How to Write Meaningful Obituaries
Tips and Inspiration for Honoring Loved Ones
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re honoring a loved one or preparing your own story in advance, our guides and blog posts offer clear advice, examples, and inspiration. Continue reading below to explore tips, sample obituaries, and step-by-step guidance that will help you craft something meaningful and memorable.
✍️ How to Start Writing a Meaningful Obituary
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially in the middle of grief. But an obituary is more than an announcement — it’s a chance to honor a life, share stories, and create a lasting tribute for family and friends.
Whether you’re writing for a loved one or preparing your own story in advance, here are a few steps to help you begin.
1. Begin with the Basics
Start with the essentials: full name, age, birth and death dates, and primary relationships (spouse, children, siblings). This grounds the obituary in fact and provides the foundation.
2. Capture the Person’s Spirit
Beyond facts, what made this person unique? Was it their kindness, their humor, their love of baseball, or their passion for helping others? Choose one or two qualities that everyone will remember.
3. Share Highlights and Stories
Think of moments that reflect their life: a favorite trip, a community project, or the way they always made holidays special. Short, vivid stories bring warmth and personality.
4. Acknowledge Loved Ones
Include close family, and when appropriate, mention extended relatives or friends who played important roles. This makes the obituary inclusive and personal.
5. Close with Connection
You may want to share funeral or memorial details, a favorite quote, or words of gratitude to those who supported your loved one. End with something that feels true to their memory.
💡 Final Thoughts
An obituary doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters most is that it reflects the heart of the person you’re honoring. Even a few simple sentences can carry deep meaning.
If you’d like more step-by-step guidance, examples, and templates, I’ve created a resource to make the process easier:
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✨ By taking it one step at a time, you’ll create something lasting — a gift of memory, love, and legacy.
What to Include in an Obituary
One of the most common challenges in obituary writing is deciding what to include. An obituary is not just an announcement of passing — it’s a brief but meaningful portrait of a life.
Key Elements to Consider
Basic details: full name, age, place of birth, and date of passing
Family connections: spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, and other close relatives
Life highlights: career, military service, education, or community involvement
Personal touches: hobbies, passions, or unique traits that made the person special
Service details: time, date, and place of funeral or memorial services
Every family and every story is unique. What matters most is capturing the spirit of the person in a way that feels true.
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How to Add Personal Stories
What makes an obituary truly memorable is the personal touch. Beyond the names and dates, it’s the small details and stories that bring a loved one’s life to light.
Ways to Include Personal Stories
Favorite sayings or quotes: Did they have a phrase everyone remembers?
Signature hobbies: A gardener, a baker, a coach — little glimpses of everyday life.
Defining moments: A milestone achievement, a family tradition, or a community contribution.
Humor and warmth: Sometimes a lighthearted memory captures their spirit better than formal words.
Personal stories transform an obituary from a formality into a heartfelt tribute. Even one or two small details can help readers smile, remember, and feel connected.
👉 For more guidance and real-life examples, see the full guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing an obituary is not something most people do often, which means it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Being aware of these can save time and help create something meaningful from the start.
Mistakes to Watch Out For
Making it too formal: An obituary doesn’t need to sound like a legal document. Use clear, natural language.
Overloading with details: Too much information can overwhelm readers. Focus on what truly matters.
Leaving out service details: If a funeral or memorial is planned, make sure the date, time, and location are included.
Forgetting proofreading: Misspellings or wrong dates can cause stress during an already emotional time.
Not capturing personality: Avoid writing only a list of facts — include a detail or story that shows who the person really was.
A thoughtful obituary balances clarity, brevity, and warmth. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create something that feels both professional and personal.
👉 For worksheets, templates, and more guidance on how to avoid these challenges, see the complete resource: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
How to Write with Heart and Clarity
An obituary is more than a notice — it’s a final gift of words. The best obituaries are written with both clarity and heart, making them easy to read while also capturing the unique spirit of the person.
Tips for Writing with the Right Tone
Be clear and simple: Short sentences are easier for readers who may be emotional.
Use active, warm language: Instead of “She was loved,” say “She filled every room with love.”
Balance fact with feeling: Include dates and places, but also add a line that shows personality.
Keep the audience in mind: Remember this will be read by family, friends, and sometimes the wider community.
