How to Write an Obituary (Step-by-Step Guide + Example for a Mother)
If you’re searching for how to write an obituary and don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. Writing an obituary during a time of loss can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to honor someone who meant so much. This step-by-step guide will help you understand what to include, how to structure the obituary, and how to create a meaningful tribute that feels personal and authentic.
If you prefer guided support, you can also use our online obituary-writing tool, which walks you through each section and creates a formatted draft automatically:
Try the obituary builder → [INSERT LINK HERE]
In this guide, you’ll find:
• what to include in an obituary
• an example obituary for a mother (for educational purposes only)
• helpful notes after the example explaining why it works
• alternate wording options
• a fill-in-the-blank template
• common mistakes to avoid
• frequently asked questions
Whether you need a short obituary, something for a celebration of life, or a longer life story, this guide will help you write with clarity and confidence.
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What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a written announcement that shares someone’s passing and highlights important details about their life, relationships, and legacy. Obituaries may appear:
• online
• on funeral home websites
• in newspapers
• on social media
Today, most families choose online obituaries, which allow you to:
• add photos and memories
• update information if needed
• keep the obituary available long-term
• share with relatives anywhere
There is no single correct format—what matters most is that it feels true to the person you’re honoring.
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How to Write an Obituary: Step-by-Step
These steps apply to any obituary, including one for a mother.
1. Begin with basic information
Most obituaries start with:
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
• a gentle phrase about how they passed (optional)
Examples of wording:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “surrounded by family”
• “after a brief illness”
2. Add birth and early life details
Optional elements include:
• birth date and birthplace
• parents’ names
• siblings
• childhood details (optional)
3. Include life milestones
These may include:
• education
• marriage or partner
• children and family life
• career or meaningful roles
• accomplishments
4. Describe personality and passions
This brings the obituary to life:
Examples:
• hobbies (gardening, cooking, reading)
• values (kindness, generosity, faith)
• memorable traits
5. List surviving family members
Often listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children (and spouses)
• grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased relatives
6. Provide service or memorial information
Include:
• date, time, and location
• celebration of life details
• livestream information
• “private service” if applicable
Privacy note: Do not include home addresses.
7. Include memorial preferences (optional)
Examples:
• charity donations
• hospice
• church or organization meaningful to your loved one
Most obituaries are 200–500 words, but online tributes may be longer.
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Example Obituary for a Mother
(For educational and example purposes only — all names and details are fictional)
Mary Elizabeth Thompson, 74, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on July 18, 1950, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mary was the daughter of James and Helen Parker. She graduated from Central High School and later earned her nursing degree before beginning a 38-year career devoted to caring for others at Mission Hospital.
In 1972, Mary married her high-school sweetheart, Robert Thompson, and together they raised three children. She was known for her warm smile, her love of gardening, and the countless homemade meals she delivered to friends and neighbors in need.
Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert; her children, David (Emily), Sarah (Michael), and Rachel (James); and seven grandchildren who were the joy of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Asheville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Mary’s memory.
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Helpful Notes About This Example
This obituary is provided only as a sample to help guide your writing. You can adjust tone, length, and details based on your needs.
Why this example works
Strong opening sentence with all essential information
Balanced life summary (early life + career + family)
Personal and meaningful details
Clear closing with service information and donation preferences
No private or sensitive information included
If this example was helpful and you’re ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → [INSERT LINK HERE]
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Alternate Wording Options
Short obituary
Ideal for newspapers or short announcements:
[Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date]. She is survived by [family members]. A [service type] will be held on [date] at [location].
Obituary written from children
Example:
Our mother, [name], taught us the meaning of [value]…
Cremation-focused wording
Use phrases such as:
• “A private family gathering will be held.”
• “A celebration of life will take place at a later date.”
Faith-based language
Examples:
• “went to be with the Lord”
• include scripture
• mention church involvement
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Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template
You can copy and customize:
[Full Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/after a brief illness/etc.] on [date].
She was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names, optional]. [First name] graduated from [school] and spent [number] years working as a [career/role], where she was known for [qualities/accomplishments].
In [year], she married [spouse’s name], and together they [family highlights]. She will be remembered for [personal traits, hobbies, passions].
[First name] is survived by [list surviving relatives] and preceded in death by [names, if applicable].
A [service type] will be held on [date/time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, [donation preference].
When you're ready to save, edit, and publish your obituary online, you can do it here:
Start your obituary (no commitment to begin) → [INSERT LINK HERE]
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• trying to make it perfect
• including home addresses
• adding unnecessary medical details
• switching between name formats
• skipping family review before publishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start writing an obituary?
Begin with:
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
How long should an obituary be?
Most are 200–500 words, but online obituaries may be longer.
Should I include cause of death?
It is optional—share only what feels comfortable.
Is there a correct obituary format?
No—use a structure that feels right for your family.
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Final Thoughts
Learning how to write an obituary is not about perfection—it’s about honoring a life. Take your time, gather input from family, and write from the heart.
With RemembrLink, you can:
• write an obituary using our guided template tool
• save drafts and make changes at any time
• add photos and personal details
• publish and share with family and friends
Begin your obituary here → [INSERT LINK HERE]
Begin your obituary here → [INSERT LINK HERE]
Begin your obituary here → [INSERT LINK HERE]