An obituary is a notice in a newspaper of a death and funeral arrangements, but it can be much more. It can be a factual record of what a person did during their life. It can include a record of the deceased’s extended family, past and present. At its best, an obituary tells a compelling story about a life.

Essential Information

● Full legal name, and nickname (if commonly used)

● Age at death

● City and state of residence at death

● Date and place of death

● Date and place of birth

● Parents’ names

● Education and degrees awarded (schools, college, university, other)

● Military service, branch of service, war or conflict, where stationed

● Occupation(s)

● Places of residence

● Marriage(s): spouse’s name, date and place of marriage

● Survived by (and their places of residence):

• Spouse
• Children (in order of date of birth, and their spouses)
• Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren (names or number of each)
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings (in order of date of birth)

● Predeceased by:

• Spouse
• Children (in order of date of birth)
• Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren (names or number of each)
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings (in order of date of birth)

● Time, date and place of memorial service, funeral, visitation, vigil, prayer service, wake, celebration of life or other event (if the public is invited)

● Name and location (city and state) of funeral home Optional Information To Include

● Cause of death

Optional Information To Include

● Other survivors, such as aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, close friends

● Pets

● Organizations, clubs, favorite charities

● Religious affiliations

● Awards, honors

● Hobbies, passions

● Ancestry and family lore

● Unusual or interesting personality traits, attributes or experiences

● Favorite saying, poem, quote

● Thank you to individuals or organizations

● Memorial contribution suggestions (with addresses)