How to Write an Obituary: A Complete Guide with Examples

By Susan Jackson · Published 2026-02-03 · Updated 2026-08-17 · 10 min read

How to write an obituary that truly honors your loved one — step-by-step guidance, real examples, templates, and what to include or avoid.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written tribute that announces someone's death and celebrates their life. It serves multiple purposes: notifying the community, providing funeral details, and creating a lasting record of your loved one's legacy.

Writing an obituary while grieving can feel overwhelming, but this guide will walk you through each step to help you create a meaningful tribute.

What to Include in an Obituary

Essential Information

1. Full Name and Nicknames Start with the person's full legal name, including maiden name if applicable. You may also include nicknames in quotes.

Example: "Margaret 'Maggie' Rose Thompson (née Williams)"

2. Age and Date of Death Include the age and when they passed.

Example: "passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at the age of 78"

3. Place of Death Note the city and state. You may include the specific location (hospital, home) if desired.

4. Birthdate and Birthplace Provide context about their origins.

Example: "Born on March 3, 1946, in Austin, Texas"

Life Story Elements

5. Education and Career

• Schools attended and degrees earned
• Career highlights and achievements
• Military service
• Professional accomplishments

6. Marriage and Family

• Spouse's name and marriage date/location
• Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren
• Parents and siblings (living and deceased)

7. Interests and Hobbies What brought them joy? This helps paint a picture of who they were:

• Hobbies and passions
• Volunteer work
• Club memberships
• Travel experiences

8. Personality and Values Include qualities that defined them:

• Sense of humor
• Generosity
• Faith or spirituality
• Life philosophy

Service Information

9. Funeral or Memorial Details

• Date, time, and location
• Visitation/viewing information
• Whether it's open to the public

10. Memorial Donations If the family prefers donations in lieu of flowers, specify:

• Charity name and address
• Online donation link
• Cause that was meaningful to them

Obituary Examples

Traditional Obituary Example

John Robert Smith, 82, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away surrounded by family on February 1, 2025.

Born on June 15, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert and Mary Smith, John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He served proudly in the U.S. Army and spent 35 years as an electrical engineer at General Electric.

John married the love of his life, Susan Marie Johnson, on September 20, 1965. Together they raised three children and celebrated 59 years of marriage.

He was an avid golfer, skilled woodworker, and dedicated Cubs fan. His grandchildren remember him for his corny jokes and the best chocolate chip pancakes.

John is survived by his wife Susan; children Michael (Jennifer) Smith, Karen (David) Wilson, and Thomas Smith; grandchildren Emma, Jack, Sophie, and Oliver; and sister Margaret Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Smith.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, from 4-7 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 8, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Modern/Casual Obituary Example

Sarah "Sassy" Martinez left this world on her own terms on January 28, 2025, at age 67—probably because she had things to organize on the other side.

Sarah never met a stranger, never passed up a good book, and never once made a boring meal. She was a fierce advocate for rescue animals, a devoted grandmother who attended every single soccer game, and the kind of friend who showed up with soup before you even knew you were sick.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Carlos; children Maria and Daniel; grandchildren Mia, Lucas, and Sofia; and approximately 47 plants that are now very worried about their future.

Join us in celebrating Sarah's beautiful life on Saturday, February 8, at 2 PM at Sunset Gardens. Come hungry—she would have wanted there to be good food.

In Sarah's memory, consider adopting a senior pet or reading a book to a child.

Tips for Writing an Obituary

Do:

• Start early — Begin gathering information before you need to write
• Ask family members for stories and memories
• Read it aloud to check the flow
• Include specific details that capture their personality
• Proofread carefully for names and dates

Don't:

• Don't feel pressured to include cause of death
• Don't use clichés if they don't fit the person
• Don't rush — most publications accept obituaries within a few days
• Don't forget to include service information

Obituary Length Guidelines

Where to Publish an Obituary

1. Local newspaper — Traditional option, reaches local community
2. Funeral home website — Usually included in services
3. Online memorial sites — Legacy.com, Echovita, etc.
4. Social media — For immediate notification
5. Alumni publications — If they were active in school community

Getting Help

Writing an obituary during grief is hard. It's okay to:

• Ask a family friend to help write or edit
• Use a funeral home's writing assistance
• Start with a template and personalize it
• Write it collaboratively with family members

Tools to Help You Write and Plan

• Document Templates — Access obituary templates and other essential documents
• Funeral Arrangements Guide — Step-by-step guidance for planning memorial services
• Interactive Checklist — Track all funeral planning tasks in one place

Published by Afterly Plan. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.