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How to Write an Obituary

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How to Write an Obituary

Table of Contents

Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it comes time to bid farewell, it's essential to preserve their memory with a heartfelt obituary. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of writing an obituary that pays tribute to your loved one's life, personality, and contributions. Plus, we'll explore additional resources on funeral planning to help you through this challenging time.

What Information Do I Need to Write an Obituary?

You should prepare the following information for an obituary about your loved one: 

  • Their name, age, and date of passing
  • Their birth date and birth place
  • Details of their immediate family
  • Their achievements and interests
  • Funeral or memorial service details

The following information is optional: 

  • Location of death
  • Cause of death (if appropriate and relevant)
  • Details of their extended family
  • Location of residence (or prior location of residence if a long-time resident there)
  • Anecdotes or stories of your loved one

Step by Step Guide to Writing an Obituary 

If you need a step by step walk through on writing an obituary, read through the following steps:

1. Announce Their Passing

The first step in crafting an obituary is to announce the passing of your loved one. Include their full name, age, and date of passing. You can also include the location of death. If relevant and appropriate given the circumstances, you may also want to include the cause of death. Remember, this is a chance to set the tone for the rest of the obituary.

2. Share Essential Details

In the next section, provide essential details about your loved one's life, such as their birth date, birth place, and details of their family. You may wish to include information on only immediate family, or immediate and extended family as well. Additionally, you can include their location of residence, and their prior location of residence if they had recently moved from a longtime location. 

3. Highlight Their Achievements & Interests

Make sure to provide information on your loved one's accomplishments and interests. This includes their education, career, and any significant achievements. Did they have a passion for a particular hobby or volunteer work? This is the place to share those details and create a vivid picture of their life. 

4. Personalize the Narrative

If you wish to make the obituary more personalized, share anecdotes and stories that reflect your loved one's character and personality. These can be heartwarming or even humorous, and give insight into their traits and quirks.

5. Mention Funeral Details

Include information about the upcoming funeral or memorial service, including the date, time, and location. If you are still planning a funeral, you might consider our high-quality selection of coffins, available for delivery nationwide.

Two of Our Popular Models

6. Express Gratitude & Suggest Ways to Contribute

You may wish to thank friends, family, and the community for their support during this challenging time. You can also suggest how they can contribute, whether through flowers, donations to a charity, or other means.

7. Proofread & Edit

Finally, ensure your obituary is well-written, free of typos, flows smoothly, and maintains an appropriate tone. 

How Long Are Obituaries?

There is no standard length for an obituary, but the average is around 200 words. If you intend to publish an obituary in a newspaper, inquire about whether there is a length restriction, and plan accordingly. If your chosen publication does have a length restriction, and you wish to write a longer obituary, you may consider publishing the obituary in an online publication instead.

Obituary Template

If you need an obituary template for inspiration, Noble Coffin has created one for your reference:

In Loving Memory of [Full Name]
[Full Name], aged [Age], passed away peacefully on [Date], surrounded by family and loved ones at [Place of Passing]. [He/She] was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth] to [Parents' Names].
[Full Name] was a beloved [Relation to the Deceased], [Spouse/Partner's Name] to [Spouse/Partner's Name], and a cherished [Parent/Grandparent/Sibling] to [Children's/Grandchildren's/Siblings' Names]. [He/She] is survived by [Number] children, [Number] grandchildren, and [Number] great-grandchildren.
[He/She] was a [profession or occupation] for [Number] years, dedicating [his/her] life to [brief description of career or passions]. [Full Name] was known for [his/her] [mention any notable accomplishments or traits].
[Full Name] had a deep love for [hobbies or interests], and [he/she] enjoyed spending [his/her] free time [mention some activities or hobbies]. [He/She] was also a member of [Any Organizations or Clubs].
[He/She] touched the lives of many with [his/her] [mention any positive qualities, such as kindness, generosity, or humor]. [His/Her] warm smile and caring nature will be dearly missed by all who knew [him/her].
A memorial service to celebrate [Full Name]'s life will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to [Charity/Organization Name] in memory of [Full Name].
[Full Name] leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting memories. [He/She] will forever remain in our hearts, and [his/her] spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of [Full Name].

 

Whether you're writing an obituary, handling the funeral of someone without a will, or managing other aspects of funeral planning for your loved one, you're not going it alone. Noble Coffin has created a range of guides to help you through this emotional process, including: 

For our full range of guides, visit our funeral planning page. These resources offer valuable insights and tips to help you make the right decisions during this challenging time.

For any other questions, or if you'd like to purchase a coffin, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on 0800 587 805. Our dedicated team is here to help you in any way we can. 

 

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