Example Obituary
Viewing an example obituary can be helpful in writing one of your own. We always include an example obituary within all of our ready-made funeral program templates but we've also noted one here below. There is no right or wrong way to write an obituary, what matters is that it comes from your heart.
Explore The Funeral Program Site for the best obituary examples you need at this moment. We have a large variety of samples for obituaries you can view to get ideas and inspiration from. You can view a flipping book here of a recent obituary example.
This is a sample of a funeral obituary outline that you may need to write. You will want to make note of this information before actually sitting down to write the obituary. The funeral obituary can be placed within a printed publication such as a newspaper and inserted at length in the funeral service program. You can download our free obituary outline form to help you provide some guidelines on what information you'll need. Start with noting the person’s full name, date of birth and date of death.
- In chronological form, indicate the account of the person’s life starting from place of birth, where they grew up, where they received their education and place of residency for the majority of their life and death. Include a list of schools attended, degrees received, vocation and hobbies, if applicable.
- Make acknowledge to any surviving family members which includes parents, siblings, spouse, children, and grandchildren, if any. The surviving relatives can be listed by name if you desire.
- Make the announcement on when and where the funeral, burial, wake and/or memorial service will take place.
- Conclude with a statement regarding memorial contributions and where they can be sent, if applicable. The initial words can include “In lieu of flowers…” or “Memorial donations may be made to…”
- Make your obituary sound positive and celebrate the life that was lived by including facts about the person’s interest, hobbies, and joys. The people who read your obituary will read it as if walking down memory lane in reflection to his or her life.
Example Obituary
James Anthony Madison September 1945 - December 2000 Resident of Santa Ramon After a courageous 7 year battle with cancer, James passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Ramon. James was born and raised in Sun Valley and graduated from Sun Valley High School. He held a teaching credential and was a 4th grade teacher at Sydney Elementary.
He was one of four children born to the late John and Debbie Smithen and was the beloved husband of Stacy Madison for over 30 years. Jack will forever be remembered by his devoted brothers Timothy, Richard, and the John Madison, loving sisters Carole Cainenes and Kristal Lawrence, beloved children Daniel Madison, Christina Reeder and Melanie Brandon, treasured grandchildren Rickie and Morgan Madison, Carol Ann, Brady and Billy Reed, caring in-laws Ingrid Mallmain, Kip Hanna, Catherina Jackson, Michele Reed, Chadwick Reed and Marilyn Broderick, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.
James loved listening to classical music, playing the piano, laughing, being with his family, having fun with friends and teaching elementary school children.
James touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, December 19th, 2000, at 10am at St. Dominics Funeral Home, 11555 Shamrock Avenue, Dublin, CA 94568. The family requests all donations be sent to the wonderful people who gave such wonderful care for James in his time of need at Kaiser Hospice, 200 Muir Rd., Martinez, CA. Wilson & Kratzer - Danville (925) 555-1111
View our design collection to see our beautiful ready made funeral bulletins and funeral program layout designs.
