Losing someone you love is a very difficult time. When it comes to writing an obituary, it can seem like an overwhelming task. However, writing an obituary is a way to celebrate the life of your loved one and share their story with others. With these simple steps, you can create a meaningful and heartfelt obituary to honor your loved one.

First, start by gathering information about your loved one’s life. This may include their birthdate, place of birth, education, career, family, hobbies, and any significant accomplishments or contributions they made to their community. You can gather this information by talking to family members, going through personal documents, and consulting with their employer or school. Once you have a list of details, you can start piecing together their story and creating a memorable obituary.

Section: How to Make an Obituary

Now that you have decided to create an obituary for your loved one, it’s important to know how to properly compose one. Although it may seem like a daunting task, writing an obituary provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the deceased’s life. Here are some steps to help you create a meaningful obituary:

1. Collect Information

Begin by gathering the necessary information. Ask family members and loved ones for significant events in the deceased’s life, including their birthplace, education, career, memberships, achievements, and hobbies. Make sure to verify all details before including them in the obituary.

2. Decide on a Tone

Deciding on the tone of your obituary can be crucial in capturing the essence of the person you are writing about. Think about the personality of the deceased and how they would want to be remembered. You may want to include their humor, generosity, kindness, or unique traits.

3. Choose a Style

Obituaries can vary in style, depending on the preference of the writer or the deceased. Some may choose to write a traditional obituary, while others may opt for a more personal or creative approach. Consider what would be most appropriate for the individual and their family.

4. Write the Lead

The first sentence of your obituary should be attention-grabbing and informative. It should include the full name of the deceased, their age, and place of residence. For example, “John Doe, 75, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 5, 2021…”

5. Include Biographical Information

The following paragraphs should provide biographical information about the deceased. This may include their family background, education, career, and other significant life events. Avoid using clichés and focus on what made the individual unique.

6. Highlight Accomplishments and Contributions

Take some time to reflect on the deceased’s accomplishments and contributions to society. This may include their work in the community, activism, or special talents. Mentioning these highlights will make the obituary more meaningful and allow readers to appreciate the individual’s legacy.

7. Provide Details for Services

Include information about the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. You may also want to mention any requests made by the family, such as donations or flowers. If there is more than one service, be sure to provide accurate information for both.

8. Share Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Remember to include personal stories and anecdotes that illustrate the character and life of the deceased. These stories can add a humanizing touch to the obituary and help readers connect with the individual on a deeper level.

9. Edit and Proofread

After completing the draft, read it several times for clarity and accuracy. Check for misspellings, grammatical errors, and other common mistakes. Ask someone else to proofread the obituary as well, to ensure that it is error-free.

10. Publish the Obituary

Once you’ve made all the necessary changes, it’s time to publish the obituary. You can submit it to local newspapers, online publications, or post it on social media. Be sure to include a photo of the deceased, and if possible, a link to their memorial page or obituary.

In conclusion, composing an obituary requires focus, patience, and a lot of love. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful tribute to honor the life and legacy of your loved one.

Section 2: Guidelines for Writing an Obituary

An obituary is a tribute to the life of a loved one who has passed away. It is a way to honor and remember them and share their story with others. Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, but with these guidelines, you can create a meaningful and memorable tribute to your loved one.

1. Begin with the Basics

Start by gathering the basic information required for the obituary, such as the full name of the deceased, age, date of birth, date of death, and location of death. You may also include their occupation or place of work, as well as any noteworthy accomplishments or achievements.

2. Share their Story

When writing an obituary, it’s important to share the story of the person’s life. Include details about their childhood, family, education, hobbies, and interests. Share stories that capture their personality and what they meant to those who loved them.

3. Keep it Simple and Concise

While it’s important to share details about the person’s life, it’s also important to keep the obituary concise and to the point. Stick to the most important details and avoid rambling on in a lengthy article.

