An obituary is one of the most effective ways to pay tribute to a loved one and his life and legacy. It reflects on the journey of the deceased and includes everything from his achievements to the relationships and spaces in other people’s lives. A meaningful obituary may serve as a source of solace for family and friends and may well preserve some of the memories of life for the future.
To write a perfect obituary, start with important information, which may include major life events and a brief history of the person. You can also enlist some of the unique characteristics and character traits of the individual. More importantly, be respectful and compassionate when writing this piece to ensure that the person who lived a life worth telling.
Steps to Write a Perfect Obituary
Writing an obituary is a meaningful task. It pays homage to the life of someone loved while informing others about their passing. This guide breaks down the process into five key sections to help you write Oklahoma obituaries.
1. Announcing the Death
The obituary’s first section is informing the people about the person’s passing. Informing others is how one begins weeping together. Make sure that as part of the key information, you have placed the following:
- Full name
- Age
- Residence
- Date and time
- The location where they died
Use language that reflects the individual’s life and feels right to you. Some families like gentle phrases like “passed away peacefully” or “surrounded by loved ones.” Others use clearer wording such as “died” or “ended a long battle with [illness].” At least the wording should respect the feelings of your family and friends, yet honor the deceased.
2. The Biography
The biography section highlights important events in the life of the deceased. Do not fill the space for documenting every milestone; a few important events and characteristics shall suffice. What to record include;
- Personal Background: Date and place of birth, names of parents and maiden name of the mother, early life
- Marriage and Family: Names of spouses together with the former, location and date of marriage, and what characterizes their family life.
- Career and Contributions: Significant occupations, military service, volunteer or community service.
Describe how that impacted family and friends. For example, “He always greeted each guest warmly.”
3. Surviving Family Members
Listing living family members lets others know who to call for condolence calls and support. Generally, list family members in this order:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, if any
- Siblings
When listing relatives, put their spouse’s first name in parentheses. For instance: “Her children survive her: Doug (Susan) Smith and Sarah (Dianne) Perry.”
If grandchildren or great-grandchildren are included, it’s common to simply give the number rather than the names: “7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren survive her.”
4. Service Information
Provide memorial service or funeral information at the end of the obituary to enable the bereaved to pay their respect there. Always make sure that you give;
- Date, time, and location of the service
- Officiant’s name (if applicable)
- Visitation information (if held separately)
If the details are not finalized, the funeral home can add this page later.
5. Final Thoughts/Messages
The obituary often ends with a brief message, prayer, or expression of gratitude. Families may also thank specific caregivers or organizations for their assistance. Examples include: “The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion displayed by the entire staff at Mercy Hospital.”
The final messages are also a great opportunity to include the final words and how others may continue to acknowledge the deceased.
What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
A newspaper obituary is basically a public notice announcing one’s death with details concerning his life, family, and funeral arrangements. On the other hand, a eulogy can be described as a private speech delivered during a funeral or memorial service, mainly sharing stories and memories but celebrating the life of a deceased person.
How do you say “died” in an obituary?
Generally, Oklahoma obituaries include phrases like “passed away,” “left us too soon,” “passed peacefully,” or “went home to be with the Lord,” which are employed respectfully to state a person’s death in an obituary.
What is the difference between an obituary and a tribute?
An obituary is a factual notice of a person’s death, usually including the name, birth, death date, and a brief history of his or her life. On the other hand, a tribute is more of an expression of gratitude, celebrating a person’s life, often through personal anecdotes, memories, and stories.
Wrap Up
In short, the perfect obituary is a delicate balancing act where one tries to give readers only the facts necessary while still capturing the distinct spirit of the deceased. Rather than simply a formal notice, this is a true tribute to their accomplishments, connections, and special traits that defined their life.
A well-written obituary could comfort loved ones in their grieving process and preserve wonderful memories in the future. By including key milestones, biographies, meaningful connections, and service arrangements and reviewing for clarity and accuracy, you guarantee a respectful and compassionate message. That’s a final farewell that properly honors that person’s legacy.
