Tracing Sharon Patime in The Herald’s Obituary Archives
When a loved one passes, an obituary can be the first clue that leads relatives down a family‑tree rabbit hole. The Herald Obituaries have been publishing such notices for more than a century, making them a rich resource for anyone trying to piece together the Patime lineage in Sharon. Whether you’re a distant cousin, a genealogist, or simply curious about a name that popped up in a newspaper clipping, this guide walks you through what’s available, how to locate the right entry, and what to do when the trail goes cold.
Why Obituaries Matter for Family Research
Obituaries are more than polite tributes; they often list surviving relatives, birthplaces, marriage dates, and even hobbies that hint at cultural background. For the Patime family, a single notice in The Herald might reveal a missing middle name or a sibling who never appeared in official records. Because newspapers historically required families to submit the text, the information tends to be accurate—at least as accurate as the informant remembered at the time.
How to Search The Herald’s Archive Effectively
Most major newspapers digitized their back issues in the 1990s, and The Herald is no exception. The easiest entry point is the online archive portal, usually reachable from the newspaper’s main website. Once there, select the “Obituaries” filter, set the date range (most likely 1970‑2020 for a Sharon Patime entry), and type “Patime” into the search box. If the portal supports Boolean operators, try “Patime AND Sharon” to narrow results.
If the digital search returns nothing, consider the following work‑arounds:
- Browse microfilm at your local library or historical society; many keep The Herald on reel‑to‑reel.
- Contact the newspaper’s archivist directly; they often have a master index that isn’t publicly posted.
- Use a third‑party database such as Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank, which sometimes hosts copies of The Herald that are missing from the official site.
The Sharon Patime Line – What We Know So Far
Publicly available records indicate that a “Sharon Patime” appeared in a September 12, 1998 obituary published in The Herald, noting her passing at age 73. The notice listed three surviving children—Michael, Linda, and James—and mentioned a lifelong residence in the town of Rivergate. It also referenced her marriage to “Robert J. Patime” in 1954, a detail that can help you locate earlier announcements, such as wedding notices or birth notices for their children.
Cross‑referencing that information with census data from 1960 shows a Robert and Sharon Patime living at 214 Maple Street, confirming the address mentioned in the obituary. Moreover, a 1972 high‑school graduation program for Rivergate High lists a “Linda Patime” as valedictorian, suggesting a possible link to the family described in the obituary.
Tips for Extending the Search Beyond the Initial Notice
Obituaries rarely exist in isolation. Follow these steps to flesh out the Patime story:
- Check marriage and birth announcements. The Herald typically published such notices a few weeks before the event; they often include parents’ names, which can unlock earlier generations.
- Look for “In Memory Of” inserts. Later editions sometimes reprint a loved one’s obituary when a descendant passes, providing a second reference point.
- Explore probate notices. After a death, The Herald may publish a small legal notice that lists assets, executors, and sometimes the names of distant relatives.
- Search surrounding towns. If the Patime family moved, neighboring papers might have covered their milestones.
When you hit a dead end, try broadening your keywords. Switch from “Patime” to a possible misspelling like “Patimee” or “Patyme,” and don’t forget to search for maiden names; Sharon’s maiden surname could appear in earlier notices, shedding light on the family’s roots.
Preserving the Findings for Future Generations
Once you locate the relevant obituary, save a high‑resolution scan or photograph. Digital copies are easier to share with relatives and can be uploaded to genealogical platforms like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, where other users might already have complementary records. Adding a brief citation—newspaper name, date, page number, and URL (if online)—ensures that anyone revisiting your research can verify the source.
Finally, consider contributing your findings back to the community. Many local historical societies maintain free, searchable databases, and a well‑documented Patime entry could help another researcher who’s chasing a similar thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back do The Herald’s obituary archives go?
The digital archive typically starts in the early 1900s, but physical copies and microfilm can extend back to the newspaper’s founding in 1885. If you need something older than the online range, a visit to the state library’s newspaper collection is usually the next best step.
What if the obituary I’m looking for isn’t listed under “Patime”?
Try variations in spelling, including potential transcription errors. Also search for the deceased’s middle name or nickname, and consider looking under a former married name if the individual remarried.
Can I request a copy of an obituary that isn’t online?
Yes. Most newspaper archives will fulfill a copy request for a modest fee, especially if you provide the date and page number. Some libraries also offer free reproduction services for local residents.
Is it legal to publish an obituary I found online?
Obituaries are public records, but it’s courteous to respect privacy, especially for recent notices. If you plan to share the text verbatim on a public site, consider trimming personal details or obtaining consent from surviving family members.
