How to Write an Obituary

Start with the Essentials

Every obituary should include:

• —Full name of the deceased
• —Date of birth and date of passing
• —Place of birth and residence
• —Names of surviving family members
• —Date, time, and location of the funeral or burial

Tell Their Story

Beyond the facts, an obituary should capture the essence of who this person was. What did they love? What did they build? How did they make people feel? A few honest, specific sentences — about their work, their faith, their humour, their sacrifices — will say more than a list of titles ever could.

Keep It Honest and Personal

Avoid generic phrases. Instead of “she was a wonderful woman,” write “she woke before dawn every Sunday to cook for the entire family, and never once complained.” Specificity is what makes a tribute memorable.

Tone and Length

There is no required length. A Basic listing may be 100–150 words. A fuller tribute may run several paragraphs. Write as much as feels right. The tone should reflect the person — solemn if they were reserved, warm and celebratory if they were full of life.

A Simple Structure to Follow