Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honour a loved one’s life and share their story with others. Whether published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral programme, an obituary serves as both a tribute and an announcement. If you are writing one for the first time, knowing what to include and how to structure it can help you create a thoughtful and heartfelt piece.
An obituary is a written notice that announces someone’s passing and provides key details about their life, family, and funeral arrangements. More than just an announcement, it is a tribute that celebrates their legacy, sharing memories and meaningful moments with friends, family, and the wider community.
Obituaries can range from simple statements to longer, more detailed life stories. They often follow a general structure, including personal details, significant life events, and information about the upcoming service.
A well-written obituary includes several important details. While there is no strict format, these key elements help ensure clarity and completeness.
An obituary often highlights significant aspects of a person’s life, such as:
Including personal details helps to paint a fuller picture of their character and impact on those around them.
Most obituaries mention close family members, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings. You may write this in a formal or informal way, depending on the tone you want to set:
Including service details helps inform people about how they can pay their respects. This might include:
For those looking to arrange a burial, it may help to consider how to arrange a burial.
If you are unsure where to begin, follow these steps to create a well-structured and meaningful obituary.
Start by collecting key facts, including birth and death details, family members’ names, career highlights, and any special anecdotes that reflect their personality.
Obituaries can be formal, traditional, or even light-hearted if that aligns with the personality of the deceased. Some families prefer a straightforward approach, while others include humorous or sentimental touches that reflect their loved one’s unique spirit.
Begin with a concise introduction that announces the person’s passing. For example:
Expand on the individual’s life story, including achievements, hobbies, or memorable moments that showcase who they were. You can also add personal quotes or messages from family members.
End with funeral or memorial details, and consider adding a heartfelt closing message, such as:
If the family prefers a natural and lasting tribute, they may choose to create lasting memories through a meaningful memorial burial.
Even with the best intentions, some common errors can affect how an obituary is received. Here’s what to watch out for:
While obituaries should be respectful, they do not have to be overly rigid. A warm and personal tone often resonates more with family and friends than a strictly factual statement.
Specific details bring an obituary to life. Instead of saying, “She loved music,” you could write, “She found joy in playing the piano and singing with her grandchildren.”
Obituaries are often written during an emotional time, so it’s helpful to have another family member review the text to check for spelling errors, missing names, or unclear phrasing.
Writing an obituary is an opportunity to reflect on a loved one’s life and share their legacy. Whether keeping it simple or creating a more detailed tribute, an obituary should feel true to the person it honours.
If you are considering how best to commemorate a loved one, Inspired Meadows offers meaningful, eco-friendly memorial burials that provide a lasting connection to nature. Contact us to learn more about creating a timeless tribute.
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