When a loved one passes, the first task often is to draft the obituary that will appear in the newspaper or online. The deadline can be tight, and the family may be juggling funeral arrangements, grief, and paperwork. An obituary is a brief public notice that records the facts of a life and informs the community of the service. Having a clear outline and a checklist can keep the process organized and reduce the chance of missing essential details.
Standard elements and typical order
An obituary usually begins with the full legal name of the deceased, followed by age, city of residence, and the date and place of death. A short introductory sentence often states the cause of death if the family chooses to include it. The next paragraph provides a concise narrative of the person’s life, highlighting education, career, and interests without turning into a résumé. After the life summary, list surviving family members and any pre‑deceased relatives, then give the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. End with a line about where flowers may be sent or a preferred charitable donation.
Gathering the facts
Before writing, collect the essential data to avoid later revisions. A practical checklist includes: full name (including maiden name if relevant), date and place of birth, date, time, and place of death, age at death, marital status, spouse’s name, children’s names and ages, parents’ names, siblings, and any notable extended family. Also record the funeral home’s contact information, service details, and any specific wording the family wants for the cause of death. Keep this information in a single document so it can be copied directly into the draft.
Cause of death – conventions and choices
Including the cause of death is optional and depends on family preference and cultural norms. Newspapers often allow a brief phrase such as “after a brief illness” or “following complications from surgery.” If the family wishes to keep the cause private, the obituary can simply omit it and move straight to the life summary. When a cause is listed, use neutral language and avoid medical jargon; the goal is to inform, not to provide a clinical report.
Writing a concise life summary
The life summary should be one to two paragraphs, roughly 150 words total, focusing on the person’s character, passions, and community involvement. Mention education and career only insofar as they shaped the individual’s story. Highlight hobbies, volunteer work, or achievements that were meaningful to the deceased and their family. Avoid a chronological list of jobs and awards; instead, weave a short narrative that gives readers a sense of who the person was in everyday life.
Naming survivors and pre‑deceased relatives
Survivors are listed after the life summary, typically starting with the spouse, then children, parents, and siblings. Use commas to separate names and the word “and” before the final entry. For blended families, group by relationship rather than by bloodline, e.g., “survived by his wife, Jane, his son Michael, and his daughter Sarah from a previous marriage.” Pre‑deceased relatives are mentioned in a separate line, often introduced with “pre‑deceased” or “late,” to avoid confusion.
Length, publication venues, and cost
A newspaper obituary is usually limited to 150–250 words and may cost between $30 and $150 depending on size and placement. A longer tribute for a funeral programme can run several pages and is often printed by the funeral home or a local printer for a flat fee. Online memorial sites allow unlimited length and may be free or charge a modest hosting fee. Choose the venue based on the audience you want to reach and the budget you have for the announcement.
Worth remembering: Start with a factual checklist, follow the standard order of elements, and keep the life summary brief and personal; this structure ensures all essential information is included without unnecessary detail.
Common questions
What should I include?
An obituary should contain the deceased’s full name, age, place of residence, date and place of death, a brief life summary, a list of surviving and pre‑deceased relatives, and the funeral or memorial service details.
How long should it be?
A newspaper notice is typically 150–250 words, while a funeral‑program tribute can be several pages; the length should match the chosen publication and the family’s desire for detail.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
Avoid omitting key dates, using a resume‑style list of jobs, including overly graphic cause‑of‑death language, and neglecting to verify spelling of names with another family member before submission.