. . . speaking of knowledge of someone's death --
This is a bit off-subject, but here goes anyway.
Not long ago I was at a party, and saw a lady I had known (but not well)
for many years. I had read that she had died, and was surprised to see
her at this party.
Since I hadn't seen her for at least ten years, I wasn't sure it was even
who I thought it was, so I asked if she was N______ M_________. She
confirmed that she was.
(Obviously!) not thinking, I blurted out: "I'm so surprised to see you here --
I had reason to believe you were no longer alive."
I don't even remember what she said after that. It was something like
"Here I am."
By this time, I'm sure I was beet red! (about a dozen nearby people had
been listening to this conversation)
I turned to the person next to me and cracked "Not my BEST pickup line."