How to Write an Obituary

• Also try: How to Plan a Funeral

Guide Note: An obituary is an account of someone's life that is published in the paper or online shortly following his or her death. An obituary includes not only the person's significant accomplishments, but also provides information on the deceased's survivors and memorial service.

How to Write an Obituary will run down everything that should be included in an obituary or death notice.

How to Write an Obituary

The funeral director can help you write an obituary. (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)

• If you are working with a funeral home, they will help you create and file an obituary with your local newspaper. If you need to take on the task yourself, you will first need to contact the paper to ask about deadlines and cost. (Some newspapers charge by the line for obituaries, but don't charge for short "death notices.")

• You might also consider filing obituaries in the cities where the deceased was born, went to school or lived for any length of time. Obituaries should be filed a few days before the funeral or memorial service and should contain the following:

1. Deceased's Full Name: Be sure the newspaper or funeral home spells the name of the deceased correctly.
2. Date and Place of Death: The cause of death is not typically included.
3. Short Biography: This typically includes the person's date and place of birth, schools attended, degrees achieved, vocation and hobbies. It can be written as a perfunctory, chronological list or as a more prose-like tribute.
4. Names of Survivors: This typically includes the deceased's parents, children, spouse or domestic partner. Some people even include the name of a beloved pet.
5. Service Announcement: When and where the funeral, memorial service, viewing or wake will take place.
6. Memorial Contributions: Where people can make donations in remembrance of the deceased or send flowers.

Resources for How to Write an Obituary

• eHow.com: How to Write an Obituary
• wikiHow: How to Write an Obituary
• How To Do Things.com: How to Write an Obituary

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