Short Obituary Examples: 100–300 Word Samples

Short Obituary Examples for Newspapers & Online Memorials (100–300 Words)

Word Short Obituary Examples You Can Use

Writing an obituary is never easy, especially when you're dealing with grief and time constraints. This guide offers short obituary examples—not just writing tips. If you’re looking for what to actually say, you’re in the right place.

Here, you’ll find:

• Short obituary examples for newspapers (U.S. & Canada formats)
• Online memorial samples you can copy and personalize
• Plug-and-play short obituary templates by relationship: mother, father, spouse, and more

All examples fall between 100–300 words. They’re suitable for funeral programs, death notices, memorial websites, or paid newspaper placements.

Whether you're writing for a beloved grandparent, a parent, a partner—or helping someone else—you’ll find a respectful, ready-to-adapt short obituary here.

Whether shared through short condolence messages or incorporated into longer tributes, these quotes serve as stepping stones across the difficult terrain of loss. Understanding the types of condolence messages can help you choose the most appropriate expression for each unique situation.

What Counts as a “Short Obituary”? (100–300 Words)

Short obituaries typically fall within these word-count bands:

• 100–150 words: Very brief death notices. Often used for budget-conscious newspaper ads or small funeral programs.
• 180–220 words: Standard length for most local newspaper obituaries. Offers room for a short life overview and service info.
• Up to 300 words: Ideal for online memorials, where space allows for more personal detail while keeping it readable.

Print vs. Online:

• Print obituaries often charge by the word, so brevity matters.
• Online obituaries (on funeral home or memorial sites) offer more space for warmth, stories, and quotes.

Short Obituary Examples for Newspapers (U.S. & Canada)

These examples fit the tone and length required by most North American newspapers.

100–150 Word Short Obituary Examples (Very Concise)

Short Obituary Example 1 (100 words) – Standard adult

James Alan Brooks, 73, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023. A retired machinist, Jim was known for his quiet strength and love of fishing. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret; daughters Lisa and Kelly; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at Greenfield Funeral Home on April 19 at 11 a.m.

Short Obituary Example 2 (115 words) – Older adult with brief life summary

Margaret “Maggie” Lee Johnson, 88, died March 22 at her home in Albany, NY. Born in 1934, she dedicated her life to her family, community, and garden. She is survived by her children Tom, Susan, and Laura; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church on March 28 at 10 a.m.

Short Obituary Example 3 (125 words) – Includes donation line

Albert “Al” Torres, 69, passed away January 10, 2024, in Denver, CO. A devoted father, husband, and Vietnam veteran, Al was loved by many. He is survived by his wife, Rosa; children Miguel and Angela; and seven grandchildren. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Short Obituary Example 4 (140 words) – Family-focused

Clara Denise Martin, age 75, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, in Seattle, WA. Clara was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister who enjoyed quilting and volunteering at her church. She is survived by her sons Mark and Aaron, six grandchildren, and her brother Robert. A memorial will be held June 10 at Evergreen Chapel.

Short Obituary Example 5 (150 words) – Community service angle

Ronald James “RJ” Price, 66, passed away suddenly on August 5, 2023. A lifelong resident of Dayton and a dedicated firefighter for 28 years, RJ was also a coach, mentor, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Tasha; children Kevin, Melanie, and Jalen; and five grandchildren. A public memorial will be held on August 12 at the Dayton Civic Center at 2 p.m.

When crafting messages for workplace situations, these formal yet heartfelt expressions prove particularly valuable for condolence messages for co-workers who have experienced loss.

180–220 Word Short Obituary Examples (Standard Length)

Example 6 – Educator (200 words)

Susan Elaine Carter, 72, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023, surrounded by her family. Susan spent over 30 years as a beloved elementary school teacher in Madison, WI. Known for her gentle heart and patience, she shaped the lives of hundreds of students.

Born in 1950, Susan was raised in Rockford, IL, and graduated from UW–Madison with a degree in Education. She married her college sweetheart, Frank, in 1973. She is survived by Frank; her daughters Jessica and Amanda; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on March 7 at Grace Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison School Foundation.

Certainly! Continuing from Example 7 – Veteran, here is the rest of the blog with the complete set of 24+ short obituary examples across newspaper, online memorial, and relationship-based formats—all between 100–300 words.

Example 7 – Veteran (210 words)

Charles Raymond Douglas, 84, of San Diego, passed away on July 17, 2023. A proud U.S. Navy veteran and retired mechanic, Charlie lived a life full of dedication—to his family, country, and craft.

