Viral Obituary Shocks Social Media
An obituary posted in a Maine newspaper in August has captivated social media, drawing attention for its brutally honest portrayal of the deceased. Christina Novak, the daughter of Florence “Flo” Harrelson, penned the brief but scathing four-sentence obituary, accusing her 65-year-old mother of “burning bridges and terrorizing family.”
A public service announcement disguised as an obituary
“Florence “Flo” Harrelson, 65, formerly of Chelsea, died on Feb. 22, 2024, without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path,” the obituary reads. “Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died. 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.”
Daughter’s revelation of mother’s death
Novak told Bangor Daily News that she only learned of her mother’s death on August 23, six months after she had passed away. Harrelson, who had been battling cancer, ultimately succumbed to heart failure. Describing her mother as abusive and controlling, Novak shed light on the dark family history that led to the estrangement. Florence Harrelson was a former corrections officer at the Maine State Prison.
Following the viral obituary, Novak spoke to PEOPLE, revealing more about her mother’s impact on the family. “She took sport in ruining every birthday and Christmas,” the 47-year-old daughter stated.
Novak discovered her mother’s death during a conversation with a friend, noting how things had been “too quiet lately.” A quick Google search of her mother’s name led her to a death notice from a crematorium. “I messaged my aunt, her identical twin sister, and I’m like, ‘Did Mom die?’ And she’s like, ‘I don’t know,'” Novak recalled. “After some digging, I discovered it was her.”
Family’s final act
After confirming her mother’s death, Novak decided to write the obituary and sent it to her aunt for approval. The only correction her aunt made was to point out a minor typo. “She pointed out, ‘It’s destruction, not distraction,'” Novak recounted.
This viral obituary has opened up conversations about family dynamics and the lingering effects of abusive relationships, serving as a powerful reminder of the complexities within familial bonds.
As the obituary continues to circulate online, it has struck a chord with many, highlighting the often-unspoken difficulties faced in dysfunctional families. Novak’s candid words have not only brought attention to her mother’s troubled legacy but also sparked a broader dialogue on social media.