How to Write an Obituary
When a loved one dies, there are many tasks to be accomplished regarding the final arrangements. Among the most meaningful is writing the obituary. If you have the responsibility of taking on this task, it may seem overwhelming at first, especially when you are processing your grief. You may not even know how to begin an obituary, but if you keep a few simple things in mind, you may find that it is easier than you expected it to be.
The Purpose of a Funeral Obituary
The purpose of the obituary is twofold: it is an announcement of death and a celebration of the person’s life. A well-crafted obituary honors the person, helps friends and family members connect, and pays tribute to the life that was lived. It also provides details of the funeral arrangements, so that people can attend the service, send flowers, or donate to a certain charity in honor of the person who has died.
Obituaries are typically published online or in the newspaper, and they can serve as a record of the person’s life for future generations. Sometimes, a person writes his or her obituary in advance. More often, though, the task falls to a family member or friend. If you are writing an obituary and need some guidance, your funeral director can help you.
What to Write in an Obituary
To write an effective obituary, you first need to include certain key elements. Include basic facts about the person, including his or her full name, age, date, place of birth, and date and place of death. Discuss with the family whether or not to include the cause of death; sometimes, families prefer to withhold this information.
Provide a summary of the person’s life, reaching out to others who knew the person, to gather pertinent details. Include notable facts about the person’s interests, hobbies, and achievements in the obituary, to paint a picture of the life that was lived. Good achievements for an obituary include the things that made your loved one the most excited or proud.
Degrees earned, honors received, and service to their community are all good things to mention in an obituary. Include information about the person’s family, including family members who have already passed away, as well as the family members who are still alive.
You will also want to share details regarding the funeral or memorial service, including whether or not these are public events, and mention where donations can be sent, if applicable. Make sure that you use clear language when writing the obituary, and be respectful of the person who has died, while also keeping it authentic and personal.
Work with other people who love the person, so that the final product is well-rounded and interesting. Finally, be mindful of the length of the obituary. It should not be overly long, and newspapers typically limit the number of words they will publish for an obituary.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Writing an Obituary
Take your time when you are writing an obituary, and don’t rush the process. You want to strike a balance between sharing too much information and leaving out key details, which is a good reason to work with others on this project. Don’t make the obituary too formal or impersonal, but keep it interesting and concise. Proofread the obituary carefully, and make sure to fact-check, as well. Obituaries become part of the public record, so you do not want to include any misinformation.
How to Make an Obituary Stand Out
The most important thing to remember when writing an obituary is that it is not really about the person’s death, but rather about his or her life. Tell a story, include a quote, or find some other way to let your loved one’s personality shine through your words. Take the time to carefully consider the words that would best describe the person, the qualities that made your loved one special, and the achievements of which he or she was most proud. Prioritize authenticity, and you will be able to craft an obituary that is a true representation of your loved one.
Let John F. Pfleger Funeral Home Help You with Final Arrangements
Since 1956, John F. Pfleger Funeral Home has served members of the Monmouth County community with compassion and integrity. Located in the heart of Middletown, NJ, our family-owned-and-operated funeral home has provided funeral, burial, cremation, and funeral pre-planning services across three generations. The goal has always been to treat every family we serve in the way we would like to be treated, helping them through this difficult time, and we are thankful to have a legacy of care in our community.
Whether you are looking for a public or private memorial or funeral, a large or small service, religious or secular, somber or festive, we can accommodate you. Please contact us when you are going through the process of making funeral arrangements, knowing that we will offer you the utmost support, treat you with dignity, and act with integrity.
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