FAQs
Concluding Message
In the conclusion of the obituary, special requests may be made such as, “in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to…” or “Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at General Hospital for…” Some families make the final line a dedication honoring their loved one.
What are the first lines of obituaries? ›
Ideas for the Beginning Paragraph
- On (day, date), (full name of deceased) of (city of residence) passed away at the age of ____ years.
- The family of (full name of deceased) of (city of residence) is saddened to announce his/her passing on (day, date) at the age of _____ years.
Why can't I find my friends obituary? ›
There could be several reasons why you're having difficulty finding an obituary. The person you're looking for may not have had an obituary, the newspaper that published it could have gone out of business, or it could have never been saved or digitized.
Why do I like to read obituaries? ›
For one, obituaries are stories with a closure unlike the daily news items that are generally interim reports. They are often good stories. One reads about remarkable accomplishments, odd achievements, quirky lives, wild adventures, strange vicissitudes, and forgotten personalities.
What is the most common last words before death? ›
'Most people aren't speaking their last breath, but if they are, or close to it, it's usually "I love you". It's usually, "It's okay", like they're comforting somebody else, or things like "I'm ready".
What should be left out of a obituary? ›
In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).
What not to put in an obituary? ›
When writing an obituary, leave out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. And don't include the deceased's home address.
What is the last paragraph of an obituary? ›
The final paragraph includes the service arrangements. The name of the individual, including any nickname he or she was known by, and location and date of death so there is no confusion as to who has died. Who the person really was, and what he or she may have accomplished.
How do I end an obituary? ›
At the end of an obituary a special message is sometimes found, such as 'in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to..' or 'Special Thanks to the staff at General Hospital for..' or 'We will always carry your memory in our hearts'. Sometimes a short prayer or a line from a poem is placed at the end.
When you find out an old friend died? ›
Tips for coping with the death of an old friend
Know that any bereavement can trigger feelings and emotions. Reach out to friends or family that might have known the person that died. Often we want to connect with those that knew the person. But not everyone feels the same so take their lead.
Obituary Example: No Funeral or Memorial
They always spread joy and happiness wherever they went. As per [first name]'s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Is it weird to share an obituary on Facebook? ›
Newspapers still publish obituaries, but today many families choose to make death announcements on social media. While some people may find this to be poor etiquette, a social media post actually isn't that different than an obituary.
Is it disrespectful not to have an obituary? ›
Posting an obituary is not a legal requirement and is a sentimental action. Families don't have to publish one if they don't want it or do not have the funds to do so. While you do not have to share a death note or obituary, you must file a death certificate with your state's office.
Who normally reads the obituary at a funeral? ›
This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual. The purpose of the obituary reading is to share important details about the deceased person's life, allowing everyone present to reflect on their accomplishments, relationships, and contributions.
Why would someone not want an obituary? ›
Reasons a Family Might Not Want to Write an Obituary
Some may feel that it is too personal or private to share with the public, while others may not have the financial means to pay for its publication. Additionally, some families may prefer to grieve privately and not draw attention to the death.
How should an obituary end? ›
The obituary should end by naming your loved one's surviving family members, then giving information about the funeral or memorial service, if the family is making those details public, as well as information about any memorial funds or charitable organizations that people should send donations to.
What are examples of closing words at a funeral? ›
If you're unsure how to end your eulogy, finish with a simple goodbye, or a thank you for the memories you shared. You might choose to use traditional phrases like 'rest in peace' or 'sleep well'. Or you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share with the person who has died.
What are examples of last wishes? ›
Your last wishes can include anything you want, including funeral or cremation preferences and plans, body disposition preferences, obituary information, messages to your loved ones, requests for your final days, and personal information like where your will is.
What is a good short obituary example? ›
“[Full name], age [age], a beloved figure of [where they lived], sadly left our world on [date of death], after a life richly lived in service and kindness. Known for [mention of significant contributions], [first name] was a beacon of light and hope in our community, touching lives through [specific actions or roles].