How to Write an Obituary
The obituary documents the deceased person's life. It lets the public know about the death and gives information about funeral and memorial services. The purpose of the obituary is to give respect and honor for those who have passed, while informing those who remain of his or her death. This article is a simple guide to assist you in creating an obituary. Also See: "Sample Obituaries" and obituary examples.
There are two basic types of obituaries:
Type 1 -- Short and Concise Obituary
Type 2 -- Long and more Detailed Obituary
Create an Obituary Program
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Type 1 -- Short and Concise
A simple paragraph or two will be sufficient to meet the basic objective of the obituary; to inform the public that your loved one has died. The shortest type of obituary will have the following information:
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Full Name
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Place of Residence
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Date of birth
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Date of death
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Plans for memorial services and internment
It will say nothing or very little about the circumstances of death, family members left behind, job, hobbies, achievements or anything of the sort. This is typically the type of obituary that is submitted to the newspaper. See the article "Submitting Obituaries to Newspapers" for more information.
Type 2 -- Longer and more detailed
The second type of obituary will create a longer life sketch of the individual who has passed away, which may contain several paragraphs. This is typically the type of obituary that is used in funeral programs, prayer cards and funeral keepsakes. It may include the following information:
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Date of birth, place of birth
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Date of death, place of death
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Circumstances of death (This section is optional, and may be general or specific. Rather than referring directly to cancer or Alzheimers, it may be more appropriate to refer to a prolonged illness. In cases of suicide, perhaps no information is necessary).
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Plans for the viewing (if applicable) and the memorial service
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Name of high school or college from which he/she attended or graduated
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Military service and decorations
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Religious affiliation, such as church or synagogue
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Jobs held - including retirement
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Names and relations of family members, both surviving and pre-deceased, to include parents, siblings, spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
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Awards/Recognitions received
- Organizations to which the deceased belonged (volunteer work, fraternal organizations, veterans groups, religious orders)
A picture may or may not be included with the obituary. Some families choose a recent picture while others use a picture from an earlier time in the deceased life when he or she was younger, perhaps from high school, marriage, or the military. The goal is to honor their memory in the most fitting manner.
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Create a Professional Obituary Program to Honor your Loved One
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