How to Write a Death Notice and Obituary

Writing a death announcement or obituary is a way to respectfully honor a loved one’s memory while informing family, friends, and the broader community of their passing. Although similar in purpose, death notices and obituaries serve different roles.

Death notices are brief announcements with essential details like the name and date of death, while obituaries offer a more detailed account of the person’s life, personality, and achievements. Understanding these distinctions can help you create an announcement that both pays tribute to your loved one and informs those who may wish to pay their respects.

 

What Is a Death Notice?

A death notice is a brief public announcement informing people of a loved one’s passing. It typically includes basic information such as the deceased’s name, date of death, and details about upcoming services. Death notices are often published in local newspapers or shared online, and they help inform extended family, friends, and community members who may not have received personal notice. This concise announcement allows others to arrange their schedules and pay their respects if they wish.

 

What to Include in a Death Notice

Creating a death notice involves sharing essential information to ensure that others know how to remember and honor the deceased. Here are the key elements to include:

• Full Name: Include the person’s full name, along with any commonly known nicknames.
• Date of Death: Specify the date of passing to clearly communicate when the loss occurred.
• Service Details: Provide the date, time, and location of any memorial or funeral services, so those wishing to attend can plan accordingly.
• Special Requests: If the family has specific requests, such as donations to a particular charity or nonprofit in lieu of flowers, include this information.

By covering these elements, you ensure that the death notice serves its purpose of respectfully informing the community while sharing relevant details for those who may wish to attend services or contribute to memorial efforts.

 

Death Notice Examples

If you’re wondering how to inform someone of a death in writing, here are a few templates to guide you in writing a notice for different family members. These examples offer a respectful way to announce a loved one’s passing while covering all essential details.

• Death Notice for a Father
  Johnathan “John” Doe, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024. A service will be held on March 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MERI.
• Death Notice for a Brother
  Thomas Edward Brown, 52, departed on April 15, 2024. A memorial gathering will be held on April 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Maplewood Funeral Home. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be sent to MERI.
• Death Notice for a Mother
  Margaret “Maggie” Smith, loving mother and grandmother, passed on July 13, 2024, at the age of 84. Funeral services will take place on July 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Riverside Chapel. Donations to MERI are appreciated in her honor.

These examples of how to write a death notice provide a respectful way to share the news, offering both essential details and a personal touch that honors the memory of your loved one.

 

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a more comprehensive account of a person’s life, providing not only essential information about their passing but also a narrative that honors their unique qualities, achievements, and relationships. Unlike a death notice, which is brief and factual, an obituary allows family members to reflect on the character and legacy of their loved one. This detailed tribute is often published in newspapers or shared online, offering friends, family, and the community a meaningful way to remember and celebrate the individual’s life.

 

Key Components of an Obituary

Writing an obituary involves capturing the essence of a person’s life story while including specific details that inform and resonate with readers. Here are the essential elements to include:

• Biographical Information: Share key facts, such as the deceased’s full name, date and place of birth, date of death, and any relevant locations they lived in during their life.
• Family Members: List close family members, including those who have passed and those who survive the individual. This may include parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and even close friends or pets who were important to them.
• Life Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments, such as educational milestones, career achievements, community involvement, and any hobbies or passions that defined their life.
• Service Details: Provide information on funeral or memorial services, including date, time, and location, for those who wish to attend.

Including these components ensures that the obituary provides a respectful yet comprehensive view of the individual’s life, offering a tribute that goes beyond basic details.

 

How to Add a Personal Touch to Obituaries

To make an obituary truly reflective of a person’s legacy, consider adding personal touches that capture their unique spirit. Here are some ways to create a meaningful tribute:

• Share Anecdotes and Stories: Including a memorable story or favorite saying helps bring the person’s character to life and provides readers with a glimpse into who they were beyond basic facts.
• Highlight Hobbies and Interests: Mention any hobbies, interests, or causes that were close to their heart, such as a love for gardening, a passion for helping animals, or dedication to community service.
• Express Family Sentiments: Share a few words on what they meant to the family or community, capturing sentiments that honor their impact on others and their lasting legacy.

Adding these personal elements can make the obituary a heartfelt reflection of the individual’s life, helping others remember and cherish the memories they created with family, friends, and the broader community.

 

Steps for Writing a Respectful Death Notice or Obituary

Creating a death notice or obituary can be a thoughtful way to honor a loved one’s memory. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you write a respectful and accurate tribute:

1. Gather Essential Details: Start by collecting basic information, including the deceased’s full name, date of birth, date of death, and any service details.
2. Write a Draft: For a death notice, keep it brief and focused on key information. For an obituary, include personal touches like family members, achievements, and anecdotes that capture their essence.
3. Confirm Details with Family: Share your draft with close family members to ensure accuracy, and confirm any important details, such as names and dates.
4. Proofread and Edit: Carefully proofread for clarity and accuracy. Ensuring proper spelling and factual accuracy is especially important for such a meaningful tribute.
5. Consider Tone and Language: Use respectful, compassionate language to convey the message. Keep in mind the audience and aim for a tone that honors the individual’s life and legacy.

Following these steps helps create a thoughtful and polished announcement that respects the memory of your loved one.

 

Where to Publish a Death Notice or Obituary

There are several options for publishing a death notice or obituary, allowing you to reach a broader audience or share the announcement privately. Here are common options:

• Newspapers: Local newspapers are a traditional choice, offering a way to notify the community and honor the deceased.
• Online Platforms: Many websites, such as Legacy.com or Ever Loved, provide dedicated spaces for obituaries and memorials, allowing friends and family to share memories, photos, and condolences.
• Funeral Home Websites: Many funeral homes publish obituaries on their websites as part of their service, providing an easy-to-access platform for the deceased’s network to find information.

Choosing the right platform can depend on how you wish to share the announcement and reach those who knew your loved one.

 

Writing Death Notices for Social Media or Emails

Adapting a death notice for digital platforms allows you to reach friends and family in a more immediate and personal way. Here’s how to share a death notice via social media or email:

• Social Media (e.g. Facebook): A short, respectful message that includes the name, date of death, and service details can help inform loved ones. Many people choose to post a death notice on facebook to reach a wider network.
• Email Announcements: If you prefer a more private approach, an email can be a personal way to inform close friends and family. Include essential details, service information, and any donation requests if applicable.
• Online Memorial Pages: Websites like Legacy.com offer online memorial pages where you can share a death notice, and family and friends can leave condolences or memories.

Note: For social media accounts, you may also request to memorialize the account to prevent further logins and preserve the deceased’s profile. For details on how to memorialize an account, visit Facebook’s guidelines on account memorialization.

These digital options offer flexibility, allowing you to choose the most appropriate way to inform and engage with friends, family, and the community.

 

A Lasting Legacy: Contributing to Science Through Body Donation

For those who wish to create a lasting impact, MERI offers an opportunity to contribute to medical research and education through MERI’s Genesis Program. By choosing body donation, individuals provide an invaluable resource for training healthcare professionals, advancing medical techniques, and supporting life-saving research. This generous decision ensures that your legacy lives on, helping future generations of medical professionals gain hands-on experience and improve patient care.

Through our program, donors make a profound difference, allowing medical students, doctors, and researchers to study human anatomy and practice essential procedures that will save lives. It’s a meaningful way to give back, offering others a chance to learn and grow.

To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy through body donation, visit our page on whole body donation.