First, i’m so sorry for your loss.
Every life story is unique, and every person has changed the world in some way.
Whether brief or long, at a time of grief and loss, one of the most difficult things you have to do is to craft a meaningful obituary that honors and celebrates the life of your loved one.
Often the funeral home will ask you for your obituary and publish it just as you present it to them – errors and all. Let me help.
WHAT IS AN OBITARY?
First, it lets others know this person has passed away. But it is more: an obituary is a lasting tribute to the life of your loved one that will be treasured by friends and family and used by generations to come in their genealogical research.
It usually captures the genealogical history of a person – who their parents were, where they were born, where they lived, who their children are. It can also tell a unique story about what made them special: the legacy of character they leave behind, how they invested their precious time, the difference they made in the world, what made them proud, and what details their loved ones treasured most.
OBITUARY OR EULOGY?
An obituary is a published tribute, either in a newspaper on online on a family website, a funeral home website, or an obituary listing service. Eulogies are read at the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. They are often more detailed than the obituary, but sometimes the obituary is read as the Eulogy.
A Eulogy can be more personal and may contain stories and details that you wouldn’t post online in the obituary,
WHAT ARE OBITUARIES USED FOR?
While some still publish in papers, many are shared online by the funeral home. Family and friends can leave comments and often photos. But there are many other ways to use an obituary.
Sometimes they are read at the funeral ceremony, celebration of life, or memorial service. They may be framed and displayed on an easel at the service or printed in a program or card that each person attending takes with them. For those not able to attend, the cards can be mailed.
You can create an obituary book by pairing sentences or paragraphs with photos from the person’s life. You can frame a stylized printing of the words with a photo.
You can create a family obituary resource (digital or physical), with obituaries from family members. This gives more than a family tree – it tells the story of the family’s history and the difference its members have made in the world.
Want help writing an Obituary or Eulogy?
You can use the request form below to get help writing the Obituary, Eulogy, or Funeral Service, or hire a Celebrant to officiate the service.
You can also use the questions in the form to help you in your own composition.
A gift for your family. If you’re comfortable with it, please jot down bullet points or even a draft of your own obituary and tuck it in with your important papers. Writing an obituary or eulogy after a loss can be one of the most difficult things for families to do; providing a roadmap for your loved ones is a priceless gift.