How to write an obituary – structure, examples and a personal voice
An obituary is more than an announcement: it is a first public farewell. It follows a few conventions but leaves room for personal words. Here is how to write one without rushing.
Classic structure
- Opening line or quote (optional)
- Full name, dates of birth and death
- Age, sometimes profession
- Surviving family who announce (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings)
- Place and time of the service and burial
- Address for condolences or « in lieu of flowers, donations to … »
Finding the right words
One personal sentence about the person — a passion, a habit, a role in the family — says more than any poem. Write freely first, then cut. Read it aloud: if it sounds like the person, you are close.
Example
« With sadness, the family announces the passing of Mary Smith, born 14 March 1948, who died on 8 June 2025. A service will be held on Friday 13 June at 3 pm at St Mary's Church, Edinburgh. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Marie Curie, IBAN … »
Where to publish
Local and national newspapers (The Times, The Guardian, regional dailies), funeral homes' online pages and dedicated portals (legacy.com, funeral-notices.co.uk). Costs: £150–£600 in print, often free or £20–£60 online.
Timing
Publish 2–4 days before the service. Inform close family by phone or card first — nobody should learn about a death from the paper.
Common mistakes
Double-check dates, name spelling, IBAN and start time. Ask someone outside the immediate grieving circle to proofread.
Wegbegleiter
the Wegbegleiter app provides obituary templates in EN/DE/FR/IT, a checklist of required information and a thank-you card template.
Frequently asked questions
- How long should an obituary be?
- From 4–8 lines for a short notice to 15–20 lines for a family announcement. Clarity matters more than length.
- Is a quote required?
- No. A quote is optional. A personal sentence about the deceased is often stronger.
- Who signs?
- Closest family: spouse, children with partners, grandchildren, sometimes siblings. For large families, « the family » is enough.
- What does it cost?
- £150–£600 in print; often free to £60 online.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.