Obituaries often mention things people are “famous for” – spaghetti sauce, warm hugs, homemade cookies, smiles…with more than 10 million obituaries in our database, the list is endless.  Sometimes, I come across a “famous” reference that leaves me wanting to know the rest of the story. And sometimes, a “famous” trait or saying just makes me smile.

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite “famous” obituary lines:

Don Cromer made famous his irresistible Christmas fudge, magical Chex mix and the world’s most complicated pimento cheese spread. (Read full obituary in Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Dorothy “Dottie” Hulse’s house was the hangout for the neighborhood kids where she was famous for serving macaroni with ketchup for lunch. (Read full obituary in The Republican)

Lois Coburn’s laughter was infectious and witty remarks were never in short supply. Among her family she is famous for yelping out a “Jiminy Christmas!” or even the occasional “Heaven for Betsy!” (Read full obituary in Ventura County Star)

Anamarie Johnson was most famously and affectionately known as the “Hurricane Lady” per her story telling of intense dramatic passion for children during Hurricane Shelter Storm Protection Centers to calm her children – they’re favorite was her rendition of Dr. Seuss Horton the Elephant. (Read full obituary in The Log Cabin Democrat)

John Jack Palmeri will always be remembered by his famous quote, “Remind me to like you.” (Read full obituary in Inside Bay Area)

Following his retirement, William “Bill” Richards became very involved in doing trips for the Muskie Center where he became famous for his mystery trips. In fact, some of those trips were even a mystery to him until he arrived at a destination. (Read full obituary in Morning Sentinel)

Betty Schumaker was known for many things, including her quick wit and sense of humor, her fried chicken and how she lived life with zeal and loved to be on the go, which led to her famous response when asked if she wanted to go somewhere: “All I have to do is get my shoes on.” Betty was getting her shoes on and on the go until the two days before her death. (Read full obituary in Globe Gazette)

Being the resilient force of nature that she was, even after being admitted to Hospice care, Dr. Alice Newnam Stone continued to utter her most famously heard words…”I’ve got things to do!” (Read full obituary in News Record)