Obituary Template

Writing an obituary is one of the hardest things a family is asked to do, often in the first days after a loss. These templates make it a little easier: a worksheet to gather the facts calmly, editable obituaries in three styles with gentle example wording, and guidance on what to include, how long to make it and where to share it.

What an obituary usually includes

There is no single right way. Some families write a short notice with the service details; others write a longer life story. Include only what feels right and what the person would have wanted shared.

Three template styles

• Traditional obituary — a full life story in the classic order: announcement, life, family, service.
• Short newspaper notice — 60–120 words with essential details, useful where newspapers charge by length.
• Celebration of life — a warmer, more personal tone that focuses on stories, humour and what made the person unique.

Step-by-step writing guide

1. Fill in the information worksheet with close family — dates, names and places are easy to get wrong in grief.
2. Choose a style and a length; check any newspaper’s word limits and deadlines.
3. Start with the announcement sentence, then tell the story in the order that feels natural.
4. Add one or two details that bring the person to life — a favourite saying, a hobby, a kindness.
5. List family members carefully; check spellings and decide whether to include partners of grandchildren.
6. Add the service details and any donation requests.
7. Ask someone else to read it through before publishing.

Example wording (fictional)

“Margaret Ellen Hughes, 84, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully on 12 March surrounded by her family. Born in Leeds in 1941, Margaret trained as a nurse and cared for patients at St Mary’s for thirty years. She loved her garden, crossword puzzles and Sunday lunches that went on all afternoon. She is survived by her children, Anne and David, and five grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at Brookfield Community Church on Friday 21 March at 2 pm. Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the local hospice.”

Where to share an obituary

• Local and hometown newspapers (print and online) — usually for a fee.
• Funeral home websites, which often host obituaries and online guest books.
• Social media and messaging groups for friends and colleagues.
• Church, club, school or workplace newsletters.
• Printed in the funeral or memorial service programme.

Privacy and safety

Obituaries are public. To reduce the risk of identity theft and burglary, many families leave out the exact date of birth, full home address and mother’s maiden name, and avoid announcing that a home will be empty during the service. Share what honours the person without giving away sensitive details.

What’s in the pack

• Information-gathering worksheet for families.
• Traditional, short-notice and celebration-of-life obituary templates (Word).
• Writing guide with gentle prompts and example phrases.
• Funeral or memorial programme template.
• Thank-you card wording for after the service.

A note of care

There is no deadline on grief, even when there are deadlines for notices. It is fine to keep an obituary short, to ask a friend or funeral director to help, or to write a longer tribute later. Funeral directors can often place notices for you and advise on local customs.