Writing an Obituary
Writing and Submitting an Obituary: A Guide
When someone you love passes away, one of the responsibilities you may face is writing an obituary. This task can feel daunting, especially in the middle of grief. Many people worry about finding the right words or leaving out important details. Without a clear approach, you might feel overwhelmed or rushed at a time when you want to focus on honoring your loved one’s memory.
Writing an obituary can be challenging. An obituary is more than just an announcement. It is a tribute that tells the story of your loved one’s life and informs friends, family, and the wider community about funeral or memorial plans. Obituaries are not legally required in any US state, and publishing one is entirely optional. Families can decide for themselves whether they want to share an obituary publicly.
Where to begin:
Start With the Essential Facts
A typical obituary includes the person’s full name, age, place of residence, and the date and location of their death. These basic details help identify your loved one clearly and enable others to recognize who has passed away.
Share meaningful moments from your loved one’s life. You might mention where they were born, their education, career, military service, hobbies, or passions. This section offers an opportunity to celebrate what made them unique and special. Including names of close family members, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren, or siblings, helps honor those left behind.
Include funeral or memorial details. Make sure to clearly note any upcoming services, including the date, time, location, and whether the event is public or private. If the family prefers donations to a charity instead of flowers, include that information as well. Some families choose to add a personal touch with a short quote, poem, or final message from the family.
Most obituaries are between 200 and 400 words. Use simple and direct language in the third person, such as “He was a loving father and grandfather.” Try to keep the tone respectful and heartfelt. Proofread the obituary carefully, and ask someone you trust to review it before publishing.
Submitting the Obituary
Most local newspapers have an obituary section. Call their obituary department to ask about pricing, word limits, and deadlines. Many offer both print and online options. Funeral homes often post obituaries on their websites and may help with writing or submission. You may also consider church newsletters, community bulletins, or online memorial platforms.
Helpful Suggestions for Families
- Ask if the funeral home will help write or submit the obituary if needed.
- Check pricing and publication deadlines early. Newspapers typically charge by the word or line, and they often have specific rules about when an obituary must be submitted, such as several days before the desired publication date or within a set number of days after the death.
- Let other family members review the draft before submitting it to ensure it feels complete and respectful.
If you need assistance in Louisiana, most local funeral homes offer obituary support. Nationally, the Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance on end-of-life planning at https://www.funerals.org.
Taking a thoughtful and careful approach to writing an obituary helps ensure your loved one’s memory is shared with honor and clarity.
