The obituary: how to write one and a template to follow

It is the commemorative text that evokes the life and qualities of the departed, more substantial than the death notice. It is read at the ceremony or published.

The death notice is short and calls people to the funeral. The obituary is more substantial and honours the memory, evoking the life of the departed.

The name and years of life, a few milestones, the qualities for which the person will be remembered, the family left behind, and a warm closing farewell.

Long enough to fit naturally in the setting — shorter for a newspaper, more substantial for reading at the ceremony. A few paragraphs are enough.

Usually a family member or someone close, or the officiant of the ceremony. What matters is that the person can read it calmly.

Yes. The guide contains a template with fill-in spaces. Replace the bracketed details with the actual information and add the appropriate memories.

Sober and dignified, without exaggeration. A few sincere recollections say more than sweeping praise. Write in the third person, simply and warmly.

Yes, it is actually recommended. A brief anecdote that reveals the character of the departed brings the text to life and makes it more meaningful to those present.

Yes, it can be published in a newspaper and online. For a newspaper, choose a shorter version; for the ceremony, a more substantial one.

Yes. For a civil ceremony, replace religious phrases with neutral ones, such as "we will carry him in our hearts". The core remains honouring the departed.

The cause of death, intimate details, or family disputes. The obituary honours the memory; it maintains a dignified, serene tone throughout.

Yes. Some people prefer to gather memories and milestones in advance. When needed, close ones can help complete it with the help of the funeral home.

Sometimes, yes. A short obituary or a few lines of remembrance can be printed on the memorial card distributed to those present.

Yes. We help you write it, choose the right tone, and prepare it for the ceremony or for publication.

Usually a family member or someone close who knew the departed well. If needed, the funeral home can help with a well-crafted text.

The obituary is prepared in the days before the funeral. If time is short, a few sincere lines are enough; it does not have to be long.

Usually in the third person — "he was a person of…". The tone remains sober and warm, as a respectful evocation of the departed's life.

Yes, briefly. A profession, an important role, or an achievement the person was known for has its place, without turning the text into a list.

Yes. A favourite verse, a short prayer, or a thought left behind by the departed gives depth to the obituary, especially at the end.

Start with the news and the name, then a few milestones from the person's life. The template in the guide gives you a thread; complete it with the right memories.

With a warm farewell and, where appropriate, a phrase — "May God grant him rest" or "we will keep him in our memory" — and "the bereaved family".

They are closely related. The obituary is the written text that evokes the life of the departed; the eulogy is the spoken word at the ceremony. Often the same text serves both purposes.

Yes. A short obituary of a few lines is suitable for a newspaper or a memorial card. Sincerity matters more than length.

Both. It is read at the ceremony by a close person or the officiant, and can be published in a newspaper or online. The length is matched to the setting.

Yes, and it is a deeply meaningful gesture. If emotion makes it difficult to write, another family member or the funeral home can help, working from your memories.

Yes, especially online or on the memorial card. A sober photograph of the departed accompanies the obituary beautifully.

The cause of death, intimate details, family disputes, or exaggerated praise. The obituary keeps a dignified, serene, and sincere tone throughout.

Yes. Some people gather memories and milestones about their loved ones in advance. When needed, the obituary can then be written more easily and calmly.

Sometimes, yes. A short obituary can be printed on a memorial card distributed to those present at the ceremony or at the memorial meal.

Yes, if you have relatives or friends abroad. The obituary can be translated into English or another language, keeping the sober tone of the original.

Many families keep it as a keepsake. Printed or published online, the obituary remains a testimony to the life and memory of the departed.