Standard Obituary Examples

An obituary serves as a tribute to a loved one who has passed away, providing essential details about their life, achievements, and the family and friends left behind. It is an important part of the grieving process and allows others to celebrate the life of the deceased. Writing an obituary may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By using standard obituary examples, you can craft a respectful and informative obituary that honors your loved one’s memory.

What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written notice of someone’s death, typically published in a newspaper or posted online. The obituary may also include details about the deceased person’s life, family, funeral arrangements, and memorial services. While the format can vary, most obituaries include several common components, such as the full name of the deceased, their age, date of death, surviving family members, and details about the memorial service.

Obituaries serve as a lasting legacy and a way for the community to share in the grief and celebration of someone’s life. Writing one requires careful thought and consideration, as it is both a public announcement and a tribute.

Key Components of an Obituary

Before we dive into examples, let’s first take a look at the key components that are typically included in an obituary. These elements help ensure that the obituary is both informative and respectful:

1. Full Name and Age of the Deceased
   The obituary should begin with the full name of the deceased, including any honorary titles or nicknames they were known by. The person’s age at the time of their death is also typically included.
2. Date and Place of Death
   This section provides the date of death, the location where the person passed away, and any relevant circumstances, such as if they passed away peacefully or following an illness.
3. Biographical Information
   A brief summary of the deceased’s life, including details like birth date, place of birth, education, occupation, and any significant accomplishments or interests. This is the section where you can highlight the most important aspects of their life.
4. Family Members
   Most obituaries list immediate family members who survived the deceased, such as a spouse, children, parents, and siblings. It may also mention grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, depending on their closeness.
5. Funeral or Memorial Service Details
   Information about the funeral service or memorial, including the date, time, and location. If there are any special requests or instructions, such as donations to a charity in lieu of flowers, they are often included here.
6. Special Messages or Tributes
   Many obituaries conclude with a personal message or quote that reflects the deceased person’s character, values, or the family’s sentiments. This could be a religious verse, a favorite saying, or a line that celebrates their life.

Standard Obituary Examples

To make the process easier, here are several standard obituary examples that you can refer to when writing your own.

Example 1: Traditional Obituary

John Samuel Thompson, age 75, of Springfield, passed away on January 25, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 10, 1949, in Springfield, Illinois, to the late Samuel and Margaret Thompson.

John was a lifelong resident of Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1967. He went on to work as a civil engineer for over 40 years, contributing to many significant infrastructure projects in the area. In addition to his professional accomplishments, John was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Thompson; two children, Sarah (David) Miller of Chicago and Michael Thompson of Springfield; and four grandchildren, Emma, Liam, Sophia, and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Green.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Springfield Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, followed by a burial at Springfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and his community.

Example 2: Short and Simple Obituary

Barbara Ann Davis, age 62, passed away on February 3, 2025, at her home in Denver, Colorado. She was born on June 15, 1962, in Denver to the late Edward and Lorraine Davis.

Barbara was known for her love of reading and her passion for helping others. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Denver Public Library for many years and was beloved by all who knew her.

She is survived by her two children, Jessica (Mark) Johnson and James Davis, as well as her five grandchildren. A private family service will be held on February 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denver Public Library Foundation.

Barbara will always be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit.

Example 3: Religious Obituary

Maria Elena González, age 85, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 20, 1939, in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to the United States in 1960.

Maria was a devout Catholic who found strength in her faith. She was a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and volunteered regularly for church events. Maria’s family was the center of her world, and she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Carlos (Isabel) González, Ana (José) Martínez, and Luis González; her grandchildren, Miguel, Sofia, and Javier; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella and Daniel. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Antonio González.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by burial at Miami Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph’s Church Building Fund.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” – Matthew 5:4.

Tips for Writing an Obituary

When writing an obituary, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that it is clear, respectful, and reflective of the deceased’s life:

1. Be factual: Include accurate information such as names, dates, and locations. If you’re unsure about any details, confirm them with close family members.
2. Be concise but thorough: While it’s important to be brief, don’t leave out essential details. A well-written obituary includes the most important facts, but it also captures the essence of the person’s life.
3. Use a respectful tone: Remember that the obituary is a tribute to the deceased. Be thoughtful and sensitive in your wording.
4. Consider the audience: Obituaries are often read by both close family members and extended acquaintances. Make sure the tone and content are appropriate for a wide audience.
5. Double-check your work: Proofread the obituary to avoid errors in names, dates, or other important details.

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor a loved one who has passed. By using standard obituary examples as templates and following the key components mentioned above, you can create a tribute that is both respectful and heartfelt. Whether you opt for a traditional, short, or religious obituary, the goal is to celebrate the life of the deceased while providing others with important information about their passing.