How to write an Obituary

Writing obituaries for the newspaper and web

An obituary is a notice or announcement of someone's death, it is mainly used in newspapers and more recently for websites. It contains information of the deceased and information of the funeral or memorial service.

Steps in writing an obituary - things to include in an obituary:

  1. Begin with the deceased's full name, their date of death and also the place of death.
  2. Include the deceased's birthdate, place of birth and recount the main events in their life
  3. Include schools and colleges attended, degrees received, career and hobbies
  4. Acknowledge survivors (spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, etc.)
  5. Announce details of funeral - date, where service is to be held, burial information, viewing, wake, etc.
  6. Finish with any memorial contributions information

Example Outline: (Headings not to be used in the actual obituary)
Note: any item in blue italics needs specific information added.

Introduction
Surname, Full Name (Nick Name), (nee, Maiden Name) beloved husband/wife of Mr./Mrs. spouse of town/city, passed away at the hospital/home on date, after cause of death at age years of age.

Biography
 include date of birth, place of birth, education, immigrated to/ or emigrated from, places lived, dates moved or relocated, date of marriage, occupation/career, church affiliation, significant dates, membership, associations, charitable work/causes, life's greatest moments / achievements, vacation highlights, favourite song, poem, author, passion, life's challenges, funny moments

Survivors
Besides his/her loving husband/wife, Name is also survived by his/her children/family - list

or

Name is the loving father/mother/son/daughter of: Name

or

Besides his/her loving wife/husband, Name is survived by: (list sons, daughter, in-laws, etc.) of
(beside each name add town or city.)

Predeceased by
spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters

Visitation / Viewing / Prayers
Those wishing to pay their respect may do so at Funeral Home/location on date & time from time to time.

Funeral or Memorial Services
Funeral (Memorial ) Services (Mass) will be held (will be celebrated) at Name of Church or Name of Funeral Home, address, on Day and Date at time. Graveside Service to follow at Cemetery, date and time if applicable

or

A Celebration of deceased's Life will be held at: location, date, time

Charitable Donations

If friends so desire, Memorial donations in deceased memory may be made to name of charitable organization, address

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