WRITING AN OBITUARY
Guidelines For Writing an Obituary
Composing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s life and reflect on their journey from start to finish. If you’ve been entrusted with writing one for someone close to you, here are some helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Keeping It Well-Structured
A scattered timeline can make the obituary difficult to follow. It's usually best to present events in the order they happened—beginning with birth and moving through major life experiences like education, career, marriage, and family. After covering the timeline, consider adding a paragraph that captures the person's personality, focusing on the traits and values that defined them.
Include Specifics and Personal Touches
Avoid general statements by including details that show who your loved one truly was. Instead of listing only where they lived or worked, mention their passions, quirks, or small stories that help paint a vivid picture. These personal touches can make the tribute more heartfelt and memorable.
It's OK to Be Funny
It’s okay for the tone to reflect the person being remembered. Whether that means being humorous, formal, lighthearted, bold, or thoughtful, aim to write in a way that feels true to who they were.
Have Someone Proofread It
Having a trusted friend or relative review the obituary can help catch small errors and offer insight into how it comes across. A second set of eyes is always helpful—and if you’d like outside support, many are happy to assist in fine-tuning it before it’s submitted.
