An obituary is a short summary of a person's life.
An obituary is a short summary of a person's death, and an overview of a life. Although funeral directors or pastors often write obituaries, the family may choose to do this themselves. If the family does not write the obituary, their input is still very important. Dates and places from their loved-one's life, correct names and locations of surviving family members and other optional information can be obtained from the family.
Instructions
Preparing to Write an Obituary
1. Talk to the funeral director and medical personnel to obtain the correct date, time and place of death. Get confirmation of funeral information such as date, time, and place. Also note whether the body will be cremated.
2. Speak to knowledgeable family members to obtain correct date and place of birth and correct spelling of parents' names. Note names and locations of surviving close family members. Also note names of deceased family members. Determine whether special friends are to be mentioned in the obituary. Also determine whether a memorial has been chosen to which friends can donate in the name of the deceased.
3. Ask the family to summarize the deceased person's life, interests, place of work, schools attended, special degrees or certifications. Take note of what the deceased valued: a favorite hymn, things she collected throughout her life and special activities and hobbies she enjoyed. Acquire the names of organizations she belonged to throughout her lifetime.
4. Check with church officials for correct baptism dates and information. Ask about church groups, choirs, and classes she attended or all the classes she taught or groups for which she volunteered. Determine whether she held a church office or had a title at any time throughout her years as a member of the church.
5. Ask members of the church to relate favorite memories of the deceased.
Writing the Obituary
6. Start the obituary with the full name, including nicknames, of the deceased. Then give the time, date and place of death, as well as current hometown.
7. Give birth information, including date and place of birth. Note full names of parents of the deceased.
8. Write an account of the life of the deceased. Include mention of schools attended, military service and employment. Tell about volunteer work and special activities enjoyed. Tell about church involvement, baptism, if applicable, and special community activities. Add special comments from family, church members and friends. Mention special things collected, activities enjoyed and favorite songs, hymns or religious verses.
9. List survivors by name and where they live. List names or number of grandchildren and other relatives. Give names of family members who preceded her in death.
10. Give complete visitation, funeral and burial information. Add memorial donation information at the bottom of the obituary.
