Template
Obituary template
An obituary doesn't have to be long or polished to be meaningful. This template gives you a complete frame — copy it, fill in the [bracketed] parts, and cut whatever doesn't fit. Read it aloud once before you submit it; that's the quickest way to catch the parts that don't sound like the person.
The opening (announcement)
State who died, their age, where, and when. This is the one part nearly every obituary includes.
- [Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully / unexpectedly] on [date] at [home / facility name].
- Optional: [He / She / They] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents' names].
The life (the heart of it)
A few sentences on who they were — work, passions, the things people will remember. Specifics beat adjectives. One vivid detail says more than a list of virtues.
- [First name] [worked as / served as / spent [number] years] [occupation or calling].
- [He / She / They] loved [hobbies, passions, places, teams, traditions].
- [He / She / They] will be remembered for [a defining quality, a habit, a saying, a way of treating people].
The family (survived by / preceded by)
List who they leave behind and who went before them. Keep the order conventional — spouse, children, grandchildren, then wider family.
- [He / She / They] is survived by [spouse/partner name]; [children and their spouses]; [number] grandchildren; and [siblings, other relatives].
- [He / She / They] was preceded in death by [parents, spouse, or others who died earlier].
The service details
Tell people how to attend or pay respects. If the service is private, you can simply say so.
- A [funeral / memorial / graveside] service will be held at [time] on [date] at [place].
- [Visitation / viewing] will take place [time and place], or: Services will be private.
- Arrangements are in the care of [funeral home name].
The closing (memorial wishes)
An optional final line for donations, flowers, or a parting sentiment.
- In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity / cause].
- Optional closing line: [A short quote, a line of scripture, or a simple 'The family thanks everyone for their love and support.']
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.