Born in 1939 in El Paso, TX, Charlie joined the Navy at 18 and served for two decades before settling in California. He loved classic cars, fishing trips, and coaching Little League.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Eileen; children Greg and Rachel; and four grandchildren. A military honors service will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on July 24 at 10 a.m.

The family thanks the VA Medical Center staff for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Legion.

These messages acknowledge the particular anguish of losing someone young or unexpectedly. They're especially appropriate for sudden death condolence messages where families struggle with shock alongside their grief.

Example 8 – Small Business Owner (220 words)

Maria Elena Lopez, 63, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023, in Tucson, AZ.

Born in Nogales, Maria moved to Tucson as a teenager and spent over 35 years running her family’s bakery, “Pan Dulce de Maria,” a cornerstone of the Barrio Viejo community. Her cinnamon rolls and warm spirit were equally legendary.

She is survived by her children Anita and Carlos; grandchildren Sofia, Lucas, and Mateo; her sister Teresa; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held at San Miguel Church on May 12 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the bakery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Tucson Food Bank in Maria’s memory.

Example 9 – Grandparent with Big Family (200 words)

George Henry Allen, 91, passed away on October 30, 2023, surrounded by family.

George was a proud husband, father of six, grandfather of thirteen, and great-grandfather of eight. Born in 1932 in Cleveland, he served in the U.S. Army and later worked as a city bus driver for 30 years.

Known for his deep laugh, endless stories, and love of baseball, George was happiest when surrounded by family at backyard cookouts.

He is survived by his children Karen, Michael, Diane, Richard, Linda, and Thomas; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister Norma.

A memorial service will be held at Lakeside Chapel on November 5 at 2 p.m.

Example 10 – Faith/Community-Oriented Life (210 words)

Deacon Robert James “Bob” Hill, 77, passed into eternal rest on February 9, 2024.

A lifelong member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Bob served his parish faithfully for over 25 years as a deacon, mentor, and friend. He also worked as a public school counselor and volunteered at the food pantry.

Bob was born in 1946 and married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine, in 1968. Together they raised three children and were active in the church community.

He is survived by Lorraine; his children David, Paul, and Christina; and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Mark’s on February 13 from 6–8 p.m., with a funeral Mass on February 14 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Outreach Ministries.

These concise expressions excel in condolence text messages where brevity meets necessity while conveying deep sentiment.

Short Obituary Examples for Online Memorials (100–300 Words)

These short obituaries are warm, slightly more personal, and fit online memorials like funeral home websites or digital remembrance pages.

Standard-Tone Online Memorial Obituaries

Online Short Obituary Example 1 – Neutral Tone Adult (180 words)

Thomas Allen Whitaker, 70, passed away peacefully at home in Spokane, WA, on September 8, 2023.

Tom was a lifelong Washington resident who loved woodworking, gardening, and watching Seahawks games with his family. He worked as a civil engineer for over 30 years and was admired for his integrity and dry sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melanie; children Sarah and John; and four grandchildren.

A private family service will be held. Online condolences may be left on the memorial page.

Online Short Obituary Example 2 – Parent & Grandparent (220 words)

Judith “Judy” Ellen Monroe, 79, passed away on December 20, 2023, in Fort Collins, CO.

Judy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She spent her early career in nursing before becoming a full-time mom and community volunteer. Her warm heart and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughters Amy and Megan; her grandchildren Emily, Jake, and Noah; and her sister Ruth.

A public celebration of life will be held at Westbrook Park Pavilion on January 6 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels in Judy’s memory.

Online Short Obituary Example 3 – Career & Service Focus (230 words)

Patricia A. Green, 68, of Portland, OR, passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2023.

Patricia dedicated her life to public service, working for the Oregon Department of Human Services for over 35 years. She championed policies to support children and vulnerable families, leaving a legacy of compassion and justice.

She was an avid reader, traveler, and gardener. She believed in living simply and giving generously.

Patricia is survived by her brother Stephen; nieces Angela and Marissa; and countless friends and colleagues.

A memorial gathering will take place April 2 at the First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland.

These messages work particularly well when supporting families who have lost parents, whether crafting a condolence message on death of father or supporting someone through the loss of mother.

Celebration Example 1 – Story-Driven Life Recap (275 words)

William “Bill” Thompson, 74, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, surrounded by family, laughter, and his favorite Bob Dylan album playing in the background.

