How To Write an Obituary
Obituaries serve various purposes, and their length and content can differ depending on the medium. The three most common formats are:
Newspaper: Abbreviated Version
Printed: Extended Version
Most newspapers can publish longer obituaries, but this can be costly. Therefore, many people opt for an abbreviated version for the general public and a more detailed version on the funeral home website, family history sites, and other platforms that allow for extended content.
Abbreviated Obituary
The goal of an abbreviated obituary is to notify the public of a death, providing key information about (1) the deceased’s identity and (2) funeral arrangements for those who wish to attend or send memorials.
Basic Information:
- Full name of the deceased, including maiden name
- Age
- Date of death
- City and state of residence at the time of death (use the place of residence, not the place of death)
- Name of spouse/partner/significant other, indicating if they are alive or deceased
- Date, time, and location of the service open to the public
- Requested memorials
Extended Information (if desired):
- Date of birth
- City and state of birth
- Parents and family of origin (e.g., “Mary and the late John Smith”)
- Siblings and other family members (e.g., “Jane Smith (Bob)”)
- Immediate family: children, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
- If too many to list, state the number (e.g., “10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren”)
- If unsure of the number, state “many grandchildren and great-grandchildren”
- Extended family members like nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, etc., are typically not named
- Brief career
- Education
- Military service
- Brief mention of hobbies or special interests
Extended Obituary:
- An extended obituary can be posted on the funeral home website or other online platforms, providing more detailed information:
- Date of marriage or duration of marriage
- Special events, hobbies, travels, or interests
- Awards and achievements
- Leadership roles
- Involvement in charitable, religious, business, or community organizations
- Detailed career history
- Places of residence
- Acknowledgements of caregivers or special friends
- Special Circumstances
- Cause of death: It is optional to include this information
- Divorce: Ex-spouses are usually not included