How to Write an Obituary

2018-08-21

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In the midst of our grief, one of the tasks that often needs to be done is writing an obituary. An obituary is a published notice of a person's death that typically includes details about their life and accomplishments. It serves as a tribute to the deceased and a way to inform the community of their passing.

While writing an obituary may seem like a daunting task, it's important to remember that it is an opportunity to honor the memory of the person who has passed away. With a little planning and thought, you can create a meaningful and informative obituary that will be a comfort to family and friends.

Before you start writing, it's helpful to gather information about the deceased person's life, such as their birth date and place, their educational background, their career, and any military service they may have had. You'll also want to include a photo of the person, if one is available.

how to write an obituary

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Here are eight important points to keep in mind:

Gather information: Full name, birth and death dates, occupation, education, military service, etc.
Choose a photo: A recent, high-quality photo is best.
Write a lede: The first few sentences should summarize the person's life and accomplishments.
Include details: Share stories, anecdotes, and memories that showcase the person's character.
Mention survivors: List the names of the person's spouse, children, and other close family members.
Add service information: Include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service.
Proofread carefully: Make sure there are no errors in the obituary before submitting it for publication.
Consider online options: Many newspapers and funeral homes offer online obituaries that can be shared easily with friends and family.

By following these tips, you can create an obituary that is a fitting tribute to the life of your loved one.

Gather information: Full name, birth and death dates, occupation, education, military service, etc.

The first step in writing an obituary is to gather as much information as you can about the deceased person's life. This includes their full name, birth date and place, death date and place, occupation, education, and any military service they may have had. You'll also want to collect any photos or other memorabilia that you can include in the obituary.

Full name: This should be the person's full legal name, including their first, middle, and last name.
Birth date and place: Include the city, state, and country where the person was born.
Death date and place: Include the city, state, and country where the person died.
Occupation: List the person's occupation or career, as well as any significant accomplishments or awards they received.
Education: List the schools and degrees that the person earned, starting with the highest degree.
Military service: If the person served in the military, include their branch of service, rank, and any medals or honors they received.

Once you have gathered all of this information, you can start writing the obituary. Be sure to include all of the essential details, but also take the time to share stories and anecdotes that showcase the person's character and personality.

Choose a photo: A recent, high-quality photo is best.

A photo is a great way to add a personal touch to an obituary. It helps to humanize the deceased person and make them more relatable to the reader. When choosing a photo, keep the following tips in mind:

Choose a recent photo. The photo should be taken within the last few years, so that it accurately reflects the person's appearance.
Choose a high-quality photo. The photo should be clear and well-lit, with good resolution. Avoid blurry or pixelated photos.
Choose a photo that captures the person's personality. The photo should show the person doing something they loved or that reflects their personality. For example, if the person was a passionate gardener, you might choose a photo of them working in their garden.
Choose a photo that is appropriate for publication. The photo should be tasteful and respectful. Avoid photos that are too revealing or that show the person in a compromising situation.

Once you have chosen a photo, you can include it in the obituary by uploading it to the newspaper's website or by providing a physical copy to the funeral home. Be sure to include a caption that identifies the person in the photo and explains its significance.

Write a lede: The first few sentences should summarize the person's life and accomplishments.

The lede is the first paragraph of the obituary, and it is one of the most important parts. It should grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more. The lede should also summarize the person's life and accomplishments in a concise and engaging way.

Start with the person's name and age. This is the most basic information that you need to include in the lede.
State the date and place of death. This information is also essential, and it helps to set the context for the obituary.
Summarize the person's life and accomplishments. This is where you can really shine as a writer. In a few short sentences, capture the essence of the person's life and what made them special. Focus on their major accomplishments, their unique personality traits, and the impact they had on others.
End with a call to action. Encourage the reader to learn more about the person by reading the rest of the obituary or by attending their funeral or memorial service.

Here is an example of a strong lede:

John Smith, 75, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023, at his home in Anytown, USA. A lifelong resident of Anytown, John was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Include details: Share stories, anecdotes, and memories that showcase the person's character.

Share stories about the person's childhood. What were they like as a child? What were their favorite activities? What kind of trouble did they get into?
Tell anecdotes about the person's adult life. What were their proudest moments? What were their biggest challenges? What kind of impact did they have on their community?
Include memories from the person's family and friends. What do they remember most about the person? What made them special? How will they be missed?
Use quotes from the person. If you have any quotes from the person, be sure to include them in the obituary. Quotes can help to bring the person's personality to life and give the reader a sense of who they were.

When sharing stories, anecdotes, and memories, be sure to focus on details that showcase the person's character. What made them unique? What made them loved? What will they be remembered for?

Here is an example of a paragraph that includes details that showcase the person's character:

John was known for his quick wit and his infectious laugh. He loved to tell jokes and make people smile. He was also a talented musician and enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. John was always the life of the party, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Mention survivors: List the names of the person's spouse, children, and other close family members.

In the obituary, it is customary to list the names of the person's spouse, children, and other close family members. This is a way to honor the person's relationships and to let people know who is mourning their loss.

When listing survivors, it is important to be as complete as possible. This means including the names of all of the person's children, even if they are adults. It also means including the names of the person's spouse and former spouses, as well as any stepchildren or adopted children.

In addition to the person's immediate family, you may also want to include the names of other close family members, such as the person's parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. However, it is important to keep the obituary concise, so only include the names of the closest family members.

When listing survivors, you can use a variety of formats. One common format is to list the names of the person's spouse and children first, followed by the names of other close family members. Another common format is to list the names of the person's family members in order of their relationship to the person, starting with the closest family members.

Here is an example of how to list survivors in an obituary:

John Smith is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Smith; his children, John Jr., Jane, and Jill; his grandchildren, Michael, Sarah, and Jessica; and his sister, Susan.

