Obituaries: Examples, Templates, and How to Write One

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming when you are already managing the immediate needs after a death. An obituary serves as both an announcement and a celebration of life, informing the community while honoring the person’s memory. This guide provides obituary examples, templates, and practical advice to help you create a meaningful tribute that captures what made your loved one special.

What Makes a Good Obituary

An effective obituary balances factual information with personal touches that reflect the person’s character. The best obituaries tell a story rather than simply listing dates and achievements. They help readers understand who this person was beyond their roles as parent, spouse, or professional.

Start with the essential facts: full name, age, date and place of death, and immediate cause if the family chooses to share it. Include birth information, parents’ names, and where the person grew up. These details help readers place the person in context and may help distant relatives or old friends recognize someone they knew.

The heart of the obituary lies in the personal details. What brought them joy? What were they known for in their community? Did they have a signature phrase, a hobby they loved, or a way of making people feel welcome? These specifics transform a death notice into a portrait of a life lived.

Obituary Structure and Essential Elements

Most obituaries follow a recognizable structure that readers expect. The opening paragraph announces the death with the person’s name, age, and basic circumstances. For example: “Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 78, passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.”

The second section covers early life and family background. Include birthplace, parents’ names, where they grew up, and any significant childhood experiences that shaped them. This section might mention military service, education, or early career moves that brought them to your community.

Career and achievements come next, but focus on what mattered to them rather than creating a resume. A teacher might be remembered for inspiring reluctant readers rather than years of service. A business owner might be celebrated for mentoring young entrepreneurs rather than revenue figures.

Family relationships deserve careful attention. List surviving family members, but also mention the relationships that defined them. Were they the grandmother who never missed a soccer game? The uncle who taught everyone to fish? These roles matter more than formal titles.

End with service information and any special requests. Include funeral or memorial service details, burial location, and information about donations in lieu of flowers. If the family prefers privacy, it is perfectly acceptable to say “services will be private” or “a celebration of life will be held at a later date.”

Obituary Examples for Different Situations

Traditional obituaries work well for people who lived conventional lives with clear milestones. Here is an example: “Robert James Wilson, 82, died January 10, 2026, at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Thomas and Helen Wilson, Bob graduated from Ohio State University in 1967 and served two years in the Army before beginning his 40-year career as a mechanical engineer at Ford Motor Company. He married his college sweetheart, Susan Miller, in 1969, and they raised three children in Dearborn, Michigan. Bob loved sailing on Lake Huron, building furniture in his garage workshop, and coaching Little League baseball for fifteen years. He was known for his dry sense of humor and his willingness to help neighbors with home repairs.”

For someone who died young, focus on impact rather than length of life: “Jennifer Marie Lopez, 34, died unexpectedly January 8, 2026. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer earned her nursing degree from Arizona State University and spent her career caring for pediatric patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Her colleagues remember her gift for making frightened children laugh and her ability to comfort worried parents. Jennifer loved hiking in the desert, cooking elaborate meals for friends, and training for marathons. She ran the Boston Marathon three times, always wearing a shirt that read ‘Running for Hope’ to support her hospital’s charity fund.”

When someone lived an unconventional life, let their unique story shine: “Margaret ‘Maggie’ Rose Thompson, 91, died peacefully January 12, 2026, at her cabin in the Montana mountains where she had lived alone for the past thirty years. Maggie left her job as a city planner in Seattle at age 60 to homestead forty acres, where she raised goats, grew vegetables, and wrote nature poetry. She published three collections of poems and was a fierce advocate for wilderness preservation. Maggie never married or had children, but she mentored dozens of young environmentalists and maintained friendships through handwritten letters long after others switched to email.”

Writing Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Write in third person and past tense throughout the obituary. While it may feel strange to refer to your loved one as “he” or “she,” this convention helps readers understand they are reading about someone who has died. Avoid present tense phrases like “John is survived by” and instead write “John is survived by” or simply “survivors include.”

Be specific rather than generic. Instead of writing “she loved her family,” describe how that love showed up: “she never missed a grandchild’s birthday and was known for sending care packages to college students during finals week.” Instead of “he was a good man,” explain what made him good: “he shoveled snow for elderly neighbors every winter and always had jumper cables ready to help stranded motorists.”

Handle sensitive topics with discretion. If someone died by suicide, from addiction, or after a long mental health struggle, you can acknowledge this without providing details. Phrases like “after a long battle with depression” or “following struggles with addiction” inform readers while maintaining dignity. Some families choose to include information about mental health resources or addiction support services.

