Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, and finding the right information about their passing can be a daunting task. In Santa Maria, California, there are several resources available to help individuals find obituaries and pay their respects to deceased loved ones. Here are 10 tips to find obituaries in Santa Maria:
Check Local Newspapers: The Santa Maria Times is the local newspaper that publishes obituaries. You can check their website or visit their office to access their archives. They also have a searchable online database of obituaries dating back to 2001.
Online Obituary Databases: Websites like Legacy.com, ObituaryLink.com, and Ancestry.com have extensive collections of obituaries from various sources, including newspapers, funeral homes, and other publications. These databases are updated regularly and can be searched by name, date, and location.
Funeral Home Websites: Many funeral homes in Santa Maria, such as the Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and the Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, publish obituaries on their websites. You can visit their websites and search for the name of the deceased to find their obituary.
Santa Maria Cemetery Records: The Santa Maria Cemetery District maintains records of all burials in their cemeteries. You can contact them to inquire about the burial records of a loved one and obtain information about their obituary.
Social Security Death Index: The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of deceased individuals who had a Social Security number. You can search the SSDI online to find information about a loved one’s passing, including their date of death and last residence.
California Death Index: The California Department of Public Health maintains a death index that contains information about deaths that occurred in California. You can search the index online or visit their office to access the records.
Santa Barbara County Recorder’s Office: The Santa Barbara County Recorder’s Office maintains records of all deaths that occurred in the county, including Santa Maria. You can contact them to obtain a copy of a death certificate, which may include information about the deceased’s obituary.
Obituary Archives: The Santa Maria Public Library has an obituary archive that dates back to the early 20th century. You can visit the library and search through their archives to find obituaries of loved ones.
Genealogy Websites: Websites like FindAGrave.com and FamilySearch.org have extensive collections of genealogical records, including obituaries. You can search these websites to find information about a loved one’s passing and their obituary.
Contact Local Genealogical Societies: The Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society and the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society are local organizations that may have access to obituary records and other genealogical resources. You can contact them to inquire about their resources and get help finding the obituary of a loved one.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the obituary of a loved one in Santa Maria, California. Remember to be patient and persistent in your search, as it may take some time to find the information you’re looking for.
How can I find obituaries in Santa Maria, California?
+You can find obituaries in Santa Maria, California by checking local newspapers, online obituary databases, funeral home websites, and cemetery records. You can also contact local genealogical societies and visit the Santa Maria Public Library to access their obituary archives.
What information do I need to search for an obituary?
+To search for an obituary, you typically need to know the name of the deceased, their date of death, and their location of residence or death. You can also try searching by other relevant details, such as their birthdate, spouse's name, or occupation.
Are obituaries available online?
+Yes, many obituaries are available online through various sources, including newspaper websites, online obituary databases, and funeral home websites. You can also search for obituaries on genealogy websites and social media platforms.
Remember, finding an obituary can be a difficult and emotional task, but with the right resources and information, you can honor your loved one’s memory and find the closure you need.
