5 Obituaries Tips

The importance of obituaries cannot be overstated, as they serve as a lasting tribute to loved ones who have passed away. Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, especially during a time of grief. However, with some guidance, it can be a therapeutic way to celebrate the life of the deceased. In this article, we will explore five valuable tips for writing obituaries that are both informative and heartfelt.

Obituaries are more than just a formal announcement of a person's passing; they are a way to share the story of their life, their accomplishments, and their impact on those around them. A well-written obituary can provide comfort to the grieving family and friends, while also serving as a testament to the person's legacy. With the rise of online obituaries, it's easier than ever to share this information with a wider audience, making it possible for people from all over the world to pay their respects.

When writing an obituary, it's essential to consider the tone and style that best reflects the personality and spirit of the deceased. This can be a challenging task, especially when trying to condense a lifetime of experiences and memories into a few paragraphs. Nevertheless, with some careful planning and attention to detail, it's possible to create an obituary that truly honors the person who has passed away. Whether you're writing an obituary for a family member, friend, or colleague, these five tips will help you get started.

Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary

Before we dive into the tips, it's crucial to understand the purpose of an obituary. An obituary is a notice of a person's death, usually published in a newspaper or online, that provides basic information about the deceased, such as their name, age, date of birth, and date of death. It may also include details about their family, career, hobbies, and achievements. The primary purpose of an obituary is to inform the public of the person's passing and to provide a way for friends and family to pay their respects.

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 circumstances, but some common elements include: * Biographical information, such as the person's name, age, and date of birth * Information about their family, including spouse, children, and siblings * Details about their career, education, and achievements * Hobbies and interests * Information about the funeral or memorial service * A personal message or tribute to the deceased

Tip 1: Start with the Basics

When writing an obituary, it's essential to start with the basics. This includes the person's name, age, date of birth, and date of death. You should also include information about their family, such as their spouse, children, and siblings. This information provides a foundation for the rest of the obituary and helps to establish the person's identity.

In addition to the basic information, you may also want to include details about the person's career, education, and achievements. This could include their job title, employer, and any notable accomplishments or awards they received. If the person was involved in any hobbies or activities, you could also include this information to give readers a better sense of who they were.

Example of a Basic Obituary

Here's an example of a basic obituary: "John Doe, age 75, passed away on February 10, 2023. He was born on August 15, 1947, in New York City. John is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Michael and Emily. He worked as an accountant for over 30 years and was a member of the local golf club."

Tip 2: Add a Personal Touch

While the basic information is essential, it's also important to add a personal touch to the obituary. This could include a brief story or anecdote about the person, a quote or phrase that was meaningful to them, or a description of their personality or spirit. This helps to make the obituary more engaging and memorable, and gives readers a sense of who the person was beyond just their basic information.

One way to add a personal touch is to include a story or memory that illustrates the person's character or values. For example, you could describe a time when they showed kindness or compassion to someone in need, or a moment when they achieved something they had been working towards. You could also include a quote or phrase that was meaningful to them, such as a favorite saying or a passage from a book or song.

Example of a Personal Obituary

Here's an example of a personal obituary: "John Doe, age 75, passed away on February 10, 2023. He was born on August 15, 1947, in New York City. John is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Michael and Emily. He worked as an accountant for over 30 years and was a member of the local golf club. John was a kind and generous person who always put others before himself. He will be remembered for his warm smile and his love of gardening."

Tip 3: Use Clear and Concise Language

Using clear and concise language in an obituary

When writing an obituary, it's essential to use clear and concise language. This means avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, and using simple, straightforward language to convey the necessary information. You should also avoid using overly complex sentences or paragraphs, and instead opt for short, concise sentences that are easy to follow.

Using clear and concise language is especially important in an obituary, as it helps to ensure that readers can quickly and easily understand the information being presented. This is particularly important for readers who may be grieving or emotional, and who may have difficulty processing complex or confusing information.

Example of Clear and Concise Language

Here's an example of clear and concise language in an obituary: "John Doe, age 75, passed away on February 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Michael and Emily. A funeral service will be held on February 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the local church."

Tip 4: Include a Call to Action

Including a call to action in an obituary

Finally, it's a good idea to include a call to action in the obituary. This could be a request for donations to a charity or cause that was important to the person, or an invitation to attend a funeral or memorial service. You could also include information about how to send condolences or flowers to the family.

Including a call to action helps to encourage readers to take action and engage with the obituary in a meaningful way. This can be especially helpful for readers who may be looking for ways to honor the person's memory or show their support for the family.

Example of a Call to Action

Here's an example of a call to action in an obituary: "John Doe, age 75, passed away on February 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Michael and Emily. A funeral service will be held on February 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the local church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in John's name."

Tip 5: Proofread and Edit

Once you have written the obituary, it's essential to proofread and edit it carefully. This involves checking for spelling and grammar errors, as well as ensuring that the information is accurate and up-to-date. You should also read the obituary aloud to ensure that it sounds clear and concise, and that the tone is respectful and dignified.

Proofreading and editing are crucial steps in the process of writing an obituary, as they help to ensure that the final product is polished and professional. This is especially important for an obituary, which will be read by many people and will serve as a lasting tribute to the person who has passed away.

Example of Proofreading and Editing

Here's an example of proofreading and editing an obituary: "John Doe, age 75, passed away on February 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Michael and Emily. A funeral service will be held on February 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the local church. The family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in John's name."

Obituary Image Gallery

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The purpose of an obituary is to inform the public of a person's death and to provide a way for friends and family to pay their respects.

What information should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should include the person's name, age, date of birth, and date of death, as well as information about their family, career, and achievements.

How can I make my obituary more personal?

You can make your obituary more personal by including a story or anecdote about the person, a quote or phrase that was meaningful to them, or a description of their personality or spirit.

What is the best way to proofread and edit an obituary?

The best way to proofread and edit an obituary is to read it carefully and check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as ensuring that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

How can I share my obituary with others?

You can share your obituary with others by publishing it in a newspaper or online, or by sharing it on social media or through email.

In conclusion, writing an obituary can be a challenging but therapeutic task. By following these five tips, you can create an obituary that is both informative and heartfelt, and that truly honors the person who has passed away. Remember to start with the basics, add a personal touch, use clear and concise language, include a call to action, and proofread and edit carefully. With these tips in mind, you can create an obituary that will be a lasting tribute to your loved one. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with obituaries in the comments below, and to share this article with others who may be going through a similar process.