How to Write an Obituary Template: Free Examples 2024

Writing my grandmother’s obituary was a deeply meaningful experience. It became a tribute to her vibrant life and a way to announce her passing. Capturing her essence in just a few words was challenging but fulfilling, as it highlighted the moments and accomplishments that defined her story.

Recognizing the importance of an obituary goes beyond simply paying tribute; It serves as a way to notify the community and friends about the loss and upcoming funeral or memorial arrangements.

By including pertinent personal information, accomplishments, family ties, and service details, you provide a comprehensive portrait of the individual and invite others to commemorate and celebrate their life. 

The obituary is a historical document that will serve future generations seeking to connect with their ancestry and heritage.

How to Write an Obituary Template

Writing an obituary is definitely a daunting task, but understanding “How to Write an Obituary Template” can provide a structured and compassionate approach to honoring a loved one’s life.

An obituary serves as a final tribute, capturing the essence of the deceased’s journey, achievements, and impact on those around them. Following a thoughtfully crafted template ensures that all pertinent details are included, creating a meaningful and respectful remembrance for family and friends to cherish.

Importance of an Obituary

For me, an obituary is a great opportunity to honor their memory, celebrate their achievements, and acknowledge their impact on those around them. 

By capturing the essence of their life, an obituary becomes a precious memory for family and friends, offering comfort and remembrance during a difficult time.

Essential details 

Part of an obituary is to provide information about a person’s final moments. It typically covers the person’s name, age, date of birth, date of death, and sometimes the cause of death. 

By weaving in the dates and locations of life’s milestones, an obituary outlines the biography of the deceased.

An obituary serves a dual purpose: honoring the deceased and informing the community. It ensures that the person’s life is remembered and celebrated. 

The obituary invites others to remember and honor that person’s impact on their lives, creating a space for shared grief and support.

Structuring the Obituary

When designing an obituary, starting with the basic information is key. First, you’ll need to announce the individual’s passing. This typically includes their full name, any nicknames they may have gone by, and important details such as the date and location of their passing.

Here is an example of the sections that should be included in an obituary:

• [Full Name](Optional Picture)
• [Birthdate] – [Date of Passing]
• Personal Information: Born [Birthdate] in [Birthplace], child of [Parent’s Names].
• Education and Career: Studied at [Schools attended], earning [Degrees earned]. Worked at [Places of employment], reaching [Positions held].
• Personal Interests: Enjoyed [Hobbies] and did [Volunteer work]. Loved [Favorite pastimes].
• Surviving family:[List close family members, special friends, or pets].
• Life Milestones: Celebrated milestones like [Life milestones], leaving behind love and kindness.

Finally, inform your readers of the memorial service details:

• Date and time
• Location
• Request for donations in lieu of flowers, if applicable

By following this structure, you will create a comprehensive and fitting tribute that honors the memory of your loved one.

Personal Information

Writing an obituary demands meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding the deceased’s personal information.

Full Name and Age

Begin with the deceased’s full name, including any nicknames, maiden names, or suffixes they may have had. You’ll want to ensure accuracy here, as this is how many will remember and search for the individual. Age at death is usually mentioned after the name, often in parentheses.

Date and Place of Birth

Next, specify the date of birth (month, day, and year) to provide a timeline of the deceased’s life. Following this, include the place of birth, giving readers a sense of the deceased’s origin. This geographical information can be particularly important for historical records.

Date and Place of Death

Finally, record the date of death—often referred to as the “death date”—being specific about the month, day, and year. Similarly, noting the place of death provides context and completes the essential personal data. This information marks the end of their journey and helps locate death records if needed.

Life Achievements

Education and Career

Start by listing the person’s educational accomplishments. Did they graduate from a notable high school or university? Mention the degrees obtained and any honors they received. Follow with their career path, noting down any significant job titles and the years of service dedicated to each position. 