Born in 1949 in Madison, Wisconsin, Bill lived a life full of curiosity and compassion. A teacher by profession and storyteller by nature, he spent 35 years teaching high school English, inspiring students to read beyond the syllabus and write from the heart.

Bill met the love of his life, JoAnne, during a campus protest at UW-Madison. They married in 1974 and shared 49 years of adventures, debates, road trips, and morning coffee rituals.

Known for his wit, terrible puns, and endless bookshelf recommendations, Bill also ran the local poetry slam and volunteered at the food co-op.

He is survived by JoAnne; his children Katie and Mark; grandkids Ella, Sam, and Jonah; and a big extended family of former students, neighbors, and book club friends.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held May 6 at the Lakeside Community Center. All are welcome to bring a favorite memory or poem to share.

In honor of Bill’s wishes, wear flannel, tell a good story, and donate to your local library in his name.

Celebration Example 2 – Hobbies and Passions Focus (250 words)

Diane Louise Carter, 66, passed away on July 22, 2023, after a brief illness.

Diane lived with energy, curiosity, and an unshakable belief in the goodness of people. A librarian by trade and artist by soul, she filled her life with books, painting, gardening, and fostering rescue cats.

Born in 1957 in Minneapolis, she spent most of her life in Eugene, Oregon. Diane loved Sunday farmer’s markets, jazz concerts, and long hikes in the Cascades. Her home was always open—to friends, neighbors, and more than a few stray animals.

She is survived by her sister Julia, nieces Maddie and Claire, and a community of fellow creatives, readers, and kindred spirits.

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held at the Eugene Art Collective on August 12. Attendees are invited to wear bright colors and share a piece of art or a favorite quote in her memory.

Donations in Diane’s honor can be made to the Oregon Humane Society or the Eugene Public Library Foundation.

Celebration Example 3 – Light Humor for Someone Known for Their Wit (230 words)

Richard “Rick” Bailey, 60, would’ve rolled his eyes at the idea of an obituary—but here we are.

Rick passed away on November 4, 2023, after a brave (and often sarcastic) battle with cancer.

Born in Chicago, raised in laughter, and fluent in dad jokes, Rick worked in IT for 30 years and somehow made spreadsheets fun. He loved 80s music, bad puns, and surprising people with the world’s best grilled cheese.

He is survived by his patient wife, Linda; his proud kids, Max and Zoe; and his loyal labradoodle, Pepper.

A “Rick-style” celebration will take place on November 12 at his favorite brewery. Hawaiian shirts encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone today—and if you tell a terrible pun while doing it, he’d approve.

These expressions work well alongside grief quotes when supporting someone through ongoing loss processing rather than immediate aftermath.

Celebration Example 4 – Community Pillar with Favorite Saying (260 words)

Margaret Elaine Simmons, 88, passed peacefully on January 10, 2024.

A lifelong resident of Asheville, NC, Margaret believed in leaving places better than she found them—and she lived that truth every day.

She taught third grade for over 40 years, founded the town’s first recycling program, and never missed a PTA meeting or local election. She was famous for her lemon bars and for reminding everyone that “you catch more flies with honey.”

Margaret is survived by her children Thomas and Erica; five grandchildren; and dozens of students, neighbors, and friends whose lives she touched.

A public celebration will be held at the town hall on January 20. Guests are encouraged to share a story or a recipe in Margaret’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, please plant something green—or donate to the Asheville Community Garden in her name.

✅ Relationship-Based Short Obituary Mini-Templates

These plug-and-play short obituary examples are based on relationship. All are between 100–250 words.

Short Obituary Examples for a Mother (2)

Example 1 – Home & Family Focus (150 words)

Linda Marie Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, at age 76.

Linda spent her life caring for others—with her hands, her heart, and her famous blueberry pie. She raised three children with love, patience, and grace, and welcomed every neighbor as family.

She is survived by her children Matthew, Grace, and Emily, and six grandchildren.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please share a kind word or memory with someone you love—Linda would have liked that.

Example 2 – Career & Community Emphasis (200 words)

Deborah Anne Wu, 71, passed away on September 3, 2023, after a life devoted to education and community.

As a high school science teacher for over 30 years, Deborah inspired generations of students. She also led the local Girl Scout troop, helped organize neighborhood clean-ups, and never missed a town hall.

She is survived by her husband James; sons Aaron and Luke; daughter-in-law Nina; and grandchildren Lily and Kieran.

A memorial will be held at Eastfield Community Center on September 10. Guests are invited to wear green, Deborah’s favorite color.

