Losing a loved one is a profound and emotional experience, often accompanied by many responsibilities. One of these might be writing an obituary, a task that can feel daunting during such a challenging time. But, with understanding and guidance, it's a task you can undertake to honor your loved one's life. In this guide, we provide you a step-by-step guide to writing an obituary and provide examples and templates.
The Purpose of an Obituary
An obituary serves as a formal announcement of someone's passing and a summary of their life's accomplishments and memories. It's typically published online, in newspapers, and occasionally in other media, like broadcast media or trade magazines. While not legally required, an obituary is a meaningful way to announce the news of a loved one's passing to the local community, family, and friends.
7 Parts of an Obituary
An obituary goes beyond merely sharing birth and death dates. It should include a description of their achievements, personality, and the following elements:
- Death announcement
- Biographical information or summary of life
- Memorable moments and accomplishments
- List of close friends and family
- Date and time of the memorial service
- Acknowledgments and donations
- Special Messages or pictures
Writing the Obituary: A 7-Step Guide
Understanding the parts of an obituary is the first step. Now, let's go through the process of writing the obituary. Follow each of these steps and use the template to write the obituary.
Step 1: Announce the Death
Begin by providing the following details about your departed loved one:
- Full name
- Age
- Place of birth
- Hometown
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Cause of death. You may include the cause of death if you're comfortable and have the family's permission.
Step 1: Template
{Full name}, aged {age}, originally from {place of birth} and a long-time resident of {hometown}, passed away peacefully on {date of death} in {place of death}, due to {cause of death (optional)}.
Step 1: Example
Susan Elizabeth Johnson, aged 63, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a long-time resident of Tulsa, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, due to cancer.
Step 2: Include Biographical Info
Write about the significant achievements and events of your loved one's life. This could include their hobbies, education, or contributions to the community. Remember, every person is unique, which should be reflected in the obituary.
Step 2: Template
{First name} was born on {date of birth} to {parents' names} in {place of birth}. {He/She/They} grew up in {places of upbringing} and attended {schools, universities}. {First name} was known for {significant achievements, hobbies, community contributions}.
Step 2: Example
Susan was born on March 15, 1960, to Martha Green and Charles Johnson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She grew up in Tulsa and attended Tulsa Central High School and the University of Oklahoma. Susan was known for her dedication as an elementary school teacher, her love for gardening, reading historical novels, bird watching, and her skill in quilting.
Step 3: Highlight Memorable Moments and Accomplishments
In this section, you should highlight significant life events, accomplishments, and memorable moments of your loved one's life. This could include their educational background, career highlights, awards, hobbies, or community service. Also, consider unique traits or passions that made them special.
Step 3: Template
Throughout {his/her/their} life, {First name} achieved {significant life events, awards, recognitions}. {He/She/They} was passionate about {hobbies, interests} and made a significant impact through {community service, career achievements}.
Step 3: Example
Throughout her life, Susan achieved recognition as a caring educator, touching the lives of countless children over her 30-year career. She was passionate about her hobbies and made a significant impact through her community service, including volunteering at the local food bank and leading the neighborhood watch program.
Step 4: List Family Members and Close Friends
Include a list of family members, close friends who have survived the deceased, and immediate family members who predeceased your loved one.
Step 4: Template
{First name} was predeceased by {family members who have passed away}. {He/She/They} is survived by {family members who are still alive}, including {specific family relations - spouse, children, grandchildren, close friends}.
Step 4: Example
Susan was predeceased by her parents, Martha and Charles, and her brother-in-law, Thomas Evans. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Johnson; her children, David (Jessica) Johnson and Sarah (Mark) Thompson; and her grandchildren, Emily, Oliver, and Zoe. Also mourning her loss are her sister, Mary, and brother, Robert, along with their families.
Step 5: Provide Funeral or Memorial Details
List the details of the funeral, wake, or memorial service. Include the full date, time, and location, and state what happens daily. Include contact information for the funeral home for guests wanting additional details. Explain the type of service to help guests know what to expect.
Step 5: Template
A {funeral/memorial} service will be held on {date and time} at {location}. Further details about the service and daily events can be obtained from {contact information for the funeral home}.
Step 5: Example
A memorial service will be held on November 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Tulsa Community Chapel. Further details about the service and daily events can be obtained from the chapel's contact information.
Step 6: Acknowledgments and Donations
Lastly, include any acknowledgments to individuals, organizations, or care facilities that provided support during your loved one's last days. If appropriate, provide information on a preferred charity for memorial donations.
Step 6: Template
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to {individuals, organizations, care facilities} for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to {preferred charity or cause} in {First name}'s memory.
Step 6: Example
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the community and care facilities for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local food bank in Susan's memory.
Step 7: Include a Special Message or Pictures
Consider adding a special message in the form of a short prayer or funeral poem at the end of the obituary. If the publication allows, include a picture of your loved one.
You should also include acknowledgments (like thanking hospice care staff) and donation instructions, especially if your loved one was passionate about a cause.
Step 7: Template
In remembrance of {First name}, the family shares {a special message, prayer, or funeral poem}. {Optional: Include a picture or collage of the deceased}.
Step 7: Example
In remembrance of Susan, the family shares this heartfelt message:
"Susan, your loving presence and tender care enriched our lives beyond measure. You leave behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts forever, rest in peace, dear Susan."
Conclusion
Writing an obituary is undertaken with respect and care, a tribute to a loved one's life. It may be challenging, but also an opportunity to honor their life and legacy. We hope this guide helped you create an obituary your loved one would be proud of.
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Obituary Examples and Templates
Below are examples and templates based on who you are writing the obituary for. Use the writing guide, examples, and templates to help you complete the obituary.
Grandfather
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Grandfather
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Grandfather
Grandmother
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Grandmother
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Grandmother
Father
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Father
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Father
Mother
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Mother
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Mother
Husband
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Husband
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Husband
Wife
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Wife
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Wife
Brother
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Brother
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Brother
Sister
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Sister
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Sister
Son
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Son
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Son
Daughter
- 3 Obituary Examples for a Daughter
- 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Daughter
