This guide helps you learn about the different parts of obituaries, what sections are optional, and provides a template that can be used to assist in writing obituaries for loved ones. While you do not need to name each niece and cousin, it is important to write a general summary of family members who passed away before your loved one, and of surviving family members.

You will begin with the basic death notice, which states your loved ones (name, age, hometown) died. An obituary is a published notice of death, usually seen in the newspaper, which includes a brief biographical account of the life of someone who has died recently. An obituary is not a biography, but rather an account of the most significant events, qualities, contributions, and connections of a person’s life.