The following is a guide to assist you with composing a death notice, also called an obituary. One of our Funeral Directors will assist with any final touches, and ensure that the notice is published in any newspaper at your request.
People often save a newspaper death notice as a remembrances of someone they loved, making sure it is something worthy of a scrap book and worthy of your loved ones' memory.
What To Include?
Announcement
Naturally, it is important that the full name, along with the date of passing be included. You may wish to consider placing a photograph (which can appear as black & white) with the text. There are usually extra charges applied if you are thinking of using a photograph.
Survivors and Predeceased Information
It is common to include a list of those who have survived the deceased, as well as immediate family members who were predeceased.
- Parents
- Spouse and children
- Adopted children
- Half & step children
- Siblings
- Half & step siblings
- Grandchildren
- Surviving in-laws
- Pre-deceased family members
The surviving relatives listed above may be listed by name. Other relatives may not be mentioned by name but may be included in terms of their relationship to the deceased. In other words, the obituary may mention that the deceased had 5 grandchildren; 7 nieces etc.
Scheduled Ceremonies
At this point list the details of the Scheduled Services - time, date and address, these may include the funeral, visitations, burial and memorial service when appropriate.
Charitable Donations
Here you can list the Name and Mailing Address of a foundation or Society that you wish to direct any Memorial Gifts made in honor of your loved one. For some the decision as to which Foundation or Society to support is based on areas of interest or values that their loved one expressed during his or her lifetime. For others it may be based on a Medical condition in which their loved one lived with and they wish to support that particular cause in further research.
We encourage you to refrain from using the phrase "in lieu of flowers." when memorial donations are to be requested. Instead merely start the final paragraph of the death notice with the words "Donations may be made to.."
Final Considerations
All information included in the death notice should be verified with another family member. Have them assist you in confirming the dates, those who should be mentioned, correct spelling of names, and the details regarding the actual funeral service.
If you don't know where to start, click here to read sample obituaries.
Do consider what dates and newspapers (both local and out of town) you wish your funeral director to publish the death notice.
Suggested wording:
- It is with great sadness that the family of (deceased name) announce (his/her) passing
- (Deceased name) will be sadly missed by ..
- Fondly remembered by.
- Forever remembered by.
- Lovingly remembered by.
- Wife or husband and best friend of # # years.
- A Celebration of (deceased name) life will be held on
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