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When a loved one passes away, crafting an obituary can be a meaningful way to honor their life and share the news with friends, family, and the community. However, writing an obituary can feel like a daunting task during such an emotional time. Not only do you want to capture the essence of the person’s life, but you also need to adhere to a format that conveys all necessary details to readers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of writing an obituary, provide helpful tips, and share some examples of obituaries that can serve as inspiration for your own. Whether you’re writing for a newspaper or an online publication, these insights will make the task a little easier.
What is an Obituary?
An obituary is a published notice that reports the death of an individual, along with details about their life, family, and funeral arrangements. It is typically published in newspapers, on funeral home websites, or in other public spaces where people can learn about the passing.
While every obituary is unique, there are common elements that should be included. Let’s take a closer look at those components.
Key Elements of an Obituary
When writing an obituary, it’s important to include specific details to inform the reader of the person’s life and death. Some of the key elements to include are:
- Full Name and Date of Birth – Start with the deceased’s full name, including any nicknames, maiden names, or titles they were known by.
- Date of Death – Provide the date and place of death, along with any details surrounding their passing, if appropriate.
- Surviving Family Members – List surviving family members, such as children, siblings, spouse, and grandchildren.
- Life Achievements and Career Highlights – Include information about the deceased’s career, accomplishments, hobbies, and any significant life events.
- Funeral Information – If applicable, mention funeral service details, including the date, time, and location. It’s also common to mention whether the service will be public or private.
- Memorial Contributions – Sometimes, obituaries will include requests for memorial donations to a specific charity or cause in lieu of flowers.
How to Write an Obituary: Step-by-Step Guide
Writing an obituary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by gathering the necessary information, such as the deceased’s personal details, family history, and funeral arrangements. You can either write the obituary yourself or ask a trusted friend or relative to assist with the writing.
Once you have all the facts, follow these simple steps:
- Begin with the Essentials – Start with the full name of the deceased, their age, and the date of death. This is the foundation of the obituary.
- Add Personal Details – Include any notable life events such as educational background, career achievements, military service, or significant accomplishments. You can also mention their passions and hobbies.
- Acknowledge Family Members – Provide details about surviving family members and predeceased relatives.
- Share Funeral Details – If relevant, mention funeral arrangements, memorial services, or visitation information. You can also include any wishes the family has for the funeral or memorial service.
- Close with a Message – Some obituaries include a short message or quote that reflects the deceased’s personality or legacy. This can be a quote they lived by, or a simple phrase of appreciation for their life.
If you’re unsure of how to format or write your obituary, examples of obituaries can provide some much-needed inspiration. By reviewing these sample obituaries, you’ll see how different elements come together to create a complete and respectful tribute.
Why Examples of Obituaries Can Help You Write Yours
When in doubt, turn to examples of obituaries for newspaper publication. Reading through sample obituaries can give you a clearer idea of the tone, structure, and content you should include. It can also help you avoid common pitfalls, like leaving out important details or overwhelming the reader with too much information.
Some well-written examples will also help you find the right balance between formality and personalization. Each obituary is a reflection of the person’s life and should capture their essence while providing the necessary details.
You can explore more about this topic in depth by checking out our collection of examples of obituaries for newspapers, where you’ll find a variety of templates to guide you through the process.
How to Submit Your Obituary to a Newspaper
Once you’ve written your obituary, the next step is submission. Most newspapers have a section dedicated to obituaries, and they often allow you to submit them online or via email. Some may charge a fee depending on the length or the type of service you require.
It’s a good idea to contact the newspaper ahead of time to confirm the process and any costs involved. Some funeral homes also offer obituary submission services, so this is something to ask about if you’re working with a funeral home.
Writing an obituary is an important step in honoring your loved one’s memory. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you’ll be able to create a thoughtful, respectful obituary that highlights their life and legacy. Don’t forget to use examples of obituaries to inspire your own writing, and remember that there are resources available to help you throughout the process.
To get more examples and templates, check out our comprehensive guide with real-life examples of obituaries for newspaper publication here. This can make the writing process a little less overwhelming and help you craft an obituary that truly honors your loved one.