A simple template and gentle guidance to help you write a meaningful obituary. Honor the person you love with words that feel true.
The basics
An obituary is a short public notice that announces a death and celebrates a life. It usually shares the person's name, age, dates of life, family members, a brief life story, and details about services or memorials. A good obituary helps the community remember the person as they truly were.
Begin with the full name, age, hometown, and dates of birth and death. Mention where they passed and who they are survived by, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings. These details connect the person to the community they were part of.
After the facts, add the heart. Where did they grow up? What did they do for work? What hobbies, passions, or traditions made them happiest? A few honest details, like a love of gardening, a favorite sports team, or a lifelong baking habit, can bring the whole person into focus.
Close with practical information: visitation, funeral, memorial, or burial details, and where to send flowers or donations. If services are private, say so. A final line about how they will be remembered, or a quote they lived by, can leave readers with something warm to hold onto.
Fill-in-the-blank template
Use this template as a starting point. Replace the bracketed text with your own details and adjust the wording until it feels right.
[Full Name], [age], of [hometown], passed away [date of death] at [location].
They were born [date of birth] in [birthplace] to [parents' names].
[Name] graduated from [school] and worked as [profession]. They were known for [a quality, hobby, or passion].
They are survived by [spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, and other close family].
A [service type] will be held on [date, time, and location]. [Dress code, flowers, or donation requests].
The family invites you to share memories and photos at [memorial link or website].
Examples
These examples are fictional, but they show how a few personal details can make an obituary feel warm and specific.
Margaret Ann Walsh, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 4, 1948, in Boise, Idaho, to James and Helen Boyd. Margaret was a kindergarten teacher for 35 years and spent her retirement volunteering at the local library and tending to her garden. She loved crossword puzzles, blueberry pie, and Saturday mornings with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert Walsh; her children, David Walsh and Susan Walsh Miller; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on June 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Portland Public Library.
James Edward Carter, 71, of Austin, Texas, died on August 3, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on November 19, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in civil engineering. Jim spent 40 years designing bridges across the state and never stopped pointing out good ones on road trips. He was a patient teacher, a loyal friend, and a proud father. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Carter; his daughter, Emily Carter; his son, Michael Carter; and his sister, Linda Carter Reed. A celebration of life will be held on August 10 at 11:00 a.m. at The Austin Winery. Please wear something colorful, just as Jim would have.
Helpful tips
There is no single right way to write an obituary. The best ones include the facts and also capture something real about the person. Here are a few ways to get there.
Create a MemorialOnce you have written the obituary, you can add it to a GraveLink memorial page with photos, videos, a life timeline, and a guest book. The page stays online for life with a single one-time payment.
