When the phone rings with the news that your grandfather has passed, the next practical task is often to draft an obituary. The deadline may be tight, the newspaper’s format fixed, and family expectations varied. You will need to collect dates, names, and relationships, decide how much personal detail to include, and choose where the notice will appear. A clear, step‑by‑step approach can keep the process organized and reduce the pressure of honoring a life while meeting editorial requirements.
Standard elements and their order
An obituary typically begins with the full name of the deceased, followed by age, place of residence, and the date of death. The next line often includes a brief statement of the cause of death, if the family wishes to disclose it. After that comes a short paragraph summarizing the person’s life, highlighting key interests, career, and community involvement. The following section lists surviving family members and notes any pre‑deceased relatives. Finally, the notice ends with service details, funeral home information, and any charitable donation requests. Keeping this sequence helps editors place the text correctly and readers locate the most important information quickly.
Collecting the necessary facts
Before writing, gather all factual details in one place. A simple checklist can prevent omissions:
1. Full legal name, including any nicknames used publicly.
2. Date and location of birth.
3. Date, time, and place of death.
4. Marital status and names of spouse or partner.
5. Names of children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, noting any who pre‑deceased.
6. Occupation, military service, or notable community roles.
7. Preferred cause‑of‑death wording (full, partial, or omitted).
8. Funeral or memorial service date, time, and venue.
9. Funeral home contact information.
10. Any charitable organizations for donations.
Having this list ready allows you to fill each section of the obituary without interruption.
Deciding how to state the cause of death
The cause of death can be presented in three common ways: a full medical description, a brief phrase such as “after a short illness,” or no mention at all. Families often choose a level of detail based on privacy preferences and the expectations of the publishing outlet. If the cause is sensitive, a simple statement like “peacefully surrounded by family” is acceptable. When the family opts for a medical term, keep it concise and avoid jargon that may confuse readers. The decision should be consistent with any cultural or religious customs that influence how death is discussed publicly.
Writing a concise life summary
The life summary should be a paragraph or two that captures the essence of the person without turning into a résumé. Focus on the aspects that defined him: long‑standing hobbies, the type of work he valued, community involvement, and any stories that illustrate his character. Use plain language and avoid excessive dates or lists of positions. For example, “John was a devoted carpenter who built homes across the county, a weekend gardener who tended a vegetable patch that fed his family, and a regular volunteer at the local shelter.” This approach honors his life while remaining readable for newspaper space constraints.
Listing survivors and pre‑deceased relatives
Survivors are typically listed after the life summary, starting with the spouse, then children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. If the family structure is complex, group individuals by relationship and use commas to separate names, adding “and” before the final entry. Pre‑deceased relatives are mentioned in a separate sentence, often introduced with “pre‑deceased.” For instance, “He is survived by his wife Mary, son David, and grandchildren Lily and Sam; pre‑deceased are his brother Thomas and sister Elaine.” This format respects editorial conventions while clearly conveying family connections.
Length, placement, cost, and final check
Newspaper obituaries are usually limited to 150–250 words, while a funeral programme can accommodate a longer tribute of up to 500 words or more. Online memorial sites often allow extended narratives without word limits, but some charge per character or per page. Costs vary by publication, circulation size, and whether the notice appears in print, online, or both. Before submitting, verify the newspaper’s pricing schedule and any deadlines for edits.
After drafting, share the text with at least one other family member for review. A fresh set of eyes can catch typographical errors, confirm name spellings, and ensure that the tone matches the family’s wishes. Once the draft is approved, submit it according to the publisher’s guidelines, keeping a copy for personal records.
Worth remembering: Gather accurate facts, follow the standard element order, and keep the life summary brief; a single, well‑checked draft that respects family preferences and publication limits will meet both personal and editorial needs.
Common questions
What should I include?
An obituary should include the full name, age, date and place of death, a brief cause of death if desired, a concise life summary, a list of survivors and pre‑deceased relatives, and service or donation information.
How long should it be?
For newspaper notices, aim for 150–250 words; funeral programmes can hold 400–500 words, and online memorials often have no strict limit.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
Avoid turning the life summary into a résumé, omitting key relationships, using overly technical cause‑of‑death language, and submitting without a final family review.