FAQs
Concluding Message
Phrases like “We will always carry your memory in our hearts,” or perhaps a favorite quote of your loved one are heartfelt and personal.
What is the first line of an obituary? ›
Obituary Example 1:
“Our beloved [full name] tragically left us on [date of death]. Loved and missed by [list of family members]. [First name]'s passion for [hobbies/interests] touched all who knew them. Contributions to [charity], a cause close to their heart, are appreciated.”
Do you say how someone died in an obituary? ›
Announce the death
Begin the obituary with a statement that highlights basic facts about your loved one, including their full name (first, middle, and last names, maiden name, nickname, and suffixes like Jr. or Sr.), where they lived, age, date and place of death, and how they died.
Why do older people read obituaries? ›
Longevity is a blessing but the longer one lives the greater is the sentiment of loneliness of being left behind. Reading obituaries sharpens this awareness of our mortality.
What should you not say in an obituary? ›
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing an Obituary
- Avoid Making the Obituary About You. ...
- Don't Focus Just on Death. ...
- Listing People Who Were Appreciated. ...
- Avoid Clichés. ...
- Abbreviations. ...
- Don't Over Describe the Funeral.
What should be left out of a obituary? ›
In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).
Do you put last names in obituary? ›
Opening Paragraph. The first paragraph of the obituary should include the deceased person's full name, including any nicknames they may have used, their age, date and place of death. Some people choose to include cause of death, but this is optional depending on how much information you would like to share.
What is the order of relatives in an obituary? ›
Spouse. Children (in order of date of birth, and their spouses) Grandchildren / Great-grandchildren / Great-great-grandchildren. Parents / Grandparents.
How soon after death do you write an obituary? ›
There is no specific rule that requires you to publish an obituary right away. In most cases, people aim to publish an obituary 1-2 weeks following the passing of a loved one. However, publishing it months or even a year after a loved one's death is completely okay.
What is the best word to use when someone dies? ›
What do you say when someone dies?
- "I'm sorry for your loss. I'm here for you."
- "My condolences on your loved one's passing. May their memory bring you comfort.“
- “I extend my deepest sympathy to you. ...
- "Thinking of you, sending love and support.“
- "We're saddened by the news. ...
- "Heartfelt condolences. ...
- "You're not alone.
[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.
What can I say instead of someone died? ›
She entered eternal rest, is at rest, went away, is gone, has gone to a better place. They passed on, passed away. A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or phrase that's a softer substitute for a blunt or direct expression. Death can be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about.
Do old people know when they are close to death? ›
Dying is a natural process that the body has to work at. Just as a woman in labor knows a baby is coming, a dying person may instinctively know death is near. Even if your loved one doesn't discuss their death, they most likely know it is coming.
Do most old people accept death? ›
“A lot of our fear of death is about losing the things we've built up,” says Steve Taylor, a lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, England, and the author of Out of Darkness. “But elderly people let go of their attachment to these things, and in the process they let go of some of their fear.”
What does it mean when an elderly person starts talking about death? ›
For the elderly, talking about death may truly be part of preparing themselves for the end of life. Whether your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or is grappling with advancing age and some chronic health conditions, they are likely facing many uncomfortable thoughts and difficult care decisions.
What do you say at the end of an obituary? ›
At the end of an obituary a special message is sometimes found, such as 'in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to..' or 'Special Thanks to the staff at General Hospital for..' or 'We will always carry your memory in our hearts'. Sometimes a short prayer or a line from a poem is placed at the end.
What is the closing paragraph of an obituary? ›
Concluding Paragraph
The closing paragraph is typically rather short and includes details regarding services or gatherings, as well as any requests regarding donations being made to charities or organizations that are meaningful to the deceased.
What is the correct order of an obituary? ›
Writing the Obituary (5 Steps)
- Step 1: Announce the Death. ...
- Step 2: Provide Service Times. ...
- Step 3: Include Biographical Info. ...
- Step 4: List Family Members and Close Friends. ...
- Step 5: Include a Special Message or Pictures.
What are examples of obituary sentences? ›
[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.