What is an Obituary?

An Obituary is a notice of death, commonly as a newspaper article, that contains a brief description of the biography of a deceased individual. It serves as notification that a person has passed away and has information on the wake and memorial services if they are scheduled to take place. It serves to communicate to the community the passing of a loved one.

Preparing an obituary is best approached with thought and great care, as it acknowledges the loss of a loved one. While it does not have to be emotional, recipients of this document often save it as a remembrance of the one they love. Thus, aside from information about the wake, funeral service, and burial or interment, it may also contain significant events and attributes of the deceased, highlighting his or her impact on the lives of the people he was surrounded with.

How to fill out an Obituary Template?

In general, the content of an obituary would depend on the preferences of the family. An obituary template enables you to create an obituary in minutes. This one-page template will help you write an informative obituary for your deceased loved one.

Announcement of death

The announcement of death should be brief and a single-sentence statement, if possible. The first part of the obituary template lets you the full name of the deceased, his age when he or she died, address, and details of death, such as the date, place, and cause of death.

Many people are concerned about whether to share the cause of death of a loved one in an obituary or not. While the cause of death is unquestionably and ultimately the business of the immediate family only and no one else, giving it out may keep them from having to explain repeatedly what happened.

Important schedules

For this section of the obituary, provide the location and dates of the visitation or wake, funeral service, and burial or interment. For the funeral service, provide the specific time and for the burial or interment, provide the name of the cemetery.

General biographical information

Provide some biographical information of the deceased such as his or her date of birth, place of birth, the name of his or parents, his educational background, and work history.

Survivors and predeceased information

It is conventional to list family members who have survived and predeceased the deceased. This section lets you write the names of the deceased’s significant relatives who passed away, as well as the list of significant relatives who survived him or her.

Memorials

Provide the name and address of the organization to which any memorial contributions will be directed in honor of the deceased.

Frequently Asked Questions About An Obituary

What is in an Obituary?

An Obituary is a detailed report of someone's death.

An Obituary generally contains the following:

Birth and death dates
Full name of the deceased, including any aliases used in life or nicknames
Residences (current and past)
Occupations
Career highlights and awards
Spouse, children, and other relatives
Cause of death

How an obituary is written depends on the person who was being reported upon.

What do you call unmarried couples in an Obituary?

Obituaries that mention unmarried couples often use the terms "companion" or "domestic partner."

What do you call children who are illegitimate in an Obituary?

What you call illegitimate children in an Obituary depends on the parents' preference.

If they want to be mentioned, then mention them using their names. If not, you can also say "Children of Other Relationships."

How do you write a formal obituary?

A formal Obituary is generally written in the third person.

It means that statements about the deceased are made without using "I" or "We."

Generally, this includes statements like:

"John Doe is survived by his daughter, Jane Doe-Darling, of Greenville, North Carolina."

A formal Obituary also places the focus on the person's life rather than their death. The stages of that life are listed in detail and often include birthplaces, where they attended school, names of parents, and other life highlights. A formal Obituary ends with expressions of sympathy.

Since an Obituary is a sensitive and personal matter, the wishes of the family members should be considered.

Final words expressed towards the end of the Obituary are condolences or expressions of sympathy for those who mourn. Generally used as "In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to" followed by a charity's name and address.

Why do people publish an Obituary?

An Obituary is a way to honor someone's life. It allows family, friends, and loved ones to remember all of the special qualities of an individual. It also serves as a historical record of their achievements and legacy.

People often publish an Obituary because they wish to share memories with others, especially those who were close to them. It also provides friends and family members the chance to pay their respects by offering condolences or sharing kind words about the deceased.

While some people only share the Obituary with family and close friends, many will also submit it to newspapers and other media sources. It also provides information for those who wish to pay their respects in person or attend any planned services.

Generally, people publish an Obituary once the formalities of the funeral are complete. It is also published if they wish to share memories or make any final statements to the public.

Who decides what is in an Obituary?

