like everyone else, I just managed to capture her.”

However, he adds that “her friends tell me that she would have been delighted.”

A stock photo of a candle.Getty

Getty

Others commented on theSydney Morning Heraldpiece. “Your mum sounds phenomenal. The amazing tribute has reached thousands of people in the U.K.,” one person wrote.

“I wish I’d known [Jennie], she sounds wonderful. Thank you for a wonderful obituary - clearly [Jennie] lived until she died,” another added.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The death notice comes after Christina Novak went viral for posting afour-sentence obit for her momin theKennebec Journalon Aug. 30.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Novak, 47, said it was “no joke.”

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

“Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died,” the obituary continued. “That’s because even in death, she wanted those she terrorized to still be living in fear looking over their shoulders. So, this isn’t so much an obituary but more of a public service announcement.”

source: people.com