I remember those quotes. I loved the one about the pain learning to swim. Funny and pointed. But I didn't like the one about leaving being joyful. It made me sad, and I always hope for a better way. I know her story was tragic as well as heroic and beautiful. But I prefer to focus on the latter, better parts.I also read the description of her public cremation. Creepy but cool.
Speaking of death rituals, I think you already know this but maybe not. Did you know that the Zoroastrians place their dead in the open? They do not want the dead body to corrupt the earth or fire, so they expose it instead. Birds and animals eat the flesh.
Sounds freaky but it kinda makes sense if you think about it. Millions of people packed full of formaldahyde and planted can't be good. Feed Old Yeller instead.