For many families, writing an obituary to notify the community of your loved one’s passing can be a challenge. While they’re not required to be published prior to the memorial and funeral services, obituaries provide you with an opportunity to tell the public about your dearly departed.

Shirley Brothers Mortuaries & Crematory in Indianapolis, IN, wants to help ease the process of funeral planning as much as possible. Their experienced funeral director has put together a few things you should include when writing an obituary.

3 Topics to Mention in Your Loved One’s Obituary

1. Personal Information

Every obituary should feature your loved one’s first and last name, maiden name, birth date, and place of birth. This helps those reading the published announcement to identify your loved one more easily. You may also want to include a list of surviving members of the immediate family or other close relatives who passed before your loved one.  Never publish the address of the deceased or other family members as these locations may become targeted for burglary knowing these locations may be unsupervised during services.  It’s always a good idea to have a neighbor or close friend keep an eye on these locations during these times.

2. Your Loved One’s Passions

If your loved one was particularly active in an organization or passionate about a specific hobby, you may wish to include this information in the obituary. This helps readers understand the type of person your loved one was, offering a glimpse into their lives, their accomplishments, and their personality.

3. Information About the Funeral Services

If you’re having services that are open to the public, it’s helpful to publish the date, time, and location of those services. However, if you’re planning a private funeral, it’s best to include a statement indicating that private services will be held. This helps friends and acquaintances know what to expect and allows them to make the appropriate arrangements should they plan to attend the services.  Consider including the name, address and or link to an organization or charity to whom you wish memorial contributions be made in the name of your loved one.

If you need help planning your loved one’s funeral services, contact the team at Shirley Brothers Mortuaries & Crematory. Their funeral director will work with you to ensure that the life of the dearly departed is honored. Visit their website for more information, and call (317) 897-9606 to discuss your needs today.