Legacy letters, how-to guides, cookbooks, and other ways to leave a lasting legacy

It is one of the most daunting questions facing a person at the end of life: what will their legacy be? How will they be remembered, and stay involved, in the lives of those they leave behind?

Beyond practical matters like writing a will, there are unique and creative ways for individuals approaching the end of life to be remembered in the way they desire. Below are some of the suggestions we at peacefully have found or come up with:

  • Write a “legacy letter”—“beliefs, experiences, life lessons, even regrets” to those who are left behind

  • Arrange a “memory box” of mementos, letters, and photos that are meaningful to you and your loved ones

  • Send your family on a posthumous memorial trip (like a roadtrip across meaningful places, or an ash-scattering trip)

    • “Another thing is visiting the person's favorite restaurant on their birthday, which could also be tied into tradition.” —Kevin Chen, writer for peacefully

  • Write or record something to be presented at your own memorial

  • Create any kind of art such as a painting(s) that can be enjoyed after you pass

    • “My 89 grandmother is creating 100+ paintings a year that are donated to the local nature preserve for them to be used in their facility as well as gifts for her loved ones. I also believe the purpose of creating what she loves is contributing to her overall health and independence.” —Lesley Hellow, writer for peacefully

  • Leave a list of 100 acts of kindness to be carried out by loved ones

  • Create a children's book of something personal like family history or featuring a loved one's art

  • Write a letter for every future milestone of your child's or grandchild's life

  • Pay it forward - pay for the tuition of a student from a similar background, from your hometown, start an annual grant for people in a similar industry, or start a scholarship fund

  • Host a volunteer event— a golf outing, a volleyball tournament, or some other activity you enjoyed—instead of or in addition to a funeral

  • Film yourself talking about your family history, how you met your partner, or other details

  • Write a how-to guide for how to get through something you went through, or learned how to do

  • Collect your favorite recipes together in a cookbook

    • “I personally enjoy eating meals from the family cookbook: tastes and smells bring back memories of my grandmother.” —Jon Scalabrini, writer for peacefully

  • Collate a list of most important lessons or inspiring quotes that got you through life

  • Set up future flower delivery for an anniversary that may be missed

  • If you have young children or grandchildren, record yourself reading books of different reading levels to them so they can be watched over time

  • Plan a funeral that better reflects you (green burial, private backyard party, send your ashes to space or in a regenerative coral reef)

Remember that you’re welcome to leave your own ideas in the comments below.

— The Peacefully team

getting organizedJennifer Goodlegacy and funeralComment