Predeceased

The term "predeceased" (past tense of "predecease") refers to the act of dying before another person. It's typically used in contexts such as wills, obituaries, and genealogical records to indicate who died first, establishing familial relationships and inheritance rights. The word underscores a temporal sequence of death, emphasizing that one individual passed away prior to another. It carries a solemn tone, often marking the loss of a family member, friend, or associate, and is important in legal matters like probate.

Predeceased meaning with examples

• The obituary for Martha Smith sadly announced that her beloved husband, John, had predeceased her by five years. John's passing created a void, and Martha frequently reminisced about their cherished memories. Her will would reflect the impact John's early passing had on the distribution of their estate.
• In the family genealogy report, it was stated that Robert, the grandfather, predeceased his wife, Mary, by a significant margin, highlighting how the widow Mary had survived with only her children after his early passing. This crucial information helped piece together the family's history and lineage for the children.
• The will of wealthy Arthur Finch clearly stated that if his wife, Eleanor, predeceased him, his entire estate would be left to their children. This provision protected the interests of the children in the event of Arthur's early death as he wanted to make sure the wealth passed to those he loved.
• The court documents revealed that the claimant's father predeceased her, making her the rightful heir to the family property according to the local laws of succession. This fact was essential to proving her inheritance, and to finalizing her claim, legally and rightfully.