Guide to Preparing an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a meaningful and respectful way to honor the life of someone who has passed away. It serves as a tribute to their memory, highlighting their achievements, relationships, and the impact they had on others. While it can be an emotional task, an obituary also offers a chance to reflect on the person’s legacy, celebrate their unique qualities, and share important details about their life and funeral arrangements. Below are some key things to consider when writing an obituary, including the essential information to include, tips for personal touches, and the overall tone that will help convey your message in a thoughtful and respectful way.

1. Basic Information

Include the essential details about the person who has passed. This is typically the most straightforward section.

• Full name (including any nicknames or maiden name, if relevant)
• Age at the time of death
• Date of death (and time, if important)
• Location of death (hospital, at home, etc.)

2. Announcement of Death

This is a respectful way to inform the community of the person’s passing.

• “It is with great sadness that we announce…” or “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of…”

3. Life Story

This section helps paint a picture of who the person was and their legacy.

• Birth date and place – Where and when they were born
• Family members – Mention close family members like parents, siblings, children, spouse, etc. (You can include survivors and predeceased family members)
• Education – Schools attended, degrees earned, or any significant educational milestones
• Career and achievements – Mention any important jobs, volunteer work, or notable accomplishments
• Hobbies and passions – What did they love to do? Sports, arts, community work, travel, etc.
• Personality traits – A sentence or two to describe the person (kind, humorous, hardworking, adventurous, etc.)

4. Contributions to the Community

If the person had a significant impact on the community, this can be included.

• Volunteering or charity work – What causes were important to them?
• Professional accomplishments – Did they have a job or role that made an impact?
• Family and personal legacy – Did they raise children or support others in a way that’s memorable?

5. Memorial Details

Provide the important info about funeral or memorial services.

• Funeral or memorial service details – Date, time, and location of the ceremony
• Visitation details (if applicable) – When and where people can visit before or after the service
• Special requests – Family may mention whether the service will be private or open to the public

6. Charitable Donations or Memorial Contributions

Sometimes families request donations in lieu of flowers.

• Include the name of a charity or cause close to the deceased person’s heart.
• Contact information for the charity or fund (if any).

7. Personal Touches or Quotes

Adding something special can make the obituary feel more personal.

• Favorite quotes or sayings that they lived by
• Personal anecdotes – Brief, meaningful stories or memories that reflect their personality
• Religious or spiritual reflections – If faith was important to them, include a religious sentiment or prayer

8. Photo

Consider including a recent photo or one that represents the person’s life.

• Choose a photo that reflects the person’s character (happy, smiling, or in an activity they loved).

9. Writing Style and Tone

• Respectful and clear – Keep the tone respectful, and try not to overuse jargon or overly formal language.
• Be concise – Obituaries should be informative but concise.
• Personal yet professional – Even if it’s written by family or close friends, try to strike a balance between personal sentiment and professional tone.

Example of an Obituary Format

Here’s a simple layout for an obituary:

Writing an obituary is a personal way to celebrate someone’s life, so don’t be afraid to add unique touches that reflect the spirit of the person. It’s a tribute that can bring comfort to those mourning the loss.