4. Focus on the Positive

When writing an obituary, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the person’s life. Highlight their accomplishments, kind acts, and positive impact on others. Avoid dwelling on negative aspects or controversies.

5. Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

It’s important to avoid clichés and overused phrases in an obituary. Instead, focus on writing a heartfelt and genuine tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life.

6. Include Family Members and Survivors

Include a list of surviving family members and close friends in the obituary. This can help ensure that the person’s loved ones are notified of their passing and can provide comfort and support during a difficult time.

7. Mention Funeral Arrangements

Include details about the funeral arrangements, such as the date, time, and location. You may also consider mentioning any requests the deceased had for their funeral or memorial service.

8. Consider Adding a Favorite Poem or Song

Adding a favorite poem or song can help personalize the obituary and capture the essence of the person’s life. Consider choosing a piece of music or poetry that holds special meaning to the person and their loved ones.

9. Proofread and Edit Carefully

When writing an obituary, it’s important to proofread and edit carefully. Check for errors and ensure that the details are accurate. Consider asking a friend or family member to review the obituary before submitting it for publication.

10. Choose the Right Publication

Consider the publication or platform where you plan to publish the obituary. Choose a platform that reaches the intended audience and provides the appropriate level of publicity. You may also consider publishing the obituary on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.

Writing the Obituary

Now that you have all the information that you need, it’s time to start drafting the obituary. This will be the final tribute to your loved one, so take your time and ensure that it is well-written and reflective of their life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a moving obituary:

Begin with an Opening Statement

Start with a brief but comprehensive statement that introduces your loved one and their passing. This statement should be written in a way that captures the essence of who they were. It should also grab the reader’s attention and create an emotional connection.

Include Their Life Story

Recount their life story, including their childhood, education, career, and any significant events. This will help readers understand your loved one’s journey and the impact they had on their community. It’s best to write in chronological order, moving from their earliest memories up until their last days.

Detail Their Accomplishments and Contributions

Use the obituary to highlight your loved one’s accomplishments and contributions. This section can include things like awards, volunteer work, and other notable achievements. Naming specific individuals, groups, or organizations your loved one helped will help highlight their impact in the world.

Add Personal Anecdotes and Memories

Personal anecdotes and memories are what make obituaries truly unique. Include stories that show your loved one’s sense of humor, generosity, or any other traits that made them special. Consider including a favorite quote or song that reflects your loved one’s personality.

Include Funeral and Memorial Information

Finally, make sure to include any funeral or memorial information and details. It is crucial to state the time, date, and location of the service. This will allow friends and family to come and provide support and say a final goodbye.

Opening Statement Example:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Smith, aged 78, who died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Life Story Example:
John was born on January 1st, 1943 in New York City, USA. He attended school in Boston before heading off to university to study law. He became a successful lawyer before retiring in 2000. As a result of his work, he was well-respected by colleagues and clients alike.
Accomplishments and Contributions Example:
During his lifetime, John was a staunch advocate for natural conservation and was recognized for his work by several nonprofit organizations. He also volunteered at his local church and was a mentor to many young lawyers.
Personal Anecdotes and Memories Example:
John was known for his marvelous sense of humor, and he particularly enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends and family. He also loved listening to classical music, a passion that he passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Funeral and Memorial Information Example:
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Monday, June 21st at 2 PM at St. Alban’s Church, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in John’s honor.

Remember, the purpose of an obituary is to celebrate your loved one’s life and provide closure to those left behind. So, ensure that you spend time crafting a meaningful obituary that captures their personality and legacy.

Remembering Our Loved Ones with a Personal Obituary

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to make an obituary. Writing an obituary can be challenging, especially during such a difficult time, but it is a way to honor and celebrate the life of our loved ones. By including personal anecdotes and including the details that made them unique, we can keep their memory alive. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to write an obituary, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. We hope this article helped and please come back to our website for more stories and tips on how to keep the memory of our loved ones alive.