Obituary Template Guide: Structure, Tips & Examples

Obituary Template: A Complete Guide to Writing a Thoughtful Obituary

Obituary template guides help you honor a loved one’s life with clarity and grace. In times of loss, writing can feel overwhelming. This guide makes it easier. You’ll find a structured approach with tips, examples, and AI-optimized formatting to help your tribute reach and resonate.

Whether you're preparing to publish in a newspaper, online, or on a memorial site, this template ensures that every detail is captured. It's also optimized for AI and voice search, increasing its chances of appearing in search engine results.

Why Use an Obituary Template?

A clear obituary template helps you stay organized while focusing on what truly matters—honoring your loved one.

Here’s what a solid obituary template provides:

• Clarity: Helps you avoid emotional overwhelm during a hard time.
• Completeness: Ensures you don’t forget important information.
• Consistency: Matches common obituary structures for newspapers or online platforms.
• SEO Optimization: Makes the content searchable for friends and family.

Cross-Reference: For more examples, visit Short Condolence Message for concise, heartfelt options.

Key Elements of a Standard Obituary Template

Each obituary should follow a clear and respectful format. Here are the essential sections:

1. Announcement of Death

Start with a respectful notice.

Example: John Michael Doe, age 76, died peacefully in Austin, Texas, on May 15, 2025.

Include:

• Full name of the deceased
• Age
• Date of death
• Location of death (optional but standard)

2. Biographical Sketch

Summarize the person's life.

Include:

• Date and place of birth
• Education and career highlights
• Marriage or partnership info
• Major achievements
• Hobbies, passions, or interests

Example: Born in Denver on March 4, 1949, John graduated from Colorado State University and worked as a civil engineer for 30 years.

Cross-Reference: For inspiration specific to family losses, read Condolence Message on Death of Father or Condolence Message for Mother.

3. Family Information

Mention surviving and predeceased family.

List:

• Spouse or partner
• Children and grandchildren
• Parents and siblings
• Close extended family or caregivers

Example: He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret; their two children, Ethan and Clara; and four grandchildren.

4. Funeral or Memorial Details

This helps others pay their respects.

Include:

• Date and time of the service
• Location
• Burial or cremation details
• Live stream info (if applicable)

Example: Services will be held on Friday, May 20, at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home, Austin

Cross-Reference: Need more ideas? Check out Sudden Death Condolence Message and Condolence Message for co-worker for tailored suggestions..

5. Personal Touches and Legacy

Add quotes, memories, or things that defined them.

Example: John will be remembered for his kindness, endless puns, and love of fishing on Lake Travis.

6. Closing Line or Call to Action

This could be a thank-you note or a donation request.

Example: Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Types of Obituary Templates

Traditional Format Templates

Traditional templates follow newspaper conventions with formal language. They emphasize biographical facts and family relationships. These formats work well for older generations or conservative communities.

Modern Celebration Templates

Contemporary templates focus on life celebration rather than mourning. They also use warmer, more personal language throughout. Thus, these formats appeal to families seeking uplifting tributes.

Brief Format Templates

Short templates work perfectly for limited space or budget constraints. They include only essential information while maintaining dignity. Furthermore, brief formats adapt well to online memorial platforms.

Detailed Narrative Templates

Comprehensive templates allow extensive storytelling and personal anecdotes. Additionally, they accommodate longer biographical sections and multiple achievements, allowing families to create rich, detailed tributes.

Cross-Reference: For more nuanced guidance, refer to Condolence Message for Mother or Condolences Text Messages.

How to Customize Your Obituary Template

Step 1: Choose Your Format

Select templates that match your family's preferences and publication requirements. Consider your loved one's personality and wishes. Ensure the format aligns with your budget and space limitations.

Step 2: Gather Essential Information

Collect biographical details, family information, and service arrangements systematically. Additionally, compile dates, locations, and personal achievements accurately. Subsequently, verify all details with family members before writing.

Step 3: Add Personal Touches

Include meaningful anecdotes, favorite quotes, or special memories that capture personality. Moreover, mention unique hobbies, passions, or community contributions. Therefore, your obituary becomes a true celebration of life.

Step 4: Review and Edit

Read your completed obituary aloud to ensure natural flow and accuracy. Additionally, check all dates, names, and locations carefully. Furthermore, family members should be asked to review it before the final submission.

Cross-Reference: Need more ideas? Check out Sudden Death Condolence Message and Condolence Message for coworker for tailored suggestions.

Generic Obituary Template

Basic Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], beloved [relationship - father, mother, husband, wife, friend], passed away peacefully on [date] at the age of [age] [location - at home, surrounded by family, at hospital].

