An obituary is more than just a death announcement. It’s a mini-biography published to mark someone’s passing and to create a public record of their life. Think of it as a life story, condensed.
Obituaries matter. They provide details about individual lives and deaths, but they also act as historical documents, capturing information about families and even entire communities. They help us remember.
This article explores the key elements you’ll typically find in obituaries, using a hypothetical “Hobbs obituary” as our example.
Identifying Information and Biographical Details
The first section of an obituary typically includes essential identifying information about the deceased. Accuracy is key, especially when it comes to names and dates.
Full Name and Dates of Life
Begin by clearly stating the full name of the person who has died, for instance, “Johnathan Michael Hobbs.” It’s also important to include their date of birth and date of death, such as “Born January 1, 1945; Died April 15, 2025.” Including the age of the deceased is also common.
Place of Birth and Residence
Next, specify the place where the person was born, such as “Born in Portland, Maine.” If there are interesting or relevant details about their early life in that location, you might include those as well. You’ll also want to note where they were living at the time of their death, for example, “Resided in Bangor, Maine.” If they lived in multiple places throughout their life, you can mention any significant moves or residences.
Family Information
An obituary usually lists immediate family members, including a spouse (if applicable), children, and parents. For example: “Survived by wife, Mary Hobbs; children, Sarah and David; and mother, Jane Hobbs.” It’s also appropriate to mention any family members who died before the deceased, such as “Predeceased by father, Robert Hobbs.” You can also acknowledge other close relatives, such as siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as appropriate.
Education and Career
In an obituary, it’s helpful to give a sense of what the person did with their days, whether they were in school, at work, or enjoying retirement.
Educational background
Where did they go to school? Did they earn a degree or certificate? Were they recognized for their accomplishments? Did they give back to their school in any way?
For example, you could say something like, “A 1978 graduate of Bangor High School, she went on to earn a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Maine, where she was awarded the Stephen King Prize for Fiction.”
Professional life and accomplishments
What kind of work did they do? What were they known for in their field? Did they win any awards, publish articles, or hold leadership positions?
To give an example, you might say, “For 30 years, he taught fifth grade at James F. Doughty School. He was known for his innovative teaching methods, and he won the Golden Apple Award in 2005.”
Retirement and post-career activities
When did they retire? What did they do after they retired? Did they have any hobbies, interests, or volunteer work that they enjoyed?
An example might be, “After retiring in 2010, she volunteered at the local library, where she helped children learn to read.”
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
The people we love are often defined by the things they did and the passions they pursued. Here’s a look at some of those aspects of [Deceased’s Name]’s life.
Community Service and Volunteer Work
[Deceased’s Name] was dedicated to serving [his/her/their] community. [He/She/They] was an active member of the Rotary Club for many years and could often be found volunteering at the local soup kitchen, always ready to lend a helping hand. [He/She/They] was a regular blood donor and encouraged others to donate, as well. [He/She/They] was awarded the [Award Name] in [Year] for [his/her/their] tireless efforts.
Hobbies and Interests
[Deceased’s Name] had a wide range of interests that brought joy and fulfillment to [his/her/their] life. [He/She/They] found solace and inspiration in gardening, spending hours tending to [his/her/their] vibrant flower beds and bountiful vegetable patch. [He/She/They] also enjoyed painting landscapes, capturing the beauty of the natural world on canvas. Music was another passion, and [he/she/they] could often be found playing the guitar, filling the air with [his/her/their] favorite melodies. [He/She/They] was a member of the local gardening club and the [Town Name] Art League, and [his/her/their] paintings were displayed at several local exhibitions.
Religious and Spiritual Affiliations
[Deceased’s Name] was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, where [he/she/they] found strength and community. [He/She/They] actively participated in church activities, including singing in the choir and volunteering for various outreach programs.
Memorial service and donation information
A memorial service celebrating [Hobbs’s] life will be held at 2 p.m. on April 20, 2025, at the First Baptist Church at [address]. The family asks that attendees dress in comfortable clothing. Overflow parking will be available behind the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in [Hobbs’s] name to the American Cancer Society, [address], or online at [website address].
The family would like to read your memories of [him/her/them]. Please share your condolences online at [funeral home website] or on [memorial website].
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find out if someone died with no obituary free
Finding out if someone has died when no obituary has been published can be tricky. You can try searching online death records databases, checking social media for announcements from family and friends, or contacting local funeral homes in the area where the person lived. Remember, not all deaths result in published obituaries.
Is Hobbs, NM a good place to live
Whether Hobbs, NM, is a “good” place to live is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. It offers a more small-town atmosphere with a lower cost of living than many larger cities. However, it’s important to consider factors like job opportunities, access to amenities, and community culture to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Why is there no obituary for someone
There are several reasons why someone might not have an obituary published. The family may have chosen not to publish one due to privacy concerns, financial constraints, or personal preferences. In some cases, the death may have been unexpected, leaving the family unprepared to write and submit an obituary. Sometimes, the individual may have requested not to have one.
Why is Hobbs, NM famous
Hobbs, NM, is primarily known for its oil and gas industry, which has been a significant driver of its economy and growth. It’s also recognized as a regional hub for agriculture and ranching. Additionally, the city is home to the New Mexico Junior College, contributing to its educational landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, a Hobbs obituary should capture the essence of the deceased’s life, focusing on their unique contributions and the lasting impact they had on loved ones and the wider community. It should highlight their passions, achievements, and the qualities that made them special.
For example, a Hobbs obituary might say, “Johnathan Michael Hobbs will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His warm smile and willingness to lend a helping hand touched the lives of many.”
Ultimately, an obituary serves as a lasting tribute, ensuring that memories of the deceased endure. It’s a way to honor their life, preserve their story for future generations, and offer comfort to those who mourn their loss. By remembering and celebrating their life, we keep their spirit alive.