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Writing an epitaph for a loved one who has died may seem like a difficult part of funeral arrangements. These short messages will be etched into their headstone and should represent their life in one concise statement. Below are a few tips to help you create the perfect inscription.

How to Write an Epitaph for a Loved One

1. Think About the Long-Term

When deciding on what to write for a headstone inscription, make sure your words will be timeless and appropriate for decades to come. You want future generations to visit your loved one’s final resting place and get a good sense of who they were—without having to figure out any references that did not stand the test of time.

2. Keep It Simple

funeral arrangementsThe best approach when tackling this part of the funeral arrangements is to stick with simple, concise wording. Some choose to list the relationships they had, such as, “Beloved mother, sister, and wife.” Others describe their loved one in a short sentence like, “He was loved by all he knew.”

3. Speak as the Deceased

Write a message in the voice of the one you have lost. One or two sentences should read in their voice as if they were speaking one last time to their friends and family. Some ideas include, “We will meet again.”, or “I lived a happy life.” If the loved one had a sense of humor or was religious, incorporate that in the tone. For example, write something like, “God has called me home.”

4. Use Quotes

When you are at a loss for original sayings, choose a quote that represents your loved one. Choose one from their favorite poem, book, or movie. If they were religious, consider including a bible passage that spoke to them.

5. Incorporate Hobbies & Professions

If your loved one was an avid fisherman or loved to cook, list their hobbies or reference them in a short phrase. You may also mention their profession, especially if they were dedicated to the same one for years and their work was integral to their life. For example, they may have helped heal people as a doctor or protect others as a police officer.

 

Since 1975, Arndt Funeral Home LLC has offered the Rochester, NY area compassionate funeral services after the loss of a loved one. As a full service funeral home, their professional staff can help you with funeral arrangements for family and friends as well as funeral preplanning when you want to set your own services. They also have a chapel on-site and grief resources for a difficult time. Call (585) 225-6350 24 hours a day or visit their website for their service options.

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