How To Write An Obituary & A Template

An obituary serves as a tribute to someone who has passed away, capturing their life story, accomplishments, and impact on others. It informs the community of the death, honors the deceased, and provides information about funeral or memorial services. It also serves as a historical record for future generations.

Steps to Write an Obituary

1. Gather Information

Begin by collecting essential details about the deceased:

• Basic Information: Full name, age, residence, date of birth, and date of death.
• Family Details: Immediate family members (spouse, children, parents), and surviving relatives.
• Education and Career: Educational background, career highlights, and significant achievements.
• Hobbies and Interests: Personal interests, hobbies, passions, and community involvement.

2. Structure and Format

Obituaries typically follow a structured format:

• Announcement: Start with the announcement of the death, including the full name, age, residence, and date of death.
• Biographical Information: Provide a concise summary of the deceased's life, focusing on key milestones, achievements, and contributions.
• Family Details: Mention surviving immediate family members and close relatives.
• Funeral Arrangements: Include details about the funeral or memorial service, such as date, time, and location. Optionally, specify any requests for donations or flowers.
• Closing Thoughts: Conclude with a meaningful quote, sentiment, or reflection on the deceased's life and legacy.

3. Writing Style

• Tone: Maintain a respectful and compassionate tone throughout.
• Clarity: Use clear and simple language to ensure the obituary is easily understood.
• Chronological Order: Present information chronologically, starting with early life and progressing through significant life events.
• Length: Aim for clarity over length; typically, obituaries range from 200 to 500 words, but can be longer for more detailed accounts.

4. Personalization

• Unique Qualities: Highlight what made the deceased special, such as their unique personality traits, sense of humor, or kindness.
• Anecdotes: Share memorable anecdotes or stories that illustrate their character or impact on others.
• Quotes: Incorporate quotes from family members, friends, or the deceased themselves, if available. Feel free to grab some a quote from the "50 Timeless Quotes to Include in Your Obituary or Eulogy" article.

5. Review and Edit

• Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate, including dates, names, and factual details.
• Readability: Edit for grammar, punctuation, and flow to enhance readability. You can use an editing program like Grammarly to double check grammar.
• Feedback: Seek feedback from family members or close friends to ensure the obituary accurately reflects the deceased's life and character.

6. Publication and Distribution

• Publication: Submit the obituary to local newspapers or online platforms, following their submission guidelines.
• Distribution: Share the obituary with family, friends, and community members to notify them of the death and funeral arrangements.
• Online Memorials: Consider creating an online memorial where people can leave condolences, share memories, and view photos.

Example Obituary Template

Here's a simplified template to guide you:

[Full Name], [Age], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date of Death]. [He/She] was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth], [City, State], to [Parents' Names].

[Full Name] graduated from [School/University] in [Year] and pursued a career in [Profession/Field]. Known for [Highlight Achievements or Passions], [He/She] made a lasting impact on [Community/Field].

[He/She] is survived by [Spouse's Name], [Number] children, [Names of Children], [Other Immediate Family Members]. [Optional: Include predeceased family members if relevant.]

A [Funeral Service/Memorial Gathering] will be held at [Location] on [Date and Time]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity/Organization].

[Closing Thought or Quote reflecting on the deceased's life]. For thoughtful quotes to choose from, visit the article, "50 Timeless Quotes To Include In Your Obituary."

Conclusion

Writing an obituary is a deeply personal and honorable task. By capturing the essence of the deceased's life, you provide comfort to grieving loved ones and ensure their legacy is remembered with dignity and respect. Tailor each obituary to reflect the unique qualities and contributions of the individual, ensuring it serves as a lasting tribute to their memory.