How to Write an Obituary: A Complete Guide + Free AI Obituary Writer

Writing an obituary for someone you loved is one of the harder writing tasks you will ever face. You are trying to fit a whole person into a few paragraphs, often within days of losing them, often while running on no sleep. Here is a simple structure that works.

The Essential Information

Every obituary should include the full name of the deceased, age at death, date and place of death, and date and place of birth. This information appears in the first sentence or two. It is the anchor that tells the reader who this is and when.

The Life Summary

This is the core of the obituary. Cover where the person grew up, their education if relevant, their career, the things they were known for, and any organizations or communities they were part of. Use specific details over general descriptions. Specifics are what people remember.

The Survivors

List the people who survive the deceased, starting with spouse or partner, then children, then grandchildren, then siblings. You may also note who preceded the deceased in death.

The Service Information

Include the date, time, and location of visitation and the funeral or memorial service. If there will be a graveside service, include the cemetery name and address. If the family prefers a private service, simply note that.

An Optional Closing

Some families add a line about memorial donations in lieu of flowers, a favorite quote, or a closing sentence that captures something about who the person was. If there is something the deceased said often, something they believed, or something that made them unmistakably themselves -- this is where it goes.

Example Opening Lines