Obituaries Format

The Obituaries Format provides a structure for writing an obituary easily. As obituaries are written notices or announcements that inform the public about the death of an individual. They serve as a brief biographical summary of the deceased person’s life, highlighting their significant accomplishments, personal details, and surviving family members. Obituaries are published in newspapers, online platforms, or other media sources to notify the community of the person’s passing and provide information about memorial services or funeral arrangements. They serve as a way to remember and honor the deceased, share their life story, and allow others to offer condolences and support to the grieving family. Obituaries can be written by family members, friends, or professionals and serve as a tribute to the life and impact of the person who has passed away.

Structure of Obituary

The structure of an obituary can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions. However, here is a common structure that is often followed:

  1. Announcement: Begin the obituary with a concise statement announcing the death of the individual. It typically includes the full name, age, and date of death.
  2. Personal Information: Provide key personal details about the deceased, such as their birth date, place of birth, and names of parents and siblings. This section may also mention their marital status, occupation, hobbies, and any notable achievements.
  3. Life Story: Share a brief summary of the person’s life, highlighting significant milestones, educational background, career accomplishments, and notable experiences. Include information about their interests, passions, and community involvement.
  4. Family and Relationships: Mention immediate family members, such as spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings. It is common to include their names and relationships to the deceased.
  5. Memorial Service Details: Provide information about the funeral or memorial service, including the date, time, and location. Mention any specific requests made by the family regarding donations, flowers, or preferred ways to honor the deceased.
  6. Closing Words: Conclude the obituary with a personal message or reflection that captures the essence of the individual and their impact on others. It can be a heartfelt sentiment, a favorite quote, or words of gratitude.

Sample Of Obituary

Here is a sample obituary that is provided for your help and through which you can create an obituary on your own.

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on 2024. Born on [birthdate] in [place of birth], [he/she] was the [son/daughter] of [parents’ names]. [He/She] was a loving [spouse/partner] to [spouse/partner’s name] and a devoted [parent/grandparent] to [children/grandchildren’s names].

[Full Name] graduated from [educational institution] with a degree in [field of study]. [He/She] had a successful career as a [occupation] at [company/organization] for [number of years]. [He/She] was known for [specific accomplishments or contributions in their field].

Outside of work, [Full Name] enjoyed [hobbies/interests]. [He/She] was an avid [hobby/activity] enthusiast and actively participated in [community involvement/organizations]. [He/She] will be remembered for [positive traits/qualities], including [kindness, generosity, sense of humor, etc.].

[Full Name] is survived by [spouse/partner’s name], [children’s names], [number] grandchildren, and [siblings’ names]. [He/She] will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved [him/her].

A memorial service to celebrate [Full Name]’s life will be held on 2024 at [location]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [charitable organization] in [Full Name]’s memory.

[Closing message or sentiment expressing gratitude or remembrance].

Please join us in honoring and remembering [Full Name] as we cherish the memories and legacy [he/she] leaves behind.

Obituary Templates

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Browse our collection of professionally designed templates to find the perfect one for commemorating your loved one.


Our templates are easy to personalize and ready to print, suitable for any funeral service.

Obituary Program : Helping Videos

Frequently Asked Question On Obituaries Format

There are various frequent questions that can be raised at the time of making an obituary which is discussed below:

What is the recommended length for an obituary?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it is generally advised to keep it concise and focused. An obituary ranges from 200 to 500 words, but it ultimately depends on the space provided by the publication or platform.

Can I include a photo in the obituary?

Yes, including a photo is a common practice in obituaries. Choose a recent photo that represents the individual well and reflects their personality. Ensure that the photo is of good quality and suitable for print or online publication.

Should I include cause of death in the obituary?

 The decision to include the cause of death is personal and depends on the circumstances and preferences of the family. Some families choose to mention it, while others prefer not to. It is important to respect the family’s wishes and privacy.

Can I mention religious or cultural rituals in the obituary?

Yes, if religious or cultural rituals were significant to the individual’s life or if they requested it, you can include mentions of specific rituals or customs in the obituary.

Can I use a template or sample obituary as a guide?

Yes, using a template or sample obituary as a guide can be helpful in organizing your thoughts and ensuring you include the necessary information. However, it is important to personalize the obituary and make it unique to the individual’s life and legacy.

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