SAMPLE OBITUARIES

3 min readOct 26, 2024

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one’s life, accomplishments, and relationships while informing friends and family of their passing. Whether you want to create a simple, heartfelt message or a more detailed tribute, having sample obituaries can provide the structure and wording needed to convey your message.

1. Purpose of an Obituary

An obituary serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it honors the memory of the departed by sharing key details of their life. It allows readers to reflect on the individual’s unique personality, their contributions to family and community, and their passions. Obituaries also provide practical information about funeral arrangements, visitation details, and requests for donations to causes the deceased cared about. By writing a thoughtful obituary, you help loved ones come together to remember, honor, and celebrate a life well-lived.

2. Components of a Sample Obituary

A sample obituary often includes several key sections:

Introductory Statement: Start with the name, age, and date of death. Many obituaries begin with a line like, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of…”
Brief Biography: Offer a summary of their life, including their birthplace, education, career, and key life milestones. This may include their family background, marriages, children, and significant personal achievements.
Personality and Interests: Include a few lines about the individual’s unique qualities, hobbies, and passions. You might say, “John had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hiking the trails with his family,” or, “Mary’s kindness and compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew her.”
Survivors and Predeceased Family Members: It’s common to list immediate family members who survive the deceased, such as spouses, children, and siblings, as well as those who have preceded them in death.
Service Information: Provide details about the funeral or memorial service, including the date, time, and location, as well as any virtual attendance options if available.
Special Requests: If the family requests donations in lieu of flowers or has another specific request, it’s appropriate to mention it here.

3. Examples of Sample Obituaries

To help guide you, here are two brief sample obituaries, each reflecting a different tone and style:

Example 1: Traditional Format

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of [Name], age [Age], on [Date of Passing]. Born in [Place of Birth], [Name] lived a life dedicated to family, faith, and community. He/She worked as a [Career] for [Years of Service] and was cherished for his/her commitment and kindness. [Name] is survived by his/her beloved spouse, [Spouse’s Name], and children, [Children’s Names]. A funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [Charity Name].”

Example 2: Personal and Heartfelt Tone

“On [Date], our beloved [Name], age [Age], left us to be with the angels. Known for his/her warm smile and generous heart, [Name] loved cooking Sunday dinners, spending time in nature, and volunteering in the local animal shelter. He/She was a devoted friend, sibling, and parent who brought joy to every room. [Name] leaves behind [Surviving Family Members’ Names]. Friends and family are invited to celebrate [Name’s] life on [Date] at [Location]. In his/her honor, contributions can be made to [Charity Name].”

4. Writing Tips

Keep it Clear and Concise: Aim to keep sentences straightforward, focusing on what mattered most to the individual.
Add Personal Touches: Reflect on qualities and memories that made your loved one unique.
Seek Input from Family: Gather memories from close relatives to create a richer, well-rounded tribute.

Some Other Useful Resources :

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19rHV_ZABJrjNnIPtV2OamZ7Tj7qBzSDF?usp=sharing

Google Drawing 1: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1aQ7-GAcrD433cHZBSkitXb3JjuaSm95KQC2yejF-Zoo/edit?usp=sharing

Google Drawing 2: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1v-XcmVpjzDYOxzdxo4NcUk31Po6KCS1RC_Uj7WxSfAk/edit?usp=sharing

Google Custom MAP: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Panbge37AN5-RwTGDYIWWHCE1Ot3urSs&usp=sharing

https://sites.google.com/view/best-funeral-programs/

https://funeral-program-free.blogspot.com/

http://obituarytemplate.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/

https://storage.googleapis.com/funeral-programs-templates/Funeral-Program-Template.html

https://storage.googleapis.com/funeral-programs-templates/free-funeral-program-template.html

https://storage.googleapis.com/funeral-programs-templates/fruneral-program-templates.html

https://storage.googleapis.com/funeral-programs-templates/obituary-examples.html