For specific types of loss, such as loss of husband quotes or comforting words for loss of pet, remember that each relationship carries unique significance requiring individual recognition.

Short Obituary Examples for a Father (2)

Example 1 – Traditional Family Man (150 words)

Peter Joseph Reynolds, 82, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023.

A loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, Peter was known for his steady presence and quiet wisdom.

He worked as an electrician for 40 years and taught his children the value of hard work, kindness, and keeping your word.

Peter is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Daniel and Mark, and four grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on June 25.

Example 2 – Work, Service & Family (200 words)

Alejandro Castillo, 68, passed away on January 30, 2024.

Alejandro immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador and built a life of strength and generosity. He worked two jobs to support his family, volunteered at his church, and still found time to coach youth soccer on weekends.

He is survived by his wife Luz, daughters Carla and Mariana, and five grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Church on February 3.

Short Obituary Examples for a Spouse or Partner (2)

Example 1 – Family Voice (180 words)

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of James Michael “Jim” Carter, 67, on April 9, 2023.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He had a laugh that filled a room and a heart that made everyone feel seen.

He leaves behind his wife, Carol; children Jonah and Lila; and many extended family and friends.

A private memorial will be held. Jim’s family asks you to remember him by sharing a good story and showing kindness whenever you can.

Example 2 – More Personal Tribute (220 words)

My beloved wife, Sarah Catherine Evans, passed away on October 4, 2023, after a long illness, surrounded by love.

Sarah was my partner, best friend, and the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known. Her warmth, insight, and love shaped every day of our 32 years together.

She was a brilliant editor, a fierce crossword player, and a mother who made every ordinary moment magical.

She is survived by me, her husband Peter; our daughters Mia and Nora; and a family that adored her.

We’ll gather to remember Sarah on October 10 at Riverside Gardens.

Short Obituary Example for a Grandparent (180 words)

Evelyn Grace Thompson, 89, passed away on December 1, 2023.

Evelyn lived a life defined by love, generosity, and grace. She raised four children, helped care for nine grandchildren, and was known for her Sunday dinners and unbeatable banana bread.

Born in 1934 in Kentucky, Evelyn moved to Michigan in her 20s and never stopped tending to those around her.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many who considered her family.

A memorial service will be held on December 8 at St. Luke’s Chapel.

For specific workplace situations, appropriate condolence messages for co-workers maintain professional boundaries while showing genuine care. When supporting families through parental loss, whether crafting a condolence message on death of father or condolence message for mother, remember that each relationship carries unique significance.

How to Adapt These Short Obituary Examples

If you’ve found a format close to what you need, here’s how to make it your own:

• Pick the closest short obituary example by tone, word count, and relationship.
• Replace all names, dates, and locations with your own details.
• Tailor the tone:
  • Formal and simple = best for newspapers.
  • Warm and personal = better for online memorials or funeral home pages.
• Add a personal detail or two – a favorite saying, hobby, or trait (e.g. “known for her kindness,” “always greeted neighbors with a smile”).
• Edit for length if needed:
  • Cut adjectives or side notes for brevity.
  • Add one sentence about character or community for more depth.

Even a brief obituary can feel deeply personal with just one or two small custom touches.

For unexpected losses, sudden death condolence messages require extra sensitivity as families struggle with shock alongside their grief. Choose delivery methods based on your relationship and the recipient's preferences, from personal visits to condolence text messages that allow private processing.

FAQ – Short Obituary Examples & Tips

How many words is a short obituary for a newspaper?

Most newspapers recommend staying between 100–220 words due to cost-per-line pricing. Aim for 2–3 short paragraphs max.

What’s a good length for an online short obituary?

Online memorials allow more flexibility—200–300 words is typical for short obituaries. You can include more warmth or a small memory here.

Can I reuse the same short obituary for both print and online?

Yes—start with a concise version for print, then expand it slightly for online use by adding 1–2 sentences about personality or achievements.

Should a short obituary mention the cause of death?

Only if the family is comfortable. It’s optional and often omitted in both print and online formats. You can use phrases like “after a brief illness” or “peacefully” if you prefer to keep it general.

Closing Thoughts

Writing an obituary during a time of grief can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to start from scratch.

Even a short obituary of 100–150 words can honor a life with sincerity and care.

Use the short obituary examples in this guide as a starting point.

Personalize just a few lines to reflect your loved one’s story—and if possible, ask someone else to review it with you.

Whether you’re submitting to a newspaper, funeral home site, or online memorial page, the most meaningful words are often the simplest and most honest.