This document provides recommendations for writing an obituary, including sections to include such as the deceased's name, birthdate, surviving family, predeceased family, service details, and in memoriam message. It suggests keeping the obituary focused on the deceased's life and including personal stories, and recommends proofreading before publication. Sections to consider are name of deceased, surviving family, predeceased family, service details, and in memoriam message.

1. When the time comes to announce the passing of a loved one,
it can be difficult to put their life into words. Here are our
recommendations to help make writing their obituary a bit easier.
NAME OF THE DECEASED
Full
name
Age City of
residence
Date and place
of death
Cause
of death
Date and place
of birth
Names
of parents
Name of spouse and
year of marriage
School, college,
or university
Notes of recognition
or awards
Employment
Affiliations (charitable,
religious, etc.)
SURVIVING
FAMILY
Introduce this section
as “Deceased is
survived by…”
Spouse
Children and their spouses
(oldest to youngest)
Grandchildren
Great grandchildren
Parents
Grandparents
Siblings
(oldest to youngest)
Nieces, nephews,
cousins, etc.
If appropriate, add any close
friends and pets of the deceased.
PREDECEASED
FAMILY
Introduce this section as
“Deceased was predeceased by…”
and include dates of deaths
Spouse
Children (oldest to youngest)
Grandchildren
Siblings
If appropriate, include other family
members and pets.
SERVICES
Where and when
Name of officiant
and pallbearers
Visitation: where and when
Reception: where and when
Other memorials or services:
where and when
Place of interment
Funeral home information:
address, phone, website
IN MEMORIAM
Use the phrases “visitation will be from”
or “friends may call from” when
referring to services
Indicate any memorial funds or charities
to send donations
Special thanks
Closing words about the deceased
GENERAL OBITUARY ETIQUETTE
Keep focused
on the life and death
of the deceased, including
memories and interesting
details about how they lived
Keep these rules in mind when writing and sharing the obituary
These are the basics, but remember to keep in mind what the deceased would want shared.
Decide how many
generations and
family members
to include prior
to writing
Including personal
stories helps
family and friends
relate on an
emotional level
Be sure to
proofread
the obituary
before
publication
Sources:
http://www.obituaryguide.com/
http://blog.funeralone.com/grow-your-business/unique-services/writing-personalized-obituaries/
http://www.crawfordfuneralhome.com/Writing_an_Obituary_13166.html
HOW TO WRITE AN OBITUARY
At this time of loss, we want to provide our greatest form of sympathy
to the family and friends of the deceased. Remember the happy times
and memories and help their story live on with an obituary.
LIFE
EVENTS