Writing an Obituary/Death Notice

Five Tips for Writing an Obituary/Death Notice for a Loved One

Summing up a person’s rich life in just a few paragraphs of an obituary/death notice may seem like a daunting, even impossible, task. While your local funeral director can write the notice for you using information you provide, you may want to write the initial draft so you can include more personal, nuanced language about your loved one.

A death notice may be one of the most difficult things you’ve ever had to write; however, there are a few strategies you can use to make the process easier.

1. Read a few notices in your local paper for inspiration. It’s likely you don’t write obituaries on a regular basis so familiarizing yourself with how others have approached it can be helpful.

2. Make notes about significant aspects of your loved one’s life, inviting others to be involved in the process. Key aspects of your loved one’s life could include:

• Childhood Activities
• Education
• Personal Connections (spouse, partner, children, friends, etc.)
• Professional Accomplishments
• Community Work
• Faith Practices
• Personal Impact (kindness, generosity, support, etc.)
• Skills and Interests (cooking, gardening, sports, collections, etc.)

3. Use storytelling. Instead of simply listing accomplishments, incorporate stories about the impact those accomplishments, skills or abilities had on others. 

4. Use AI. Use an AI tool to polish your draft (or to write it!). Obituary websites such as Legacy.com have this tool built in. The tool on Legacy.com will also estimate the cost of printing your notice in your local paper so you can edit as appropriate for your budget. Tip: To be more cost-effective, post the long version on the funeral home’s website and submit a shorter version to the local paper with a note to visit the funeral home’s website for the full notice.

5. Utilize the expertise of your funeral professional. Your funeral director can help you finalize your notice, ensure it includes all the necessary details and review it for standard formatting practices. They can also place the notice for you, whether on an online obituary site or in your local paper.