Writing an obituary can be a significant part of the grieving process and provides a chance to celebrate the life of your loved one, connect with friends and family during a difficult time, and share important details about the funeral arrangements that will allow people to pay their respects.
We hope this guide will provide you with a starting point for what to include in an obituary and we’ve shared some common templates to support with structure, however, please note these are just examples. For additional support, we recommend speaking with your funeral director who will be able to help you further. (We also recently shared some examples of how to write a funeral tribute or eulogy, which can provide some additional pointers and suggestions for things to say at the funeral itself.)
What Is The Purpose Of An Obituary?
An obituary is a public notice of a person’s death and will usually provide details about when they died (the date), their funeral or memorial service (or mention whether one is being planned); share a summary of the person’s life and mention the people they are leaving behind (usually restricted to immediate family such as a spouse, parents, or children and names do not need to be included); and share a short summary the person’s life (such as their passions, interests, and/or profession).
Obituaries are commonly printed in newspapers but can also be posted online in forms or on social media channels such as Facebook. Dundee’s local newspaper, The Courier, also keeps an online directory of public notices which includes obituaries to help make it easier to share with family and friends.
What Is The Usual Structure Of An Obituary?
While there is no set length for an obituary, the common word count tends to fall between 50 to 200 words. For obituaries published in print, there may be stricter restrictions for word count due to space, whereas online resources tend to be more flexible and allow much longer word counts.
Most commonly, an obituary will include the following components:
- The surname of the individual in the opening line
- The first name and age of the person who has passed away (as well as maiden name, if applicable)
- A short summary of the person’s profession, passions, or impact on the community
- Mention of immediate family members the person who has passed away is leaving behind
- The date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service
- Indication of whether flowers, gifts, or donations are accepted at the funeral
Obituary Examples
Please note all examples below are entirely fictional for the purposes of showing how an obituary may be written.
Crematorium Service
DOE
Suddenly, but peacefully, at home in Dundee, on Friday, December 6, 2024, John, aged 90, dearly loved husband of the late Patricia, much loved dad of Mary, and a loving grandad, great-grandad and a good friend to many. Funeral service at Dundee Crematorium, on Wednesday, December 18, at 9.30 a.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only please, but donations in lieu, if desired, may be made at the Crematorium in aid of Cancer Research.
Service at James Ashton & Son followed by a Burial
DOE
Peacefully, at home, on Friday, December 6, 2024, John, aged 90, beloved husband of Patricia, much loved dad of Robert, devoted grandad of Simon and great-grandad. Funeral service in the service rooms of James Ashton & Son, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee on Wednesday, December 18, at 10.30 a.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited, interment thereafter at Pitkerro Grove Cemetery, arriving main gate, at 11:30a.m.
Service at James Ashton & Son and Private Cremation
DOE
Peacefully, at home, on Friday, December 6, 2024, John, aged 90, beloved husband of Patricia, much loved dad of Robert, devoted gran of Simon and great-grandad. Funeral service in the service rooms of James Ashton & Son, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee on Wednesday, December 18, at 10.30 a.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Cremation thereafter private.
Funeral Mass followed by a Burial
DOE
Suddenly, but peacefully, at home, Dundee, on Friday, December 6, 2024, John, aged 03, beloved husband of the late Patricia, much loved dad of John, loved grandad of Steven, loving father-in-law and a dear brother-in-law and uncle. R.I.P. Reception of Remains followed by funeral mass in St Mary, The Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, St. Mary’s Lane, Lochee on Tuesday, December 17 at 10a.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Interment thereafter in Balgay Cemetery, arriving main gate Glamis Road at 11:15a.m. Family flowers only, please, but donations in lieu, if desired, may be made at the church in aid of Cancer Research
Church Service followed by a Cremation
DOE
Suddenly, but peacefully, at home, Dundee, on Friday, December 6, 2023, John, aged 90, dearly beloved husband of Pat, much loved dad of Mark and John, loving grandad and a dear brother. Funeral service in Stobswell Trinity Parish Church, on Tuesday, December 17 at 1:00p.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Cremation thereafter at Dundee Crematorium at 2:30p.m.
Memorial Service
DOE
Suddenly, at home on Friday, December 6, 2024 John, aged 90, dearly beloved husband of the late Patricia, much loved dad, dearly loved grandad and a dear father-in-law and step dad. Private Cremation. Service of Thanksgiving at Stobswell Trinity Parish Church on Tuesday, December 17 at 1:45p.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited.
Funeral Service Private
DOE
Peacefully, at home, in Dundee, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, John, aged 90, beloved husband of the late Patricia, much loved dad of John and the late Mary, devoted grandad of Elizabeth and a good friend to many. Funeral service private.
General Guidelines For Writing Sensitive Obituaries
While some obituaries may include a cause of death, it’s also common to leave details out. If you choose to include the circumstances surrounding someone’s passing, consider gentler language that can help the message come across without causing additional distress, especially for more sensitive circumstances.
For example, using words such as “struggle,” “challenge,” or “battle” can convey a difficult situation without explicit details being shared. Similarly, phrases such as “tragically taken from us,” or “died unexpectedly” can convey the gravity of the circumstances without being explicit. Other words and phrases to consider may include “died following a tragic event,” “passed away suddenly,” or “left us too soon”.
Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch in Dundee and St Andrews:
1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS
188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN
132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ
56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)
Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way! They will work with you to create a funeral and lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, and they will be there to offer support to you and your family during this difficult time
