What To Include?

Naturally, it is vital that the full name, along with the location and date of passing is included so that there is no confusion over whom has died. You may wish to consider placing a photograph (which can appear as black & white or in color depending on the newspaper's layout) with the text. There are usually extra charges applied if you are thinking of using a photograph. If you wish, mention where the deceased resided. This will normally only include the street, city and state.  The street number is not normally included for reasons of security.  If the death has occurred outside of the deceased's home, such as a nursing home or elder care facility, the name of the facility will be mentioned as well as the former residence of the deceased.

In a concise manner, write about the significant events in the life of the deceased. This may include the schools he or she attended and any degrees attained; you may also include any vocations or interests that the deceased was involved with.

Survivors

It is common to include a list of those who have survived the deceased. The list should include (where applicable):

• Parents
• Spouse and children
• Adopted children
• Half & step children
• Siblings
• Half & step siblings
• Grandparents

The surviving relatives listed above may be listed by name. Other relatives will not be mentioned by name but may be included in terms of their relationship to the deceased. In other words, the obituary may mention that the deceased had 5 grandchildren; 7 nieces etc. However, exceptions to the above rule can be made if, for example, the deceased only had one grandchild or a nephew who was the only person living in the newspaper's distribution area. These exceptions are obviously made based on each individual case.

Also, anyone listed as a special friend or companion is not normally included amongst the list of survivors unless the deceased's blood relatives request that it be so. The obituary's traditional purpose is to list survivors either related through the bloodline or marriage.

Service Details

At this point list the details of the time and location of any services for the deceased: these may include the funeral, burial, viewing or visitation and/or the  memorial service, where appropriate.  Also the place of final disposition is mentioned, such as the cemetery, mausoleum, etc., if appropriate.

Some Do's & Don'ts

If you don't know where to start, do read other obituaries to gain an idea of how personal and touching an obituary may be.

Do use such terms as "visitation will be from" or "friends may call from". Do not utilize the phrase "lie in state" as that only applies to a head of state such as the prime minister or president.

Don't use the phrase "in lieu of flowers“¦" when memorial donations are to be requested. Instead merely start the final paragraph of the obituary with the words "Memorial donations may be made to“¦"

Do consider if you wish to send the obituary to newspapers in other cities e.g. to a town where the deceased may have resided previously. Obtain copies of the obituary to send to distant relatives and friends.

Final Considerations

Any and all information to be included in the obituary should be verified with another family member. A newspaper will have to verify with the funeral home being utilized that the deceased is in fact being taken care of by that funeral home.

In our area, most daily newspapers charge for placing obituaries in their paper.   Weekly papers, such as the Juniata Senitnel, the Port Royal Times, do not charge.  Consideration and discretion should be used when determining what information should be included in the obituary.  Once again, we can assist you when the need should arise to write an obituary.