Examples
Obituary examples
Sometimes the easiest way to start is to see a finished one. Below are three short obituary examples in different styles. Every name, place, and detail is invented for illustration — borrow the structure and tone, then fill in your own person's story.
Example 1 — A traditional obituary
Sample only. 'Eleanor Marsh' is a fictional person.
- Eleanor Marsh, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, surrounded by her family. Born in 1944 in Millbrook, she was the daughter of Henry and Ruth Calloway.
- Eleanor taught third grade for thirty-two years and was known for keeping a jar of butterscotch on her desk and remembering every student's birthday. She loved her garden, Sunday crosswords, and any excuse to bake for the neighbors.
- She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Walter; her children, James (Anna) and Carol Briggs; four grandchildren; and her sister, Jean. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Tom.
- A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 10 at Cedar Falls Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local library's children's reading program.
Example 2 — A brief notice
Sample only. 'Raymond Ellis Okafor' is a fictional person.
- Raymond Ellis Okafor, 67, of Granite Bay, died on January 18 after a short illness. A carpenter by trade and a fisherman by heart, Ray could fix anything and never met a stranger.
- He is survived by his wife, Diane; his son, Marcus; and two grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held. Arrangements are in the care of Granite Bay Funeral Home.
Example 3 — A celebration of life
Sample only. 'Sofia Renteria' is a fictional person.
- Sofia Renteria, 74, left us on June 2, exactly the way she lived — on her own terms and with a good story half-told. Born in 1951, she ran the corner flower shop on Alameda Street for four decades and could name every regular's anniversary.
- Sofia is survived by her partner, Lucille; her daughters, Mara and Inez; five grandchildren; and a neighborhood that adored her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved dog, Pepper.
- Rather than a funeral, Sofia asked for a party. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life at 2 p.m. on June 14 at Riverside Park — bring a flower and a story. In her memory, plant something.
See also
Maintained by Calla Editorial. These templates and examples are general information, not legal or financial advice, and any sample names are fictional. See our editorial standards.