Creating the Perfect Tribute: Funeral Obituary Examples

In a few brief paragraphs, how can you condense a lifetime of experiences and accomplishments? If you’ve spent any time on Twitter, you’re probably used to sending messages in quick bursts. Capturing the highlights of a loved one’s life in a brief, written style, on the other hand, can be a different—and more difficult—experience.

A eulogy is a speech made by family or friends during a memorial ceremony in remembrance of the departed, whereas an obituary is a notice of a person’s death published in a newspaper or online publication by a relative or funeral director.

If you’re writing a funeral obituary for a loved one, reading funeral obituary examples will help you come up with some ideas. There’s no need to start from scratch when we’ve compiled a list of fantastic obituary ideas for you right here.

What exactly is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice informing others that someone has died. This announcement normally contains not only the individual’s birth and death dates, but also at least one photo of them, as well as highlights of their accomplishments and even their personality. If there will be public services, you can include that information in the obituary as well.

Traditionally, obituaries were published as public notices in newspapers. Obituary notices are now available on digital news sites. Alternatively, you might have the obituary published through a funeral home or a memorial website.

What is the Best Way to Write an Obituary?

When writing an obituary for someone who meant so much to you, where do you begin? It’s difficult to find the appropriate words on a blank page.

Fortunately, the internet era provides you with instant access to high-quality information. Finding an obituary format to follow, which defines the most significant details to include in this tribute, is the easiest answer.

If you’re having problems getting started, simply use the obituary template provided below and begin with the portion that appears to be the most straightforward. Then, until you have a first draft, just write without criticizing yourself. After that, you may organize and modify your work.

Template & Format for Obituaries

An obituary template is similar to a resume template or a family chore schedule template in that it provides a starting point. An obituary template provides the structure for creating a meaningful memorial by incorporating all of the pertinent details about the person’s life.

It’s like reading a Choose Your Own Adventure book when it comes to writing an obituary. With a touch of personality and affection, you select where the exact details go in the write-up. Here is a sample obituary template that you may use to cover the most vital details:

• Death Announcement: The location and date of death are frequently included. Some families prefer to provide information regarding the person’s dying circumstances.
• Life Events: What significant moments in your life should you highlight? Include key achievements in your job and interests, such as graduation or marriage.
• Family Members: In an obituary, how do you list survivors? It’s typical to rank them in order of significance depending on their relationship. For instance, spouses and children come first, then parents, then siblings.
• Event Details: If you’re inviting the general public to the memorial or funeral ceremonies, be sure to include information about the memorial or funeral times and location.
• Donation Information: At the conclusion of an obituary, it’s typical to include information about fundraisers, memorial money, or floral donations.
• Photos: At least one photo of the person should always be included. It’s typical to add a recent photo, as well as a family photo or a flashback to a person’s younger years.

Great Funeral Obituary Examples

You’ll notice one consistent feature as you go through obituary writing examples: all obituaries inform people that a loved one has died. The finest obituaries, on the other hand, include anecdotes that elicit emotion. Consider the following suggestions for writing an excellent obituary:

• Range of Emotions:The reader could have a lump in their throat at one moment, then burst out laughing as they read the following passage.
• Details to Avoid:As you go through each obituary sample, keep in mind that there are a few things you should leave out of the announcement. Consider whether to provide personal information such as a person’s maiden name or home address.
• Entertainment Factor: TL;DR? Don’t risk an obituary that is overly long or too dull in this age of limited attention spans. Look for methods to inject individuality into a person’s life facts.
• Photos: Because a picture is worth a thousand words, an obituary is never complete without at least one photograph. The good news is that you may post many images to a memorial website and even invite others to contribute photos with you.
• Memories: Obituary writing is essentially a sort of short-form narrative that captures a person’s life in a few paragraphs. Include any memorable memories, such as things the individual said or did on a regular basis.

Do you want to create a fantastic obituary? Here’s an example to get you thinking:

Sarah Jones’s passion of life didn’t end with her death as a musician and retired elementary school administrator. Sarah died on July 6, 2020, at the age of 79, following a brave fight with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to commemorate her memory by living to the fullest.

Sarah graduated from the University of New York with a bachelor’s degree. She returned to school after ten years of teaching to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Sarah was really proud of her school and her pupils, and she has shared her love of learning with hundreds of students over the years.

Sarah was ecstatic about the simplest joys in life. With a bottle of wine in hand, she enjoyed a calm evening with friends. Sarah enjoyed exploring the local hiking trails during her school vacations and marveled at the beauty of the spring wildflowers. She had an extraordinary capacity to find joy in the simplest of tasks. Her nice demeanor spread to everyone she came into contact with. Sarah leaves behind a husband, Frank; a son, Calvin; a sister, Jenny; and several relatives, nieces, and nephews.

Example Obituaries for Your Mother

On good days, horrible days, and everything in between, you communicated with Mom. You’re the perfect person to write an obituary for mom, as her child, to recount the highlights of her life. For a wonderful obituary for your mother, follow these guidelines:

• Life Story for Generations: You’re not just giving current information about her life, but you’re also considering how these stories may affect future generations.
• Biographical Details: Include particular points that capture biographical information, such as successes and achievements.
• Character Traits: What are the most significant values and personality qualities she wants to share? In the obituary, include such information.
• Sense of Humor: How did her sense of humour manifest itself in everyday life? Including her idiosyncrasies and humor, capture the spirit of these amusing moments.
• Unique Approach to Motherhood: Finally, think about the elements that reveal who she was, such as her parenting style.

An obituary for your mum may look like this:

Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Peterson was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who devoted her life to her family. She died abruptly on July 6, 2020, at the age of 56.

