Obituaries and speeches for the dead have existed for thousands of years. According to The Alpena News, death notices started being printed in newspapers and other publications in the 1600s. However, the practice of writing detailed obituaries didn’t take root in the country until the 1800s, after the practice was adopted from British newspapers.
If you’ve ever had to write an obituary, you know how deeply personal and meaningful that task can be. Obituaries are more than announcements regarding someone’s passing. They’re an opportunity for you to share memories, celebrate life, and include information about the individual’s funeral arrangements.
Understanding who should write the obituary and what to say can help ensure that your tribute is heartfelt. This blog will cover our top obituary writing tips, funeral writing etiquette, and what makes a well-crafted memorial.
One of the topics that may arise after a loved one passes away is who should write their obituary. Traditionally, this task is delegated to a close family member. This usually includes a:
There are other options you may want to consider outside of the above examples. Who you select depends on the circumstances and the family’s wishes. Other people who may be equipped to write an obituary include:
No matter whom you select, you want to choose someone who knew the deceased well enough to authentically write about their achievements, personality, and relationships. The funeral home that’s assisting with your loved one’s passing may be able to provide you with obituary samples for inspiration.
Once you’ve picked who will write the obituary, it’s time to figure out what to say. Obituaries don’t need to be lengthy pieces of text. It should strike a balance between capturing the person’s spirit while providing essential information.
You should start the obituary with a compassionate and clear statement about the person’s passing. Don’t feel obligated to include personal details and information about how they passed. Give enough information while still maintaining their privacy.
An example of what to say would be, “It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of [Name], who died of [cause of death] on [date].”
Follow up your initial statement with basic biographical information about the individual. This can include their:
You’ll want to include a list of their close surviving family members and predeceased relatives. Be sure to double-check the spelling of everyone’s names and their relationship to the deceased. You don’t want to omit someone from the list who should have been included.
As we mentioned, writing a life story doesn’t have to be complicated and long when creating an obituary. Highlight key moments of their life, including:
This is a great opportunity to use descriptive language instead of sticking solely to the facts. You want to paint a picture of their passions and personalities.
There are several things you’ll want to include at the end of the obituary. One of the important things to mention is the memorial service and funeral details. Make sure to include the following details:
Please remember to make a note of any special requests by the deceased’s family members. This may include requests to make donations to a special cause instead of sending flowers.
Close your obituary with a heartfelt statement that’s authentic. Examples of things to include are:
Writing an obituary shouldn’t feel like a chore, despite how hard it may be to put pen to paper. While you may be focused on what details to include in the obituary, there are a few pieces of etiquette you should keep at the forefront of your mind during the process.
We talked earlier that you shouldn’t feel obligated to share the intimate details about how a person passed away. How much and what information to share is a decision that should be dictated by what the family feels the most comfortable with.
If you and the rest of the deceased’s loved ones decide to share how they passed away, don’t feel like you need to share traumatic details. Some people might feel uncomfortable sharing how a person died, especially if it was an overdose or suicide. You can choose to omit it entirely or refer to it vaguely.
Keep in mind that some individuals may want to include the exact cause of death because they want to be transparent. They may want to destigmatize the nature of certain types of deaths. Staying away from sharing too many gruesome details is a good rule of thumb when writing obituaries.
It may go without saying, but you shouldn’t include the deceased person’s personal information in their obituary. This can include their:
Identity theft is a major problem that can occur after someone passes away. You don’t want to make it easier for people to steal someone’s identity by giving them personal information.
You also don’t need to list every person in their family, especially if they have too many to list. Focus on the closest relatives if this is the case. You can use phrases like “many more loving uncles, aunts, and cousins.”
The most important thing to keep in mind if you need to write an obituary is that it should come from the heart. Think about the things you would want included about yourself in your obituary. Work with people close to the deceased so you craft an obituary that feels true to their spirit.
The staff at Lone Star Cremation is here to support you during this trying time. We provide full-service cremation services and can provide you with obituary examples. Reach out to our office to book an appointment.
Contact | Obituaries | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Our Commitment to Accessibility |Fort Worth Cremation Services | Dallas Cremation Services | Website by FF Websites
