After someone close to you has passed, writing an obituary can be a reflective process that allows you to fondly look back on memories. Oftentimes, funeral home staff members will provide a form to complete, which will help to cover the basic information. If you’d like to get started in advance, here are some tips for crafting a written piece that will justly honor your loved one.

How to Compile a Thoughtful Obituary

1. Gather the Facts

Most funeral homes have a standard form for writing obituaries. The purpose of these forms is to ensure all biographical information about the individual is covered, including their date of birth, marital status, career, and military service, if applicable. You’ll also want to list surviving family members.

2. Consider Standout Factors

Once you have the basics, you can begin incorporating the details that showcase your loved one’s character. Try to recall the qualities you loved most about them, your favorite memories with them, and what they were best known for. If there were any charming quirks they had, you may wish to include them as well.

3. Write in Present Tense

As you begin to craft your loved one’s obituary, try writing in the present tense instead of the past. Doing so will allow you to feel more connected to the subject, which may help you recall memories and inject personal details. Once the piece is finished, you can then change it to the past tense.

4. Collect Stories From Others

While you surely have plenty of your own memories to draw from, hearing how your loved one touched others’ lives can help you craft a complete story. If you have time, consider asking family members and friends about what they remember most to help create a well-rounded account.

5. Include Memorial Details

A final but important element to include in the obituary is the information for the memorial service. If there will be a service held at a funeral home, provide its name and address, as well as the time and date. Additionally, if donations to a specific charity were requested in lieu of flowers, be sure to include that information as well.

As a family-run funeral home in Trumbull, CT, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home is here to offer you support through every step of the memorial planning process. Our team has been honoring the lives of community members for four generations and is committed to providing respectful, personalized services for those who have passed. Find out more by exploring our resources online or by calling (203) 373-1013.