For example:

• High School: Springfield High, Class of 1970, Valedictorian
• College: B.A. in English Literature, Magna Cum Laude, University of State, 1974
• Career:
  • Editor at The Daily News, 1975–1980
  • Senior Editor at World Magazine, 1981–1999
  • Freelance Journalist, 2000–2020

Military Service

If the deceased served in the military, this is a time to honor that commitment. Provide details such as the branch of military, rank, and years of service. Celebrate any commendations or medals they might have received. 

For example, you might write:

• Branch: United States Navy
• Rank: Chief Petty Officer
• Service: 1966–1986, Vietnam War Veteran, Purple Heart & Bronze Star recipient

Community Involvement

Highlight any community service or voluntary roles the person was passionate about. Did they spend years coaching local youth sports, or were they involved in charity work? This section should reflect their community spirit and the impact they had.

For example:

• Volunteer Work:
  • Meals on Wheels, Driver and Coordinator, 1990–2010
  • River City Food Bank, Volunteer, 1995–2018
  • Boys & Girls Club, Basketball Coach, 2000–2020

Family Details

When creating an obituary template, I advise including family details to help connect your loved one to the community and celebrate the relationships that shaped their life.

Immediate and Extended Family

Your obituary should clearly identify immediate family members by their first and last names. Typically, you would list the deceased’s spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, and siblings. 

If your loved one had a particularly close bond with extended family members such as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, consider including them too. 

Use a structured list to ensure clarity:

• Spouse/Partner: Full Name (and nickname if applicable)
• Children: First Name (spouse/partner’s first name), First Name (spouse/partner’s first name), etc.
• Grandchildren
• Great-Grandchildren
• Parents
• Siblings: First Name (spouse/partner’s first name), etc.

Special Relationships

Here, the focus shifts to the notable relationships your loved one cherished. I recommend mentioning a lifelong best friend, a business partner, or even a beloved pet that was considered part of the family. 

If there was a “love of their life,” whether it was a spouse or a cause they were deeply passionate about, highlight that bond here. 

For instance:

• Best Friend: First Name Last Name
• Business Partner: First Name Last Name
• Love of Their Life: details about the person or what the loved one was passionate about
• Beloved Pet: Pet’s name (and species if not a cat or dog)

In each case, you are honoring the meaningful connections your loved one had, bringing the focus to what they valued most in their life.

Service Information

Funeral service details 

This is very important to include when writing the obituary, as it provides the necessary information for loved ones to pay respects and honor the memory of the departed. 

Obituaries offer a structured opportunity for mourning, celebration, and remembrance, ensuring that family and friends can come together to find solace and support during a difficult time.

Here’s how you can format this section effectively:

Funeral Service Details

• Date: Friday, June 24, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Location: Grace Chapel at Greenwood Funeral Home

Memorial Service Information: (If different from the funeral)

• Date: Saturday, June 25, 2024
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: Riverside Community Center

It’s important to include the name of the funeral home or location where the service will be held. 

Keep this section simple so those who wish to attend can easily understand the details. Remember, the service information is a considerate way for others to plan and attend to offer their support.

Special Tributes

When reflecting on a loved one’s life, include a special tribute in their obituary that honors their unique personality and relationships.

Personal Anecdotes and Stories

You have stories that perfectly capture the essence of your loved one’s life. Include stories that add personal touches, revealing insights into their character, hobbies, or the love they had for their family and friends.

A personal story reflecting a meaningful experience can be a special message that keeps their memory alive.

Quotations or Poems

Quotations and poems can express what’s hard to say in your own words. You’re creating a final tribute reflecting their life’s beauty and depth. Let these personal touches guide you to craft a narrative that honors them sincerely and affectionately.

Final Remembrances

I suggest including instructions for memorial contributions or a closing message summarizing their legacy in the Final Remembrances.

Memorial Contributions Instructions

If you prefer donations to a cause cherished by the departed in lieu of flowers, list specific instructions here. 

