Sample Obituaries: Your Guide to Writing a Meaningful Tribute

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Understanding Sample Obituaries

  • What are sample obituaries?

  • Sample obituaries are pre-written examples that can be adapted to suit individual circumstances. They often include key elements such as the deceased’s name, age, date of death, funeral arrangements, and a brief summary of their life.
  • Why use sample obituaries?

  • Sample obituaries can serve as a starting point, providing inspiration and structure. They can also help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your obituary is informative and respectful.

Key Elements of a Sample Obituary

  • Headline:

  • A concise and informative headline that includes the deceased’s name and a brief description of their life.
  • Personal Information:

  • Full name, date of birth, date of death, age, and place of residence.
  • Life Summary:

  • A brief overview of the deceased’s life, including their education, career, hobbies, and significant achievements.
  • Family Information:

  • Names of surviving family members, such as spouse, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
  • Funeral Arrangements:

  • Details about the funeral service, including the date, time, location, and visitation hours.
  • Donations:

  • Information about any memorial donations or charitable contributions in honor of the deceased.

Sample 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.

Sample Obituaries: A Closer Look

  • Example 1: A Formal Obituary

    John Doe

    John Doe, a distinguished [Profession], passed away peacefully on [Date] at the age of [Age]. Born on [Date] in [City, State], John was a lifelong resident of [City, State].

    John’s dedication to his career was evident throughout his life. He held prominent positions at [Company 1] and [Company 2], where he made significant contributions to the field of [Field]. His expertise and leadership were widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors.

    In addition to his professional accomplishments, John was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, [Wife’s Name], their children [Children’s Names], and [Number] grandchildren.

    A memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity Name].

    Example 2: A Casual Obituary

    Mary Smith

    Mary Smith, a beloved friend and colleague, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age]. Mary was born and raised in [City, State] and had a vibrant personality that brightened the lives of everyone she met.

    Mary was known for her infectious laughter, her love of [Hobbies], and her unwavering optimism. She had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life and made everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

    Mary is survived by her husband, [Husband’s Name], their children [Children’s Names], and her beloved pet [Pet’s Name]. A celebration of life will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].

    Example 3: A Humorous Obituary

    David Johnson

    David Johnson, the world’s greatest [Profession], passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age]. David was born in [City, State] and quickly developed a reputation for his [Funny quality, e.g., “quick wit” or “bad jokes”].

    David was a master of [Funny skill, e.g., “dad jokes” or “punning”]. He could make anyone laugh with his hilarious stories and one-liners. David was also known for his love of [Hobbies] and his ability to find humor in any situation.

    David is survived by his wife, [Wife’s Name], their children [Children’s Names], and his loyal sidekick, [Pet’s Name]. A memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity Name] in David’s honor.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

  • Personalize it:

  • Use specific details and anecdotes to make the obituary unique and memorable.
  • Keep it concise:

  • Aim for a length of around 100-200 words.
  • Proofread carefully:

  • Ensure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
  • Consider using a professional service:

  • If you’re struggling to write the obituary, consider hiring a professional obituary writer.

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