Losing a loved one is one of life’s most heart-wrenching experiences, and finding the right words to honor their memory can often feel overwhelming.
An obituary is not only an announcement of their passing, but also a tribute to their life, values, and the legacy they leave behind.
Choosing the right words can be incredibly challenging, but it is also an important step in the healing process.
Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unsure how to express the depth of your love and respect for someone who has passed? It’s a struggle many face, and one that I want to help you navigate.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 unique wording samples for obituaries that can help you create a heartfelt, meaningful tribute.
Whether you’re crafting an obituary for a parent, friend, relative, or someone who meant a great deal to you, these samples will guide you through the process.
Simple and Traditional
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of [Full Name], beloved [relation, e.g., mother, father, friend] of [Names of Surviving Family]. [First Name] passed away peacefully at the age of [Age] on [Date] at [Location]. [He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members]. A celebration of life will be held on [Date] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity].”
This type of obituary focuses on the facts but still conveys the essential information in a dignified manner.
Acknowledging Contributions
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of [Full Name], who left us on [Date] at the age of [Age]. [First Name] was a devoted [role, e.g., husband, wife, father, etc.], a friend to many, and an active member of [Community, Organization, Church]. [He/She/They] will always be remembered for [mention an achievement or passion]. [First Name] is survived by [Surviving Family]. The family will hold a private service to honor [his/her/their] memory.”
In this example, there’s an effort to highlight the person’s contributions or role in the community, making the obituary a bit more personal and reflective of their life’s work.
A Peaceful Departure
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
This quote reflects the deep sadness that comes with loss but also the permanence of the love and memories shared.
For the Adventurous Spirit
“Not all who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
If your loved one was a free spirit, always seeking new experiences, this quote could perfectly reflect their character and the adventurous life they led.
Faith-Inspired Tribute
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
For those with a deep connection to their faith, using scripture as a tribute can be a powerful way to both mourn and celebrate the life of a loved one.
The Artistic Soul
“[Full Name], [Age], passed away peacefully on [Date]. Known for [his/her/their] incredible creativity, [First Name] was a talented [artist, musician, etc.], whose work will continue to inspire for years to come. Whether creating stunning [paintings, sculptures, etc.] or playing [instrument], [he/she/they] had a gift for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members]. A memorial service will be held on [Date], where [his/her/their] legacy will be celebrated through music and art.”
The Family-Focused Individual
“With a heart full of love and compassion, [Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date]. A loving spouse, parent, and grandparent, [First Name] dedicated [his/her/their] life to caring for [his/her/their] family and building lasting memories. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members], who will forever cherish [his/her/their] nurturing spirit. A memorial service will be held on [Date], and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [Charity].”
This wording is perfect for a family-centered individual who valued their relationships and dedicated their life to those they loved.
The Humorous Personality
“On [Date], [Full Name], at the age of [Age], passed away after bringing joy, laughter, and a great sense of humor to everyone who knew [him/her/them]. Whether cracking jokes at family gatherings or offering a smile to a stranger, [First Name] was always the life of the party. We will miss [his/her/their] sense of humor, infectious laugh, and the way [he/she/they] could brighten any room. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members]. A service to celebrate [his/her/their] life will be held on [Date].”
A Life of Service and Dedication
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of [Full Name], who peacefully departed on [Date] at the age of [Age]. Known for [his/her/their] selflessness, [First Name] spent [his/her/their] life serving others. A dedicated [occupation, e.g., teacher, nurse, volunteer], [First Name] touched countless lives with [his/her/their] kindness and commitment to the community. [He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members]. A memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Location], and donations may be made to [Charity].”
A Peaceful Soul
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of [Full Name] on [Date], at the age of [Age]. [First Name] was a gentle soul whose quiet presence and calm demeanor left a lasting impression on all who knew [him/her/them]. [He/She/They] will be deeply missed by [Family Members]. A private family service will be held in honor of [his/her/their] memory.”
The Lifelong Learner
“[Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date]. A lifelong learner, [First Name] was always eager to expand [his/her/their] knowledge and share it with others. [He/She/They] loved [mention hobbies or passions], and was particularly proud of [specific achievements]. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members]. The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate [his/her/their] life on [Date] at [Location].”
A Joyful Heart
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of [Full Name], who left us on [Date] at the age of [Age]. [First Name] was known for [his/her/their] infectious laughter and ability to brighten any room. [He/She/They] brought joy to everyone [he/she/they] met, and the world is a little less bright without [him/her/them]. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members], and a celebration of life will be held on [Date].”
