Guide
How to write an obituary: what to include, an outline and examples
In short
An obituary announces a death and tells, in a few lines, who the person was. Give their full name, their age, the date and place of death, the family they leave, a short portrait, and the details of the service. Leave out the complete date of birth and the home address: Ontario advises against posting them online. Aim for 100 to 300 words.
Written by Sofiane B. · Founder, Celebrance
- Suggested length
- 100 to 300 words
- Leave out
- Complete date of birth, home address
- Include
- Name, age, date of death, family, service
On this page
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a short written notice that announces a death and says, in a few lines, who the person was. It tells people when and where they can gather to say goodbye.
It is different from a eulogy, which is read aloud at the ceremony and tells the person's story more fully. Our guide explains how to write a eulogy.
What should you include?
- The person's full name, with a nickname or a maiden name if people knew them by it.
- Their age, or the year they were born.
- The date and place of death. You can add a few words on how they died, or simply "peacefully" or "surrounded by family", as you wish.
- The family they leave: spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, close friends. Name those who died before them if you want to.
- A short portrait: where they grew up, their work, what they loved, what people will remember.
- The service: the date, time and place of the funeral, memorial or celebration of life, or a line saying it will be private.
- A last line: thanks to caregivers, or a charity for donations in their memory.
What should you leave out?
Ontario advises against posting your complete date of birth and mailing address online, and obituaries are often published online. So:
- give the age or the year of birth, not the full date;
- don't give the home address of the person or of the family; give the address of the service instead.
Keep the family's phone numbers out of it too: people can reach you through the funeral home or the celebrant.
An outline you can follow
[Full name], [age], died [peacefully] on [date] in [place]. >[Short portrait: two or three sentences about their life and what they loved.] >[He / She / They] will be missed by [family and friends]. [Optional: predeceased by …] >A [funeral / celebration of life] will be held on [date] at [time], at [place]. [Or: A private ceremony will take place.] >[Optional: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to …]
Two short examples
A simple one.
Margaret Ellen Doyle, 84, died peacefully on March 3 in Kingston. A retired schoolteacher and a tireless gardener, she taught three generations to read and never missed a Sunday call with her grandchildren. She will be missed by her children Anne and Paul, and her five grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held on March 14 at 2 p.m. at the Riverside community hall.
A warmer one.
We are sad to share that Daniel "Danny" Okafor died on June 9 in Ottawa, at 52, after a short illness. Danny filled every room with music and terrible puns. He coached youth soccer for twenty years and believed every kid deserved a second chance. He leaves his wife Grace, their daughters Ada and Zoe, and a team of friends who will keep his playlist going. Family and friends are invited to remember him on June 21 at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Park. In lieu of flowers, please support a local youth sports program.
Writing it with others
Many families write the obituary together: one person drafts it, others add a memory or a name, and one person reads it again before it is sent. The funeral home can help you publish it.
If you would like help with the ceremony itself, Celebrance can connect you with a celebrant from our local network in Ontario. See our celebrants for funerals and celebrations of life, and our guide to planning a celebration of life in Ontario.
Sources: ontario.ca: how recognize and protect yourself identity theft
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
An obituary is a short written notice, published to announce the death and the service. A eulogy is read aloud at the ceremony and tells the person's story more fully.
Should we include the date of birth?
Give the age, or the year of birth, rather than the complete date. Ontario advises against posting a complete date of birth or a mailing address online, and obituaries are often published online.
Who usually writes the obituary?
Often a close relative, sometimes with the help of the funeral home or the celebrant. It can be written together, then read by one person for a last check.
Where is an obituary published?
Usually on the funeral home's website, in a local newspaper, or on an online memorial page, and shared by the family. Ask each place about its deadlines and fees.