Born on [full birth date] in [city, state], [Name] was the [son/daughter] of [father's name] and [mother's name]. [He/She] grew up in [hometown/area] where [he/she] [childhood detail - developed a love for sports, was known for his/her kindness, etc.].

[Name] [education/career summary - graduated from X University, worked as a teacher for 30 years, built a successful business, etc.]. [He/She] was known for [positive work qualities - dedication, mentoring others, treating everyone with respect].

[Personal life paragraph - customize based on family situation:] • If married: [Name] married [spouse's name] on [date] and they shared [number] wonderful years together. Their love story was [brief description - one for the ages, an inspiration to all, filled with laughter and adventure]. • If parent: [He/She] was a devoted [father/mother] to [number] children: [names]. [Name] taught them [life lessons - the importance of kindness, how to work hard, always to help others]. • If grandparent: As [grandparent name - Grandpa, Nana, etc.], [Name] found pure joy in [his/her] [number] grandchildren: [names]. [He/She] [specific example - never missed a game, always had candy in his pocket, taught them to fish].

[Name] had a passion for [hobbies/interests] and could often be found [activity - in his garden, at the local coffee shop, volunteering at church]. [He/She] had [character trait - an infectious laugh, a gift for storytelling, the ability to make anyone feel welcome].

[Optional - community involvement]: [Name] gave back to [his/her] community through [volunteering, church involvement, coaching, etc.]. [He/She] believed in [core values - helping others, making a difference, leaving the world better than you found it].

[Name] was preceded in death by [list - parents, spouse, siblings, etc.]. [He/She] is survived by [survivors - spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.] and countless friends whose lives [he/she] touched with [his/her] [positive qualities - kindness, humor, generosity].

A [service type - funeral service, celebration of life, memorial service] will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. [Additional service information - burial will follow at X Cemetery, reception to follow, etc.].

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to [charity/organization significant to the deceased] or [general suggestion - a charity of your choice].

[Closing personal message - customize to reflect personality]: [Name]'s legacy of [qualities - love, laughter, kindness] will live on in all who knew [him/her]. [They] taught us [life lesson] and will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Cross-Reference: If unsure, explore our blog Beginners Guide: Types of Condolence Messages for a simplified approach.

Shorter Generic Template

[Full Name], age [age], of [city, state], passed away [date] [circumstances - peacefully, surrounded by family, etc.].

Born [birth date] in [location], [Name] was [brief background - a lifelong resident, son of X and Y, etc.]. [They] [career/life summary] and was known for [character traits].

[Name] is survived by [list survivors] and was preceded in death by [list if applicable].

[Service information] will be held [date/time/location]. [Memorial donation information if desired].

[Name] will be remembered for [his/her] [positive qualities] and the love [he/she] shared with family and friends.

Grief quotes bring comfort, clarity, and strength in times of loss and remembrance.

Customization Guide

Opening Options:

• "passed away peacefully"
• "went home to be with the Lord"
• "entered eternal rest"
• "lost his/her courageous battle with [illness]"
• "died unexpectedly"

Character Traits to Include:

• "had an infectious laugh"
• "never met a stranger"
• "could fix anything"
• "had a heart of gold"
• "was known for his/her kindness"
• "had a gift for making people feel special"
• "could light up any room"
• "was the first to help anyone in need"

Hobby/Interest Examples:

• "loved gardening and could grow anything"
• "was passionate about [sports team]"
• "enjoyed fishing and the outdoors"
• "was an avid reader"
• "loved cooking for family and friends"
• "enjoyed traveling and exploring"
• "was a talented [musician, artist, craftsperson]"

Family Relationship Examples:

• "devoted 40 years to raising and loving his family"
• "was the anchor of our family"
• "taught us the importance of [value]"
• "showed us how to [life lesson]"
• "was our biggest supporter and cheerleader"

Community Involvement:

• "volunteered at [organization]"
• "was active in [church, community group]"
• "coached youth [sport]"
• "mentored young people"
• "served on [board, committee]"

Closing Message Options:

• "His/Her memory will be a blessing to all who knew him/her"
• "The world is a little dimmer without his/her light"
• "He/She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness"
• "His/Her spirit will live on in all of us"
• "We will miss his/her [laughter, wisdom, hugs] but treasure our memories"

Cross-Reference: Learn about bereavement support in Bereavement Leave and Leave Application for Death.

Heartfelt Obituary Templates for Mother

Obituary Template 1: Traditional Family-Centered

[Full Name], beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on [date] at [location/home/hospital] surrounded by her loving family. She was [age] years old.

