By Erika Rolling

Essential Elements of an Obituary

How Do You Write an Obituary?

Apr 3, 2023 | 12:55 PM

Writing an obituary can feel like a very daunting task. It is an important tribute to your loved one’s life and lets people know about the funeral. How do you sum up a person’s life with so few words? Below is a general outline that can guide you through the important things to consider when writing an obituary.

What Is An Obituary?

An obituary serves as a notification that an individual has passed away and provides information on any services that are scheduled to take place. It also provides a history of the deceased’s life and can be a tribute to the life they lived. People often save obituaries as remembrances of someone they loved. We can help you make sure that the final product is something worthy of a scrapbook and your loved one’s memory.

Where do you post an obituary?

Obituaries may be posted on Oliver’s website and Facebook Page, EverythingGP, and any newspapers the family requests.

What Should You Include In An Obituary?

Announcement of Passing

It is important to state the deceased’s full name, along with their dates of birth and death. We encourage you to place a photograph of your loved one in the obituary along with the text.

Biographical Information

Recount, in a concise manner, the significant events in the life of the deceased. This may include the schools he or she attended and any degrees attained as well as their vocations or interests.

Survivors and Predeceased Information

It is customary to list family members who have survived the deceased, as well as immediate family members who predeceased him or her, including:

• Parents
• Spouse/partner
• Children (with their spouses’/partners’ names also noted in brackets, if applicable)
• Adopted children
• Stepchildren
• Siblings
• Step-siblings
• Grandchildren
• Surviving in-laws

These surviving relatives should be listed by name. Other relatives need not be mentioned by name but may be referenced in terms of their relationship to the deceased: for example, the obituary may say that the deceased leaves behind five great-grandchildren, seven nieces, etc.

Scheduled Services

Provide details of the scheduled services, including the time, date, and address. These may include the funeral, visitations, burial, and memorial service as applicable. You can also mention f the service is private, or if no service will be held so that people know not to expect a public service.

Memorial Donations

Give the name and mailing address of a foundation or society to which you wish to direct any memorial donations made in honour of your loved one. The decision as to which foundation or society to support may be based upon interests or values that your loved one expressed during life or related to a medical condition that he or she had.

If you have any questions about writing an obituary, please give us a call at 780-532-2929 or send an email to info@oliversfuneralhome.com. Our experienced staff can guide you in the right direction.

Written by Oliver’s Funeral Home
780-532-2929
info@oliversfuneralhome.com
www.oliversfuneralhome.com