Proofread carefully for names, dates, and relationships. Obituaries become permanent records, and errors can be painful for families to discover later. Double-check the spelling of all names, verify birth and death dates, and confirm family relationships. If someone was adopted, married multiple times, or had complex family relationships, take extra care to include everyone appropriately.

Consider your audience when choosing what to include. When someone dies, the obituary often serves multiple purposes: notifying the community, informing distant relatives, and providing funeral information. Include enough detail that old friends can recognize the person, but avoid inside jokes or references that only family members would understand.

Where and How to Publish an Obituary

Local newspapers remain the traditional choice for obituaries, especially in smaller communities where many people still read print editions. Most papers also publish obituaries online, extending their reach to people who have moved away or primarily get news digitally. Contact the newspaper’s obituary department for their requirements, word limits, and pricing. Costs typically range from $200 to $800 depending on length and whether you include a photo.

Online obituary platforms have become increasingly popular because they allow unlimited length, multiple photos, and interactive features like guest books where friends can leave memories. Many funeral homes automatically post obituaries on their websites and major obituary sites. Some families choose to create dedicated memorial websites that can include videos, photo galleries, and ongoing updates about memorial events.

Social media announcements serve a different purpose than formal obituaries. Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms work well for immediate notification and sharing memories, but they should not replace a proper obituary that serves as a permanent record. Many families post a brief announcement on social media with a link to the full obituary published elsewhere.

Consider your timeline when planning publication. The first 24 hours after a death involve many urgent decisions, and writing an obituary may not be the top priority. Most newspapers can publish obituaries within 24-48 hours, but online platforms offer more flexibility. Some families write and submit obituaries several days after the death, especially when they need time to gather information from distant relatives or decide on service arrangements.

Working with Family Members and Managing Different Perspectives

Writing an obituary often becomes a family collaboration, which can be both meaningful and challenging. Different family members may have different memories, priorities, and opinions about what should be included. Start by designating one person as the primary writer, but gather input from others before finalizing the text.

Create a family information-gathering session where everyone contributes facts, dates, and memories. Someone might remember the person’s military service details while another recalls their volunteer work or hobbies. Siblings might have different perspectives on childhood memories, and each viewpoint can add richness to the obituary.

Handle disagreements diplomatically. If family members disagree about including certain information, consider the deceased person’s likely preferences. Would they want their long-ago divorce mentioned? Would they be comfortable with details about their illness? When in doubt, err on the side of discretion while still creating an honest portrait.

Be mindful of family dynamics and relationships that might be strained. Blended families, estranged relatives, and complex relationship histories require careful navigation. The obituary should acknowledge important relationships without rehashing old conflicts. Sometimes this means listing people without explaining complicated relationships, or using neutral language like “longtime companion” instead of making assumptions about legal marriages.

Set a deadline for family input and stick to it. Grief affects everyone differently, and some family members may need more time to process or may want to endlessly revise. While it is important to include everyone’s perspective, the obituary needs to be published in time to serve its purpose of notifying the community and providing funeral information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an obituary be?

Most newspaper obituaries run 200-400 words due to space and cost constraints. Online obituaries can be longer, and some families write 800-1000 word tributes. Focus on quality over quantity. A well-written shorter obituary that captures the person’s essence is better than a long list of facts without personality.

Who typically writes the obituary?

Usually a close family member writes the obituary, often the surviving spouse, adult child, or sibling. Some families collaborate with one person doing the writing and others contributing information and memories. Funeral directors can also help with obituary writing, though families often prefer to write their own to ensure the personal touches are included.

Should we include the cause of death?

This is entirely the family’s choice. Common phrases include “after a long illness,” “following a courageous battle with cancer,” or simply “died peacefully at home.” Some families prefer not to mention cause of death at all. There is no requirement to include this information, and families should choose what feels appropriate for their situation.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

Newspaper obituaries typically cost $200-800 depending on length and location. Major city newspapers charge more than small-town papers. Many online platforms offer free basic obituaries or charge modest fees for enhanced features. Funeral homes sometimes include obituary placement in their service packages.

Can we edit an obituary after it is published?

This depends on where it is published. Newspapers typically cannot edit print editions after publication, but they may correct errors in their online versions. Online obituary platforms usually allow families to make updates and corrections. If you notice an error, contact the publication as soon as possible to request a correction.

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.