A Guide to Writing Obituaries with Grace and Respect
Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life, and during such times, crafting an obituary can be a meaningful way to honor their memory. While it may seem daunting, writing an obituary is an opportunity to celebrate a person’s life and legacy. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through this delicate process with grace and respect.
Start with the Basics
Begin by gathering essential facts such as the full name of the deceased, their age, and the date and location of their birth. Include details about their passing, such as the date, location, and if appropriate the cause of death. This sets the foundation for the rest of the obituary.
Highlight Key Life Events
Outline significant milestones in the person’s life, including education, career achievements, and any notable contributions to their community or profession. Consider including information about their family, such as marriage, children, and grandchildren.
Share Personal Anecdotes and Memories
Capture the essence of the person by sharing anecdotes, hobbies, and interests that made them unique. When you are writing this section in particular, it is often easier to write it in the present tense. This allows you to feel the person there with you and share in those joyful moments. You can update it to past tense in one of the final editing stages. Reflect on their personality traits, passions, and the impact they had on the lives of others. Personal stories add depth and warmth to the obituary, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the individual being remembered.
Acknowledge Relationships and Survivors
Acknowledge surviving family members, including spouses, children, siblings, and other loved ones. Mention close friends and any predeceased family members. It’s essential to ensure accuracy and inclusivity when listing survivors, as this information holds great significance to those mourning the loss. Ultimately who you include in this list doesn’t follow a hard set rule, but rather has more to do with who had a close relationship with the deceased.
Include Funeral Service Details
Provide information about funeral or memorial arrangements, including date, time, and location. If the funeral service is going to be a private affair, then you would forgo the funeral details. In those situations, you would mention that the service will be “private” or for “immediate family only”. Be sure to mention any requests for charitable donations or preferred ways to honor the deceased. Offering clear instructions can help friends and acquaintances pay their respects and support the grieving family.
Maintain a Tone of Respect and Dignity
While it’s important to celebrate the life of the deceased, it’s equally crucial to maintain a tone of respect and dignity throughout the obituary. Avoid euphemisms or clichés and strive for sincerity and authenticity in your writing. Remember that each person’s life story is unique, and the obituary should reflect that individuality with reverence.
Proofread and Revise
Before publishing the obituary, carefully proofread it for errors in spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy. Take the time to revise and refine the wording to ensure clarity and coherence. Ensure that it reads correctly in past tense reflecting on your loved one’s life. Consider seeking feedback from family members or friends to ensure that the obituary accurately reflects the life of the departed.
A Lasting Tribute
Writing an obituary is a profound way to honor the memory of a loved one and provide comfort to those who mourn their loss. By following these guidelines and approaching the task with sensitivity and compassion, you can create a meaningful tribute that celebrates a life well-lived. In the midst of grief, the act of crafting an obituary can offer solace and healing, allowing us to cherish the memories of those we have lost and carry their legacy forward with love and reverence.
Mayes Mortuary has been a part of Morristown for over 70 years. We have provided love and support to many of your parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents over the years. If you or a loved one is looking to plan ahead in planning a funeral, please reach out to our team.