Have you ever doubted your writing skills?
There are all kinds of situations in life that demand clear and thoughtful writing. One instance is writing an obituary for a deceased loved one. Trying to capture the magic of an entire person in a few short paragraphs can seem like an impossible task.
How can you create a final tribute to a loved one to celebrate their life and legacy? Using the best obituary phrases can help a great deal. Read on for our obituary guide that will make this process easier.
An obituary is a public notice of a person’s death that tends to get published in local newspapers and online. It usually includes basic information about the deceased, such as their name, age, date of birth, and date of death. It may also feature details about their family, career, hobbies, and notable achievements.
Using an obituary template can simplify the process. Here is a basic template to get you started:
Full Name: Include the full name of the deceased.
Age: Mention their age at the time of death.
Date of Birth and Death: Provide their birth and death dates.
Residence: Note where they lived at the time of their passing.
Brief Biography: Write a short summary of their life, including key achievements and interests.
Family: List surviving family members and those who preceded them in death.
Funeral Details: Give information about the funeral or memorial service, including date, time, and location.
Memorial Contributions: Suggest any organizations or causes for memorial donations, if applicable.
Obituary templates can be a helpful starting point. They provide a structured format that ensures all essential information is included. Here is a great general example of an obituary template:
“Full Name, Age, of City, passed away on Date of Death. Born on DOB in Place of Birth, Full Name was the child of Parents’ Names. They graduated from School Name and went on to achieve Degree/Certification.
“Full Name was a Professional Title for Length Of Time at Business Name. They were married to Spouse’s Name for Number of Years and had Number of Children children. Full Name enjoyed Hobbies/Interests.
“They are survived by List of Surviving Family Members. A funeral/memorial service will be held on Date at Time at Location. People can make memorial contributions to Charity/Organization.”
When writing an obituary, it’s important to be clear and respectful. Here are some more realistic examples and tips to help you create a touching memorial.
“Jane Doe, 77, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024. She was born on the 10th of October, 1947, in Springfield, to John and Mary Smith. Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years and was known for her kindness and dedication to her students.
“Jane’s surviving family includes her husband, Robert; her children, Alice and Tom; and her grandchildren, Emily and Jack. A memorial service will take place on July 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Springfield Community Church. Loved ones can make donations to the Springfield Children’s Fund.”
“Michael Johnson, 65, of Riverside, passed away on June 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 10, 1959, in Riverside, Michael was the son of James and Patricia Johnson. He graduated from Riverside High School in 1977 and went on to earn a degree in engineering from State University.
“Michael worked as a civil engineer for over 40 years, contributing to many significant projects in the city. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda, and a loving father to his children, David and Rachel. Michael enjoyed hiking, woodworking, and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
“His warmth, generosity, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on July 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Park. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Riverside Cancer Foundation.”
Memorial phrases can add a personal touch to an obituary. These phrases can reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. Here are some popular memorial phrases to consider:
Tribute wording can highlight the unique qualities and achievements of the deceased. Here are some examples of how to incorporate tribute wording into an obituary:
“John’s dedication to his work as a firefighter saved countless lives and earned him numerous commendations. He uplifted the community in so many ways.”
“Emily was known for her infectious smile and unwavering kindness, always putting others before herself. Her warmth was astonishing.”
“Sarah’s love for adventure led her to travel the world, creating unforgettable memories with her friends and family. Her favorite adventure was climbing the Great Wall of China.”
“James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose love for his family knew no bounds. He always his loved ones first.”
Personalizing the obituary can make it more meaningful. Here are some ways to make the obituary more personal:
If the deceased had a favorite quote or saying, consider including it in the obituary. This can make the reader feel closer to the deceased.
Highlight any special accomplishments, such as awards, recognitions, or milestones. This is an important opportunity to highlight how incredible the deceased was.
Sharing a short story or anecdote can capture the essence of the person’s life. It will make the page sparkle.
Consider how the person will be remembered and the legacy they leave behind. Everyone in the community should know how the deceased helped make it a better place.
“Margaret Jones, 72, of Boston, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024. Born on August 12, 1951, in Boston, Margaret was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Turner. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in nursing so she could spend her life caring for others.
“She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Williams, and together they raised three children, Laura, Michael, and Susan. Margaret had a passion for gardening, and her beautiful flower beds were admired by all who visited.
“She also enjoyed painting and was an active member of the local art community. Margaret’s kindness, creativity, and love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her.
“A memorial service for Margaret will take place on July 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Donations to the Boston Children’s Hospital are welcome to honor Margaret’s memory.”
Writing an obituary is a deeply personal task, so it’s normal to not know how to begin. Here are some final tips to help you craft a touching memorial:
Don’t rush the process because it’s important to take the time to reflect on the person’s life and gather your thoughts. Write a rough draft of the obituary and then set it aside for a few hours or even a day. Revisiting the obituary with fresh eyes can help you make improvements and ensure that you capture the essence of your loved one.
Ask family members and close friends for their input on the obituary. They may have special memories or insights to share that you might not have considered. This collaboration can provide a fuller picture of the deceased’s life and help you include details that resonate with a wider audience.
Write from the heart and be honest about the person’s life and character. Avoid embellishing or omitting significant parts of their life. Authenticity will make the obituary more meaningful and relatable to those who knew the person.
Check for any errors because a well-written obituary shows respect and care. Consider asking someone else to proofread the obituary as well because their eyes could catch mistakes you might have missed.
Ensure that the information is appropriate for a broad audience, including family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Tailor the content to reflect what these groups might find meaningful or comforting.
Writing a thoughtful obituary is a wonderful way to honor and remember a loved one. By using an obituary template, choosing the best obituary phrases, and incorporating personalized tribute wording, you can create a touching and respectful tribute. Remember to take your time, seek input from others, and write from the heart.
Do you need help with cremation and funeral services in the Mansfield, Texas area? Contact Lone Star Cremation to learn how we can help. We’ve been serving families with kindness and care since 2004.
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