For example:

• Where to donate: Provide the name and address of the organization.
• How to donate: Include a website link, if available, for online contributions. 
• Mention of the deceased: Suggest adding a note that the donation is in memory of your loved one, ensuring their impact continues for future generations.

Closing Messages

Compose a meaningful way to end the obituary that reflects the spirit of the individual. 

Consider these elements:

• A heartfelt thank you: Express gratitude to those who have provided support.
• Final words: Whether it’s a quote, a simple farewell, or an aspirational message, choose words that resonate with the essence of their life.

Remember, the final message is a personal signature on a life’s story, a send-off that can be as unique as the person it honors.

Additional Information

Photos and Other Media

Incorporating photos into your obituary program can dramatically share the essence of your loved one with others. You may choose a recent photo that captures their spirit or a historical photograph that shows a key moment in their life. 

Ensure the photo is in high resolution and the face is visible. If you’re using a free obituary template, check where and how images can be included for the best presentation.

Finalizing the Obituary

After composing the obituary and adding images, carefully review the obituary several times. 

Look out for:

Spelling and Grammar

Correct typing and grammatical errors, which can distract from the message.

Factual Accuracy

Confirm dates, names, and places are correct.

Consistency

Use a consistent tone and stick to the chosen obituary format.

Tone and Feel

Read it aloud to ensure it conveys the warmth and respect intended.

Publication and Sharing

When you have completed writing an obituary, choosing where to publish it is the next step. Local newspapers are often considered a good place to start. They can be particularly effective as they target the community where your loved one was known. Many newspapers have specific guidelines on submission and a fee depending on the obituary’s length and the photograph’s inclusion.

Online platforms have grown in popularity as a way to share information and memories. They also provide an opportunity for others to leave condolences. 

Here’s a simple checklist for successfully publishing and sharing an obituary:

Check Publication Requirements

• Submission deadlines.
• Word count limits.
• Costs for print & online versions.
• Photo specifications.

Choose Multiple Platforms

• Local newspaper(s).
• Funeral home’s website.
• Social media.

Notify Friends and Family

• Send an email with links to the online obituary.
• Share via your social media accounts.

Remember, while print publications have limited space, online platforms may allow for a more extended version of the obituary. This lets you share a fuller picture of your loved one’s life and impact. 

Whether you opt for traditional or digital means, the intent is to honor the person’s memory and inform the community about the passing and details of any services.

Closing Thoughts

Writing an obituary is a deeply personal process. Remember, your written tribute is a lasting legacy for someone you love. Embrace the chance to tell their story with care and affection. 

Here are some points to keep in mind:

Best Obituaries: 

The best obituaries reflect the true essence of the person. They’re unique, heartfelt, and sincerely capture the individual’s spirit.

Detailed Obituary

Including details can help paint a fuller picture. It’s a good idea to highlight significant events, accomplishments, and the qualities that made your loved one special.

Excellent Example

Look for inspiration, but don’t feel constrained by templates. By adding personal anecdotes and cherished memories, make your obituary a wonderful example of who they were.

Good Idea

Have someone else read your draft. They can offer feedback and support, ensuring the obituary is error-free and flows well.

Conclusion

Designing an obituary is a deeply personal and meaningful task. Your words will serve as a lasting tribute, reflecting the essence of your loved one’s life. Follow the simple steps and tips to capture their story accurately and compassionately. 

As you put pen to paper, remember that this is a way to inform, honor and celebrate.

I recommend reflecting on the individual’s uniqueness, double-checking facts and spellings, especially names, keeping the tone respectful and heartfelt, and including key details such as date of birth, family members, and significant events. 

An obituary template can help streamline the process; various examples and resources are available to guide you. Use these tools to cover all important aspects while maintaining the personal touch that makes it special.

Take your time; remember, you’re announcing the passing and crafting a memorable homage. Your sincerity and love will be evident in your words, leaving a lasting legacy for your loved one.