Add service information: Include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service.

If there will be a funeral or memorial service for the deceased person, be sure to include the date, time, and location of the service in the obituary. This information is essential for people who want to attend the service and pay their respects.

Date: Include the date of the funeral or memorial service.
Time: Include the time of the funeral or memorial service.
Location: Include the name and address of the funeral home, church, or other location where the service will be held.
Additional information: You may also want to include additional information about the service, such as whether it is open to the public or whether there is a dress code.

Here is an example of how to include service information in an obituary:

A funeral service for John Smith will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Anytown, USA. Burial will follow at the Anytown Cemetery.

Proofread carefully: Make sure there are no errors in the obituary before submitting it for publication.

Once you have written the obituary, it is important to proofread it carefully before submitting it for publication. This will help you to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. It will also help you to make sure that all of the information in the obituary is accurate.

Read the obituary aloud. This is a great way to catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors. It will also help you to make sure that the obituary flows well.
Check the facts. Make sure that all of the information in the obituary is accurate, including the person's name, age, date of death, and survivors. You should also check the dates and times of any services that are mentioned in the obituary.
Have someone else proofread the obituary. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to read the obituary and look for any errors. This is especially helpful if you are not a native English speaker.

By proofreading the obituary carefully, you can make sure that it is error-free and that it accurately reflects the life of the deceased person.

Consider online options: Many newspapers and funeral homes offer online obituaries that can be shared easily with friends and family.

In addition to publishing obituaries in their print editions, many newspapers and funeral homes also offer online obituaries. Online obituaries are a great way to share information about the deceased person with a wider audience, including friends and family who live far away.

Online obituaries typically include the same information as print obituaries, such as the person's name, age, date of death, and survivors. However, online obituaries often include additional features, such as:

Photos and videos: Online obituaries can include photos and videos of the deceased person. This is a great way to share memories and to help people who did not know the person to get a sense of who they were.
Guestbooks: Online obituaries often include guestbooks where people can leave messages of condolence for the family. This is a nice way for friends and family to connect with each other and to share their memories of the deceased person.
Links to social media: Online obituaries often include links to the deceased person's social media pages. This is a way for people to learn more about the person and to see photos and videos that they may have shared.

Online obituaries are a convenient and easy way to share information about the deceased person with a wide audience. They are also a great way for friends and family to connect with each other and to share their memories of the deceased person.

If you are considering writing an online obituary, be sure to check with the newspaper or funeral home to see what their policies are. Some newspapers and funeral homes charge a fee for online obituaries, while others offer them for free.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing an obituary:

Question 1: What information should I include in an obituary?

Answer: At a minimum, you should include the person's full name, age, date of death, and survivors. You can also include information about the person's occupation, education, military service, and any special accomplishments or awards they received.

Question 2: How long should an obituary be?

Answer: Obituaries typically range from 100 to 500 words. However, the length of the obituary will depend on the amount of information you have and the publication's guidelines.

Question 3: What is the best way to write an obituary?

Answer: The best way to write an obituary is to focus on the person's life and accomplishments. Avoid using clichés and focus on telling a story about the person that will make them come to life for the reader.

Question 4: What should I do with a photo for the obituary?

Answer: If you have a photo of the deceased person, be sure to include it with the obituary. A photo can help to personalize the obituary and make it more meaningful for readers.

Question 5: How can I share the obituary with friends and family?

Answer: You can share the obituary with friends and family by posting it online, sending it via email, or printing copies to hand out.

Question 6: What should I do if I need help writing an obituary?

Answer: If you need help writing an obituary, you can contact the funeral home or a professional obituary writer. They can help you to gather information and write an obituary that is both accurate and meaningful.

Closing Paragraph:

Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, but it is also a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. By following these tips and answering these frequently asked questions, you can write an obituary that is informative, accurate, and respectful.

Now that you know how to write an obituary, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Tips

Here are a few practical tips to help you write an obituary:

Tip 1: Start early.

Don't wait until the last minute to write the obituary. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to gather information and write a thoughtful and meaningful obituary.

Tip 2: Talk to family and friends.

Talk to the deceased person's family and friends to get their memories and stories. This information can be invaluable in helping you to write an obituary that truly captures the person's life and personality.

Tip 3: Use anecdotes and quotes.

Anecdotes and quotes can help to bring the deceased person to life for the reader. Share stories about the person's childhood, their career, their family life, and their hobbies. Include quotes from the person or from their family and friends.

Tip 4: Proofread carefully.

Once you have written the obituary, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. You should also make sure that all of the information in the obituary is accurate.

Closing Paragraph:

By following these tips, you can write an obituary that is informative, accurate, and respectful. You can also use these tips to help you write a eulogy or a speech for a memorial service.

Now that you know how to write an obituary and have some tips to help you get started, you can begin the process of writing a meaningful tribute to your loved one.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points:

Gather information about the deceased person's full name, birth and death dates, occupation, education, military service, and any special accomplishments or awards they received.
Choose a recent, high-quality photo of the person to include with the obituary.
Write a lede that summarizes the person's life and accomplishments in a concise and engaging way.
Include details about the person's life, such as stories, anecdotes, and memories that showcase their character.
Mention the names of the person's spouse, children, and other close family members.
Add service information, including the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service.
Proofread the obituary carefully before submitting it for publication.
Consider publishing the obituary online so that it can be shared easily with friends and family.

Closing Message:

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. By following these tips, you can write an obituary that is informative, accurate, and respectful. You can also use these tips to help you write a eulogy or a speech for a memorial service.

Remember, the obituary is a tribute to the person who has passed away. Take your time and write an obituary that truly reflects their life and accomplishments.