Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, especially when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. But it’s an important way to honor their life and share their legacy with others. Crafting an obituary template can help simplify the process and ensure that you include all the necessary information.

An obituary template typically includes several key elements, such as the announcement of the person’s death, a brief summary of their life story, information about their family members, and details about any upcoming funeral or memorial services. It’s important to strike a balance between providing enough information to give readers a sense of who the person was, while also keeping the obituary concise and focused.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing an obituary template, there are some general guidelines that can help you get started. By gathering information about the person’s life, thinking about their accomplishments and legacy, and considering what they would want to be remembered for, you can create a meaningful and memorable tribute that honors their memory and celebrates their life.

Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary

An obituary is a written announcement that informs others about the death of a loved one. It is meant to share information about the person’s life, notify others about any viewing, memorial, funeral, and burial services, and serve as a long-lasting record for future generations.

Obituaries are usually published in newspapers, online, or in funeral programs. They can be written by family members, friends, or professional writers. The content of an obituary typically includes biographical information, details about the person’s life, accomplishments, hobbies, and interests, as well as information about the funeral or memorial service.

The purpose of an obituary is to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. It is also a way to inform others about the death and provide closure for family and friends. An obituary can be a way to share the person’s legacy and accomplishments, as well as their impact on others.

When writing an obituary, it is important to keep in mind the audience and purpose of the piece. The tone should be respectful and informative, while also capturing the essence of the person’s life. It is also important to include accurate information about the funeral or memorial service, so that others can pay their respects and offer condolences to the family.

Gathering Information

When writing an obituary, it’s important to gather all the necessary information about the deceased. This includes personal details, family details, career and achievements. Here are some tips on how to gather the information you need.

Personal Details

Start by gathering the basic personal details of the deceased. This includes their full name, age, date of birth, and date of death. You may also want to include their place of birth and where they lived.

Other personal details to consider include:

• Education: Where did they go to school? Did they graduate from college or receive any degrees?
• Hobbies and interests: What did they enjoy doing in their free time?
• Personality traits: How would you describe their personality?
• Religious beliefs: Were they religious? If so, what religion did they practice?

Family Details

Next, gather information about the deceased’s family. This includes the names of their parents, siblings, spouse, children, and grandchildren. You may also want to include information about any pets they had.

Other family details to consider include:

• Marriages: Were they married? How many times? What were the names of their spouses?
• Divorces: Did they go through any divorces?
• Predeceased family members: Were any family members deceased before the deceased?

Career and Achievements

Finally, gather information about the deceased’s career and achievements. This includes their job history, any awards they received, and any notable accomplishments.

Other career and achievement details to consider include:

• Volunteer work: Did they do any volunteer work? If so, where?
• Charitable donations: Did they donate to any charities?
• Military service: Did they serve in the military? If so, which branch?

By gathering all of this information, you’ll be able to create a comprehensive obituary that honors the life of the deceased.

Writing the Obituary

Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, as it is a way to honor the life of a loved one who has passed away. However, it is also an opportunity to celebrate their life and achievements. Here are some tips to help you write an obituary template that is both respectful and informative.

Starting with Basic Information

The first step in writing an obituary is to include basic information about the deceased. This should include their full name, age, date and place of birth, date and place of death, and cause of death. It is also important to mention any nicknames, maiden names, or suffixes like Jr. or Sr.

Writing About Life and Achievements

After providing the basic information, it is time to write about the life and achievements of the deceased. This can include their education, career, hobbies, and interests. It is also important to mention any significant accomplishments or contributions they made to their community or society.

When writing about their life and achievements, it is important to be respectful and neutral. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims, and focus on the facts. Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.

Mentioning Family Connections

In addition to writing about the life and achievements of the deceased, it is also important to mention their family connections. This can include their spouse, children, parents, siblings, and other relatives.

When mentioning family connections, it is important to use clear and concise language. If the deceased had a large family, consider using a table or bullet points to make the information easier to read.

Including Funeral Details

Finally, it is important to include funeral details in the obituary. This can include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. It is also important to mention any special requests or instructions from the family, such as donations to a charity in lieu of flowers.

When including funeral details, it is important to be clear and concise. Use bold text or other formatting to make the information stand out. If there are multiple events, consider using a table or bullet points to make the information easier to read.

By following these tips, you can write an obituary template that is both respectful and informative. Remember to focus on the facts, use clear and concise language, and be respectful of the deceased and their family.

Reviewing and Editing

Once you have drafted the obituary, it is important to review and edit it before publishing. This step ensures that the obituary is error-free and accurately reflects the life and legacy of the deceased. Here are some tips for reviewing and editing an obituary template.

Proofreading the Obituary

Proofreading is the process of checking the obituary for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. It is important to proofread the obituary multiple times to catch any mistakes that may have been missed during the initial drafting process. Here are some proofreading tips:

• Use a spell checker: A spell checker can help you catch spelling errors that you may have missed.
• Read the obituary out loud: Reading the obituary out loud can help you catch grammatical errors and awkward phrasing.
• Check the formatting: Make sure that the obituary is formatted correctly and that there are no spacing or alignment errors.

Getting Feedback

Getting feedback from family members, friends, or colleagues can be helpful in ensuring that the obituary accurately reflects the life and legacy of the deceased. Here are some tips for getting feedback:

• Ask for feedback from multiple people: Getting feedback from multiple people can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the obituary.
• Consider the feedback carefully: Consider the feedback you receive carefully and make changes as necessary.
• Don’t be afraid to make changes: It is important to make changes to the obituary if necessary to ensure that it accurately reflects the life and legacy of the deceased.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the obituary template accurately reflects the life and legacy of the deceased and provides a meaningful tribute to their memory.

Publishing the Obituary

Once you have written the obituary, it’s time to publish it. There are a few things to consider when choosing where and how to publish the obituary.

Choosing the Right Platform

Traditionally, obituaries were published in newspapers. However, with the rise of the internet, there are now many online platforms where you can publish obituaries for free or for a fee. Some popular options include:

• Legacy.com: A website that specializes in obituaries and allows you to publish obituaries for free or for a fee.
• Ever Loved: A website that allows you to publish obituaries for free and also offers premium features for a fee.
• Funeral home website: Many funeral homes have websites where they allow you to publish obituaries for free or for a fee.

When choosing a platform, consider the audience you want to reach and the features you need. For example, if you want to reach a wider audience, a newspaper or a website like Legacy.com might be a good option. If you want to keep things simple and reach a smaller audience, a funeral home website might be a better choice.

Understanding Publication Costs

If you choose to publish the obituary in a newspaper or on a website that charges a fee, it’s important to understand the costs involved. The cost can vary depending on the platform and the length of the obituary. Some newspapers charge by the word, while others charge a flat fee. Websites like Legacy.com offer different packages with varying costs and features.

Before publishing the obituary, make sure you understand the costs involved and have a budget in mind. You may also want to consider whether you want to include a photo or other special features, as these can also affect the cost.

Overall, choosing the right platform and understanding the costs involved can help you publish the obituary in a way that honors your loved one and reaches the audience you want to reach.