Resting in Peace: A Comprehensive Guide to Funeral Home Obituaries

Funerals are solemn occasions that honor the memory of our dearly departed loved ones. Obituaries, published in newspapers and online, serve as poignant tributes, providing a glimpse into the lives and achievements of those who have passed on. For those navigating the complexities of funeral planning, understanding obituaries can be a helpful resource.

The Importance of Obituaries

Obituaries play a significant role in:

• Honoring the deceased: They celebrate the life of the departed, acknowledging their accomplishments, interests, and cherished relationships.
• Informing the community: Obituaries serve as public notices, announcing the passing of an individual and providing information about funeral arrangements.
• Sharing memories: They offer a platform for family and friends to express their love and admiration, sharing cherished memories and anecdotes.
• Comforting the bereaved: Obituaries can provide a sense of comfort and closure to those grieving, helping them to process their emotions and memorialize the deceased.

Elements of an Obituary

Typical obituaries include the following elements:

• Name: The full name of the deceased.
• Birth and death dates: The dates of birth and of the passing.
• Cause of death: In some cases, the cause of death may be included.
• Survived by: A list of the deceased's surviving family members and loved ones.
• Predeceased by: A list of family members and loved ones who passed away before the deceased.
• Biography: A brief summary of the deceased's life, including their occupation, education, hobbies, and interests.
• Funeral arrangements: Information about the funeral service, such as the date, time, and location.
• Memorial donations: If applicable, suggestions for donations to charities or organizations in memory of the deceased.

Locating Obituaries

There are several ways to locate obituaries:

• Local newspapers: Obituaries are traditionally published in local newspapers.
• Online databases: Many newspapers and funeral homes offer online databases where obituaries can be searched and viewed.
• Funeral home websites: Funeral homes may maintain websites where they post obituaries of their clients.
• Social media: Some family members and funeral homes may post obituaries on social media platforms.

Writing an Obituary

Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, but it can also be a meaningful way to honor the deceased. Here are some tips:

• Start by gathering information. Collect relevant details about the deceased's life, such as their birth and death dates, occupation, education, family members, and interests.
• Write in a clear and concise style. Avoid using jargon or technical language.
• Focus on the positive. Highlight the deceased's accomplishments, qualities, and the impact they had on others.
• Be mindful of the length. Obituaries are typically brief, so be selective with the information you include.
• Proofread carefully. Ensure there are no errors in the obituary before submitting it for publication.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: A family mistakenly included the wrong cause of death in their loved one's obituary. Instead of heart failure, they wrote "heart fart." The amusing error brought some much-needed laughter to the somber occasion.

Lesson: Double-check all details before submitting an obituary.

Story 2: A man wrote his own obituary as a joke to his friends and family. He listed his hobbies as "napping" and "eating," and his cause of death as "boredom."

Lesson: Obituaries can be a way to express individuality and humor, even in the face of adversity.

Story 3: A woman's obituary included a video montage of her singing karaoke. Her family wanted to share her passion for music and her infectious laughter with the world.

Lesson: Obituaries can be used to celebrate the unique qualities and talents of the deceased.

Tips and Tricks

• Use transition words: Connect different sections of the obituary with words like "also," "likewise," "in addition," and "moreover."
• Use strong verbs: Replace weak verbs (e.g., "died") with stronger verbs (e.g., "passed away," "departed").
• Proofread carefully: Check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation before submitting the obituary.
• Keep it concise: Obituaries typically should not exceed 300 words.
• Consider including a photo: A photograph of the deceased can add a personal touch to the obituary.

FAQs

Q: How do I find out about the death of someone without a local connection?
A: You can search online obituary databases or contact a genealogy website.

Q: How much does it cost to publish an obituary?
A: The cost of an obituary varies depending on the length, placement, and publication.

Q: Can I write an obituary for my pet?
A: While not common, some newspapers and funeral homes may allow you to publish an obituary for a beloved pet.

Q: How long should an obituary be?
A: Obituaries are typically between 150-300 words.

Q: What information should I include in an obituary?
A: Name, birth and death dates, cause of death (if applicable), survived by, predeceased by, biography, funeral arrangements (if applicable), memorial donations (if applicable).

Q: Do I need to provide a photo for the obituary?
A: It is not required, but a photo can add a personal touch.

Call to Action

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, remember that you are not alone. Funeral home obituaries can help you honor their memory and find comfort during this difficult time.