See also: Obituaries

An obituary is a written tribute to a person, usually written shortly after death and often containing an invitation to a funeral or other memorial service. Obituaries are often published in a local newspaper and are a genealogical goldmine of information about the deceased and family members. Online digital newspaper collections are a valuable source for finding obituaries about your ancestors and relatives.
Although similar, there is a difference between obituaries and death notices. An obituary is usually written by a close relative or friend of the deceased from personal knowledge. A death notice is published in a newspaper by the news staff of the paper and is based on publicly available information.
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Publishing an obituary
In the United States, mortuaries and funeral homes assist their patrons in writing and publishing an obituary as part of the burial or cremation process. When funeral or memorial services are made, the family or friends are asked if they wish to publish an obituary. There is usually a charge for publishing an obituary based on the number of words. Be sure to ask questions about the process and cost of publication.
How to get started writing an obituary

Writing an obituary can be a deeply personal and emotional task, as it involves summarizing the life and legacy of someone who has passed away. Start by collecting the necessary details about the deceased, such as their full name, date of birth, date of death, place of birth, and any significant accomplishments or milestones in their life. You may also want to gather information about their family members, education, career, hobbies, interests, and community involvement. You can also decide on a tone and style of writing. Will the obituary be formal and traditional or casual? Will the writing reflect the personality and interests of the deceased? What would be the most appropriate approach for the person you are writing about?
Many of those newspapers and online websites publishing obituaries have guidelines for content and length. Some charge an additional fee for an overly long obituary. If the obituary is going to be published on a social networking website, you should be aware of privacy issues and limit the content to what is appropriate for how the obituary will be disseminated.
Start the obituary with the basic details of the deceased, including their full name, date of birth, and date of death. You may also want to include their place of birth and cause of death if it is relevant and appropriate.
If it is appropriate, considering time constraints, let other family members or friends review your obituary for accuracy, clarity, and tone. Consider sharing the obituary draft with close family members or friends for input and feedback. They may provide additional information or help ensure that the obituary is an accurate reflection of the deceased's life and legacy. You should also make sure all the details are correct and that the obituary is written in a respectful and appropriate manner.
What to include in an obituary
Use the obituary as an opportunity to tell the story of the person's life. Highlight their significant accomplishments, milestones, and experiences. Include information about their education, career, hobbies, interests, and any notable contributions they made to their community or society. Personal anecdotes and stories can help bring the obituary to life and provide insight into the personality and character of the deceased. Share stories that capture the essence of the person, their sense of humor, kindness, or other qualities that made them special.
If appropriate, mention surviving family members: Include the names and relationships of surviving family members, such as spouse or spouses, children, parents, siblings, and other close relatives. You may also want to mention any predeceased family members if relevant.
Mentioning a funeral or memorial service
One of the functions of an obituary is to give notice of the passing of the deceased and to give relatives and friends the opportunity to attend a funeral or other memorial service. If conditions allow, you should publish the obituary with enough lead time to allow people who need to travel to arrive in time for the service. Also, give enough details about the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. You can also provide instructions on how to send condolences, make donations, or participate in any memorial events.
Other important considerations
Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, but it can also be a meaningful way to honor the life of someone who has passed away. Take your time, be thoughtful, and remember to approach the task with sensitivity and respect.
Explore more about obituaries
Here are some helpful websites about writing obituaries.
- How to Write an Obituary on MyHeritage Blog
- 90 Great Obituary Examples on Ever Loved
- Appropriate Words for an Obituary on YourDictionary
- 5 Tips for Writing a Beautiful, Deeply Personal Obituary on Lakewood Cemetery
- How To Write A Great Obituary on MyGoodTrust
- How To Write an Obituary on Retz Funeral Home & Crematory
- What Makes a Great Obituary? Embracing the Beauty of the Truth on NBC News
- Corless, Inge B., Rana Limbo, Regina Szylit Bousso, Robert L. Wrenn, David Head, Norelle Lickiss, and Hannelore Wass. 2014. “Languages of Grief: A Model for Understanding the Expressions of the Bereaved.” Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine 2 (1): 132–43.