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 can feel overwhelming—especially during a time of loss. This step-by-step guide will help you understand what to include, how to structure it, and how to create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one.
If you’re ready to begin writing now, you can start your obituary at your own pace using our online obituary builder:
Start your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
In this guide, you’ll find:
• a simple structure to follow
• 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 obituary template
• 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 confidence and clarity.
________________________________________
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a written announcement that shares a person’s passing and highlights important details about their life, relationships, and legacy. Today, many families choose to publish obituaries online, where they can:
• add photos and memories
• update information if needed
• share with family and friends
• keep the obituary available long-term
There is no single correct format—your obituary should simply feel true to the person you are honoring.
________________________________________
How to Write an Obituary: Step-by-Step
You can use these steps for any obituary, including one for a mother, father, spouse, or another family member.
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:
• “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
• meaningful childhood details
3. Include key life milestones
These may include:
• education
• marriage or partner
• children and family life
• career or military service
• accomplishments or recognitions
4. Describe personality and passions
This brings the obituary to life:
• hobbies (gardening, cooking, fishing)
• personal qualities (kindness, humor, patience)
• community involvement
5. List surviving family members
Often listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children (and spouses)
• grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased relatives (optional)
6. Provide service or memorial information
Include what is helpful:
• date, time, location
• celebration of life details
• private or public service
• livestream information
Privacy note: Do not include a home address.
7. Include memorial preferences (optional)
Examples:
• charity donations
• hospice or church
• flowers welcomed or not
Most obituaries are 200–500 words, but online tributes can be longer.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
Helpful Notes About This Example
This obituary is provided only as an example to help guide your writing. You can adjust the tone, length, and details according to your needs.
Why this example works
• begins with essential information
• balances facts with personality
• avoids private or sensitive details
• ends with clear service information
If this example was helpful and you’re ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
________________________________________
Alternate Wording Options
Short obituary
Ideal for newspapers or 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
In first-person:
Our mother, [name], taught us the meaning of [value]…
Cremation-focused wording
Examples:
• “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
________________________________________
Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template
You can copy and customize this template:
[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) → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
________________________________________
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• trying to make it perfect
• including too many details
• publishing home addresses
• switching between name formats
• writing without allowing family review
________________________________________
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 can be longer.
What should not be included?
Avoid:
• home address
• financial or medical details
• sensitive personal information
Is there a correct format?
No—use whatever structure feels right for your family.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts
Learning how to write an obituary is not about perfection—it’s about honoring a life. Take your time, collect input from family, and write from the heart.
With RemembrLink, you can:
• write an obituary at your own pace
• save drafts and make edits anytime
• add photos and memories
• publish and share with family and friends
Begin your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray