if you need to learn how to write an obituary, one of the best ways is to look at samples of well-written obituaries that have been published recently.
Here at Legacy.com, we see thousands of obituaries every week. So we’ve assembled on this page examples of obituaries that are loving, thoughtful, and memorable, to help you find inspiration for your own family’s storytelling.
Remember that when crafting an obituary, the content should capture the essence of the departed’s life and legacy.
10 Inspiring Obituary Examples
Key components of an obituary should include:
Announcement of Passing: Full name, age, residence, and date of death. Cause of death is optional; many families choose not to list it.
Biographical Sketch: This outlines significant life milestones, such as career achievements, hobbies, military service, and defining personality traits. Length is entirely at your discretion; some are long and detailed, others are short and to the point.
Family Members: First list surviving relatives, focusing on the immediate family—spouse, children and their spouses, grandchildren, parents, and siblings—then acknowledge predeceased family members, also with a focus on immediate family.
Memorial Service Details: Provide specifics about the funeral or memorial services, including dates, times, and venues, or note the absence of a public service. If you prefer donations to a cause rather than flowers, mention it here.
Closing Sentiments: May include special messages, favorite quotes, or specific requests, such as charitable donations in lieu of flowers.
These are the basics that most obituaries will include, but as the examples below will show you, the details of how to present them can vary wildly.
(You may also want to consider one of our basic obituary template examples or, if you need something even simpler and faster, our free online ObitWriter tool to turn your information into an instant obituary.)
Example Obituary for a Mother
How do you put into words just how much your mother’s life meant? After all, there are few familial connections more important than the connection someone has to their mother. Summing it up in an obituary can seem like a daunting task, but this family did a wonderful job of paying tribute to their beloved mom, writing an in-depth obituary that shows just how extraordinary an “ordinary” life can be. We love this one because it highlights so many small but notable things that made the deceased a beloved figure in the family’s life. It serves as a heartwarming example of how to honor someone who gave so much to you:
"Nancy’s friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From phone call chats to joint family outings, to sharing informal and formal meals and entertaining, to class reunions, to adventures near and far, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty, Nancy was up for it all… She was the friend who would drive you to your chemo appointment just as freely as she would join you for lunch. She was known to drop off a bouquet of flowers at your front door just because. Nancy knew that friendships, like gardens, take work to maintain, and she was willing to put in the effort, thus got to reap the rewards." (Read more of this obituary for a mother.)
Obituary Sample for a Mother
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], beloved mother to [number of children] children, [age], of [city, state], passed away [where/of what] on [date], leaving a void her family cannot fill.
[She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[Deceased’s First Name] was a devoted mother to [Name or Names of children], her pride and joy. She always said their birth changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love and support she provided.
[First name] took special joy in [mention aspect of parenthood], and had fond memories of [mention a particular family memory here related to their child/children].
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members], who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [charity name] in her name are appreciated.
Related Examples for Mom: How to Write an Obituary for Mom
Obituary Example for a Father
Many families find themselves trying to figure out how to say “Dad was hard-working and dedicated” while also making it personal, especially if you had the kind of father who did not like to be celebrated. Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, but he still deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. This family’s obituary for their father shows how you can say big, important things by simply being respectful about the small details – which may be just what this Dad would have wanted. It also makes a point to mention the hobbies and interest that helped define who he was. As you can see, he left his mark on his children:
"Dad, we will miss you, immensely. You were our “go-to” when life got rough, you were our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on, and although you were a straight shooter, you always got your point across without judgement, and always provided us sound advice. You always made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through. You always gave it 110% and never stopped fighting for what’s right. Because of you, we have the hearts of a lion, the love of our family, and an insane work ethic." (Read more of this obituary for a father.)
Related Examples for Dad: 14 Examples of Obituaries for a Father
Short Obituary Example
You don’t have to be a professional writer to write a truly meaningful obituary. This family’s obituary for a much-loved grandmother is just one paragraph, and all the sentences are short, simple, and to the point. But every single statement shines a new light on who she was, discussing her love of reading, the things that interested her, and her curiosity about the world around her. As you can see from this excerpt, she left her family with fond memories:
"She took pride in her Halloween decorations, inside and outside of the house. She also loved Christmas, and had even more impressive decor. Above all else, Nancy had a wonderful fascination with nature and entomology, especially spiders. She believed in never harming them, and often reminded others of their importance. Every fall when the weather started getting chilly, she would meet new spiders and name them “Charlie” and “Charlotte.” (Read more of this short obituary that says a lot.)
Short Obituary Example:
Our adored [Full Name], [Age], of [City, State], unexpectedly passed away on [Death Date].
Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent's Names], [He/She] was a beloved [Relationship - e.g., father, mother, friend] and [Profession/Title].[He/She] is survived by [List of Surviving Family Members] and will be deeply missed by all who knew [Him/Her].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to [Charity Name] that inspired them so much.
Write Your Own Obituary Example
More and more people are writing their own obituaries while they’re still around to have their say. Here’s an example of one great-grandparent who summed up 85 years’ worth of memories into just four paragraphs of thank-yous to the people who meant the most to her, and it’s a delight to read. She is warm, caring, and thankful for a life well-lived, making this an excellent example of how to say goodbye with grace, charm, and gratitude:
I have so many things to be thankful for in this lifetime that I have had on earth. First and foremost is that I was fortunate to be raised in a home with loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and my beloved sibling… Didn’t we have some great times! We weren’t rich in material things, but we were wealthy beyond belief in family and love. Every holiday was a reason to get together and enjoy family. (Read more of this first-person self-written obituary.)
Obituary for a Grandfather Example
One of the amazing things about grandparents is just how much life they have experienced. This family’s tribute to their grandfather includes his youthful origins, his long and impressive career, and his fascinating stories. The writer does not get fancy or overly creative, instead letting the deceased’s life speak for itself. They chronicle all the ups and downs, from school to career to what their loved one enjoyed in their leisure time. It’s capped off with a personal tribute to what an interesting person the departed was:
He had an exceptional long-term memory, regaling friends and family with tales about growing up during the Depression, working summer jobs as a short order cook on the railroads in the Western U.S., toiling in a slaughterhouse, being in a segregated Navy, inspecting salmon plants in Alaska, skiing in Colorado in the 1950’s, and more. (Read more of this obituary for a grandfather.)
Obituary Example for a Grandmother (and World Traveler)
It’s sometimes easy to forget that before they were “Grandma” or “Grandpa,” our grandparents were active, vibrant people who lived rich, full lives that in some cases spanned the globe. So remember, when writing about your grandmother, you want to capture her unique essence—whether she’s a total homebody, a fixture of the neighborhood, or a world traveler. For instance, here’s a remembrance of one family’s glamorous grandmother captures her globetrotting adventures, her love of the arts, and how these things inspired her family:
As adults, Lavona’s children wanted to be her friend — and their friends wanted to be her friend, too. And why not? Lavona loved an inside joke and another glass of wine. If there was a dance floor, she was on it. Every well-prepared meal was the best she had ever had. Every trip she took was the best she had ever taken. She was an observer and a reader. She lit up a room and loved life — in all its dimensions. (Read more of this obituary for a grandmother.)
Obituary for an Aunt Example
If you are the relative who was closest to your sibling, aunt, or uncle, you want to do their life story justice. That’s what this family did in their proud obituary for a true Renaissance woman, highlighting her many talents, accomplishments, and community connections. Their respect and admiration comes across clearly, as this obituary focuses on the departed’s education, the depth of their knowledge, their love of the arts, and their passion for social causes. Reading this, it’s easy to see why they respected her so much. It’s filled with personal stories that paint a picture of a life well led:
Wahru was passionate about many social causes, and gave generously of her time, money, and talent for the benefit of others. Her many volunteering efforts included: Pathways, Central Community House, senior centers, Girlz Rhythm n’ Rock Camp, Marysville Reformatory for Women, and immigration services. Wahru promoted good health, teaching smoking cessation workshops, and was a champion of voting rights, providing education regarding voting machines and current laws. (Read more of this obituary for an aunt.)
