What to Include in an Obituary
A well-written obituary typically includes several core elements: the full legal name of the deceased, their date and place of birth, date and place of death, a summary of their life and character, surviving family members, anyone who preceded them in death, and the details of any funeral or memorial service. Optional additions include educational background, career highlights, military service, hobbies and passions, and the causes or organizations the person cared about.
The depth and length of the obituary is entirely up to you and your family. A simple announcement of a few sentences serves its purpose just as fully as a longer tribute — what matters is accuracy, tone, and that it feels true to the person being remembered. Avoid generic phrases that could apply to anyone; specific, personal details are what make an obituary meaningful.
The Standard Obituary Structure
Most obituaries follow a recognizable structure that readers expect, and following it helps ensure nothing important is accidentally omitted. The standard flow moves from the announcement of the death, to a brief biography, to family survivors, to service details, and closes with any request for memorial donations or expressions of condolence.
This structure is particularly helpful if you are writing under time pressure — which is almost always the case. Rather than trying to write a perfect tribute from scratch, treat each element as a separate paragraph to draft, then connect them naturally. Many families find it easier to gather the factual information first (dates, family names, service logistics) and write the biographical narrative last.
Writing the Opening Sentence
The opening sentence is the most important line in the obituary. It sets the tone for everything that follows and is often the only part that appears in print or online previews. The most effective opening sentences name the person, state the key fact (their passing), and immediately capture something true and specific about who they were.
Avoid the overly formal "It is with deep sadness that we announce..." — these constructions are clichéd and impersonal. Instead, try something like: "[Name], who spent forty years teaching high school chemistry and never once stopped making his students laugh, died peacefully at home on [date], surrounded by family." Even a single specific detail transforms a standard announcement into a tribute.
Capturing a Life Well-Lived
The biographical portion of the obituary is where the person truly comes alive on the page. Focus on what made them who they were: their work and what they gave to it, the people they loved and how they showed it, the passions and hobbies that filled their time, the values they lived by. Specific memories and anecdotes — even brief ones — are more powerful than general praise.
Ask other family members and close friends to share one or two specific memories. These small contributions often yield the most vivid and true-to-life details. You don't need to cover everything; a few well-chosen details that feel genuinely like the person are worth far more than an exhaustive resume of facts.
Including Funeral Service Details
The practical details of the funeral or memorial service should appear near the end of the obituary so they are easy to find. Include the date, time, and full address of the service; whether it is open to the public or by invitation; and any details about a reception or gathering afterward. If a live stream will be available for those who cannot attend in person, include that information as well.
If the family prefers memorial donations in lieu of flowers, name the specific organization and provide a website or mailing address. Be as specific as possible — "donations to the American Cancer Society" is helpful; "contributions to a charity of your choice" is not. Concrete instructions make it easy for people to honor the deceased in the way the family intends.
Where to Publish an Obituary
Most families publish an obituary in at least one local or regional newspaper, which typically charges by the word or column inch. Call the newspaper's obituary desk (usually separate from advertising) to get current rates and submission requirements before writing your draft — knowing the word limit will shape how you write it. Submission deadlines are often 24–48 hours before the paper's publication date.
Beyond print, there are several free online platforms for publishing obituaries and memorial pages: Legacy.com (which syndicates to many newspaper websites), Ever Loved, and Everplans all allow free listings with optional paid upgrades. The funeral home may also maintain a tribute page on their own website. For maximum reach, publish in both print and at least one free online platform.
Free Obituary Template
Use the fill-in-the-blank template below as a starting point. Replace each bracket with the appropriate details, then expand the biographical section with specific memories and personal details.
[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date] at [Location].
[He/She/They] was born on [Birth Date] in [City, State] to [Parents' Names].
[Add 2–3 sentences about career, passions, or defining qualities.]
[Full Name] is survived by [surviving spouse, children, siblings, etc.]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [predeceased family members].
A [memorial service / celebration of life / funeral] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location: venue name and address]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests [donations to {organization} / expressions of sympathy].
After the service, the legal and financial steps begin. Read our complete guide: What To Do When Someone Dies.