What is an obituary
It's a part of life that no one particularly enjoys discussing. Still, it's an undeniable reality we all must face - the end of our journey or the passing of a loved one. The delicate art of crafting obituaries serves as a gentle beacon, shedding light on the path of remembrance and celebration of life, even amidst the darkest times.
Before we dive into the world of examples that our team has thoughtfully prepared for you, let's take a moment to understand what an obituary is. An obituary, quite simply, is a notice of someone's passing, usually published in a newspaper or online. Yet, it is so much more than just an announcement. It's a narrative, a final testament of a person's life, encapsulating the achievements, character, essence, and lives they've touched.
Three Obituary Examples
In this post, we aim to offer three different examples of obituaries. Each one reflects the person it honors, unique and profound.
First, we'll share an example of a classic obituary - timeless, traditional, and dignified, paying respect to the departed while providing a detailed life account.
Next, we will move on to a heartwarming obituary filled with love and warmth, rich in personal anecdotes that offer a glimpse into the affections and precious moments shared by the departed.
Finally, we'll explore an inspirational obituary. This is a testament of courage and resilience, meant to uplift and motivate, inspiring others by celebrating a life that had made a difference.
Writing an obituary is difficult, especially when emotions run high. Still, we aim to guide you through this process with sensitivity and respect. Together, we will explore the art of commemorating a life well-lived in a meaningful and therapeutic manner. Here are three obituary examples.
Classic Obituary
Obituary Structure
- An opening statement detailing the name, date of death, location of death, and age of the deceased.
- Information about the deceased's early life, including birth date, birth location, and parents.
- Highlights of the deceased's life, such as their residence, education, career, and significant achievements.
- Personal details about the deceased's family, interests, and character.
- Information about surviving family members.
- Details about the funeral or memorial services.
- A closing statement expressing the community's grief and memory of the deceased.
Classic Obituary Example
Susan Mary Brown, a cherished member of the Portland, Oregon community, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on October 2, 1959, to Margaret and John Smith, Susan was a proud Portland native and held a deep appreciation for her roots.
Susan, a dedicated student, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1977 and earned her degree in English Literature from the University of Oregon in 1981. Her love for the written word guided her professional journey, beginning her career at Powell's Books in 1981. Her passion and dedication led her to rise through the ranks, eventually taking on the role of Chief Editor in 1998. Susan's sharp eye for compelling narratives and commitment to amplifying diverse voices left a lasting imprint on the literary world.
Family was of utmost importance to Susan. She shared a deep and loving partnership with her late husband, Robert Brown, from 1986 until his passing in 2017. The couple brought two wonderful children into the world, Emily Brown and Thomas Brown. Susan was also blessed with three grandchildren: Oliver, Lily, and Mia, with whom she shared her love and wisdom.
An avid gardener knowledgeable about the Pacific Northwest flora, Susan found solace and joy in nature. She was also a fan of mystery novels, relished a good cup of coffee, and was a loving pet owner to her two golden retrievers, Max and Daisy.
Susan is survived by her brother, Michael Smith, her children, Emily and Thomas, and her three grandchildren. Her unending kindness, unwavering integrity, and deep love for her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
The family will host a memorial to celebrate Susan's life in the coming weeks. Instead of flowers, they request donations in Susan's honor to the Portland Public Library, an institution that held a special place in her heart.
Rest in peace, dear Susan. Your light continues to shine brightly, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing you. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched with your kindness and love for literature.
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Heartfelt Obituary
Obituary Structure
- An introductory sentence announcing the person's passing and some general information about them.
- Details about the person's birth, childhood, and parents.
- Information about the person's education and career.
- Details about the person's family life and relationships.
- Some insights into the person's hobbies, interests, or passions.
- A conclusion that speaks to the person's legacy and their impact on those around them.
Heartfelt Obituary Example
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our dearly loved Susan Mary Brown. Susan departed this world peacefully on June 9, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones in her cherished hometown of Portland, Oregon. Born on October 2, 1959, to Margaret and John Smith, Susan's reverence for her roots and community was a testament to her unwavering love for Portland.
