“Writing an obituary may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a beautiful way to honor and preserve the memory of a loved one who has passed away. However, the idea of summarizing a person’s life in just a few paragraphs can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? This is where an obituary outline can be incredibly helpful.
An obituary outline is a guide that can assist you in organizing your thoughts and memories about the person you are writing about. It can help you focus on the most important details and highlight the most significant moments in their life story. Though writing an obituary can be a difficult task, an outline can help you stay on track and give you a clear idea of what you want to say.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. There are many obituary outline examples available online that you can use as a starting point and edit as needed. You can find templates for different types of obituaries – from a simple, concise one to a more detailed and lengthy one. By using an outline, you can ensure that your loved one’s story is written in a way that truly honors their life.
So, if you’re struggling to write an obituary, consider using an outline to guide you. It can be a valuable tool that helps you stay organized and focused on the important details. And most importantly, it can help you create a beautiful tribute to your loved one that truly captures how special they were.”
The Best Structure for Writing an Obituary Outline
Writing an obituary is a way to honor the memory of someone who has passed away. It can be a difficult task, especially when you’re grieving and emotions are running high. However, with the right structure and approach, you can create an obituary that accurately reflects the life of the person you loved and respects their memory.
Here are some guidelines that will help you create a meaningful and impactful obituary:
- Begin with the Basics
- Share Their Life Story
- Include Survivors and Preceding Family Members
- Mention Funeral Arrangements
- End with a Meaningful Statement
Start by introducing the person by their full legal name, including any nicknames they were known by. Then include their birth date, place of birth, and their date of passing, including where they passed away.
Include pertinent information about their life, such as where they grew up and what family, friends, or community they joined as they got older. You can also describe their education and careers, as well as any significant accomplishments or awards they’ve received. Notable achievements, such as academic or professional distinctions or philanthropic work, can be highlighted. Additionally, describing hobbies, travel, or interests is a great way to paint a picture of the person beyond work and family and help readers remember who they were.
List the people closest to the deceased and how to reach them. Mention spouses, children, parents, siblings, and close relatives by name and include their current city and state residences. If it seems appropriate, list any siblings or other relatives who preceded the deceased in death.
Include the time and location of any memorial services, visitations, or wakes and update if and when needed. List any preferred charities or organizations that the family has requested donations to be made instead of flowers, if applicable.
Close the obituary with a statement that honors the person and their legacy. It can take the form of a final testimony or acknowledgment for special life milestones. For example, “John was a kind, generous, and selfless human being who touched countless people throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, who will always remember his positive spirit and inspiring legacy.”
Writing an obituary isn’t easy, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your loved one’s life and legacy are properly commemorated.
Obituary Outline for a Beloved Parent
In Loving Memory of a Devoted Parent
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved parent. They were a kind-hearted, loving individual who always put their family first. We were blessed to have them in our lives for so many years, and we will miss them dearly.
Our parent had a strong work ethic and spent many years providing for our family. In their free time, they enjoyed going on outdoor adventures, reading novels, and spending time with those they loved most. They were a true blessing to everyone who knew them, and we are grateful for the time we had with them.
We will never forget the love and joy our parent brought into our lives. Rest in peace.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Friend Lost Too Soon
In Loving Memory of a Life Taken Too Soon
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear friend. They were taken from us too soon, and we are left with heavy hearts. Our friend was a lively, kind-hearted person who brought joy and laughter into everyone’s lives. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Our friend had a passion for adventure and was always up for trying something new. They had a contagious energy that could light up a room. We will cherish the memories and the time we had with them. Our friend will be missed by many.
Rest in peace, our dear friend.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Military Hero
In Memory of a Brave Military Hero
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our military hero. They served their country with bravery and dedication. Their service will never be forgotten, and we thank them for their sacrifice.
Our hero was a courageous individual who always put their team first, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life. They showed us what it means to serve and protect. We honor their memory and their commitment to their country.
Rest in peace, our military hero.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Teacher
In Memory of a Dedicated Teacher
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved teacher. They dedicated their lives to helping us learn and grow, and we are forever grateful for their guidance and support.
Our teacher had a passion for educating students and believed that knowledge was the key to a brighter future. They instilled in us a love for learning, and we will always remember the lessons they taught us. Their dedication to their profession and their students will always be remembered.
Rest in peace, our dear teacher.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Pet
In Loving Memory of Our Furry Friend
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our furry friend. They brought so much joy and love into our lives, and we are grateful for the time we had with them.
Our pet was a loyal companion who always provided us with unconditional love. They were there during the good times and the bad, always by our side. We will miss their wagging tail and comforting presence.
Rest in peace, our faithful friend.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Business Associate
In Memory of a Respected Business Associate
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our respected business associate. They were a dedicated professional who always put their clients first. We will remember them for their hard work and commitment to their craft.