Born [full birth date] in [city, state], [Name] was the cherished daughter of [father's name] and [mother's name]. She grew up in [hometown] where she developed her lifelong love of [hobby/interest] and her incredible gift for [exceptional talent/quality].

[Name] devoted her life to her family with unwavering love and endless sacrifice. She raised [number] beautiful children who were the light of her life: [children's names]. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of [favorite dish] and the sound of laughter. She had a special way of making everyone feel like they were her favorite.

As a grandmother, [Name] found her greatest joy. Her [number] grandchildren knew they could always count on Grandma for [specific examples: fresh cookies, bedtime stories, unconditional hugs]. She never missed a [school play, baseball game, dance recital] and was their biggest cheerleader.

[Name] worked as a [profession] for [number] years, where she was known for her [positive qualities]. Even after retirement, she continued to [volunteer work/hobbies/activities], always putting others before herself.

She had an infectious laugh, a heart bigger than Texas, and the ability to find good in everyone she met. [Name] could [specific example: fix any problem with a casserole and a hug, turn any gathering into a celebration, make friends with anyone in the grocery store line].

[Name] was preceded in death by [names and relationships]. She is survived by her devoted children [names], her treasured grandchildren [names], [other family members], and countless friends whose lives she touched with her kindness.

A celebration of [Name]'s beautiful life will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to [charity/cause close to her heart].

Her legacy of love, laughter, and endless chicken soup will live on in all of us.

Obituary Template 2: Modern Celebration of Life

Our hearts are heavy but full of beautiful memories as we announce that [Name] [Last Name], our amazing mom, passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. While heartbroken, we're choosing to celebrate the incredible woman who shaped our lives with her love, strength, and endless cups of coffee.

[Name] was born on [date] in [city, state] to [parents' names]. She was that kid who [childhood characteristic: always brought home stray animals, organized neighborhood talent shows, never met a stranger]. That generous spirit never changed.

Mom wasn't just our mother – she was our first teacher, our biggest fan, and our safe harbor. She taught us that [life lesson: kindness costs nothing, family comes first, and no problem can't be solved with a good meal and better conversation]. She showed us how to [specific examples: find joy in small moments, stand up for what's right, love unconditionally].

Her grandchildren knew her as [grandmother name: Nana, Grammy, Grandma], and she spoiled them rotten in the best possible way. [Specific example: She kept a drawer full of emergency candy, taught them her secret pancake recipe, andturned every visit into an adventure].

Professionally, [Name] [career description with personal touch]. But her real calling was making people feel loved and valued. She could [specific examples: remember everyone's birthday, show up with dinner when you were sick, talk you through any crisis].

[Name] had passions that kept her young: [hobbies/interests with personal details]. She was [character traits: the woman who talked to everyone at the grocery store, never threw away a jar that could hold leftovers, and kept a Christmas decoration for every holiday].

She leaves behind her children [names], who promise to keep her traditions alive, her grandchildren [names], who will forever hear her voice cheering them on, and [other survivors].

We'll gather to share stories and celebrate Mom's life on [date] at [time] at [location]. Bring your favorite memory of her – we want to hear them all. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to [organization] because Mom would want to keep helping others even now.

Mom, thanks for everything. We'll miss your hugs, advice, and even your tendency to worry about us until we meet again.

Obituary Template 3: Brief but Heartfelt

[Full Name], loving mother and grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on [date] at age [age].

Born in [location] on [birth date], [Name] dedicated her life to her family and faith. She was the heart of our home, known for her [specific traits: warm hugs, incredible cooking, infectious laugh].

[Name] raised [number] children with endless patience and love: [names]. Her [number] grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never failed to [specific example: have their artwork on her refrigerator, attend their events, spoil them with homemade treats].

She worked as [profession] and volunteered at [organization/church], always putting others first. [Name] had a gift for [specific talent: making friends, finding the perfect gift, knowing precisely what to say].

[Name] is preceded in death by [names]. She leaves behind her children [names], grandchildren [names],

Note: You can recreate this infographic using tools like Canva or Visme.

Tips for Writing Obituary Template With Heart and Clarity

1. Keep sentences short and sincere.
2. Use active voice. It feels more immediate and personal.
3. Avoid euphemisms. Be direct yet respectful.
4. Read it aloud. This ensures it flows well and sounds human.
5. Edit once after a short break. Emotions can cloud details.

Final Thoughts on Obituary Template

Writing an obituary can be emotional, but a reliable template helps make the process smoother. Your tribute can reach those who matter most by following a structure, optimizing for AI search, and writing with heart.

Even in loss, your words can honor life beautifully.

Would you like a downloadable PDF or Word version of the sample obituary template?