In general, an individual who was close to the deceased is responsible for writing the Obituary. Some newspapers will accept submissions, but most people choose to submit their family member's Obituary themselves.

The format and details of this information are entirely up to you. However, many families like to involve other loved ones in the process. Many online resources can help you to write an obituary.

It is vital to keep any sensitive or personal information out of the Obituary, including the full names of children who have not yet reached adulthood, specific medical conditions, and other family-related issues. The goal is to let loved ones remember the deceased without feeling awkward about their own contributions.

When should an Obituary be published?

It is best to publish an Obituary right after a person has passed away. It gives loved ones ample time to make plans for memorial services and pay respects in person if they wish. It is also usually an appropriate amount of time for family members to inform people about the death.

However, you do not always have to publish an Obituary right away. If you are still in mourning or would like more time to plan a service, it can be published at any point after someone has passed. You may also want to wait until after a formal service, such as a wake or funeral.

How much does it cost to publish an Obituary?

The price of an Obituary will vary greatly depending on the newspaper or publication that you choose. Some local newspapers do not charge for basic listings, while others require payment for any published information. It usually ranges from $200 to $500 to publish an Obituary.

If you plan to publish it in a newspaper, ask around for rates before signing any agreements. It may be helpful to compare several newspapers together before making your decision.

Many websites that offer Obituary listings may charge $50 to $100. However, it is necessary to check the type of Obituary that you are requesting. Some websites do not publish traditional listings and may require additional fees for other types of submissions.

Can I put an Obituary on my own website?

It is possible to publish an Obituary on a personal website for free. However, in general, the wording should be kept shorter and simpler than a traditional print version.

Since it is important to provide basic information without using many specialized words, the family may want to write their own website version of their Obituary. You can also find free templates online to help you design the page.

If you prefer not to write an Obituary yourself, there are other ways to keep details concise while still conveying the necessary information. Many websites offer prewritten examples that can be adapted to fit your needs while keeping your Obituary short and simple.

How long is an Obituary?

An Obituary can be as brief as a few lines or as long as several pages. Short obituaries tend to focus on the deceased's professional life, while longer editions usually include personal details about the person's life such as family, hobbies, or interests.

Many newspapers will print the first paragraph of an Obituary in full before providing a shorter version for easy reading online. However, since many short Obituaries are available online, it is usually best to stick with the details that matter most and cut down on any tangents or unnecessary information.

The length of an Obituary can vary depending on the circumstances. If it is being published only online, six paragraphs are usually enough to describe someone's life events. When publishing in a newspaper or other publication, you may want to start with ten to twelve lines before deciding if more information is necessary.

Since people will be reading your Obituary for years to come, you should take the time to make it as personal and detailed yet concise as possible.

How can I post an Obituary for free?

There are many websites online which allow you to post an Obituary for free. However, it is important to compare fees and services before choosing one.

Many sites only offer basic listings with limited information or simple designs. These websites might charge extra if more space or design options are needed, but some allow free postings on their websites.

You may also choose to post an Obituary for free on your own website, but keep in mind that it should be shorter than a traditional print version. You can use free templates or encourage family members to write their own accounts of the deceased person's life.

How do you publish an Obituary?

You can publish your Obituary online or in a newspaper. If you choose to publish it online, websites charge yearly fees for posting your Obituary. However, most websites only require the basics with limited content or design options.

When publishing in a newspaper or other publication, you may have to submit the information requested by the company and pay any required fees. Confirm the company's information before signing a contract or providing personal information.

In most cases, it is best to publish your Obituary on both websites and newspapers since they reach different audiences that may appreciate different aspects of the deceased person's life story.

When writing an Obituary, should I include the cause of death?

Since this depends mostly on the individual's wishes, you may want to inquire about the deceased person's preferences from the family or obituary coordinator. If they have chosen not to include information regarding their cause of death, it is best to honor their decision and leave out the cause.

