Obituaries: Examples, Templates, and How to Write One

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming when you are grieving and managing many responsibilities at once. An obituary serves as both a public announcement of death and a celebration of life, sharing essential details while honoring the person’s memory. Whether you need to write one immediately or are planning ahead, understanding the structure and seeing real examples can make this meaningful task more manageable.

What Makes an Effective Obituary

A well-written obituary balances factual information with personal touches that capture who the person was. The best obituaries tell a story rather than simply listing dates and survivors. They include key biographical details, highlight meaningful relationships, and reflect the person’s personality or values.

Most obituaries follow a recognizable structure: the announcement of death, biographical information, family details, and service information. However, the tone and specific content can vary greatly depending on the person’s age, circumstances, and family preferences. Some families prefer formal, traditional language, while others choose a more conversational or even humorous approach.

Length typically ranges from 200 to 800 words, though there are no strict rules. Newspaper obituaries often have space constraints and associated costs, while online memorials offer more flexibility. The key is including enough detail to honor the person’s life while remaining readable and meaningful to those who knew them.

Traditional Obituary Examples and Templates

Traditional obituaries follow a formal structure that has been standard for decades. They typically begin with the full name of the deceased, age, and date and place of death. This is followed by biographical information presented chronologically, starting with birth details and moving through education, career, marriage, and family life.

Here is an example of a traditional obituary opening: “Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 78, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, at Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on June 22, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Helen Smith.” This format immediately provides the essential facts while setting a respectful tone.

The middle section of a traditional obituary covers major life events and accomplishments. It might mention education (“She graduated from Northwestern University in 1967 with a degree in Education”), career highlights (“Mary taught elementary school for 35 years, touching the lives of countless children”), and personal interests (“She was an avid gardener and quilter, and volunteered at the local food bank for over two decades”).

Traditional obituaries conclude with survivor information listed in a specific order: spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and other relatives. Service details and donation preferences are included at the end. This format works well when families prefer a formal approach or when space is limited in print publications.

Modern and Personal Obituary Approaches

Contemporary obituaries often take a more personal, storytelling approach that captures the person’s unique personality and impact on others. These obituaries might begin with a favorite quote, a defining characteristic, or a memorable story rather than the traditional announcement format.

For example, a modern obituary might start: “Anyone who knew Tom Wilson knew that he never met a stranger. His booming laugh could be heard across a crowded room, and his generous spirit touched everyone he encountered. Tom, 64, died suddenly on February 8, 2024, leaving behind a community that will forever remember his kindness and infectious enthusiasm for life.”

Personal obituaries often include specific anecdotes that illustrate the person’s character. They might mention quirky habits, favorite sayings, or small acts of kindness that meant so much to family and friends. These details help readers feel connected to the person, even if their paths never crossed.

This approach also allows for more creative organization. Instead of strict chronological order, the obituary might be organized around themes like “Teacher, Mentor, Friend” or “A Life of Service.” Some families choose to write the obituary from the deceased person’s perspective or include quotes from family members sharing their favorite memories.

Writing Tips and Common Elements

Start by gathering essential information: full name (including maiden name if applicable), dates and places of birth and death, parents’ names, education, career highlights, marriage details, children’s names, and significant accomplishments or interests. Having this information organized before you begin writing makes the process much smoother.

When writing, focus on active voice and specific details rather than generic phrases. Instead of writing “She was a loving mother,” try “She packed creative lunches that made her children the envy of their classmates” or “She never missed a soccer game, cheering from the sidelines rain or shine.” These specific examples paint a clearer picture of who the person was.

Consider the audience when choosing your tone and content. An obituary for someone who died young might emphasize their potential and the impact they had in their short time. For someone who lived a long life, you might focus on their legacy and the many lives they touched. The circumstances of death can also influence the approach, though the focus should always remain on celebrating the person’s life.

Common elements to consider including are military service, religious faith, professional achievements, volunteer work, hobbies, travel experiences, and special relationships with grandchildren or pets. You might also mention their favorite sports teams, foods, or pastimes that brought them joy. These details help create a complete picture of the person’s life and interests.

