FAQs
When writing an obituary, leave out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. And don't include the deceased's home address.
Is there a template for writing an obituary? ›
A Simple Short Obituary Example Template. [Full name], [age], of [where they lived], passed away on [date of death] from [cause of death]. Preceded in death by [list of predeceased family members], and survived by [list of surviving family members].
What is the opening line of an obituary? ›
Suggested wording: “It is with great sadness that the family of (deceased name) announce (his/her) passing….” “(Deceased name) will be sadly missed by ….” “Fondly remembered by….”
What to omit from an obituary? ›
When you begin writing the obituary, try to omit details that could be used for identity theft including: Deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name, mother's maiden name or employment history and home address.
What is an example of a good obituary? ›
[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.
What is the last paragraph of an obituary? ›
The closing paragraph is typically rather short and includes details regarding services or gatherings, as well as any requests regarding donations being made to charities or organizations that are meaningful to the deceased.
What is the proper way to list family members in an obituary? ›
When you are listing a relative, make sure to include their first name, their spouse's first name in parenthesis and then their last name. It should look something like this: “JoAnne leaves behind her children Doug (Susan) Smith, Joe (Dianne) Smith, and Sarah (Mark) Perry.”
What is the correct order of an obituary? ›
Writing the Obituary (5 Steps)
- Step 1: Announce the Death. ...
- Step 2: Provide Service Times. ...
- Step 3: Include Biographical Info. ...
- Step 4: List Family Members and Close Friends. ...
- Step 5: Include a Special Message or Pictures.
How do you make a beautiful obituary? ›
5 Tips for Writing a Beautiful, Deeply Personal Obituary
- Informal is Okay. Many people think obituaries require formality or a stiff recitation of dates and facts. ...
- Tell A Favorite Story. People connect deeply through stories. ...
- Humor Helps. Humor goes a long way to easing sadness. ...
- Share their Passion. ...
- Practice Ahead of Time.
How do you write a quick obituary? ›
Start with the basics: Begin by writing down the deceased person's name, age, and date of birth and death. Also, include information about where they lived, worked, and their family members. Write a brief biography: Write a short biography that highlights the person's accomplishments, passions, hobbies, and interests.
At the end of an obituary a special message is sometimes found, such as 'in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to..' or 'Special Thanks to the staff at General Hospital for..' or 'We will always carry your memory in our hearts'. Sometimes a short prayer or a line from a poem is placed at the end.
What are the final words on an obituary? ›
Concluding Message
In the conclusion of the obituary, special requests may be made such as, “in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to…” or “Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at General Hospital for…” Some families make the final line a dedication honoring their loved one.
What are the main parts of an obituary? ›
Announce the death and include their full name, age, hometown, and date of death. Include a brief summary of their life. Mention family members who have already passed away, as well as surviving family members. Share funeral or memorial service details, including whether they are public or private events.
Do you say preceded in death in an obituary? ›
Start the paragraph with the deceased's first name, and then “was preceded in death by:” followed by the list of names.
Why would someone not write an obituary? ›
Obituaries are not required by law , so the deceased's family might have chosen to forego publishing one. Publishing an obituary can be expensive , and the funds may be unavailable. The deceased has few family members or friends , so there might have, unfortunately, been no need for an obituary.
What information is essential in an obituary? ›
Frequently Asked Questions
- The full name of the deceased, including nicknames.
- The age of the deceased at the time of death.
- The city or town of residence at the time of death.
- A list of immediate surviving family members.
- A brief summary of the deceased's life.
- Memorial or funeral details with the address and date.
What is safe to put in an obituary? ›
A list of the surviving relatives. The date of death. The location (city/state) where they died. Details about the funeral service: date, time, place.