On June 23, 1964, she was born to Craig and Donna Sanders. Debbie pursued her goals of serving in the Peace Corps after graduating from high school, where she met her husband, John Peterson. Brenda, Chad, and Emmy were their three children.

Debbie enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking delectable meals for her family. Debbie’s stories about her trips were popular with the neighborhood kids, who gathered around the kitchen table for after-school cookies. She was a talented pianist who listened to classical music at her house. The majority of my weekends were spent volunteering at a local soup kitchen.

On July 9, 2020, at 11 a.m., a funeral ceremony will be held at the Presbyterian church on the corner of State Street and Broadway. Please consider making a donation in her honor to the downtown soup kitchen.

Examples of Obituaries for Your Father

Another crucial character to remember and appreciate is your father. The following items should be included in an obituary to capture Dad’s memories:

• Dad Jokes: Write down a couple of your favorite dad jokes if your father was amusing and interesting.
• Personality: Include personal tales about him, such as the most memorable times in his life when he was having fun and connecting with his family.
• Inspiration: There are several stories to tell about people who have overcome obstacles. If your father encountered challenges, sharing a peek of his bravery might be motivating.
• Hobbies: Is there anything about which your father was particularly enthusiastic? Include photos of him wearing his favorite sports shirt or enjoying a concert.
• Fatherhood: Finally, what was the substance of his contribution to parenting and family life? Using tales and experiences from throughout the years, capture the feelings.

Consider the following scenario if you’re in charge of writing an obituary for your father:

Richard “Rick” Lopez died on July 6, 2020, in his birthplace of Miami, Florida, at the age of 74. In recent years, his struggle with major medical conditions demonstrated his bravery in addressing life’s obstacles with a grin. Rick emerged as a hero despite the suffering and persevered till the finish.

Rick said as a youngster that he wanted to be a “beach bum” when he grew up. When he built his paddle board rental store, he began selling personalized boards to the local surf scene, realizing his ambition.

Rick met Mariana, the love of his life, while serving tables while attempting to start his own business. It was love at first sight, and she backed him up in his business endeavors. Mateo was their only kid together.

On July 15, 2020, Rick will be memorialized in a beachside memorial service. Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m., with an ash sprinkling ceremony after sunset.

Examples of Short Obituaries

Many of the heartfelt obituaries you’ll come across are brief memorials. Because to the high expense of printing, newspaper obituary samples were initially brief. Short obituaries now give quick glimpses into a person’s life.

• Not Complicated:Don’t overthink the obituary writing procedure. It’s the equivalent of making a permanent social media post that will be archived. Having said that, you should get it proofread for grammar and spelling just in case.
• Invitation: Is there a one-of-a-kind activity that respects the person? Invite attendees to join you for a memorial jog in celebration of the person’s marathoning enthusiasm.
• Family List: It’s all too easy to get carried away with the family tree. Keep it simple by simply posting the closest relatives, since there’s no need to go too far out on the family tree branches.
• Link to Memorial: A brief obituary is only one example of the material available on a memorial website. If you have a memorial website for the person, include a link to it in the obituary.
• Basic Information: Consider the most basic data you’ll need to mention, such as the date of death and burial arrangements.

Consider this brief obituary example if you want to make it short and sweet:

Daniel Jackson Moore, 63, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on July 6, 2020. His kind heart left a beacon of light for everybody in the community, despite his passing due to a failing heart.

Daniel is survived by Jada, his lovely wife. Alexis and Brianna, his two kids, were his pride and joy. At the high school where he worked in the counseling department, his upbeat demeanor and brilliant grin will be missed.

On Friday, July 10, 2020, a short graveside service will be place in the city cemetery, followed by a backyard reception and potluck BBQ.

Example of a Funny Obituary (Funny Obituaries)

It’s fine to use the memorial to entertain readers, especially if you’re commemorating someone who loved to laugh. People like to celebrate life rather than get caught up in the anguish and pain of a situation, hence funny obituaries can go viral at times.

• Punchy Lines: It takes effort to find the correct words, but be creative in your sentence structure. Consider little elements that will elicit the person’s wry sense of humour or general happiness.
• Humor: Include details on the person’s favorite jokes, including the most outrageous statements you’ve heard them utter. You have the option of going all out throughout the obituary or peppering it with humor and lightness.
• Unique Accomplishments: Mention a once-in-a-lifetime anecdote or adventure that reflects their personality, such as a vacation to France that went awry or the fact that they were often on wild road trips.
• Quirks and Traits: The obituary may be made more personal by include details like the person’s favorite drink, TV series, or hobbies. Grandma may have liked a swig of scotch and a trip to the casino, and those who knew her may grin as they recall these facts.
• Touching Moments: The most hilarious obituaries make people chuckle while also evoking emotions as the reader recalls the person’s contributions to the world.

A hilarious obituary could be the ideal option if you want to lighten the mood and represent the characteristics of your loved one. Here’s an example to get you started:

Douglas Sanders was a stand-up comedian who blurred the lines between his stage act and everyday life. People couldn’t stop laughing at him because he could find humor in even the most banal situations. Flirting with his hospice nurses and buying strange items from late-night infomercials were two of his latest pastimes.

Anyone else who had colon cancer would have died peacefully with their loved ones at their side. Doug went out in style, wearing nothing but his basketball shorts and watching the NBA playoffs on the couch while sipping whisky.

Doug was a sucker for ice cream, lasagna, and anything chocolate-covered. He is left by his saintly wife, Carol; three children (Joe, Bridget, and Joseph) who inherited his quick wit; and a yappy dog named Fido.

In the end, there is no right or wrong way to write an effective obituary. The purpose is to pay tribute to the person’s personality as well as the distinctive features and gifts that they shared with people they met, worked with, and loved. Including these information in an obituary write-up demonstrates your affection and thankfulness for the person’s effect on you and others throughout time.