Writing an Obituary
Note: The following is simply a guide to assist you with composing an obituary. One of our Funeral Directors will assist with any final touches, as well as ensuring that the Obituary is published in any Newspaper at your request.
To avoid any mistakes, printing rather then handwriting is preferred. If you are typing the obituary please provide Foster & McGarvey with a hard copy as well as a saved copy on either a disk or C.D.
What Is An Obituary?
An Obituary may be the first thing we read in the news each day... and, for most of us, it likely will be the last word written about our lives. More than merely a 'good-bye' to the deceased, this is a farewell, which can, in chronological order, detail the life of the deceased. An obituary also serves as notification that an individual has passed away and details of the services that are to take place. An obituary's length may be somewhat dictated by the cost related to publishing in the newspaper it is to appear in. Therefore it's best to be aware of the "line rate" for each paper you wish for the obituary to appear in before you begin your composition.
People often save obituaries as remembrances of someone they loved, make sure it is something worthy of a scrap book and worthy of your loved ones' memory.
What To Include?
Announcement, Biographical, Scheduled Services, and Memorials
Announcement
Naturally, it is important that the full name, along with the date of passing be included. You may wish to consider placing a photograph (which can appear as black & white) with the text. There are usually extra charges applied if you are thinking of using a photograph.
Biographical
Information
In a concise manner, write about the significant events in the life of the deceased. This may include the schools he or she attended and any degrees attained; you may also include any vocations or interests that the deceased was involved with.
Survivors and Predeceased Information
It is common to include a list of those who have survived the deceased, as well as immediate family members who were predeceased.
- Parents
- Spouse and children
- Adopted children
- Half & step children
- Siblings
- Half & step siblings
- Grandchildren
The surviving relatives listed above may be listed by name. Other relatives may not be mentioned by name but may be included in terms of their relationship to the deceased. In other words, the obituary may mention that the deceased had 5 grandchildren; 7 nieces etc.
Scheduled
Ceremonies
At this point list the details of the Scheduled Services - time, date and address, these may include the funeral, visitations, burial and memorial service when appropriate.
Memorials
Here you can list the Name and Mailing Address of a foundation or Society that you wish to direct any Memorial Gifts made in honor of your loved one. For some the decision as to which Foundation or Society to support is based on areas of interest or values that their loved one expressed during his or her lifetime. For others it may be based on a Medical condition in which their loved one lived with and they wish to support that particular cause in further research.
We encourage you to refrain from using the phrase "in lieu of flowers." when memorial donations are to be requested. Instead merely start the final paragraph of the obituary with the words "Memorial donations may be made to.."
Final Considerations
All information included in the obituary should be verified with another family member. Have them assist you in confirming the dates, those who should be mentioned, correct spelling of names, and the details regarding the Scheduled funeral service.
If you don't know where to start, do read other obituaries to gain an idea of how personal and touching an obituary may be. (Click here to read sample obituaries)
Do consider what dates and newspapers (both local and out of town) you wish your funeral director to publish the obituary.
Suggested wording:
- It is with great sadness that the family of (deceased name) announce (his/her) passing
- (Deceased name) will be sadly missed by ..
- Fondly remembered by.
- Forever remembered by.
- Lovingly remembered by.
- Wife or husband and best friend of # # years.
- A Celebration of (deceased name) life will be held on.
Click here to read sample obituaries.
Obituary Samples
The following are three fictitious examples for Obituary formats:
Jasko, William Blake
It is with great sadness that the family of William Blake Jasko announces his passing after a brief illness, on Saturday, April 3, 2002, at the age of 70 years.
Bill will be loving remembered by his wife of 50 years, Ann and his children, Mike (Judy), Brad (Jill), Sue (Dan) Armandeau, and Ryan (Heidi). Bill will also be fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren, Brandy, Kala, Jack, Phillip, Jonah, Mackenzie, Paul, Austin, by his sisters, Ann (Joe) Kispinski, Eileen Rudolph and sister-in-law Anne Jasko. Bill was predeceased by his brother Anton Jasko.
A Funeral Service in Memory of Bill will be held on Thursday, April 7, at 1:00 P.M., at the Sherwood Park Presbyterian Church, 265 Fir Street, Sherwood Park, with Reverend Glenn Ball officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at South Haven Cemetery.
Those who so desire may make Memorial Donations in memory of Bill to the (name and mailing address of Foundation/Society).
Keen, Andrea (nee Goreman)
On Monday, February 3, 2001 Andrea Keen wife, mother, daughter, and sister passed away suddenly at the age of 36 years. Andrea will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend Greg and their precious children, Cody and Pamela. By her parents Jack and Ann Goreman, her brothers and sisters, Andrew (Jill), Ken (Hope), Kim (Justin) Halow, and Tianna (Wade) O'Halen. Andrea will also be forever by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 7:00 P.M., at Foster & McGarvey St. Albert Chapel, 9 Muir Street, St. Alberta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Andrea on Friday, February 7, at 10:00 A.M., at Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Albert., with Father Shayne Craig presiding.
Memorial Donations in memory of Andrea may be made to (name and mailing address of Foundation/Society).
Wallace, Colin "Sage"
Colin Wallace "Sage" as his friends knew him, passed away on September 4, 2000, at the age of 78 years.
A native of Mornville, "Sage" attended the University of Alberta and graduate from law and practiced in the St. Alberta area, prior to receiving his appointment to the Alberta Supreme Court.
In 1949, he began his law career with Scdinler and Louch where he was to spend his entire time in private practice. In 1958 he was appointed Crown Prosecutor. And in 1962 was appointed Justice of Family Court, where he served until 1967 when he was appointed to the Alberta Supreme Court.
"Sage" served on the boards of numerous foundations, as well as the 1975 Commonwealth Games, Parkinson Research Foundation, and he chaired the Alberta Toastmasters for 3 years.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary (nee: Brodeur), sons, Colin, Jr. and Adam; ten grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
A Celebration of "Sages" life will be held on Monday, September 7, at 9 A.M. at the Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street, Edmonton, with Reverend Jack O'Grady officiating.
Memorial Donations in memory of "Sage" can be made to (name and mailing address of Foundation/Society).
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