Writing an Obituary

Create something worthy of the person who died.

Sometimes, writing an obituary is difficult. Sitting down and summarizing the life of someone so dear feels almost impossible. I'm an experienced writer, death doula, and longtime columnist, and even I think it's daunting.

I often take it slowly to create a well-written and memorable obituary.

What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically published in a newspaper, online platform, or circulated among a community. Unlike a eulogy, which is a speech of praise often spoken at a funeral or memorial service, an obituary provides a brief biography of the deceased and serves several purposes:

• It informs the community, friends, and extended family about someone's death.

• A well-written obituary highlights key aspects of the person’s life, such as accomplishments, career, hobbies, and contributions to society. It often captures the essence of who they were and what they were passionate about.

• When I write obituaries, I list surviving loved ones,…