How to Write an Obituary
Writing an obituary for a loved one can feel overwhelming during a difficult time. An obituary serves as both a notification of passing and a celebration of life. It's an opportunity to share the story of someone special and announce funeral or memorial service details.
Key Elements of an Obituary
- Full Name: Include maiden name if applicable (e.g., "Mary Jane (Anderson) Smith")
- Age and Date of Passing: When they passed away and optionally their age
- Place of Residence: Where they lived (city and state)
- Family Members: List those survived by and preceded by in death
- Life Highlights: Career, hobbies, achievements, and personality traits
- Service Information: Funeral or memorial service details
Obituary Examples by Relationship
Obituary for Mother
When writing an obituary for your mother, focus on her role in the family, her nurturing nature, and the legacy she leaves behind. Highlight her devotion to her children, her love for family gatherings, and the values she instilled in those around her. Many people search for "obituary for mother examples" to find the right words to honor the woman who gave them life.
Obituary for Father
An obituary for a father often emphasizes his role as a provider, protector, and teacher. Include his career achievements, hobbies he was passionate about, and the wisdom he shared. Whether he was a sports fan, a handyman, or a devoted grandfather, these details help paint a complete picture of his life and character.
Simple Obituary Examples
Not every obituary needs to be lengthy. Simple obituary examples focus on the essential information: name, dates, immediate family, and service details. This approach works well for those who preferred privacy or when family wishes to keep things brief. Short obituary examples can be just as meaningful as longer ones when they capture the essence of the person.
Writing Tips
- Start with the announcement of death and basic information
- Use a warm, respectful tone that reflects the person's personality
- Include 2-3 paragraphs about their life story and accomplishments
- List surviving family members (immediate family first)
- End with funeral/memorial service information
- Proofread carefully before publishing
Common Phrases for Obituaries
Here are some commonly used phrases to help you get started:
Why Use an Obituary Generator?
Our AI-powered obituary generator helps you create a thoughtful tribute when words are hard to find. Simply answer a few questions about your loved one, and our system will create a personalized draft that you can edit and customize.