I like social media as much as the next guy

[forgop]

But never thought I would see a facebook update overnight when I get up at 6:30am to learn about a relative passing away before I got a phone call. I pretty much wrote this person off a few years ago because she was a prescription drug abuser, but still...

[massphatness]

Maybe it's a way for the family to get the word out to those people who weren't as close to the deceased. Like you, others may have written the person off, and the family may have made phone calls to those who were still close to the deceased using FB to communicate the info to those who no longer were.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by forgop

But never thought I would see a facebook update overnight when I get up at 6:30am to learn about a relative passing away before I got a phone call. I pretty much wrote this person off a few years ago because she was a prescription drug abuser, but still...

Just to give some perspective, if your spouse/child passed away, would you have made a point to call her? Doubtful.

[shilala]

Sorry for your loss, Duane. Prayers sent for your family.

I seldom agree with Duane, but I completely get his point. He may have written this individual off as "a soon to be statistic", and much of the rest of the family may have, as well. It doesn't mean the family isn't close-knit, and doesn't mean he's not close to her mother/father/brothers/sisters, and you'd think someone would have called. Not that they still won't call sometimes today...
I can also understand that the family would use facebook to reach out-of-touch family members in hopes that they contact everyone.
It's odd that I think a text message would be completely acceptable but facebook seems impersonal, I suppose it depends how close the relative was?
It'd be nice to see Emily Post attack these kind of things.

[kelmac07]

Sorry for your loss Duane. I totally disagree with using social media outlets for such news...very distasteful IMHO.

[elderboy02]

I guess you could say that I am part of the newer generation where I wouldn't care if I found out over facebook. I am sure I would eventually get a call. I am sure they did it just to get it out to people faster so that out of town folks can plan to attend the funeral if they so desire.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by shilala

I seldom agree with Duane, but I completely get his point. He may have written this individual off as "a soon to be statistic", and much of the rest of the family may have, as well. It doesn't mean the family isn't close-knit, and doesn't mean he's not close to her mother/father/brothers/sisters, and you'd think someone would have called. Not that they still won't call sometimes today...
I can also understand that the family would use facebook to reach out-of-touch family members in hopes that they contact everyone.
It's odd that I think a text message would be completely acceptable but facebook seems impersonal, I suppose it depends how close the relative was?
It'd be nice to see Emily Post attack these kind of things.

Food for thought: Speaking as one who doesn't come from a close-knit family, if there wasn't much of a relationship prior, why should her passing be viewed any different? I've had (first) cousins within the past five years pass away from various sorts of things, and not once did I receive a phone call to convey the message, nor was it expected. I always found out after the fact from speaking to my parents, and them bringing it up.