Celebrating the life - Cleveland

Celebrating the life

of your loved one

How-to write an obituary

Writing an obituary is both an honor and a responsibility. At a basic level, an obituary is a notice of death and funeral arrangements. But in reality, an obituary is an abbreviated memoir, a tribute and a keepsake; the celebration and story of a life well lived.

Because an obituary is often a keepsake, accuracy is very important. Which means, the most important step in telling this story, is to proofread and re-read. The final obituary notice will be your work, however, we have put together a general guide to help.

Celebrate the life lived

? Focus on the deceased, describe them as an individual, not in relation to the family or the obituary author. Refer to the deceased in the third person.

? Give examples to illustrate characteristics, rather than just a list. For example, instead of saying "Bob was generous", explain that "On hot days, Bob often bought ice cream cones for the whole neighborhood."

? Utilize pictures and icons/emblems to further illustrate items that were important to the deceased. For example, if Bob was in the military and an avid fisher, consider incorporating an American flag and a fisherman icon in the obituary.

Write several versions

? Take your time to ensure that you fully share the compelling story of your loved one. Write a short notice of death with visitation and funeral information first, be sure to include that "Complete information to follow." This gives you time to craft a full life story that can be used as background for the eulogy and for a family keepsake.

Revise, get feedback and proofread

? For many people, the obituary is the only thing ever written about them, it is a chance to share a loved one with the community. Take the time to write revisions, get feedback from a fresh set of eyes and proofread several times. It may even help to have more than one person proofread before you submit the obituary for publication.

obituaries

Celebrating the life

of your loved one

How-to write an obituary

The section below can be used as an outline or checklist.

Announcement ? Full name of the deceased, including nickname ? Age at death ? City/residence at death ? Day and date of death ? Place of death ? Cause of death (optional, use your best judgment) ? Service information - day, date, time, place ? Visitation information (if applicable) ? day, date, time, place ? Reception information (if applicable) ? day, date, time, place ? Other memorial, vigil or graveside services information ? Place of interment ? Name of funeral home in charge of arrangements ? Where to call for more information ? Charitable donation information

Life Story ? Birthdate ? Place of birth ? Parent's names ? Grandparent's names ? Childhood ? siblings (in birth order), friends, schools, special stories ? Marriage(s) ? date(s), place(s), name of spouse(s) ? School/Education ? Achievements, designations, awards or other recognitions ? Employment ? Places of residence ? Hobbies, interests, activities, community involvement ? Affiliations ? charitable, religious, political ? Characteristics ? stories that showcase the deceased personality ? Favorite trips or adventures

Family ? survived by ? Spouse

? Children (in birth order with their spouses) ? Grandchildren (great grandchildren, etc) ? Other family ? nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, etc ? Friends ? Pets (if appropriate)

Family ? predeceased by with date of death ? Spouse ? Children (in birth order with their spouses) ? Grandchildren (great grandchildren, etc) ? Other family ? nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, etc ? Friends ? Pets (if appropriate)

Completing the story ? Favorite quotes or poems ? Charitable memorial donation suggestions ? Thank you to appropriate groups and/or people

Another option to consider is to write a short life story in advance, which can be used as a resource for a eulogy and keepsake obituary when the time comes.

obituaries

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