Eulogies
If you think you must summarize a person’s life in a few short minutes, while being both somber and funny at the same time, you may find yourself staring at a blank screen or page! Simple, personal reflection is the path to a good eulogy. Here are some tips for writing and delivering an eloquent and memorable eulogy.
Obituaries
Obituaries are written announcements that a person has died, a cameo of who they were, a list of their family members, and information about cremation, service, and charitable donations. Here is a helpful guide to write a great obituary.
If you would like a form to follow, replace all items in ITALICS below with the appropriate information.
It is with [EMOTION] that we announce the passing of [GIVEN NAME] [MIDDLE NAME (AND NICKNAME)] [SURNAME NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], [STATE], on [DATE OF DEATH] in [LOCATION OF DEATH].
[NAME] was born in [LOCATION OF BIRTH] to [PARENT’S NAMES] on [DATE OF BIRTH]. He/she went to high school at [SCHOOL NAME] and graduated in [YEAR]. He/she went on to earn a degree/certificate in [DEGREE TYPE] from [SCHOOL NAME]. He/she worked as a [JOB TYPE] for [COMPANY] for [NUMBER OF YEARS]. He/she enjoyed [ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES]. He/she received [AWARDS/HONORS] and was involved in [CHARITIES/ORGANIZATIONS]. He/she was most happy when [ACTIVITY/PLACE]. He/she will be missed most for [QUALITIES].
[NAME] is survived by his/her [RELATION], [NAME] of [CITY]. (List all survivors: spouse children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, nieces and nephews). He/she is predeceased by his/her [RELATION], [NAME]. (List predeceased: spouse, parents, children and siblings.) The family wishes to extend their gratitude to [ORGANIZATION/NAME].
Funeral or Celebration of Life or Memorial Service will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME]. Visitation will be from [TIME] on [DATE]. Burial/Interment will follow at [CEMETERY NAME], [CEMETERY LOCATION]. A reception will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME]. Memorial donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION NAME], [MAILING ADDRESS].
And then review it for mistakes. At the James Reid Funeral Home, we have two sets of eyes go over your obituary before publication. But we don't know the relationships in your family, for example, or the correct year of graduation, so it's important you double-check it for accuracy.
Remember most newspapers charge by the word. This template is good for getting all of the information necessary included in as few words possible. However, this template is not written in stone. You can make any adjustments you feel necessary. And if you'd like to write something original, feel free! Here are some unusual obituaries.