However, if someone has passed away unexpectedly or without a known cause of death, you should include a brief statement and continue with other details about their life.

Is a Death Notice and an Obituary the same?

No, a Death Notice and an Obituary are two different documents.

A Death Notice is a short announcement posted in newspapers or online about the death of someone. The content usually includes only the dates of birth and death, names of survivors, age at death, place of death, and location for visitation.

An Obituary is a write-up published after someone has passed away and includes their life story or biography and other relevant details about their death.

Do you include a girlfriend in an Obituary?

Since this also depends on an individual's wishes, you should inquire about the deceased person's preferences from the family. If they have chosen not to include information regarding any romantic relationships, it is best to honor their decision and leave out details.

Usually, only relationships joined by blood or marriage are included in an Obituary. However, you may choose to include details of a significant other if they were a significant part of the deceased person's life story.

It is also important to take into account any legal restrictions or social considerations for including information about someone who was not married or blood-related to the deceased person.

How do you end an Obituary?

There is no set formula for ending an Obituary.

To give you an idea, here are some common approaches:

"The family respectfully requests that all donations be made to (charity)."
"In lieu of flowers, please send donations to (charity)."
"A memorial service will take place at (location) on (date)."
"A celebration of life will be held at (location) on (date)."
"If you would like to make a donation, please send it to (charity)."
"Please direct any questions to (contact person)."
"The family will be accepting visitors at (address) on (date). Visitation will begin at (time) and conclude with a funeral service at (time)."
"A personal message can be shared with the family by clicking "Send Condolences." The family requests that messages be kept to a minimum."

Since there are many different approaches, check with the deceased person's family for their preference.

How do you list names in an Obituary?

In an Obituary, family members' names are sometimes written out in full and other times listed as first name, middle initial or name, and last name.

In order to determine which would be the most appropriate format for your situation, you should inquire about the deceased person's preferences from the family.

How do I put my ex-daughter-in-law in an Obituary?

There are many different approaches when it comes to including information about someone who is no longer a close member of the family.

In most cases, it may be best to send them a personalized letter and inquire about their preference before including them in an Obituary.

What if the deceased person has been convicted of a crime?

Crime details are generally not included in an Obituary. But, if the crime is particularly significant to the person's life story (i.e., they were wrongly accused of a crime and later proven innocent), it may be appropriate to include this detail. Check with the family for their preference or ask them to send you additional information before finalizing the Obituary.

What should you not include in an Obituary?

Certain things should not be included in an Obituary, such as:

Religious views, affiliation, or practices
Personal opinions
Political affiliations
Criticism of other people's behavior in relation to the deceased person (e.g., "She always called her mother-in-law names")
Tragic news about other people unrelated to the deceased person
Information that is not relevant to the deceased person's life story

When making an Obituary, do not include sensitive information about the deceased person. Not only is it not necessary, but it can also be hurtful to those still grieving.

If someone who knew the deceased person well asks you to include a detail that does not have a place in an Obituary, politely decline. If they push you to include this information, do what the family wishes and leave it out of the Obituary.

Should an ex-wife be mentioned in an Obituary?

An ex-wife (or ex-husband) should be included in an Obituary if they were a significant part of the person's life story.

Even if the couple separated many years ago, it is still essential to include an ex-partner to demonstrate that their marriage was meaningful and important during its time.

However, if the deceased person has a wife other than the ex-wife, it is best to ask for the wife's decision regarding this matter.

How do Obituaries handle multiple marriages?

Multiple marriages are sometimes handled by listing the names of the spouses in chronological order. But, if there is a particularly significant marriage, it may be described in more detail to demonstrate its significance to the deceased person's life story.

It is best to inquire with the family about their preference before finalizing an Obituary.

Do you mention step-grandchildren in an Obituary?

If the step-grandchildren were particularly significant to the deceased person, it may be appropriate to mention them in an Obituary. Ask the bereaved family for their preference or send them a personalized letter and ask them what they wish you to include before finalizing an Obituary.

