How To Write An Obituary

This article is all about how to write an obituary.

You should be aware that the term 'death notice' is also used but there is a difference between an obituary and a death notice.

Quite simply, an obituary is a basic announcement that a person has died. It will contain the essential information abut that individual and the funeral arrangements. A death notice will also contain this basic information but it will, in addition, describe the person's past life in more detail.

Writing an obituary or a death notice is not an easy task. Thinking about the deceased can create emotional turmoil and it can be difficult to be objective. Get help from family members if you can. Many newspapers can also provide an obituary form. You would then complete this with the necessary basic information and the newspaper staff will create the obituary for you.

If you intend to write a death notice then, as well as the necessary basic information, you can provide details of the deceased's background, their profession, achievements and interests. Again, if possible, ask other family members to get involved and share your contributions. It's possible that friends can also help as they may have had previous experience of how to write an obituary.

A death notice should have details of the funeral arrangements so that people can pay their respects. When completed the death notice can then be placed with the newspaper or periodical of your choice. If the deceased had lived in other parts of the country then you may wish to place the death notice in a newspaper covering that area so that past friends can be informed.

A death notice will usually be more costly than an obituary simply because it requires more space on the page. A photograph of the deceased is often included with a death notice and this tends to enhance its personal nature.

An obituary or a death notice is a very personal tribute to the deceased. But it should also inform so that those interested are aware of all the funeral arrangements.

I hope this helps you in the difficult task of how to write an obituary.