Practical Considerations and Publishing

Once you have written the obituary, decide where to publish it. Newspapers typically charge based on length and number of days the obituary runs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, newspaper obituaries can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the publication and length.

Online obituary websites offer more affordable or free options with additional features like photo galleries, memory sharing, and guestbooks. Many funeral homes also include basic obituary services in their packages and can help with both writing and placement. When managing funeral arrangements and other immediate responsibilities, this support can be invaluable, as outlined in our step-by-step checklist when someone dies.

Consider your timeline when writing and publishing. If you need the obituary for immediate newspaper publication, focus on getting the essential information accurate first. You can always create a more detailed version later for online memorials or family keepsakes. Some families write a brief obituary for immediate publication and a longer, more personal version for the funeral service program.

Remember to proofread carefully, especially names, dates, and service information. Have another family member or friend review the obituary before submitting it. Errors in published obituaries can be difficult and expensive to correct, particularly in print publications.

Handling Special Circumstances

Some situations require thoughtful consideration when writing an obituary. When someone dies by suicide, families often struggle with how much information to include. Focus on the person’s life, relationships, and positive contributions rather than the circumstances of death. You might simply state they “died unexpectedly” or “died at home” if you prefer not to specify the cause.

For families dealing with estrangement or complicated relationships, consider who the obituary is meant to serve. Some families choose to keep obituaries focused on immediate family and closest relationships. Others use it as an opportunity to acknowledge the complexity of human relationships while still honoring the person’s memory.

When someone dies very young, whether a child or young adult, obituaries often emphasize their personality, dreams, and the joy they brought to others’ lives. These obituaries might include information about education, friendships, talents, and hopes for the future. The specific challenges families face in these situations are addressed in our guide on what to do when a child dies.

For those who lived very private lives or preferred anonymity, families might write shorter obituaries focusing on family relationships and perhaps one or two meaningful activities or characteristics. The obituary should reflect the person’s values and preferences as much as possible.

Creating Lasting Memories Beyond the Obituary

While obituaries serve an important immediate purpose, many families find value in creating additional memorial content. Online memorial websites allow for expanded biographies, photo collections, and ongoing tribute sharing. These platforms often include features for collecting memories from friends and extended family who might not have been able to contribute to the original obituary.

Consider saving the research and stories gathered for the obituary to use in other memorial projects. This information can be valuable for creating memory books, organizing photos, or preparing eulogies for the funeral service. The process of writing an obituary often uncovers family stories and connections that become treasured keepsakes.

Some families also create different versions of the obituary for different audiences. A formal version might appear in newspapers and professional publications, while a more personal version could be shared with close friends and family or included in memorial service programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an obituary be?

Obituary length varies depending on where you plan to publish it. Newspaper obituaries typically range from 200-400 words due to space and cost considerations. Online obituaries can be longer, often 400-800 words, allowing for more personal details and stories. The most important factor is including the essential information while honoring the person’s memory in a way that feels right to your family.

What information must be included in an obituary?

Essential information includes the person’s full name, age, date and place of death, and surviving family members. Most obituaries also include birth information, basic biographical details, and funeral or memorial service information. Beyond these basics, you can include whatever feels important and meaningful to your family’s remembrance of the person.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

Costs vary widely depending on the publication and length. Local newspaper obituaries typically cost $50-$300, while major metropolitan papers can charge $500 or more. Online obituary websites often offer free basic listings with optional paid features for enhanced memorials. Many funeral homes include obituary placement services in their packages.

Can I write an obituary myself, or do I need professional help?

You can absolutely write an obituary yourself. Many families find it meaningful to write their loved one’s obituary personally. However, if you feel overwhelmed or need assistance, funeral directors are experienced in obituary writing and can help guide the process. Online templates and examples can also provide helpful structure when writing it yourself.

Is it appropriate to mention the cause of death in an obituary?

Including the cause of death is entirely optional and depends on your family’s comfort level and preferences. Many obituaries simply state the person “passed away peacefully” or “died at home surrounded by family.” If the person had a long illness, some families mention it to provide context. For sudden deaths or sensitive circumstances, families often choose phrases like “died unexpectedly” or simply omit cause of death details.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.