Writing an obituary for a newspaper is a tough task. Particularly, when you are grieving, it might be extremely hard for you to put your feelings into words. However, by writing an obituary, you can honor the person you loved and share your feelings with others. Moreover, through an obituary, you can let people know about someone’s death. Do you know how to write a meaningful obituary? If you are clueless about it, then continue reading this blog. Here, we have provided some valuable tips and steps for writing an obituary with examples.
What is an Obituary?
An obituary is a public announcement of someone’s death. Typically, an obituary published in the newspaper includes details about the funeral service and burial, along with a brief biography and the accomplishments of the deceased person. To write a good obituary, you need to balance your feelings with a formal tone.
How to Write an Obituary
Many obituaries in newspapers usually don’t capture the personality of the person who has passed away. Instead of being a heartfelt tribute, they will often sound like generic phrases with some personal details thrown in. If you wish to write a soulful obituary, then follow these steps
Know the Obituary’s purpose
An Obituary is beyond a death announcement. Specifically, in an obituary, you should make sure to share details about the life of the deceased person, including the achievements and how that person created an impact on their family and community. Also, through an obituary, you can provide important information about the funeral and memorial services. This will help friends and family know about the funeral timing and how to pay their respects.
Include the person’s name and birth/death dates
You should begin the obituary by including the essential details about the person who passed away. This includes:
- Their full name (including maiden name if applicable)
- Their age when they died
- The date and place of their death
- Information about the funeral or memorial service, including the location, date, and time.
For example, “Richard, 74, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at XYZ Hospital. A funeral service will take place at ABC Crematorium on November 25, 2024, at 11 a.m.”
Share a brief life story or notable achievements
Next, you should tell the story of the deceased person’s life. Especially, you should highlight the notable moments, achievements, and qualities that made the deceased person unique and special. By sharing these details, you can paint a picture of who they were and what they meant to others. To make sure you get every detail right, work with their family members before you begin writing the obituary
These are the details you should provide
- Where and when they were born
- The schools they attended and any notable achievements
- Their career highlights and accomplishments
- Their favorite hobbies and passions
- The impact they had on their family, friends, and community
For example, “Richard’s story began on August 12, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a marketing degree from Northwestern University. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years as a respected marketing executive, he earned a reputation for his creative vision and dedication to his clients. When not working, Richard loved capturing life’s moments through photography, giving back to the community through animal shelter work, and hiking with his loved ones.”
List surviving family members
After that, list the names of the deceased person’s loved ones. This will help to honor the meaningful connection they shared with the person who passed away. Also, it will let readers know who is left behind.
Here is a suggested way to do it
- Mention the name of the husband or wife, if applicable.
- List the names of the kids, and maybe even their spouses.
- Mention the names or number of grandkids.
- Include the names of brothers, sisters, and other close relatives.
For example, “Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his children, Rachel Lee (Michael) and Christopher Brown (Samantha), and his three grandchildren: Lucas, Mia, and Sophia.”
Add personal memories or tributes
When sharing about the deceased, make sure to highlight what made them special by talking about their personality and values. Also, you can mention what traits they were known for, such as their kindness, sense of humor, or generosity. Additionally, you can share their favorite sayings or habits that made them unique. This could be a phrase they often used, a hobby they loved, or a way they interacted with others.
For example, “Richard will be remembered for his compassion, strong principles, and devotion to his loved ones. His warm smile and insightful words touched the hearts of all who knew him.”
Mention any memorial funds or donations
If the family has suggested a charity donation, then in the obituary, provide this information to readers. You can include the name of the charity and a brief note on how to donate, such as a website or mailing address. This will be helpful for those who wish to contribute.
For example, “To honor Richard’s memory, the family suggests donating to the ABC Food Bank, a charity he passionately supported.”
End with funeral details and contact information
Finally, end the obituary by providing the details of the funeral or memorial service, including the date, time, and location. Also, include a phone number or email address where people can send condolences or ask questions. Adding these details will be helpful for those who wish to pay their last respects or reach out to the deceased person’s family.
For example, “Join us at ABC Crematorium on November 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. to celebrate life. For more information or to share condolences, please contact (mention the phone number).
Tips for Writing an Obituary
To help you effectively write a soulful obituary, here, we have suggested some valuable tips. Try to follow them all
- Before you start writing an obituary, develop an obituary outline and stick to the important points.
- Get to know the standard obituary format used by the newspaper, and also follow their guidelines.
- Read other obituaries to grab ideas and understand how they are written and what tone and style they have used.
- If possible, add a recent photo of the person. It will be helpful for others to easily recognize.
- Keep your obituary short (about 200-300 words) and to the point. Also, be respectful in your writing.
- Make sure everything is correct by double-checking all the facts, like names and dates.
A Sample Obituary
We sadly announce the passing of Emily Thompson, 58, of New York, on March 12, 2022.
Born in Denver, Colorado, to Michael and Sarah Thompson, Emily was a kind-hearted individual with a passion for art. She graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of California in 1985 and went on to become a talented painter.
Family, nature, and art were the things that mattered most to Emily.. She leaves behind her husband, John.
A memorial service will be conducted on March 14, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Chapel, followed by a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery.
The family requests donations to the local art school, where Emily shared her passion and talent with others.
Wrapping Up
By now, you will have received a better comprehension of how to write an obituary. Also, you can create an obituary by using the obituary example we have suggested in this blog as a reference. If you are still doubtful about preparing a meaningful obituary, contact us immediately for guidance. The professionals from our team will offer you customized help with writing assignments, obituaries, letters, and so on. No matter what your requirements are, with the assistance of our expert writers, you can effectively complete your task on time.
