How to Write an Obituary for a Newspaper Annoucement

Here's an easy step-by-step guide to writing an obituary announcement

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. NAME & ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH:
   
   1. Name of the deceased and any nicknames they went by. 2. Age and residence at time of death. 3. Day and date of their death. 4. Cause of death.
2. LIFE OF THE DECEASED:
   
   1. Date and place of birth 2. Names of the deceased parents. 3. Brief childhood description: Siblings, schools, friends, and stories. 4. Education: College, universities, and any degrees or certifications earned. 5. Marriage: Name of spouse, place of marriage, date of marriage. 6. Employment: Jobs, employment recognitions. 7. Achievements and Affiliations: charitable, military, fraternal, political, religious. 8. Hobbies: Interests, sports, activities. 9. Humour, memorable stories, unique attributes about that particular person.
3. FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE DECEASED:
   
   Survived by: (In proper descending order)
   1. Spouse, children (listed in order by date of birth, and their spouses), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Parents, Grandparents, Siblings (listed in order by date of birth), Other important family members to the deceased such as nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, pets.
   
   Predeceased by: (Listed in proper descending order, and if applicable)
   
   1. Spouse, children (in order by date of birth), Grandchildren, siblings (in order by date of birth), other people important to the deceased life; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, pets.
4. FUNERAL SERVICE
   
   1. Date, time and place of funeral service 2. Name of officiant, pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers. 3. Viewing information (date, time, place) 4. Reception information (date, time, place) 5. Other memorial, vigil, or graveside services (date, time, place) 6. Place of internment 7. Name of funeral home in charge of arrangements. 8. Memorial funds established 9. Memorial donation suggestions, including addresses or websites.
5. CONCLUSION:
   
   1. Thank-you to people, groups, or institutions 2. Quotation or poem if desired. 3. A few simple words to describe the life of the deceased.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to the deceased in third party context
• Refrain from referring to the deceased as "mom" or "dad." The obituary is about the person.
• Is is appropriate to name pets? It's up to you to decide. If the pet was grandpa's 13 year long hunting buddy, you might consider it. If you feel it would be inappropriate, then don't disclose pets.