How to Write an Obituary

An obituary is usually written in paragraph form and charts the life of the deceased in chronological order. It should focus on accomplishments of the deceased person and the impact that person had on his or her family, friends and community.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word Processors
• Black Ink Pen
• Newspaper
• Paper

1. Check with the newspaper to see if there are any restrictions on length before you write the obituary.

2. Give the deceased's full name and date and place of death.

3. Recount the main events in the person's life, beginning with his or her birth and birthplace.

4. Include a list of schools attended, degrees received, vocation and hobbies.

5. Acknowledge any survivors, including parents, spouse and children.

6. Announce when and where the funeral, burial, wake and/or memorial service will take place.

7. Conclude with a statement regarding where memorial contributions can be sent, if applicable.

8. Time the publication of the obituary so that it runs a few days before the memorial service.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider sending the obituary to newspapers in other cities where the deceased formerly lived or worked.
• Clip copies of the obituary to send to out-of-town friends and family.
• Read some of the obituaries in The New York Times. They are usually beautifully written and tell the story of the deceased in a wonderfully personal way.
• Most newspapers charge by the word or by the line to publish obituaries. Keep it brief if money is an issue.

[writeanobituary]

on 6/13/2009 Good info on how to write an obituary. It's very important to keep the obituary in the newspaper's style. Use the paper you'll be submitting it to as a guideline. When people veer from the style and try to get fancy, errors get introduced into the obit. I'm speaking from experience as a former newspaper editor. Just stick with the appropriate style and you'll reduce the chance of mistakes because the editors won't have to do as much editing.

http://howtowrite.weebly.com/how-to-write-an-obituary.html

[wikedwestwitch]

on 12/2/2007 There is a wonderful web site where deceased can be 'listed' for NO fee . . . http://www.findagrave.com Volunteers (or family members/friends) submit information, photos, 'virtual flowers' for deceased, and no money is charged for the listing. This is a way to create a lasting memorial page for one's loved one, whether a person is buried or cremated - and whether or not a final disposition location exists. Contributors need to 'register'; this requirement eliminates potential disrespectful comments or submissions from being posted. This web site is also a marvelous resource for those searching for genealogical records - and there are NO fees charged for searching records.

[Nessa]

on 11/7/2007 A cautionary note: Be certain about how much information the family wants printed for all and sundry to see. Sometimes, abbreviating information is best, like omitting the complete birth or death date from the notice, or omitting the middle name or initial of the deceased. Identity thieves peruse the obituaries. Better to give them as little usable information as possible.

[camila7]

on 11/13/2007 I have to write an obituary for school and this help a whole lot. Thanks.

[whitetiger2516]

on 4/17/2007 i love this webpage