Writing with heart means focusing on what made your loved one truly unforgettable. Writing with clarity means presenting it in a way that everyone can follow. Together, they create an obituary that feels timeless and true.
👉 For sample wording, examples, and ready-to-use templates, see the full guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
Sample Phrases and Examples
Sometimes the hardest part of writing an obituary is knowing how to begin a sentence. Having a few sample phrases can make the process easier and provide inspiration when words feel out of reach.
Opening Lines
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of…”
“On [date], surrounded by family, [Name] peacefully left this world…”
Describing Personality
“She was known for her warmth, kindness, and generosity.”
“He never missed a chance to share a story or a laugh.”
Closing Sentiments
“Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
“In honor of his life, we ask that you carry forward his spirit of kindness.”
These are just starting points. The most meaningful phrases will be the ones that reflect your loved one’s true character.
👉 For a full collection of sample wordings, templates, and step-by-step writing help, see the complete guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
How Long Should an Obituary Be?
One of the most common questions families have is: how much should I write? The truth is, there’s no single rule — the length often depends on the newspaper, funeral home, or online memorial platform where the obituary will appear.
General Guidelines
Short notices: 2–4 sentences, often for local newspapers or funeral home websites.
Standard obituaries: 1–3 paragraphs, enough to share life highlights and service details.
Extended tributes: 1–2 pages, sometimes used for online memorials or family keepsakes.
When deciding on length, consider your audience, budget (since newspapers often charge by the word), and the story you want to tell. A well-crafted short obituary can be just as meaningful as a longer one if it captures the essence of the person.
👉 For detailed examples and word count tips for different publications, explore the complete guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
Where to Publish an Obituary
Once the obituary is written, the next step is deciding where to share it. Today, families have more options than ever — from traditional newspapers to online platforms.
Common Places to Publish
Newspapers: Local or regional papers are the most traditional choice. Keep in mind they often charge by the word.
Funeral home websites: Many funeral homes include a space for obituaries and guest books on their websites.
Online memorial sites: Dedicated platforms allow families to create lasting digital tributes with photos, stories, and comments.
Social media: Sharing on Facebook or other platforms can help spread the word quickly and reach people outside your local area.
Each option serves a different purpose. Some families choose one place, while others publish across multiple platforms. What matters most is that the obituary reaches the people who want to remember and honor your loved one.
👉 For guidance on choosing the right outlet and formatting for each, see the complete guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
How to Close an Obituary
The closing lines of an obituary leave a lasting impression. They offer a final opportunity to honor your loved one and provide comfort to those reading. A thoughtful ending can bring the piece full circle and give family and friends a sense of peace.
Common Ways to Close
Expressions of love: “Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.”
Faith or spirituality: “He is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.”
Requests for remembrance: “In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity or cause].”
Acknowledgments: “The family wishes to thank the caregivers, friends, and community who offered support.”
A closing should reflect both the values of your loved one and the needs of your family. Whether simple or detailed, it’s a way to say goodbye with dignity and meaning.
👉 For examples, templates, and customizable closing phrases, see the full guide: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or on Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
Tips for Writing Under Pressure
Obituaries are often written quickly, sometimes within just a day or two. That pressure can make an already emotional task even harder. A few strategies can help you stay focused and calm during the process.
Helpful Tips
Start with a template: Having a structure saves time and ensures nothing important is missed.
Gather facts first: Collect dates, names, and service details before you begin writing.
Ask for input: A quick conversation with family members can spark ideas or confirm details.
Keep it simple: You don’t need to capture everything — focus on the most meaningful points.
Leave room for editing: Write a rough draft, then step away for a short break before reviewing.
Even when time is short, a few thoughtful sentences can provide comfort and honor a life well lived.
👉 For ready-to-use templates and step-by-step guidance, see the complete resource: How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
Bringing It All Together
Writing an obituary is never easy, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right structure, examples, and guidance, anyone can create a heartfelt tribute that captures the essence of a loved one’s life.
This website offers a glimpse into the process — but for complete instructions, templates, and tools, the full guide is your best companion.
👉 Get your copy of How to Write a Meaningful Obituary on Amazon or on Etsy today and feel supported every step of the way.
This site helped me create a heartfelt obituary for my grandmother. Thank you!
Emily R.
The tips and resources made writing my father's obituary a meaningful experience. Highly recommend!
Michael T.