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.

By Calla Editorial · Updated February 2026

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.']