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Send E-Mail After You Die

Site Allows You To Send Final Messages To Family After Passing Away

Posted: 5:53 am PST March 11, 2004

It may seem a little creepy, but thousands are signing up for an online service that allows them to compose e-mail goodbyes to loved ones in case they pass away. People like Beverly Bright feel better knowing they've stored "exit e-mails" for their families.

  SURVEY
Would you use a service to send an e-mail to family and friends after you have passed away?

"I thought it was just a really great way to let your friend and family have messages and thoughts," Bright said.

She signed on with LastWishes.com. The company stores the e-mail message, including photos and videos, until someone the customer has designated lets them know it's time to hit send.

"We go through a verification process to ensure that the, you know, information is correct and that the person has in fact died," said Jonathan Yeo, with LastWishes.

Along with your farewell, you can also set up profile pages with important information. That's why Brandy Shacklette signed up for the service.

"I'm single and basically nobody really has any of my information. If something was to ever happen to me and, you know, with this Web site, they're able to get into my checking account, find out my Social (Security number)," Shacklette said.

Psychiatrists say there are benefits to the electronic farewells, but there is a warning.

"There is the potential for a lot of damage. Something like an e-mail from a dead person is going to be jarring," said Dr. Eva Ritvo, a psychiatrist.

Bright and Shacklette have let their families know about the future farewells and, with their affairs in order, both now say they can rest easy.

"The thought of getting a message from beyond from someone you love, I think is truly a gift," Bright said.

Once you've signed up for the service you can update the information as often as you want.

More than 7,000 people signed up for the plan in the first three months of operation.

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