Obituary Templates and a Thoughtful Writing Guide

Obituary template: short example

Fictional example: Every name, date, place and event below is invented. Replace each detail before sharing.

Jamie Ellis of the fictional town of Willowmere died on 4 May 2026. Jamie was born on 12 February 1958 and is remembered with love by partner Robin and children Lee and Morgan. A gathering will take place at fictional Willowmere Community Hall on 16 May 2026 at 2 pm. The family asks that any donation request be confirmed before the notice is shared.

Obituary template: standard example

Fictional example: All people, dates, locations and biographical details in this paragraph are invented.

Rowan Avery, born on 8 September 1947 in the fictional town of Ashcombe Vale, died on 19 June 2026. Rowan enjoyed repairing bicycles, tending a small garden and sharing stories with neighbours. Rowan is remembered by partner Casey, children Jules and Sam, and a circle of friends. A remembrance gathering is planned for 28 June 2026 at 11 am at fictional Ashcombe Vale Hall. Friends may bring a memory to share. In place of flowers, the family invites donations to a charity of their choice after confirming the organisation and its details.

Common details to include

• Name and, if wanted, a familiar nickname.
• Birth and death dates or years, checked against family records. Share only the detail the family wishes to make public.
• A short account of the person’s life, interests and relationships.
• Relatives and loved ones the family wishes to name; check names and spellings with them.
• Confirmed ceremony date, time and place, or a simple note that arrangements will follow.
• A verified donation request instead of flowers, if the family wants one.

Start with a manageable draft

There is no single required tone or length. Keep a short notice if that is enough for now. For a practical sequence from gathering information to proofreading, use the existing how to write an obituary guide.