How to Write an Obituary

  1. Include as much biographical information available and that you feel comfortable sharing.  Some items you may wish to include:
    1. Full name of the deceased (including maiden name, nickname, or any other name by which your loved one might be identified).
    2. Dates and locations of birth, marriage, and death.
    3. Cause of death.
    4. Predeceased and surviving loved ones’ names.
    5. Schools attended.
    6. Military service.
    7. Place of employment and position held.
    8. Membership in organizations (for example, civic, fraternal, church).
    9. Hobbies or special interests.
  2. Consider listing one or more charities to which you’d like donations made.  If you do, be sure to include the address or url for the charity to make it easier for people to make donations.  If the family prefers monetary contributions rather than flowers, include a phrase such as: “In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family” or “contributions suggested to the family,” or “the family is requesting financial assistance for the services.”
  3. If you plan future services after cremation, include service information: location, day, and time of visitation, memorial or funeral service.  If services are private, indicate “Private services will be held”.  If you wish to publish in your local newspaper plan to publish the obituary at least 1-2 days prior to services so that friends and family can make arrangements to attend.

Sample Simple Obituary: “Jane Doe, age 83, died at Stratford Convalescent Center in Elmhurst, Illinois, on Thursday, May 25, 2014. The cause was chronic pulmonary disease.

Born September 30, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she lived in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France, before settling in Chicago. She worked at the Illinois School of Fashion as a design instructor until retiring in 1985. Jane was a member of the Fresh Air Society and a longtime volunteer at the Meadow Arboretum.

Survivors include her longtime companion, Pat Bennington, and her sister, Nancy Walsh, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John.

Services will be held at on 2 p.m., Sunday, June 28, at the Meadow Arboretum, 22 Oak Park Lane, Elmhurst, Illinois. Burial will be held in private. Relatives and friends are welcome at the service and the reception at the Arboretum immediately following it, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to the Fresh Air Society, 1940 Botts Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601