How To Write An Obituary

When a loved one passes away, writing an obituary can feel like a daunting task. However, simply putting their story into words is a meaningful way to honor their life. The goal is to celebrate their time here and share memories that bring comfort to others. By doing this, you're helping to ease the grief of family and friends.

To make the process easier, here’s a helpful checklist to guide you. And remember, your funeral director is a knowledgeable resource who can assist in writing the obituary.

There’s no need to include every detail, but here are some common elements that people often choose to include:

• Age
• Surviving family members
• Education
• Career
• Retirement, if applicable
• Military or volunteer service

An obituary is also a useful way to inform others of the funeral arrangements. This allows friends and family to easily know when and where the service will be, sparing you from answering logistical questions during this difficult time. Consider including:

• Date and time of the funeral
• Location of the service
• Viewing or visitation details, if applicable
• Requests for donations instead of flowers, if preferred