Surpassing a handful of pennies or even homemade popcorn balls, a local resident may have received the most unexpected treat this Halloween.

PublishingWorks awarded Exeter resident Angella Pucillo a life-sized casket bookcase on Oct. 31, along with a book to go in it, “When the Sun Goes Down: Planning the Funeral of Your Life.”

“It’s a little strange,” Pucillo said of her prize. She entered a raffle at Water Street Bookstore in downtown Exeter, encouraged by a co-worker. PublishingWorks had been collecting entries since the publication of the book by Betty Breuhaus in July. More than 100 people entered at bookstores, signing events, tradeshows and libraries across New England, said Carol Corbett, director of marketing for the Exeter-based publishing company.

The casket bookcase, donated by Canadian casket designer Mark Zeabin of Casket Furniture, stands with five shelves for books and memorabilia. The shelves can be removed and the casket is equipped with a velvet lining and a lid for funeral ceremonies when the owner dies.
However, Pucillo said, “It won’t be used in that way.” The casket will go in her living room and be useful as another place to keep and display things, she said, although she’s not sure how it will fit in with her decorating scheme. 

“It will end up being a conversation piece in my family,” she said. She added that she takes comfort in knowing the casket has never been used.

While Corbett admits the contest had a creepy side, Massachusetts author Breuhaus writes that a person’s final party should celebrate a life well-lived and be an inspiration to surviving friends and family members.

Among other tips for planning your funeral, Breuhaus suggests making your wishes known, understanding the benefits of the service, footing the bill and asking for participation. But she also recommends making it personal, helping people smile and, best of all, throwing a party like there’s no tomorrow.

This isn’t the first time Pucillo has been lucky enough to win a prize with a single raffle ticket, even when her friends submitted several entries. She once won a video camera.