Long ago newspapers wrote obituaries and birth announcements and engagement announcements and weddings. Now my newspaper only has death notices with only name of deceased, age, city, and who is handling funeral arrangements. Obituaries could easily cost $1,000. The Sunday paper has at least two pages of obituaries. My mom passed away two years ago. I've moved into her house, but I still get mail from people who'll pay cash for the house so they can flip it.
People still read death notices and obituaries. If you don't know all your parent's friends, just one of them reading the obituary will spread the news.