Funeral Obituary Template, Sample & Writing Guide
Writing a funeral obituary can feel difficult when you are grieving. This page offers a simple sample, a practical checklist, and funeral obituary templates to help you share a loved one’s story with care.
Funeral Obituary Templates
Choose a template as a starting point, then personalize it with the details, memories, and service information your family wishes to share.
Funeral Obituary Sample
Use the following obituary sample as a guide. Replace the bracketed details and adjust the wording to reflect the person’s life and your family’s preferences.
[Full Name of the Deceased]
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing]
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of [Full Name] on [Date of Passing]. [He/She/They] was a beloved [relation], cherished friend, and [a few qualities, roles, or accomplishments].
[Full Name] was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth]. [Briefly mention meaningful life events, education, career, hobbies, passions, community involvement, or other memories.]
[He/She/They] will be deeply missed by [list surviving family members, close friends, or others the family wishes to mention].
A [funeral service/memorial service/celebration of life] will be held on [Date] at [Location]. [Include any service details, special requests, or instructions the family would like to share.]
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to [charity or organization] in memory of [Full Name].
The memory of [Full Name] will forever be cherished in our hearts. [Add a meaningful quote, verse, or closing sentiment.]
What to Include in a Funeral Obituary
An obituary can be brief or more detailed. Focus on the information that feels most important to the family and honors the person respectfully.
- Announcement of the passing: The person’s full name and date of passing.
- Key biographical details: Their date and place of birth, education, career, interests, and meaningful milestones.
- Personal remembrance: Qualities, passions, contributions, stories, or accomplishments that reflect who they were.
- Family information: Surviving family members and others the family chooses to acknowledge.
- Service details: The date, time, and location of a funeral or memorial service, if those details are to be shared.
- Memorial requests: Optional information about flowers, donations, or other remembrances.
How to Write a Funeral Obituary
Gather the essential details
Collect the correct spelling of names, important dates, family information, service details, and any wishes about donations or privacy. Confirm information with a family member before publishing.
Begin with a clear announcement
Open with the person’s name, the news of their passing, and a few words that introduce their place in the lives of others.
Share the parts of their story that matter most
Choose details that help readers remember the person: their work, interests, relationships, values, accomplishments, or a favorite memory. A few specific details often feel more personal than a long list.
Add family and service information
Include surviving relatives and funeral or memorial arrangements only as the family wishes. You may link to or coordinate details with your memorial service planning.
Close with a fitting tribute
End with a short reflection, a favorite quote, or a message about the person’s legacy. Keep the tone true to the individual and comforting for those who read it.
Review before sharing
Proofread names, dates, locations, and contact information carefully. Ask another family member or trusted friend to review the obituary for accuracy, clarity, and sensitivity.
A Simple Funeral Obituary Checklist
- Verify names, relationships, dates, and service details.
- Choose the details and memories that best reflect the person’s life.
- Respect the family’s wishes about private information.
- Keep the length appropriate for the intended publication or program.
- Proofread carefully, then have someone else review it.
- Save a final copy for the family and for inclusion in a funeral program.
Include the Obituary in a Funeral Program
Including an obituary in a funeral program gives attendees a meaningful overview of a loved one’s life and creates a personal keepsake. It can sit alongside service details, photographs, and other tributes that help family and friends remember the person being honored.
Videos for Funeral Obituary Help
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Obituaries
What is a funeral obituary?
A funeral obituary is a written announcement and tribute that shares news of a person’s passing. It may include a brief life story, family information, and funeral or memorial service details.
What information should be included in a funeral obituary?
Common details include the person’s full name, dates of birth and passing, a brief biography, family members, personal qualities or accomplishments, and service arrangements. Families can decide which details feel appropriate to share.
Who writes the funeral obituary?
Family members or close friends often write the obituary. A funeral home or professional writer may also help, with the family reviewing the final wording for accuracy and tone.
How long should a funeral obituary be?
Length varies by publication, available space, and the amount the family wants to share. It may be a few paragraphs or several hundred words; prioritize the details that matter most.
Where can a funeral obituary be published?
Obituaries may be published in local newspapers, online obituary platforms, funeral home websites, social media, or a funeral program. The right choice depends on the family’s preferences and the people they want to reach.
Can I create different versions of an obituary?
Yes. The core information can stay the same while a shorter version is prepared for a newspaper and a longer version is used online or in a funeral program.
Add a review
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *