How To Write a Meaningful Obituary

Writing an obituary is a deeply personal process that allows you to celebrate the life of a loved one while sharing their story with others. It serves as a heartfelt tribute, preserving their memory for generations to come. This quick guide will lead you through the process of creating a touching, yet informative, obituary.

What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s death, often accompanied by a brief biography. It typically includes several key elements that help commemorate the departed loved one.

Key Elements to Include

• Name, age, and date of passing
• A summary of their life, including significant milestones such as birthplace, education, career, and hobbies.
• List close family members, both living and deceased.
• Funeral arrangements – Include information about the services such as date, time, and location.

Planning and Prep

Before you start writing, gather all the essential details about your loved one. This includes their personal and professional achievements, family relations, and any special memories you want to highlight. Consult with family members to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Deciding on Tone and Style

The tone of the obituary should reflect the personality of your deceased loved one. Whether formal or informal, the style should match how they lived their life. Consider incorporating humor if it fits their character or keep it solemn if that’s more appropriate.

Setting a Timeline

Obituaries are usually time-sensitive. Set a clear timeline for gathering information, writing, and editing to ensure it’s ready before any deadlines. This is particularly important if you plan to publish it in a newspaper with specific submission guidelines.

How To Write a Meaningful Obituary

Create a Compelling, Yet Straightforward Headline

The headline should be straightforward yet impactful. It often includes the name of the deceased and a memorable characteristic or achievement. For example, “John Doe, Beloved Teacher and Community Leader, Passes at 76.” Here are some more creative headline ideas to get you started:

• “Jane Doe, Compassionate Nurse and Devoted Mother, Remembered for Her Healing Touch”
• “John Doe, Veteran Hero and Loving Grandfather, Leaves a Legacy of Bravery at 89”
• “Jane Doe, Talented Artist and Kindred Spirit, Paints Her Final Masterpiece at 65”
• “John Doe, Dedicated Firefighter and Pillar of Strength, Courageously Passes at 50”
• “Jane Doe, Graceful Dancer and Joyful Soul, Dances into Eternity at 70”
• “John Doe, Resilient Veteran and Mentor to Many, Saluted for a Life Well Lived at 85”
• “Jane Doe, Educator Extraordinaire and Lifelong Learner, Remembered by Generations”
• “John Doe, Charismatic Storyteller and Beloved Family Man, Weaves His Final Tale at 63”
• “Jane Doe, Musical Prodigy and Angelic Voice, Sings Her Last Note at 88”
• “John Doe, Visionary Entrepreneur and Philanthropic Leader, Leaves a Business Legacy at 72”

Structuring

Structure the obituary in a logical order:

• Introduction – Announce the death with basic details.
• Body – Provide a brief biography, including significant life events and accomplishments.
• Family – List surviving family members and those who preceded in death.
• Funeral Details

Storytelling

You can incorporate anecdotes and personal stories to bring the obituary to life. These narratives can help your announcement paint a fuller picture of your departed loved one’s life. Consider including brief mentions of cherished inside details, such as, “Dad was a master storyteller,” or highlight their favorite activities, like, “He relished engaging in lively political debates with loved ones for hours on end.” If you’re finding this part difficult, here are a few anecdotal sentences to get you started:

• “She had a green thumb and could make any garden flourish with her touch.”
• “His love for travel took him on countless adventures around the globe.”
• “She had a contagious laughter that lit up every room she entered.”
• “He never missed a chance to belt out his favorite tunes at family gatherings.”
• “Her culinary skills turned every meal into a feast to remember.”
• “He was a dedicated bookworm, always found with a novel in hand.”
• “Her passion for photography captured the beauty in everyday moments.”
• “He was a dedicated mentor, shaping the lives of many with his wisdom.”
• “She could brighten anyone’s day with her handmade cards and thoughtful words.”
• “His love for animals knew no bounds, often seen rescuing strays in need.”

