How to Write an Obituary: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming during a time of grief. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, helping you create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one's memory while providing essential information to family and friends.
What You'll Learn
Understanding What an Obituary Is
An obituary is a written notice announcing someone's death, typically including biographical information, accomplishments, and details about funeral services. It serves multiple purposes:
- Informational: Notifies the community of the death and service details
- Memorial: Celebrates the person's life and achievements
- Historical: Creates a permanent record for future generations
- Healing: Helps family and friends process their grief
Step-by-Step Writing Process
Gather Essential Information
Start by collecting basic facts: full name, age, dates of birth and death, place of residence, and immediate cause of death if appropriate to share.
List Family Members
Include surviving family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents) and those who preceded in death. Use full names when possible.
Outline Life Achievements
Document education, career highlights, military service, community involvement, hobbies, and personal accomplishments that defined their character.
Add Personal Touches
Include personality traits, favorite quotes, memorable stories, or unique characteristics that made them special to those who knew them.
Include Service Details
Provide funeral or memorial service information: date, time, location, and any special requests regarding flowers, donations, or attendance.
Review and Refine
Proofread for accuracy, check all names and dates, and ensure the tone reflects the person's life and your family's wishes.
Essential Information Checklist
Basic Information
- Full legal name (including maiden name)
- Age at time of death
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Current residence
Life Details
- Education background
- Career and achievements
- Military service (if applicable)
- Hobbies and interests
- Community involvement
Basic Obituary Template
[Full Name], age [X], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date] at [Location, if appropriate].
Born on [Birth Date] in [Birth Place], [he/she] was the [son/daughter] of [Parents' Names].
[Name] graduated from [School/University] and worked as a [Profession] for [X] years. [He/She] was known for [personality traits or accomplishments].
[He/She] married [Spouse's Name] in [Year], and together they raised [X] children. [Name] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and was active in [community involvement].
[Name] is survived by [list surviving family members]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [names].
A [funeral/memorial] service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity Name].
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including too much personal information that should remain private
- Making the obituary too lengthy or too brief
- Forgetting to include service details or contact information
- Not proofreading names, dates, and spelling
- Using inappropriate tone for the publication venue
Ready to Write Your Obituary?
Use our free obituary template generator to create a professional tribute in minutes. Follow the steps you've learned with our guided form.
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