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More than merely a “good-bye” to the deceased, this is a farewell which can, in chronological order, detail the life of the deceased. An obituary also serves as notification that an individual has passed away and details of the services that are to take place. An obituary’s length may be somewhat dictated by the space available in the newspaper as well as by the cost consideration. Therefore it’s best to check how much room you have before you begin your composition. Remember that the obituary needs to appear in print a few days prior to the memorial service. There are some cases where this may not be possible, therefore give some consideration to the guidelines below when composing the obituary.
Naturally, it’s vital that the full name, along with the location and date of passing is included so that there’s no confusion over whom has died. You might wish to consider placing a photograph (which can appear as black & white or in color depending on the newspaper’s layout) with the text. There are usually extra charges applied if you’re thinking of using a photograph. If you wish, mention where the deceased resided. This will normally only include the city and region/state/province/county.
In a concise manner, write about the significant events in the life of your loved one. This may include the schools he or she attended and any degrees attained; you may also include any vocations or interests that the deceased was involved with.
It is common to include a list of those who have survived your loved one. The list should include (where applicable):
The surviving relatives listed above may be listed by name. Other relatives will not be mentioned by name but may be included in terms of their relationship to your loved one. In other words, the obituary may mention that the deceased had 5 grandchildren; 7 nieces etc. However, exceptions to the above rule can be made if, for example, the deceased only had one grandchild or a nephew who was the only person living in the newspaper’s distribution area. These exceptions are obviously made based on each individual case.
Also, anyone listed as a special friend or companion is not normally included amongst the list of survivors unless the deceased’s blood relatives request that it be so. The obituary’s traditional purpose is to list survivors either related through the bloodline or marriage.
Additional information such as the date, time and place of visitation and/or services, and where the body will be laid to rest should also be mentioned.
If you don’t know where to start, read other obituaries to gain an idea of how personal and touching an obituary might be.
Use such terms as “visitation will be from” or “friends may call from.”
You may choose to request memorial donations in memory of your loved one be given to a charity or other organization. Merely start the final paragraph of the obituary with the words “Memorial donations may be made to.”
Consider whether you wish to send the obituary to newspapers in other cities e.g. to a town where the deceased may have resided previously. Obtain copies of the obituary to send to distant relatives and friends.
All information to be included in the obituary should be verified with another family member, to make sure you remember everything correctly.
Since most newspapers charge by the line, when placing an obituary, it might not always be feasible to mention everything we’ve stated in our guidelines. Use your own discretion and don’t put yourself under any financial hardship. Your loved one would understand.
