An obituary is one of the first steps in organizing a funeral and a way for the family to inform the public and the wider community about the loss of a loved one. Although it may seem like a simple task, writing an obituary during times of grief often feels difficult and emotionally demanding. This article offers practical advice on how to write an obituary, what it should include, and several examples to serve as a guide.

What an obituary is and its purpose

An obituary is a brief public announcement notifying others of a person’s death, usually providing basic details about the deceased, the time of the farewell ceremony, and the location of the funeral. It is published in newspapers, on the notice boards of funeral homes and cemeteries, and sometimes online. Its purpose is not merely informational; it is also a way to show respect for the deceased and to invite family, friends, and acquaintances to attend the funeral service.

Essential information to include in an obituary

When writing an obituary, it is important to include several key pieces of information to ensure the text is clear and complete:

The full name of the deceased, along with their age (date of birth and date of death, or simply their age). Next, the time and place of the farewell ceremony or funeral, as well as the specific location (church, mortuary, or cemetery). It is also advisable to indicate who is issuing the announcement—whether it is the immediate family, extended relatives, friends, or colleagues.

In addition to the basic details, many families include a brief, fitting thought, quote, or verse that reflects the personality of the deceased or the family’s feelings at that moment.

Tone and writing style

An obituary is written in a calm, dignified tone. Sentences should be short and clear, without unnecessary details. Although it is a personal and emotional moment, the text usually adheres to a formal structure to make it suitable for public announcement. However, an increasing number of families are choosing a more personal approach—adding a sentence describing the kind of person the deceased was alongside the formal details, thereby lending the obituary warmth and a personal touch.

Examples of obituaries

The first example, a classic and formal format:

“It is with sadness that we inform relatives, friends, and acquaintances that our dear mother and grandmother, [NAME SURNAME], has passed away at the age of 78. The farewell service will be held on [date] at [time] at [cemetery name] Cemetery. The bereaved family.”

A second example, with a more personal tone:

“We will forever remember her smile, her kindness, and the warmth of the home she created. Our dear mother and wife, NAME SURNAME (1948–2026), is bidding us farewell. The service for our dear departed will be held on [date] at [time] at [cemetery name] Cemetery. May she rest in peace.”

A third example, a shorter version for immediate announcements (e.g., on notice boards):

“We announce the passing of NAME SURNAME. The service will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. Bereaved: [names].”

Where death notices are published

In Zagreb, death notices are most commonly published in daily newspapers, on funeral home websites, on city cemetery notice boards, and increasingly on social media. Funeral homes usually offer services for drafting and publishing death notices as part of the funeral arrangements, thereby relieving the family of additional stress during an already difficult time.

Advice for the family

If the family lacks experience or does not feel ready to draft the text themselves, a good option is to consult the funeral home; they have experience in writing death notices and can help ensure the text is both informative and dignified. This allows the family to focus on what matters most—saying goodbye to their loved one—while leaving the administrative and technical aspects to the professional team.

In conclusion

Writing an obituary does not have to be complicated if it follows a clear structure: basic information about the deceased, information about the time and place of the funeral and, if desired, a personal thought that reflects the memory of the loved one. If you need help with writing or publishing an obituary, our team at In Memoriam – Zagreb is at your disposal 0-24 hours to make this step easier for you in difficult times.