How To Write An Obituary


How to Write an Obituary How

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How to Write an Obituary How
How to Write an Obituary
How to Write an Obituary
How To Write An Obituary
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Announcing a person's death is a painful ordeal to face, especially you the deceased is a loved one. However, it is important, especially if the person is relevant to a certain community. We should give them the chance to pay their last respect to that person who has become part of their life. In writing an obituary you might want to make sure that it is accurate, memorable and lively. It is a story, a celebration of a person's life and can be an inspiration to others. The following are tips on how to write an effective obituary.

How To / Instruction

Difficulty: Normal

  • Step

    1

    Be sure that you have the exact and correct, basic biographical information. This includes the individual's date and place of birth, date and place of death and any acknowledgment of the cause of death. It also includes the person's name and any former or maiden names, as well as any well-known nicknames. Typically, the first paragraph is a summary of this information.

  • Step

    2

    Proceed to summarize the person's family history. Depending on the individual's age and family context, summarize who their parents, spouse(s), siblings and offspring are. Note who has survived this person. Also include places this person has lived.

  • Step

    3

    Discuss their vocation, schools or other places of education, and work history. Note any special contributions to the field. Also note any particular memberships or other vocational details of interest.

  • Step

    4

    Add information regarding civic activities, memberships, and affiliations. Again, note any special contributions, such as board memberships or leadership roles. If it has not been mentioned already, take special note of having served in the military or emergency services.

  • Step

    5

    Special interests, hobbies or other activities might be mentioned. it is appropriate to acknowledge taking part in family member's activities, or mentoring children or grandchildren. Note what the person truly enjoyed.

  • Step

    6

    Step back: has the material so far captured the person's essence? If not, what is missing? If this has to do with their character or manner of doing things, perhaps the descriptions above need more adjectives or color. If something is important to say on its own, such as a tribute to the person's care for others or their tremendous sense of humor or responsibility, add it here.

  • Step

    7

    Make some further comment regarding who will miss this person. if survivors were not already discussed, list them here. Pay attention to how to include others from awkward situations -- such as former spouses.

  • Step

    8

    Note where and when calling hours (if any) will be held and the times and location of any services. If there is to be an interment, note that as well. State where donations may be made in honor of this loved one.

  • Step

    9

    For further help, ask the funeral director. These are professional people with a lot of understanding of how to proceed. They also understand how the newspaper listings work, and what the costs are. The funeral director will also explain the differences between an obituary and a death notice.

Tips and Warnings

  • Verses from the holy scripture about death can be quoted.

  • Date of birth and date of death of the demise should be listed.

  • Name of the beloved should be enlisted at the end of the letter.

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