With the advent of the World Wide Web, the age-old death announcement has grown from a briefly noted farewell to an enduring, multifaceted memorial.

At the National Obituary Archive, an obituary can be a dynamic, illustrated life story written by family members, funeral directors, professional writers or historians. Friends and relatives are invited to participate by adding their own tributes, a favorite snapshot or a Guestbook entry.

Now it's easy to act on the familiar impulse to "do something" upon learning of the death of a loved one. At the National Obituary Archive, you can Show You Care by sending flowers, a card or memorial contribution, planting a tree or just sending the news along to others who would want to know.