When someone passes away, families often turn to obituaries as a way to announce the death and celebrate the life of their loved one. But what is an obituary, exactly? Understanding this important tradition can help you navigate the grieving process and create a meaningful tribute that honors the person who has died.

Defining What an Obituary Is

An obituary is a written notice that announces a person’s death and provides essential information about their life, accomplishments, and survivors. Published in newspapers, online platforms, and funeral home websites, an obituary serves multiple purposes: it informs the community of the death, shares details about funeral or memorial service arrangements, and celebrates the deceased’s life story.

Unlike a simple death notice, which typically includes only basic facts, an obituary offers a more comprehensive look at who the person was. It captures their personality, interests, relationships, and the impact they had on family and community.

The Purpose and Importance of Obituaries

Obituaries play a vital role during times of grief and loss. They serve as:

• Public announcements: Informing friends, colleagues, and community members of the death
• Historical records: Documenting a person’s life for future generations
• Celebration of life: Honoring achievements, relationships, and the legacy left behind
• Practical information: Providing details about services and how to offer condolence or support
• Healing tool: Helping family members process their grief by reflecting on their loved one’s life

When you understand what is an obituary and its significance, you realize it’s more than just a formality—it’s a gift to both the deceased and those who loved them.

What Information Does an Obituary Include?

While every obituary is unique, most include similar essential information:

Basic Details

An obituary typically begins with the person’s full name, age, place of residence, and date of death. For example: “Margaret Ellen Thompson, 82, of Riverside, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025.” Some families also include the date and place of birth to provide a complete timeline of the person’s life.

Life Story and Accomplishments

This section celebrates the deceased’s life by sharing information about their education, career, hobbies, interests, and contributions to the community. It might mention military service, volunteer work, or special talents that defined who they were. These details help readers understand the person beyond just the facts of their death.

Family Information

Obituaries list surviving family members, typically starting with the spouse, then children, grandchildren, siblings, parents (if living), and sometimes extended family like nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles. The immediate family is usually named specifically, while larger groups might be mentioned collectively. For example: “She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert; three children; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.”

If a family member preceded the person in death, this is often noted as well, such as mentioning a previous marriage or parents who died earlier.

Service Information

The obituary provides practical details about the funeral service or memorial service, including the date, time, and location. This might include information about the funeral home handling arrangements, whether services are public or private, and any special instructions for attendees.

Memorial Preferences

Many families include information about memorial donations or contributions in lieu of flowers. This allows friends and community members to honor the deceased’s memory by supporting causes they cared about, whether that’s a charity, educational institution, or community organization.

Obituary vs. Death Notice: What’s the Difference?

People often wonder what is an obituary compared to a death notice. While both announce a death, they differ in detail and purpose:

A death notice is a brief, factual announcement that includes only basic information: the person’s name, date of death, and perhaps funeral service details. Death notices are typically shorter and more affordable when published in newspapers.

An obituary is more comprehensive and personal. It tells the story of the deceased’s life, includes family information, and celebrates their legacy. Obituaries require more thought and care to write but provide a fuller picture of who the person was.

Where Are Obituaries Published?

Traditionally, obituaries appeared in print newspapers, particularly the local newspaper serving the community where the person lived. Many families still choose this option because newspapers have been the standard publication method for generations.

Today, obituaries are also published:

• Online newspapers: Digital versions of traditional newspapers reach wider audiences
• Funeral home websites: Most funeral homes post obituaries on their websites with service information
• Memorial websites: Dedicated platforms allow families to create lasting tributes with photos and memories
• Social media: While not traditional obituaries, families often share death announcements and life celebrations online

Publishing in multiple places ensures that friends, extended family, and community members can learn about the death and pay their respects.

Who Writes an Obituary?

Obituaries are typically written by immediate family members, often with input from multiple relatives who contribute memories and information. Sometimes a close friend or family member takes the lead, while others provide details and feedback.

Funeral homes also offer assistance with writing obituaries. Their experienced staff can provide example obituaries, templates, and guidance to help families during this difficult time. Some funeral homes will write the obituary based on information provided by the family, which can be a relief when grief makes writing challenging.

The Role of Obituaries in Grief and Healing

Understanding what is an obituary includes recognizing its therapeutic value. Writing an obituary can be an act of love and care that helps family members process their grief. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the deceased’s life, celebrate their accomplishments, and acknowledge the hole their death leaves in the family and community.

For readers, obituaries offer a way to learn about someone’s death, understand their life story, and find information about how to offer condolence and support. They help the community come together in compassion during times of loss.

Examples of Different Obituary Styles

Obituaries can vary greatly in tone and style, reflecting the personality of the deceased and the family’s preferences:

Traditional obituaries follow a formal structure with straightforward information about the person’s life, family, and services. For example, they might read: “John David Miller was born in October 1945 and passed away in December 2024. He graduated from State University, worked as an engineer for 40 years, and was devoted to his family and community.”

Celebratory obituaries emphasize joy and life rather than focusing on death. They might highlight the person’s sense of humor, favorite sayings, or the inspiration they provided to others.

Narrative obituaries tell the deceased’s life story in a more flowing, biographical style, helping readers understand the person’s journey and character.

How Obituaries Serve the Community

Beyond informing people of a death, obituaries strengthen community bonds. They remind readers of shared connections, prompt memories of interactions with the deceased, and inspire reflection on life and mortality. When someone reads about a person’s contributions to education, volunteer work, or family life, it reinforces the values that bind communities together.

Obituaries also serve as historical records. Researchers, genealogists, and future family members use obituaries to understand family history, trace lineage through mentions of grandchildren and other relatives, and learn about life in different time periods.

Working with Your Funeral Home

Most funeral homes provide comprehensive support for creating and publishing obituaries. They understand what is an obituary and can guide you through the process with care and compassion. Funeral home staff can:

• Help gather essential information and organize details
• Provide example obituaries for inspiration
• Assist with writing or editing the obituary
• Submit the obituary to newspapers and online publications
• Post the obituary on the funeral home website
• Advise on length, cost, and publication options

Don’t hesitate to ask your funeral home for help. They work with families every day and understand the challenges of writing an obituary while grieving.

The Lasting Impact of a Well-Written Obituary

When families ask “what is an obituary,” they’re really asking about how to honor their loved one’s memory in a meaningful way. A thoughtfully written obituary becomes a permanent tribute that captures the essence of a person’s life—their relationships, accomplishments, interests, and the love they shared with family and community.

Whether published in print newspapers, on a funeral home website, or shared through other means, an obituary ensures that the deceased’s life is remembered and celebrated. It provides comfort to surviving family members, offers information to the community, and preserves the person’s story for future generations.

During times of grief and loss, creating an obituary is one of the most important gifts you can give. It transforms the pain of death into a celebration of life, helping everyone who knew your loved one remember the joy, love, and inspiration they brought to the world.