Creating an obituary can be a difficult and emotional task, especially during a time of grief. Having a template to guide you can help make the process easier. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you write an obituary, along with a free obituary template in Word format that you can download.
Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary
An obituary is a public announcement of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or online. Its purpose is to:
- Inform friends, family, and the community of the person's passing
- Provide details about the person's life, including their accomplishments and relationships
- Share information about funeral or memorial services
- Offer a way for people to pay their respects and condolences
Free Obituary Template in Word Format Download
You can download our free obituary template in Word format here:
[Insert link to download the template]
This template provides a basic structure for writing an obituary, including:
- Space for the person's name, age, and date of passing
- A section for describing the person's life, including their accomplishments and relationships
- A section for listing funeral or memorial services
- A section for sharing information about charitable donations or other ways to honor the person's memory
How to Write an Obituary
Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, but here are some tips to help you get started:
- Gather information: Start by gathering information about the person who has passed away, including their name, age, date of birth, and date of passing.
- Describe their life: Write a brief description of the person's life, including their accomplishments, relationships, and interests.
- Include funeral or memorial services: Provide details about funeral or memorial services, including the date, time, and location.
- Share information about charitable donations: If the person or their family has requested charitable donations in lieu of flowers, be sure to include this information in the obituary.
- Proofread carefully: Once you've written the obituary, proofread it carefully to ensure that there are no errors or inaccuracies.
Obituary Template Example
Here's an example of what an obituary might look like using our free template:
[Insert Name]
[Age], of [City], passed away on [Date].
[Insert Brief Description of Life]
[Name] was born on [Date] in [City]. He/She graduated from [High School/College] and went on to work as a [Occupation]. He/She was a devoted [Relationship] to [Family Members] and loved spending time [Hobbies/Interests].
Funeral or Memorial Services
Funeral services will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Memorial donations may be made to [Charity] in lieu of flowers.
[Insert Photo or Other Personal Touches]
Tips for Writing a Great Obituary
Here are some additional tips for writing a great obituary:
- Be honest and authentic: Write from the heart and be honest about the person's life and legacy.
- Use descriptive language: Use descriptive language to bring the person's life and personality to life.
- Include personal touches: Consider including personal touches, such as photos or favorite quotes, to make the obituary more meaningful.
- Keep it concise: Keep the obituary concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about writing an obituary:
- How long should an obituary be? An obituary should typically be no longer than 500 words.
- What information should I include? Be sure to include the person's name, age, date of passing, and details about funeral or memorial services.
- Can I include photos or other personal touches? Yes, consider including photos or other personal touches to make the obituary more meaningful.
- How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online publication? Check with the publication for their specific submission guidelines and deadlines.
Gallery of Obituary Templates
Here are some examples of obituary templates that you can use as inspiration:
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about obituaries:
What is an obituary?
+An obituary is a public announcement of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or online.
How do I write an obituary?
+Start by gathering information about the person who has passed away, including their name, age, date of birth, and date of passing. Then, write a brief description of their life, including their accomplishments and relationships.
What information should I include in an obituary?
+Be sure to include the person's name, age, date of passing, and details about funeral or memorial services. You may also want to include personal touches, such as photos or favorite quotes.
We hope this guide has been helpful in creating an obituary for your loved one. Remember to take your time and be honest and authentic in your writing.