Do you include estranged family members in an Obituary?

Estranged family members are generally not within the scope of an Obituary. If they were particularly significant to your family member's life story, you should consider including them in a personalized letter before finalizing an Obituary.

When writing about someone who has passed away or giving personal information about someone, it is important to be sensitive and understanding for those still grieving. After all, some people may consider certain information as private and not for public knowledge.

It is best to ask those close to the deceased person what they prefer or how they feel about including certain details in an Obituary.

Try to avoid negative tones and controversial topics like politics and bad-mouthing of other people. And most importantly, always stick with the truth and do your best not to embellish anything that may be controversial or hurtful.

How many words should an Obituary be?

An Obituary should be relatively short, depending on the deceased person's life story. Usually, an Obituary must be 200 to 400 words long, but it can be as short as 50 words for those with a particularly simple and straightforward life story.

It is important to stick with the facts and limit an Obituary only to the most significant parts of the deceased person's life story. Since different newspapers have different word limits, find out how many words your paper allows before writing one.

Who writes an Obituary?

An Obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased person. It must be written soon after the death has occurred because it takes time to organize all the details for an accurate portrayal of one's life story.

A journalist may also write an Obituary. If the deceased person was a public figure, such as an actor or politician, it may be best to ask someone else to write their Obituary. If you are not comfortable writing your own loved one's life story, consider hiring a professional journalist to do so.

Who reads an Obituary?

An Obituary is meant to be read by the public. They are usually posted in newspapers and online, but also may be placed in books or magazines depending on where they were published.

As an Obituary is meant to be seen by the public, it is important to write one that can be easily understood by anyone who may come across it. There should be no complicated wording and the language should be simple and straightforward.

Obituary writers must remember to keep any personal information out of it as well as negative comments about anyone else. Always stay positive and stick with the facts when writing an Obituary.

How long does it take for an Obituary to get published?

An Obituary should be written as soon as possible after the death of the person has occurred. If you do not have enough time to write it yourself and would like to hire a professional journalist, consider doing so at least one week before the funeral's date.

Obituaries are usually posted online by their publication or within a week of the death of a loved one. The time it takes for an Obituary to get published can range from a few days depending on when they are submitted.

What is the difference between an Obituary and a Eulogy?

An Obituary is a short written biography of a deceased person, whereas a Eulogy is a public speech given at their funeral. The main difference between the two is that an Obituary is read by many whereas a Eulogy is spoken to a smaller audience.

A Eulogy looks back at an individual's life more closely than an Obituary. It may include more emotional feelings and tell some of the more personal moments they shared with others, whereas an Obituary only includes the facts about their life.

Can an Obituary be too long?

No, an Obituary must not be too long. Even if a deceased person has led an interesting and fulfilling life, you must be concise when writing an Obituary. If your submission is more than 400 words, consider editing it to fit the word limit or cut some of the content out completely.

Most newspapers have an allotted number of words for an Obituary. They will not print a longer Obituary, so make sure to stick within the word limit when submitting it.

Does an Obituary need a photo?

An Obituary does not always include a photograph of the deceased person. If one is included, it should only be the smaller size with high resolution. Photos should not take up more than half of an Obituary.

If you would like to include a photograph with your Obituary, make sure that it will not offend any readers or upset family members by doing so. It may also depend on the publication as to whether they allow photographs with an Obituary or not.

Is it appropriate to write your own Obituary?

Yes, you can write your own Obituary in advance. It might lift the burden of your bereaved family of writing an Obituary upon your death.

If you prefer, you can also work together with someone else to write your Obituary. The primary purpose of an Obituary is to inform the public about a person's life story, so it can be written by anyone who knows them well. Since you want to write your own Obituary, you get to choose the way you want to be remembered.

However, if you have not written an Obituary for yourself before, it might be worth hiring a professional journalist or obituary writer to help you with the details. They may know how to portray your life story better than you do.

Fillable Form Obituary Template