Sample Of Obituary

An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s passing, often shared in newspapers, online platforms, or funeral programs. It serves as a tribute to the deceased, highlighting their life, achievements, and relationships while informing friends and family about the funeral arrangements. Writing an obituary can be a deeply personal and challenging task. This guide provides a sample of obituary writing with tips to make it heartfelt and respectful.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is more than a simple death announcement; it is a narrative that celebrates a person’s life. It usually includes:

• Personal Details: Name, age, date of birth, and date of passing.
• Family Information: Names of surviving family members and predeceased loved ones.
• Accomplishments: Career highlights, hobbies, or notable achievements.
• Funeral Arrangements: Date, time, and location of the service.
• Closing Notes: Personal messages, thanks, or charitable donation requests.

Why Is Writing an Obituary Important?

Honoring the Deceased

An obituary allows loved ones to remember and honor the life of the deceased. It is an opportunity to reflect on their journey, accomplishments, and the impact they had on others.

Informing the Community

An obituary informs friends, acquaintances, and the wider community about the individual’s passing and provides details for attending memorial services.

Preserving Memories

Obituaries serve as a permanent record, often archived in newspapers or online, helping future generations understand their family history.

Sample of Obituary

Here’s a detailed example of an obituary:

Full Sample Obituary

Johnathan Michael Smith (1955–2024)
Johnathan Michael Smith, 68, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 15, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Johnathan was the beloved son of the late Charles and Margaret Smith. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1973 and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in 1977.

Johnathan had a distinguished 35-year career as a financial analyst at Global Solutions Inc., where he was admired for his integrity, dedication, and mentorship. In his retirement, Johnathan devoted his time to community service, volunteering at local food banks and mentoring young entrepreneurs.

An avid traveler and photography enthusiast, Johnathan documented his journeys across five continents, sharing his experiences through captivating photo essays. He also had a passion for gardening, spending countless hours nurturing his prized roses.

Johnathan is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Smith; his children, Rebecca Thompson (Michael) and Daniel Smith (Emily); his grandchildren, Chloe, Ethan, and Ava; and his brother, Robert Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Smith, and his sister, Diane Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Springfield Community Church, 123 Elm Street, Springfield, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Springfield Food Bank in Johnathan’s memory.

Johnathan’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Tips for Writing an Obituary

1. Start with Basic Information

Include the full name, age, date of birth, and date of death. Specify the location where the individual passed away.

Example:
“Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 82, passed away on November 25, 2024, at her home in Los Angeles, California.”

2. Highlight Key Life Events

Write about significant milestones, such as education, career achievements, and personal interests.

Example:
“Mary dedicated her life to education, serving as a beloved teacher at Lincoln High School for 30 years. She was also a talented pianist and a devoted advocate for animal rescue organizations.”

3. Mention Family Members

List close family members, including those who survive the deceased and those who preceded them in death.

Example:
“Mary is survived by her daughters, Susan Lee and Margaret Taylor, and her grandchildren, Nathan and Ella. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Johnson.”

4. Provide Funeral Details

Include the time, date, and location of funeral services or memorial gatherings.

Example:
“A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on December 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 456 Oak Avenue, Los Angeles.”

5. End with a Personal Touch

Close with a meaningful message or special requests for donations or tributes.

Example:
“In honor of Mary’s passion for animals, donations can be made to the Los Angeles Animal Shelter.”

Common Obituary Formats

Short Obituary Example

“Jane Doe, 85, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.”

Detailed Obituary Example

“Michael James Carter, 72, of Houston, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2024. Michael was born on March 3, 1952, to Robert and Katherine Carter. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sarah Carter, his three children, and seven grandchildren. Michael’s memorial service will take place on December 2, 2024, at the Houston Baptist Church. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.”

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