Raised alongside her brother, Michael Smith, Susan was a diligent student at Lincoln High School, graduating in the class of 1977. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Oregon, where she earned a degree in English Literature in 1981, a testament to her lifelong passion for the written word.
Susan's career in the publishing world began at Powell's Books in 1981. Her love for literature found a fitting haven in this beloved bookstore. Her dedication and astute literary insights propelled her career forward, leading her to become Chief Editor in 1998. Susan's discerning eye for engaging stories and her commitment to promoting diverse voices left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Susan's life was anchored in her family. She shared a deep and abiding love with her husband, Robert Brown, from 1986 until his passing in 2017. Their union brought forth two remarkable children: Emily Brown and Thomas Brown. In her later years, Susan relished her role as a grandmother, showering love and attention to her three grandchildren: Oliver, Lily, and Mia.
A passionate gardener, Susan found peace and contentment in the earth's natural rhythms. Her knowledge of Pacific Northwest flora was extensive, and her beautifully maintained home garden was a testament to her green thumb. Susan's other joys included delving into mystery novels, savoring a well-brewed cup of coffee, and spending time with her two loyal golden retrievers, Max and Daisy.
Susan's legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known her. Her kindness, integrity, and devotion to her family will be forever cherished. As we celebrate Susan's life, we carry with us her love for literature and her unshakeable belief in the transformative power of kindness.
The family plans to hold a memorial in the coming weeks to honor Susan's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Portland Public Library, an institution that held a special place in Susan's heart.
Rest in peace, dear Susan. Your luminous spirit continues to inspire all who had the honor of knowing you. Your light shines on in the lives of those you touched, a beacon of love, warmth, and kindness.
Inspirational Obituary
Obituary Structure
- Personal information: name, alias, birthdate, hometown, and parents' names.
- Early life and education.
- Career progression and achievements.
- Family details: partners, children, grandchildren.
- Personal qualities, hobbies, and interests.
- The lasting impact and legacy of the person.
- Information about memorial services or charitable donations in their honor.
Inspirational Obituary Example
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Susan Mary Brown. Susan transitioned peacefully on June 9, 2023, surrounded by family in her cherished hometown of Portland, Oregon. Born on October 2, 1959, to Margaret and John Smith, Susan held a deep appreciation for her roots and her community.
Growing up with her brother, Michael Smith, Susan was a dedicated student at Lincoln High School, graduating in 1977. She furthered her education at the University of Oregon, earning her degree in English Literature in 1981, reflecting her lifelong love for the written word.
Susan's professional journey was marked by her contribution to the world of publishing. She started her career at Powell's Books in 1981, where her passion for literature found a perfect home. Her dedication and unique insights led her to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief Editor in 1998. Susan's keen eye for compelling narratives and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices profoundly impacted the literary world.
Family was the cornerstone of Susan's life. She was a loving partner to her husband, Robert Brown, from 1986 until his passing in 2017. Together, they brought two wonderful children into the world: Emily Brown and Thomas Brown. Later in life, Susan found joy in her role as a grandmother to her three grandchildren: Oliver, Lily, and Mia.
An avid gardener, Susan found solace and joy in the rhythms of nature. She was known for her vast knowledge of Pacific Northwest flora and her beautifully curated home garden. She also had a soft spot for mysteries, an excellent cup of coffee, and her two loyal golden retrievers, Max and Daisy.
Susan's legacy will forever be imprinted on the hearts and minds of those she touched. Her unending kindness, unwavering integrity, and love for her family will be remembered and cherished. As we honor Susan's life, we carry forward her spirit, love for literature, and belief in the power of kindness.
The family plans to host a memorial in the coming weeks to celebrate Susan's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Portland Public Library, an institution close to Susan's heart.
Rest in peace, dear Susan. Your light continues to shine brightly, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Conclusion
Whether it's a classic, heartwarming, or inspirational obituary, each carries the unique echo of the life it represents. We hope these obituary examples help you craft a sincere farewell that does justice to your loved one's story. As we conclude, remember, this is not about perfection but authenticity and respect. Your words, filled with love, will ensure their legacy continues to shine brightly.
