Massachusetts native Linda Brossi Murphy moved thousands across social media after writing her own hilariously candid obituary before passing away from Bulbar ALS at age 60.
Opening with the iconic line, “Well, if you are reading this, it looks like I’m dead,” Murphy brought humor, grace, and raw vulnerability to her final message, quipping that she ultimately “died of FOMO due to complications of Bulbar ALS”.
Diagnosed with Bulbar ALS a severe form of motor neuron disease affecting speech and swallowing Murphy spent her final months unable to speak or eat solid food. Despite her health struggles, her self-written tribute celebrated a lifetime of joy, laughter, and strong family bonds.
The Marriage “Grade”: Reflecting on her 42-year marriage to her husband David, Murphy joked that she was an “A” wife and he was a “B+” husband, giving their union a solid “A-” overall.
Her “Superpowers”: Murphy listed two lifelong superpowers: being able to drink without ever getting a hangover, and being genuinely happy around kind people.
Life Advice: In lieu of formal grieving, she urged readers to say “yes” to adventures, drink wine, dance with their arms in the air, and be kind to service workers and strangers.
“My stupid Bulbar ALS got me to the sad point of not being able to talk,” Murphy wrote. “Never speaking means never being able to say, ‘I love you!’… As far as eating, it totally stinks to sit at the table while people around you are eating juicy burgers hot off the grill… and I just have to smile and act like I’m enjoying my bowl of puréed baby mush!”
Rather than requesting traditional flowers for her memorial, Murphy left specific instructions to spread joy instead:
“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t waste money on flowers,” she wrote. “Buy a bunch of scratch tickets and give them out to strangers along your way. Make people happy, that is the best way that you can honor my memory.”
Following her passing, Murphy’s family confirmed her body was donated to Massachusetts General Hospital to advance brain and spinal cord research for ALS. Her family plans to honor her final wishes with a dance party celebration of life.
