Newspaper Obituary Example, Examples, and Sample

Writing an obituary for a loved one is a challenging task. It’s a moment to honor and remember them while providing essential information to the community. Many people find themselves searching for a newspaper obituary example, newspaper obituary examples, or a newspaper obituary sample to guide them through this delicate process. This guide will provide you with clear and compassionate examples to help you create a heartfelt and informative obituary.

An obituary is a written notice of a person’s death, often published in a newspaper or online. It serves multiple purposes:

• Announcing the death to the community.
• Providing details about the deceased’s life and accomplishments.
• Informing about the funeral or memorial service.
• Sharing where to send condolences or donations in memory of the deceased.

1. Announcement of Death: Start with the basic information about the deceased, including their full name, age, and date of death.
2. Biographical Information: Include key details about the person’s life, such as their birth date, birthplace, education, career, and significant life events.
3. Family Information: List surviving family members and predeceased relatives.
4. Funeral Information: Provide details about the funeral or memorial service, including date, time, and location.
5. Personal Message: Share a brief personal message or tribute, reflecting on the deceased’s life and character.
6. Photograph: Including a photograph can personalize the obituary and provide a visual memory of the deceased.

Newspaper Obituary Example

Example:

John Michael Smith, 68

John Michael Smith, 68, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on April 5, 1956, in Springfield, to the late Robert and Alice Smith. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1974 and went on to earn a degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. John dedicated over 40 years to his career at Springfield Engineering Co., where he was known for his innovative designs and commitment to excellence.

John was a devoted husband to Mary Smith, his wife of 45 years, and a beloved father to two children, Sarah (Tom) Johnson and Michael (Lisa) Smith. He was a proud grandfather to Emily, Jacob, and Noah. John is also survived by his sister, Linda (George) Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Smith.

A memorial service will be held on June 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Springfield Community Church, followed by a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in John’s memory.

John will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Newspaper Obituary Examples

Example 1:

Margaret Ellen Davis, 82

Margaret Ellen Davis, 82, of Lincoln, passed away on June 18, 2024. Margaret was born on November 10, 1941, in Lincoln. She spent her early years on the family farm and graduated from Lincoln High School. Margaret worked as a nurse for over 30 years, touching countless lives with her compassion and care.

Margaret is survived by her three children, Robert (Janet) Davis, Laura (Steve) Brown, and Patricia (Mark) Evans. She was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Davis.

A funeral service will be held on June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Chapel. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Lincoln Hospice.

Margaret’s gentle spirit and dedication to helping others will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Example 2:

James Alan Thompson, 50

James Alan Thompson, 50, of Rivertown, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2024. James was born on March 3, 1974, in Rivertown. He was a graduate of Rivertown High School and a valued employee at Rivertown Manufacturing.

James is survived by his parents, Alan and Betty Thompson, his sister, Karen (John) Miller, and his nephews, Jason and Luke. He is also remembered by many friends and colleagues.

A celebration of life will be held on June 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Rivertown Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rivertown Animal Shelter, where James often volunteered.

James’s love for animals and his warm, friendly nature will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Newspaper Obituary Sample

Sample:

Emma Louise Johnson, 74

Emma Louise Johnson, 74, of Bayside, passed away on June 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Emma was born on August 14, 1949, in Bayside. She was a dedicated teacher at Bayside Elementary School for 35 years, inspiring generations of students.

Emma is survived by her husband of 52 years, George Johnson, her children, Susan (David) Carter and James (Megan) Johnson, and her grandchildren, Olivia, Henry, and Grace. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Lee.

A private family service will be held on June 15, 2024. The family wishes to thank the staff at Bayside Hospice for their compassionate care. Donations in Emma’s memory can be made to the Bayside Education Foundation.

Emma’s passion for teaching and her loving spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Creating a newspaper obituary can be a daunting task, but using a newspaper obituary example, newspaper obituary examples, or a newspaper obituary sample can provide valuable guidance. Remember to include key elements such as the announcement of death, biographical information, family details, funeral information, and a personal message. By following these examples, you can create a meaningful and respectful tribute to your loved one.

1. What is a newspaper obituary?

A newspaper obituary is a public notice of a person’s death, typically published in a newspaper or online. It includes essential information about the deceased, such as their name, age, date of death, and key details about their life and accomplishments. It also provides information about the funeral or memorial service and where to send condolences or donations.

2. How do I write a newspaper obituary?

To write a newspaper obituary, include the following key elements:

• Announcement of death
• Biographical information
• Family details
• Funeral or memorial service information
• Personal message or tribute
• Photograph (optional)

Refer to our newspaper obituary examples and sample for guidance.

3. How long should a newspaper obituary be?

The length of a newspaper obituary can vary, but it typically ranges from 200 to 500 words. Some newspapers may have specific word count limits or pricing based on the length, so it’s important to check their guidelines.

4. Can I include a photo in the newspaper obituary?

Yes, including a photo in the obituary can personalize it and provide a visual memory of the deceased. Many newspapers allow you to submit a photo along with the obituary text, but there may be additional charges for including a photo.

5. What information should I include about the funeral or memorial service?

When providing information about the funeral or memorial service, include the following details:

• Date and time of the service
• Location (name of the venue, address)
• Any special instructions (e.g., attire, donations in lieu of flowers)

6. Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, many newspapers offer online obituary services in addition to their print editions. You can also publish obituaries on dedicated obituary websites or social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

7. How much does it cost to publish a newspaper obituary?

The cost of publishing a newspaper obituary varies depending on the newspaper and the length of the obituary. Some newspapers charge by the word or line, while others offer flat rates. It’s best to contact the newspaper directly for specific pricing information.

8. What should I do if I need help writing an obituary?

If you need help writing an obituary, consider using the following resources:

• Newspaper obituary examples and samples
• Obituary writing guides
• Professional obituary writing services
• Funeral directors or clergy, who often have experience in writing obituaries

9. Can I include personal anecdotes in the obituary?

Yes, including personal anecdotes and memories can make the obituary more meaningful and reflective of the deceased’s personality and life. Just be sure to keep the anecdotes respectful and appropriate.

10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an obituary?

Common mistakes to avoid when writing an obituary include:

• Misspelling names or dates
• Omitting important information (e.g., funeral details)
• Using overly complex or flowery language
• Focusing too much on negative aspects of the deceased’s life
• Failing to proofread the obituary before submission

By avoiding these mistakes and following our newspaper obituary examples and guidelines, you can create a respectful and heartfelt tribute to your loved one.

11. How soon after death should an obituary be published?

An obituary should be published as soon as possible after the death, typically within a few days. This allows the community to be informed in a timely manner and provides ample notice for the funeral or memorial service.

12. Can I update an obituary after it’s been published?

Most newspapers allow you to make corrections or updates to an obituary after it’s been published, although there may be additional charges for changes. It’s important to contact the newspaper directly to inquire about their policies on updates and corrections.