Obituary for a Teacher Example
Some people leave a tremendous legacy through the groups and institutions where they work, play, and contribute. Few have a greater impact on others than teachers, who play a major role in so many young lives. This family’s tribute to a kind, compassionate, and inspirational man celebrates his work as a music teacher and a church leader. In simple, direct terms, it details his journey through life, with each step a milestone in making him the talented and deeply religious man he was:
John leaves an indelible impression on those who called him son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, sojourner, teacher, mentor, and chaplain. John’s brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know him. (Read more of this obituary for a teacher.)
Obituary Example - Veteran
For many people, their military service is one of the most significant facts of their life story. Here’s an example of how one family included their father’s U.S. Army service in his obituary while painting an overall picture of an impressive man. This obituary details his time in the service with admiration and respect, and then showcases how that service was reflected in his later years, both through his many interests and hobbies, as well as in his post-military career as a police officer. The result is a complete picture of who the deceased was in life:
In the 73 years that John lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papa, an uncle and a friend. John truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or his arms for a hug. John wasn’t just present; he was fully present 100% of the time. John didn’t just live for his happiness but for the happiness of others. (Read more of this obituary for a veteran & police officer.)
Obituary Sample - Veteran
[Full Name], [Age], of [Residence], passed away peacefully on [Date of Death], surrounded by his loving family. Born on [Date of Birth], [First Name] dedicated his life to service, both in the military and in his community.
[First Name] proudly served in the [Branch of Military] from [Start Year] to [End Year], achieving the rank of [Rank]. His military career took him to various parts of the world, including tours in [Locations of Service], where he earned numerous commendations for his bravery and leadership. His commitment to his country was unwavering, and he was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.
Following his distinguished military service, [First Name] continued to serve his community as a [Post-Military Career, e.g., police officer] with the [Name of Department/Organization], where he worked for [Number] years. Known for his [positive traits related to the career, e.g., dedication, fairness, and compassion], he left a lasting impact on those he served and worked alongside.
In his retirement, [First Name] enjoyed [Hobbies/Interests, e.g., woodworking, fishing, and volunteering at the local veterans' center]. He was also an avid [Interest, e.g., historian], particularly interested in [Specific Interest, e.g., military history], and enjoyed sharing stories and knowledge with his grandchildren.
[First Name] is survived by his beloved [Relation, e.g., wife] of [Number] years, [Spouse’s Name]; his children, [Children’s Names]; his grandchildren, [Grandchildren’s Names]; and his [Other Relations, e.g., brother, sister], [Sibling’s Name]. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends.
A funeral service to honor [First Name]’s life and service will be held at [Time] on [Date] at [Location], [Address of the Location]. Military honors will be rendered at the graveside at [Cemetery Name].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity or Cause], in [First Name]’s memory, to support [briefly describe the cause, e.g., fellow veterans in need].
Obituary Example - Great-Grandparent
Those of us who were privileged to have living great-grandparents know that our oldest relatives grew up in a different world. This family’s obituary for a great-grandmother tells the saga of how she grew up overseas, survived hardship during an unthinkable war, and eventually came to live as an American. Knowing how much they saw in their 97 years, the family was sure to chronicle as much of it as possible, and in doing so told an inspirational story about a person who never stopped striving for a better life. It’s hard to read this and not come away with respect for who they were:
Gloria learned about survival and resilience during World War II. When Japan attacked the American and European territories in the Pacific in December 1941, Gloria was fifteen, attending school away from her hometown, and living with her father’s relatives in another island. Amid the ensuing chaos of the advancing invasion, she was separated from her relatives, ended up on the island of Mindanao, and wandered and lived mostly among strangers… Gloria was only united with her family after the war ended in 1945. (Read more of this obituary for a great-grandmother.)
Obituary Example for a Funeral Announcement
[Full Name], [Age], of [Residence], passed away on [Date of Death] due to [Cause of Death]. [He/She/They] [was/were] a beloved [relation/occupation], cherished by all who knew [him/her/them].
A funeral service to honor [Full Name]'s life will be held at [Time] on [Date] at [Location], [Address of the Location]. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate [his/her/their] remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity or Cause], in [Full Name]’s memory, to continue [his/her/their] legacy of [briefly describe the cause, e.g., helping others, community service].
