‘Mrs. Hunter’s Happy Death’ inspiring

As pastor at United Methodist churches in Southern California, Rev. John Fanestil witnessed a remarkable thing: Some of his parishioners with terminal illnesses faced their deaths with an almost perfect blend of peace and happiness. Moved yet puzzled by this phenomenon, Rev. Fanestil wondered how this was possible. He found at least part of the answer in an obscure magazine article published more than two centuries earlier.

Dated 1801 and headlined “An Account of Mrs. Hunter’s Holy Life and Happy Death,” it documented the remarkable story of Mrs. Mary Hunter, who had died at the age of 26. According to the article, she had been tormented by a lingering illness and incredible pain, yet confronted her death with great joy and peace, especially during her final hours. This account, and others like hers, proved to Rev. Fanestil that people can, indeed, transcend pain, suffering, grief and loss, despite all of the odds.

The title of the book is, perhaps, a little jarring to modern readers with its pairing of “happy” and “death.” However, during the early years of the 19th century, the word “happy” often signified holiness of spirit and purity of heart. Deaths labeled as “happy” did not refer primarily to the dying person’s subjective emotional state, but rather to the grace achieved as he or she approached the event.

The author believes that the way people die — much like the way they live — makes a supreme difference.

This inspirational book is highly recommended. It is a ringing affirmation of both hope and faith.

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