Tips for Writing an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a precious chance to express a loved one’s legacy and share parts of their life story from the very beginning to the very end. If you are given the important opportunity of writing an obituary for someone you knew and loved, here are a few pieces of advice. 

Consider Organization 
Jumping around with facts and descriptions makes it too hard for the reader to follow. Chronological order is almost always going to be your best option for arranging events and accomplishments. You might also want to follow up the timeline approach with a paragraph that conveys the individual’s character or personality, particularly highlighting attributes they will be remembered for.  

Use Personal Details and Examples 
Offering specific details rather than a generic overview will give the obituary a sense of individuality. Don’t simply list where your loved one lived and worked over the course of their life. Consider what made them unique. Give an example or offer a quick anecdote to help illustrate descriptions. 

Know That It’s OK to Be Funny 
Or reserved. Or sarcastic. Or boastful. Or whatever you feel would be fitting for your loved one. The tone and style of the obituary should match the personality of its leading subject. 

​Have Someone Else Proofread It
Asking a friend or family member to read the obituary will help you catch minor punctuation and spelling errors, and it provides another perspective on the overall impression. We would also be happy to help ensure the obituary is as good as it can be before you submit it for publication.