Our associate had a passion for their work and always went above and beyond to ensure the success of their clients. They were a respected member of their industry and will be missed by many.
Rest in peace, our respected business associate.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Community Leader
In Memory of a Respected Community Leader
Dear Friends and Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our respected community leader. They were a pillar of our community and dedicated their lives to making it a better place. We will remember them for their generosity and selflessness.
Our community leader had a vision for a better future and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. They inspired us to be better and showed us what it means to be a true leader. Their legacy will live on in the countless lives they touched.
Rest in peace, our respected community leader.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
How to Write an Obituary Outline: Tips and Tricks
An obituary is a written tribute to a deceased person’s life. It acts as a final farewell to the loved one and paints a picture of who they were as a person. Writing an obituary can be a difficult task, especially when you are struggling with the grief of losing someone. However, it is an important way to honor the life of the person who has passed and celebrate their legacy. Below are some tips and tricks on how to write an obituary outline.
1. Collect Information: Before beginning to write an obituary, make sure you collect all the necessary information about the deceased. This includes their full name, date of birth, date of death, and place of birth. You can also include information such as their occupation, hobbies, and achievements in life. It is important to have all the information in one place to create a comprehensive obituary.
2. Determine the Style: There are different styles of obituaries, and it is important to determine which one will suit your loved one’s personality best. Some obituaries are straightforward and factual and focus on the person’s accomplishments. Others include stories about their life experiences and the impact they had on others. Choose a style that captures the essence of your loved one.
3. Format and Structure: Once you have collected the information and determined the style, the next step is to create a format and structure for the obituary. This includes deciding on the length of the obituary, whether to include a photograph, and dividing the obituary into sections such as early life, career, and legacy. A well-structured obituary will make it easier for readers to follow and highlight important aspects of the person’s life.
4. Edit, Edit, Edit: After writing the first draft of the obituary, it is important to edit it for clarity and accuracy. Read through the obituary multiple times, checking for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Also, make sure the information is accurate and all the important aspects of the person’s life are included. A well-written and edited obituary is a fitting tribute to the person who has passed and will be appreciated by those who read it.
Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, but with these tips and tricks, you can create a meaningful and fitting tribute to your loved one. Remember that an obituary is a celebration of life and an opportunity to honor the person who has passed. Take your time, collect the information, and write from the heart.
FAQs: How to Write an Obituary Outline
What is an obituary outline?
An obituary outline is a framework that helps in organizing and writing an obituary for the deceased. It is a comprehensive summary of a person’s life, accomplishments, and legacy.
How do I start an obituary?
Start by introducing the deceased, stating their full name, birth date, and place of birth. You can also mention their parents, siblings, or spouse if relevant.
What should I include in an obituary outline?
You should include the basic biographical information of the deceased, their accomplishments, hobbies, passions, and interests. You should also mention their education, career, membership, or affiliations. Lastly, include details about the funeral service or memorial plans.
What is the ideal length of an obituary?
An ideal obituary should be around 300-500 words. Avoid making it too lengthy as it may not hold the reader’s attention and create a boring impression.
How can I make an obituary more personal?
You can make an obituary personal by including anecdotes, stories, or memories that capture the personality and life of the deceased. You can also quote their favorite saying or a message of hope to friends and family.
How do I write an obituary for a loved one I’m not familiar with?
You can gather information from family members, close friends, social media profile, or obituaries of similar people. You can also research the profession, interests, or accomplishments of the deceased to create a well-rounded obituary.
What should I avoid while writing an obituary?
Avoid mentioning any controversial or negative information of the deceased. Do not exaggerate or lie about their life, accomplishments, or personality. Avoid using inappropriate or slang language.
How can I end an obituary?
You can end an obituary by expressing condolences, thanking the readers, and stating any final messages or requests from the deceased. You can also provide information about the funeral service or memorial contribution.
How should I proofread an obituary?
You can proofread an obituary by checking for any factual errors, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors. You can also read it out loud or ask someone else to proofread it for you.
Can I use an obituary template?
Yes, you can use an obituary template as a reference or guide but tailor it to the deceased’s life and personality. It might also be necessary to make suitable customizations within the template according to their religion, occupation, or hobbies.
Saying Goodbye with Grace
When it comes to writing an obituary, it’s important to remember that you’re not just listing facts or recounting a timeline of events. You’re memorializing a loved one and their unique story. As you create your obituary outline, take the time to reflect on the person you’re writing about. Remember their quirks, their passions, and their legacy. By sharing their story with the world, you’re giving them the opportunity to live on through the memories of others. We hope this guide has been helpful in your journey. Thank you for taking the time to read it, and please visit again soon for more resources on making the most of life’s moments.