How to Write an Obituary
What’s involved in writing a good obituary? That’s often the first question to consider when sitting down to write one for a spouse, family member, or close friend. Deciding what factual information to include—while also finding the right balance between essential details and meaningful storytelling—can feel challenging. We’re here to help answer those questions and hope this guidance on writing an obituary offers clarity and reassurance during a difficult time.
What’s the Difference Between an Obituary and a Death Notice?
A death notice is a brief announcement that shares essential facts about a person’s death. An obituary includes those same details but expands on them, offering a fuller picture of the individual’s life, experiences, and relationships.
An obituary often begins with the person’s full name. If the deceased was married, it’s customary to include a maiden name, and if they were commonly known by a nickname, that may be included as well.
Key details commonly included in both death notices and obituaries are:
- Full name
- Age at the time of death
- Date of birth and birthplace
- Date of death
- City and state where the death occurred
- Where the person lived
- A list of surviving family members
- Funeral or memorial service details, including date, time, and location
When writing an obituary, families have a unique opportunity to do more than share information. They are preserving a personal history—one that may be read by future generations of family members and members of the community alike. In this way, an obituary becomes a lasting record of a life, both humbling and meaningful in its purpose.
Well-Written Obituaries
It’s easy to find obituaries that truly stand out—tributes to everyday people that inspire us, make us laugh, or bring tears to our eyes. The best ones leave us thinking, “I wish I’d had the chance to know that person.” Today, obituaries live across the internet as lasting digital records of a life, a time, and a place. In recent years, many families have also embraced a more personal (and sometimes even humorous) style of obituary writing.
Will writing our own obituaries become more common? Possibly. More people are doing so already, and in some college and university courses, writing your own obituary is even used as an assignment.
How you tell your loved one’s story is entirely up to you. Along with the basic details included in a death notice, a more developed obituary may also include:
- Parents’ names
- Information about a spouse and children
- Church or faith affiliations
- Career or work history
- Personal and professional accomplishments
- Personality, character traits, and interests
- Their impact on the community
At some point, it helps to set the facts aside and reflect on the memories that show who your loved one truly was. Think about the stories, small moments, and meaningful details that reveal how they lived, what they loved, and what others will remember most. The more specific and vivid the details, the more memorable the obituary becomes.
Double-Check Spelling and Grammar
Before sharing your final draft, read it through two or three times. You’ll want to catch any spelling or grammar issues, and also confirm names, dates, and other key facts are accurate.
Don’t Hesitate to Call Us
If you find yourself feeling unsure or stuck, we’re always here to help. A simple call can offer guidance and help you highlight the moments and memories that made their life unique.