The Family’s Pillar
“[Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date], leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to family. [First Name] was the cornerstone of [his/her/their] family, always putting others’ needs before [his/her/their] own. [He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members], who will carry [his/her/their] lessons forward. A service will be held on [Date] to honor [his/her/their] memory.”
A Heart Full of Compassion
“[Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date], leaving behind a heart full of compassion. [First Name] was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and [his/her/their] kind nature left an indelible mark on all who knew [him/her/them]. [First Name] is survived by [Family Members], and a memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Location] to celebrate [his/her/their] life.”
The Adventurer
“On [Date], we lost a true adventurer. [Full Name], [Age], passed away after living a life filled with exploration, discovery, and a thirst for new experiences. Whether it was traveling the world or discovering new passions, [First Name] lived life to the fullest. [He/She/They] will be missed by [Family Members] and countless friends. A gathering to honor [First Name] will be held on [Date].”
A Loving Parent and Grandparent
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of [Full Name], a loving parent and grandparent, on [Date]. [First Name] dedicated [his/her/their] life to raising [his/her/their] children and spoiling [his/her/their] grandchildren with love and affection. [He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members], who will always carry [his/her/their] love in their hearts. A service will be held on [Date] to celebrate [his/her/their] life.”
A Caring Friend
“[Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date], leaving behind a legacy of friendship and support. [First Name] was a friend to everyone, always offering a listening ear or a comforting word when needed most. [He/She/They] will be dearly missed by [Family Members] and friends alike. The family invites all those who knew [First Name] to join them on [Date] at [Location] to celebrate [his/her/their] life.”
A Spirit of Determination
“With sadness, we announce the passing of [Full Name], who fought fiercely until the very end. [First Name] was known for [his/her/their] determination, strength, and will to live, even in the face of adversity. [He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members], who were inspired by [his/her/their] strength and resilience every day. A service will be held on [Date] to honor the life and spirit of [First Name].”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Obituaries
While crafting an obituary is a deeply personal task, there are a few common mistakes to avoid in order to make sure your message is both respectful and clear. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Mistake 1: Being Too Vague
While it’s understandable to be emotionally overwhelmed, avoiding generalities is important when writing an obituary. Phrases like “a good person” or “will be missed by all” can make the tribute feel impersonal. Instead, try to focus on specific qualities, memories, or accomplishments that show exactly why the person will be remembered.
Mistake 2: Overloading with Details
While it’s important to highlight the person’s life and legacy, overloading the obituary with too many facts can make it feel cluttered. Avoid listing every job the person had or every single accomplishment. Focus on the most important aspects of their life that truly reflect who they were.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Proofread
It’s easy to overlook small mistakes when dealing with something so emotional. However, spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the obituary’s meaning. Take the time to proofread or ask a trusted friend or family member to review it for you.
Conclusion
Writing an obituary is never easy, but it is one of the most important tasks you can do to honor a loved one’s memory. Whether you choose a simple general obituary, a heartfelt memorial quote, or a personalized message, the goal is to capture the essence of the person’s life. Remember, your words will be a lasting tribute to the person’s legacy, so choose them carefully and make sure they come from the heart.
By using the examples and advice shared here, you can feel confident in creating an obituary that truly reflects the person you’ve lost and gives them the tribute they deserve.
FAQs About Obituary Wording
1. Can I include humor in an obituary?
Yes, humor can be a fitting tribute, especially if the person had a great sense of humor during their life. However, make sure the humor is respectful and appropriate for the audience.
2. How long should an obituary be?
Obituaries can vary in length, but a general rule is to keep them between 200 to 500 words. However, you should focus on conveying the most meaningful aspects of the person’s life, regardless of word count.
3. Is it okay to write an obituary in first person?
Yes, writing in the first person can make the obituary feel more personal and heartfelt, especially if you are a family member or close friend.
4. What should I include in an obituary besides the basic facts?
In addition to the person’s birth and death dates, consider including details about their hobbies, achievements, passions, and the relationships that mattered most to them. A meaningful quote or saying can also add depth to the tribute.
5. How do I deal with grief while writing an obituary?
Writing an obituary can bring up intense emotions. Allow yourself to grieve, and take breaks when needed. If it helps, consider getting support from a friend or family member who can assist with the writing or simply offer a comforting presence.
