Welp, I'm back in it (or, Beware The Fangirl Part 2)

[Ironclad Alibi]

Another reason people read obituaries is to get a good deal on their possessions.

Some 'direct salesman' read those things too. They like to read about how some guy passed away and left behind a widow, because in many cases, the grieving widow is perceived as an 'easy mark'.

Anyone see Paper Moon?

... he visits recently widowed women, pretending he is a Bible salesman who recently sold an expensive, personalized Bible to the deceased husband. The widows usually pay him the claimed "balance owed" for the bibles inscribed with their names.

[ADeMartino]

Anyone see Paper Moon?

I did see Paper Moon, I'm pretty sure, but it's been bloody ages (well, the movie DID come out in the 1970s...). The only thing I can remember is the 'birthday money' bit.

[An Haddock]

I'm probably paraphrasing, but there was a comedian (Dangerfield, maybe) who said something like:

"Every morning I check the obituaries. If my name isn't in there I get out of bed."

[siskaren]

I'm probably paraphrasing, but there was a comedian (Dangerfield, maybe) who said something like:

"Every morning I check the obituaries. If my name isn't in there I get out of bed."

I'm pretty sure it was George Burns. (I thought of this quote myself while reading this thread. )

[wolfie]

Unless they're trying to kick in your front door for your braaaaaaaaains, there's really no reason to have a beef with the dead....

Somehow I don't think that the complainer mentioned in the OP needs to worry about that - sounds like she could starve a zombie.