Obituary Information Checklist
Gather the essential facts, family relationships, personal details, and publication information before you begin.
93 KBThe resource center
A little guidance.
A meaningful beginning.
You don’t need a perfect first sentence. You need a place to start.
Write a Life companion resources
Worksheets to help you begin.
Choose the resource that fits where you are, or save the complete collection. These printable PDFs include guidance, prompts, and space to write. No sign-up required.
Quick-Start Obituary Worksheet
Move from a blank page to a first draft with prompts for the opening, the story, and a meaningful ending.
102 KBThe Story Collector
Explore childhood, relationships, turning points, and everyday details through questions to ask while you still can.
111 KB25 Questions Worth Asking While You Can
Start a conversation with a loved one. Choose one question and see where the story takes you.
71 KBOne Life, More Than One Version
Consider different approaches for a newspaper obituary, family tribute, eulogy, online remembrance, or private family story.
96 KBSensitive Decisions Worksheet
Think through what belongs in the story, what may remain private, and how to approach family disagreements.
116 KBWrite Your Own Obituary Workbook
Reflect on your life, record what matters, and begin shaping the story you would like others to remember.
163 KB01 / For someone you love
Writing an obituary that feels like them
Before you write, gather the basic facts: the person’s full name, important dates, family relationships, and any confirmed service information. Keep those notes separate from your memories so you can check accuracy without losing the thread of the story.
Begin with the person
Think about what made them recognizable. Were they the neighbor who quietly left meals on the porch? The friend who never arrived without a story? Specific details help a reader see a person more clearly than a long list of adjectives.
Invite a few other voices
Ask family or friends for one story, one favorite saying, or one thing they will miss. Choose one person to bring the contributions together. When details are sensitive, talk with the people closest to the deceased and consider the person’s own wishes.
Give the story a simple shape
Open with a glimpse of the person, then weave in the relationships, experiences, and moments that mattered. You don’t have to include every accomplishment or tell everything in chronological order. Finish the obituary focused on the person. Let the practical information come after.
02 / Your own story
Tell your story while you can tell it yourself
Writing your own obituary is an opportunity to preserve your perspective. Start with the people, places, and experiences that shaped you. What are you proud of? What changed your direction? Which ordinary moments would you like someone to remember?
Write in a way that sounds like you. If humor belongs in your story, make room for it. If a particular friendship or quiet act of kindness meant more than a formal achievement, give it space.
Keep a dated copy where someone you trust can find it. Revisit it as your life changes, and make clear which details are personal background and which are wishes for an eventual published obituary.
03 / A eulogy
Say something only you could say
A eulogy can focus on a few moments rather than a whole biography. Begin by briefly explaining your relationship, then choose two or three stories that reveal what the person meant to you.
Use language that feels natural when spoken. Read your draft aloud, check the time available with the service organizer, and leave room to pause. A printed copy with generous spacing can make it easier to find your place.
End with what you will carry forward: a lesson, a habit, a memory, or a simple thank-you.
Questions along the way
Does an obituary have to be formal?
No. Its tone can reflect the person. A traditional structure may feel right, or a more personal opening may capture their spirit. Check the publication’s requirements before submitting.
How long should an obituary be?
Let the intended publication guide you. Newspapers may have word limits or charge by length; online memorials may offer more space. You can keep a fuller family version and create a shorter version for publication.
What if family members remember things differently?
Separate verifiable facts from individual memories. Invite contributions, choose one writer, and agree on who will make final decisions. A shared draft can help everyone review the same version.
Can I include humor?
Yes, when it is affectionate and true to the person. A familiar saying or gentle anecdote can bring recognition and warmth. Consider how the people closest to them will receive it.
Would you prefer help shaping your memories into a finished piece? Explore personal writing support.