How to Write An Obituary for Your Loved One
Unfortunately, many of the obituaries we see in the newspaper and on the web are prepared in haste, in fog of grief, and the stress of meeting a publisher deadline. This usually results in the inability to convey the contributions and personality of your loved one in a meaningful way.
Writing an obituary should be a positive experience despite the feelings of grief that will arise. In this post, we will help you highlight the accomplishments and tell the story of the one that recently passed away.
The Basic Information
You may start by gathering all the necessary details from relatives, close family members, and friends. Make sure you include.
- Full legal name
- Nickname
- Birthdate and death date
- Birthplace
- City and state of residence at death
- Name of significant other
- Names of parents and siblings
- Names of those that preceded them in death
- Names of those surviving
- Date and time of funeral services being held
- Names of pallbearers
- Name of funeral home and cemetery
Your Loved One’s Life
Find inspiration and guidelines in your local newspaper or funeral home’s website. Each life is unique and how you document your loved one’s life story is up to you.
Remember that an obituary is not a biography, but a recounting of the most important events, qualities, contributions and connections in a person’s life.
You may include details such as:
- Childhood
- Education
- Military background
- Honors and awards
- Marriage
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Employment
- Extra-curricular activities
- Retirement
- Home life
- Special pets