Include Multimedia

Even when publishing with a traditional newspaper, your loved one’s obituary will likely end up online as well as in print. This presents a unique opportunity to expand the obituary beyond text and create a richer celebration of your loved one’s life. Here’s how you can use multimedia elements:

• Photos:
  • Include a prominent portrait, preferably one that captures your loved one’s personality.
  • Add a gallery of photos showcasing different stages of life, hobbies, and cherished moments with family and friends.
  • Consider using black and white photos for a timeless feel or color photos for a more vibrant representation.
• Videos:
  • Include a short video montage.
  • A compilation of home videos or photos set to music, or even a short slideshow with captions.
  • Consider including a video tribute created by friends or family members sharing their memories.
• Audio Clips:
  • Add a recording of the departed’s voice, a favorite song, or a reading of a poem.
  • Ensure the audio quality is clear and consider adding captions or context for the listener.

Multimedia Tips:

• Choose high-quality media
• Obtain permission – If using videos or audio clips featuring others, ensure you have their consent before including them.
• Respect privacy – Avoid using photos or videos that might be considered private or offensive.
• Consider accessibility – Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio clips.
• Mobile-friendly format – Ensure chosen multimedia elements display well on both desktops and mobile devices.

How Long Should an Obituary Be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all for obituary length. It depends on several factors:

• Publication platform:
  • Newspapers: Traditionally have word count limits due to space constraints. These can range from 100-200 words to 500 or more depending on the publication.
  • Online obituary sites: Often offer more flexibility, allowing for longer obituaries and multimedia elements.
• Family preferences: Some families prefer a concise announcement, while others want a more detailed account of the loved one’s life.
• Information to be included: The amount of information you want to share about the deceased’s life, family, and accomplishments will influence the length.

Here’s a super general guideline:

• Short obituary (100-200 words): Suitable for basic information like name, age, residence, date of death, surviving family, and service details.
• Standard obituary (200-500 words): Provides more details about life, achievements, personality, and interests.
• Extended obituary (500+ words): A comprehensive account of your loved one’s life story, often seen in online obituaries with multimedia elements.

To determine length:

• Check publication guidelines
• Consider your audience
• Prioritize details that best capture the essence of your loved one’s life.
• Edit ruthlessly – Conciseness strengthens the impact.

Ultimately, the best obituary length is the one that effectively honors your loved one’s memory and conveys the information you want to share with the world.

Dos and Don’ts of Obituary Writing

Dos

Honor the Deceased: Ensure the obituary is a respectful tribute that honors their memory.
Be Concise Yet Descriptive: Provide enough detail to tell their story without overwhelming the reader.
Proofread for Accuracy: Double-check all facts and details for accuracy.

Don’ts

Include Irrelevant Details: Stick to pertinent information that celebrates your loved one’s life.
Use Inappropriate Language: Maintain a respectful and appropriate tone throughout.
Omit Important Information: Ensure important details like funeral arrangements and family members are included.

Review the Obituary

Once the obituary is written, review it carefully for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Ensure the information flows logically and is easy to follow. Share the draft with close family members to get their input. They might remember additional details or have suggestions for improvement. Then, based on feedback, make necessary revisions.

Where Do You Send an Obituary?

• Local newspapers
• Online obituary sites – This option offers wider reach and allows for easier sharing and adding memories.

Each platform has its own requirements, so be sure to check those before submitting the obituary. If you’ve begun working with a funeral home, most will offer publishing services.

Obituary Example

(Headline) In Loving Memory of Sarah Smith

(Introduction) Sarah Smith, a compassionate nurse and devoted mother, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, at the age of 58. She touched the lives of many with her healing hands and nurturing spirit. Sarah leaves behind her husband, John, and two children, Christy Doe (Mark) and Katy Clark (Ralph).

(Body) Sarah’s green thumb transformed every garden she tended into a vibrant paradise, reflecting her ability to bring life and beauty to everything she touched. Her laughter was infectious, filling every room with warmth and joy.

Sarah’s legacy of love and compassion will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves behind a treasure trove of memories and a legacy of empathy and grace that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In honoring Sarah’s memory, her family invites all who knew her to celebrate her life and share their cherished memories at a memorial gathering on July 5, 2024, at [123 Address, Address 11111], at 12:00 pm. Let us remember Sarah not with sadness but with gratitude for having been blessed by her presence in our lives.

Forever in our hearts, Sarah will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Get weekly tips on housing, retirement living, senior care, and more sent right to your inbox.