Preparing an obituary for a loved one who has passed can bring up many different emotions. While you will be grieving during this time, you may find yourself reflecting fondly on your family member’s most noteworthy achievements and milestones. Although this process may seem daunting at first, the piece you write doesn’t have to be complicated and can be accomplished in a few simple steps.

How to Prepare an Obituary for a Loved One

1. Announce Your Loved One’s Passing

The main purpose of an obituary is to announce the death of an individual to their community, friends, and family. For this reason, the piece should start with information about your loved one’s passing, including when they passed and their age.

2. Include a Brief Biography

Next, include details about where and when your family member was born and to whom. You can also mention educational and career milestones, marriages, military service, siblings, and children. In a new paragraph, add information about hobbies and personal interests.

3. List Family Members

Most obituaries also list the family members who have passed beforehand with the phrase, preceded in death by. To describe those who are still living, the phrase survived by is commonly used. To ensure you don’t leave anyone out, have another close family member look this section over.

4. Incorporate Service Times

Many readers refer to the obituary to find out when and where funeral services will be held. If you’re holding a viewing, formal funeral, celebration of life, or another type of memorial for your loved one, list the time, date, and who is welcome. For instance, viewings are usually welcome to anyone who wishes to pay their respects, while traditional funerals and burials are reserved for family and close friends.

5. Provide a Special Message 

If your loved one had a cause about which they were passionate, you may request donations be made in their honor. These donations are typically requested in lieu of flowers. You may also choose to end the piece with a poem, song lyric, or other meaningful quote.

At Abriola Parkview Funeral Home in Fairfield County, CT, we know that the aftermath of a loved one’s passing can be a challenging time. From writing obituaries to making funeral arrangements, our compassionate team is here to walk you through every step of the process to ensure your loved one’s life is honored respectfully and appropriately. We also offer guidelines and templates for writing eulogies and obituaries, which you can find on our website. To speak with one of our directors, call (203) 373-1013.