5 Obituary Tips

Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, especially during a time of grief. However, it's an important way to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. An obituary serves as a final tribute, providing a lasting memory of the deceased and informing friends, family, and community members of their passing. In this article, we will provide you with 5 obituary tips to help you write a meaningful and memorable obituary.

The importance of an obituary cannot be overstated. It's not only a way to announce the passing of a loved one, but also to share their story, accomplishments, and legacy. A well-written obituary can bring comfort to those who are grieving, while also providing a sense of closure. With the rise of online obituaries, it's now easier than ever to share the news of a loved one's passing with a wider audience.

When writing an obituary, it's essential to consider the tone and content. An obituary should be a celebration of the person's life, rather than a mournful announcement of their death. It's an opportunity to share stories, memories, and anecdotes that capture the essence of the deceased. Whether you're writing an obituary for a family member, friend, or colleague, the goal is to create a lasting tribute that honors their memory.

Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary

An obituary is more than just a notification of a person's passing. It's a way to share their life story, including their achievements, interests, and values. A well-crafted obituary can provide comfort to those who are grieving, while also serving as a reminder of the person's impact on their community and loved ones. When writing an obituary, consider the following questions: What were the person's greatest accomplishments? What were their hobbies and interests? What values did they hold dear?

Key Elements of an Obituary

When writing an obituary, there are several key elements to include. These may vary depending on the individual and their family's preferences, but generally include: * The person's full name and age * Date and place of birth * Date and place of death * Cause of death (optional) * Surviving family members and their relationships * Occupation, education, and achievements * Hobbies, interests, and community involvement * Funeral or memorial service details

Tip 1: Start with the Basics

When writing an obituary, it's essential to start with the basics. This includes the person's full name, age, date and place of birth, and date and place of death. You may also want to include the cause of death, although this is optional and should be discussed with the family. Additionally, be sure to include the names of surviving family members, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Gathering Information

Gathering information for an obituary can be a challenging task, especially if the person had a large family or was involved in many activities. It's essential to talk to family members, friends, and colleagues to gather stories, memories, and anecdotes. You may also want to review the person's social media profiles, scrapbooks, and other personal documents to get a sense of their life and accomplishments.

Tip 2: Share Stories and Memories

An obituary is not just a list of facts and figures; it's an opportunity to share stories and memories of the person's life. Consider including anecdotes, quotes, and other personal touches that capture the essence of the deceased. This could include stories of their childhood, their career, or their hobbies and interests. You may also want to include memories of their relationships with family and friends, as well as their impact on their community.

Using Quotes and Anecdotes

Using quotes and anecdotes can add depth and personality to an obituary. Consider including quotes from the person's favorite books, songs, or poems, as well as anecdotes that illustrate their values and sense of humor. You may also want to include stories of their achievements and accomplishments, as well as their challenges and struggles.

Tip 3: Keep it Concise

While it's tempting to include as much information as possible in an obituary, it's essential to keep it concise. Aim for a length of around 200-500 words, depending on the publication and the individual's life. Be sure to prioritize the most important information, such as the person's name, age, and date of death, as well as their surviving family members and funeral or memorial service details.

Using Bullet Points and Lists

Using bullet points and lists can help to break up the text and make the obituary easier to read. Consider using bullet points to list the person's achievements, hobbies, and interests, as well as their surviving family members. You may also want to use lists to outline the person's education, career, and community involvement.

Tip 4: Include a Photo

Including a photo in an obituary can help to personalize the tribute and make it more memorable. Consider using a recent photo of the person, as well as photos from throughout their life. You may also want to include photos of the person's loved ones, as well as their hobbies and interests.

Choosing the Right Photo

Choosing the right photo for an obituary can be a challenging task. Consider using a photo that captures the person's personality and spirit, as well as their relationships with loved ones. You may also want to use a photo that illustrates the person's hobbies and interests, as well as their achievements and accomplishments.

Tip 5: Proofread and Edit

Finally, it's essential to proofread and edit the obituary carefully before submitting it for publication. Check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as factual inaccuracies. Be sure to read the obituary aloud to ensure that it flows well and is easy to understand.

Getting Feedback

Getting feedback from family members and friends can be helpful in ensuring that the obituary is accurate and complete. Consider sharing the obituary with a few trusted individuals before submitting it for publication, and ask for their feedback and suggestions.

Obituary Image Gallery

What is the purpose of an obituary?

An obituary is a way to share the news of a person's passing, while also celebrating their life and legacy. It provides a lasting memory of the deceased and informs friends, family, and community members of their passing.

What information should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should include the person's full name, age, date and place of birth, and date and place of death. It may also include the cause of death, surviving family members, occupation, education, and achievements.

How long should an obituary be?

An obituary should be concise, aiming for a length of around 200-500 words. It's essential to prioritize the most important information and avoid including too much detail.

Can I include a photo in an obituary?

Yes, including a photo in an obituary can help to personalize the tribute and make it more memorable. Consider using a recent photo of the person, as well as photos from throughout their life.

How can I ensure that my obituary is accurate and complete?

It's essential to proofread and edit the obituary carefully before submitting it for publication. Check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as factual inaccuracies. Consider sharing the obituary with a few trusted individuals before submitting it for publication, and ask for their feedback and suggestions.

In conclusion, writing an obituary is a challenging task, but with the right guidance, it can be a meaningful and memorable tribute to a loved one. By following these 5 obituary tips, you can create a lasting legacy that honors the person's memory and provides comfort to those who are grieving. Remember to start with the basics, share stories and memories, keep it concise, include a photo, and proofread and edit carefully. With these tips, you can create an obituary that truly celebrates the person's life and legacy. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with writing an obituary in the comments below.