An obituary is a death announcement and a public record of someone’s life, generally highlighting key accomplishments and biographical details. They’re important for family, friends, and the community because they provide closure and a place to share memories of the deceased.
This article is a guide to common elements found in Wgoh obituaries, including themes and information typically included.
Key Biographical Information
An obituary usually starts with a few essential facts about the deceased.
First, the obituary will include the full name of the person who has died. This is vital for making sure the right person is identified.
The obituary will also state the deceased’s age at the time of death. For example, it might say, “Jane Smith, age 82.”
You’ll also see the person’s birthdate and date of death, such as “Born July 4, 1940, Died November 22, 2022.” The places where the person was born and died may also be mentioned, giving some context to their life story.
Finally, the obituary typically includes the person’s place of residence when they died, connecting them to a specific community.
Family and Relationships
A well-written obituary often includes details about the person’s family and closest relationships.
Immediate Family
Obituaries frequently list the names of the person’s surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren to highlight those closest family connections.
The names of family members who have already passed away, such as parents or siblings, may also be included to acknowledge those who came before.
Extended Family
Mentions of siblings, nieces, nephews, and other relatives offer a broader picture of the person’s family network.
Relationships and Affiliations
An obituary may also include mentions of close friends, partners, or other significant relationships to acknowledge important connections outside of the immediate family.
Life Highlights and Accomplishments
Though every life is a story, some lives seem to contain more chapters than others. When summing up a life, it’s nice to recall the highlights, the moments that defined the person and their time on Earth.
Here are some of the things that can help paint a picture of a life well lived:
- Occupation and career. What did they do for a living? What were their contributions to their field?
- Hobbies and interests. What did they love to do in their spare time? What were they passionate about?
- Community involvement. Were they active in their community? Did they volunteer or work with any organizations?
- Education. Where did they go to school? What did they study?
In Closing
The funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. A visitation will be held beforehand at [Location] on [Date] from [Time] to [Time].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity/Organization] in [Deceased’s Name]’s memory.