How to write an obituary
An obituary does two jobs: it tells the community the facts (who died, when, and how to attend the service) and it gives a short picture of a life. Get the facts right first, then add the details that only family would know: the garden, the terrible jokes, the hours at the church food pantry.
What to include
- The announcement: full name, age, date and place of death.
- Their life: where they were born, work, marriage, what they loved.
- Family: who survives them, and who died before them.
- The service: date, time and place, and where to send donations instead of flowers.
Newspaper or online?
Newspapers usually charge by length, so a short version is common there, with a longer version on the funeral home's website. Funeral homes will often place the newspaper notice for you; ask what their word limit and deadline are.
Before you publish
Have a second family member check every name and date. Some families leave out the home address and exact birth date to protect against identity theft. It's fine to leave out the cause of death.
Questions people ask
How long should an obituary be?
Newspaper obituaries are often 150 to 300 words because they're charged by length. Online obituaries on a funeral home site can be longer, 300 to 600 words.
Who usually writes the obituary?
Usually a close family member, often with help from the funeral director. It's common for several family members to contribute memories.
Do you have to say the cause of death?
No. Many families leave it out. Some mention it, for example to ask for donations to a related charity. Either is fine.
What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
A death notice is a short paid announcement with the basic facts and service details. An obituary tells more of the person's life story.
Do you save what I write?
No. What you type is used to write your draft and isn't stored. Copy, download or print it before you leave.
More free help: Eulogy writer · Sympathy messages · Thank-you notes
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