Christina Novak, a Maine woman, wrote a scathing obituary for her mother, Florence “Flo” Henderson, which went viral and made headlines internationally. The four-sentence obit published in the Kennebec Journal on Aug. 30 stated that the 65-year-old died “without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path.” It also mentioned that Florence did not want an obituary and wanted those she terrorized to still be living in fear even after her death, turning the obituary into a public service announcement. Novak clarified that she was dead serious when she wrote the obituary, and it was written with sarcasm and relief but was based on real experiences she had with her mother.
Novak explained that her obituary for her mother was so concise because obituaries are priced by the word, and she refused to spend more money on her mother. She revealed that her mother took pleasure in ruining birthdays and Christmases, and recalled a traumatic incident from her childhood where her mother and her partner pretended to throw her off a bridge, causing Novak anxiety attacks to this day. Novak mentioned that she sought approval from her mother’s twin sister before submitting the obituary, but they did not anticipate the obituary garnering attention beyond their local community.
Despite the attention her mother’s obituary received, Novak is no stranger to public scrutiny as she is the niece of William “Wild Bill” Davenport, who was known for his appearances on the reality show “Maine Cabin Masters.” Davenport passed away last year at the age of 73, and his obituary was much longer and more flattering than Novak’s obituary for her mother. Novak’s intention with the obituary was to shed light on the reality of her mother’s behavior and the impact it had on her and others, rather than to attract attention or create controversy.
The obituary for Florence “Flo” Henderson serves as a reflection of the complex and strained relationship Novak had with her mother, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it took on her. Novak’s decision to write a candid and blunt obituary for her mother was a way to express her feelings of relief and closure, as well as to warn others about the kind of person her mother was. By sharing her story publicly, Novak hopes to start a conversation about toxic relationships and the importance of setting boundaries, even in death, with those who have caused harm.
Overall, Novak’s decision to write a scathing obituary for her mother was a bold and unapologetic way to confront the challenges and traumas she faced in her relationship with Florence. The obituary serves as a testament to Novak’s resilience and courage in sharing her truth, even when it may be uncomfortable or controversial. Through her words, Novak challenges the traditional notion of obituaries as tributes to the deceased, instead using it as a platform to expose the darker truths and complexities of familial relationships.
