Obituary Writing Help

Obituary Writing Help

This guide helps you learn about the different parts of obituaries, what sections are optional, and provides a template that can be used to assist in writing obituaries for loved ones. While you do not need to name each niece and cousin, it is important to write a general summary of family members who passed away before your loved one, and of surviving family members.

You will begin with the basic death notice, which states your loved ones (name, age, hometown) died. An obituary is a published notice of death, usually seen in the newspaper, which includes a brief biographical account of the life of someone who has died recently. An obituary is not a biography, but rather an account of the most significant events, qualities, contributions, and connections of a person’s life.

You may also wish to include any funeral or memorial service details. Family, friends, former co-workers, and the community will want details on a viewing, memorial, or funeral, as well as any plans to have the body laid to rest.

Have another family member help confirm dates, people who need to be mentioned, proper spellings of names, and details of a planned funeral service. Gather photos and other memorabilia to be used or displayed during the funeral or memorial service. If your family would rather write an obituary, first you all want to check with the local newspaper about the guidelines for submitting it and the costs.

Obituary Templates

Explore Our Range of Templates

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.

Templates are a good way to start if you are not sure of the length, structure, and content. Also, templates can come with varying themes, but they all need to contain all of the same core elements.

While this template is the kind of model you could use in any city or country, your local regulations might vary. Before you put pen to paper — whether it is literal or metaphorical — create a list of all of the major events, dates, places, and people in your subject’s life.

Full details are essential, including date of birth, middle name, and maiden name for married women. The information includes birth and death dates, names of family members, locations, timelines, as well as any other biographical information. Families generally wish to list the full names of deceased persons, as well as the dates of birth and death, however, due to scams and identity theft, this is discouraged.

The location may be specific, or, if preferred, it may simply say that the loved one was surrounded by family. This site is all about ways of dealing with grief, so bookmark this one and return when you are ready after the funeral is over and things calm down. When someone dies, particularly if it is a sudden death, you can feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and decisions to make in such a short amount of time leading up to the funeral.

Funeral Program Template - How to Videos

Our Obituary Resources are changing the way to create

Whether you're drafting your first obituary or looking to create a unique commemoration, our detailed guides, templates, and examples are here to support you every step of the way. Explore the links below to find everything from basic templates to detailed instructions on obituary writing, ensuring that you can honor your loved one with respect and love.

Navigating Grief with Thoughtful Resources

When a loved one passes away, handling the emotional and practical aspects of grief can be overwhelming. At Quick Funeral, we provide comprehensive resources to assist you through this difficult time. Whether you're beginning with understanding how to craft meaningful tributes or need a detailed guide, we're here to support you.

Writing and Understanding Obituaries

Learning how to write an obituary is a valuable skill that honors the deceased and informs the community of their passing. This process involves more than just penning down life facts. For more insights into the nuances, our article on how obituaries are written provides clarity on capturing the essence of a loved one’s life story.

Templates and Samples to Ease the Process

If you're looking for a starting point, our Template of Obituary and Obituary Template for Word are perfect tools to help you get started. These templates are designed to guide you through the structure and content, making the writing process less daunting. For varied examples, check out our comprehensive Obituary Template Sample and Obituary Writing Example, which can inspire you to personalize a memorial that feels true to the spirit of your loved one.

Exploring different formats can also be helpful. Our guide on Obituary Format Example outlines the different ways you can present an obituary, from traditional to more modern approaches. Additionally, for those looking to express sentiments with different phrasing, the Obituary Wording Example can be particularly useful.

Advanced Tools and Creative Ideas

For families preferring to use digital tools, our Obituary Template Microsoft Word is easily customizable. Moreover, those wishing to create a lasting tribute can explore our Obituary Card Template, which offers a tangible memento for funeral attendees.

Memorializing a loved one involves reflecting on their unique life story. To help capture these narratives, we offer resources like the Obituary Tribute Examples and Obituary Announcement Sample, which provide ideas for announcing the passing in a respectful and heartfelt manner.

Further Exploration and Support

For those new to obituary writing or seeking to improve their skills, Template for Obituary and Examples for Obituary offer a deep dive into crafting impactful memorials. Recognizing that each family's needs are different, we also provide resources tailored to specific scenarios, such as Obituary Readings and detailed guides on Obituaries Format.

At Quick Funeral, our goal is to support you through these challenging times with resources that not only guide but also inspire personal and heartfelt commemorations. Whether you're drafting a simple Obituary Template or seeking comprehensive Example of Obituary, our tools are designed to reflect the dignity and life of your loved one. Explore our full suite of resources, including Sample Obituary and Samples of Obituaries for more insights.

For families looking to create a personalized tribute, our Family Obituary Samples provide a touch of personalization that celebrates the unique life of the deceased.

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