Staunton News Leader Obituary FAQ (2024)

Staunton News Leader Obituary FAQ (2024)

FAQs

What should you not include in an obituary? ›

In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).

What is an example of a well written obituary? ›

Obituary Example 1:

Our beloved [full name] tragically left us on [date of death]. Loved and missed by [list of family members]. [First name]'s passion for [hobbies/interests] touched all who knew them. Contributions to [charity], a cause close to their heart, are appreciated.”

What information to include in an obituary? ›

Well-Written Obituaries
  • Parents' names.
  • Information about the spouse and children.
  • Church affiliations.
  • Job or career information.
  • Personal and professional accomplishments.
  • Personal character and interests.
  • Influence on his or her community.

Do you include siblings and spouses in an obituary? ›

Typically siblings and their spouses names are also included.

Do you include estranged family members in an obituary? ›

In general, it's best to avoid leaving out essential family members‚ even if they're estranged. This could cause hurt feelings.

What is the last sentence of an obituary? ›

Some families make the final line a dedication honoring their loved one. Phrases like “We will always carry your memory in our hearts,” or perhaps a favorite quote of your loved one are heartfelt and personal. Other families select a short prayer, a religious quotation, or a line from a poem to place at the end.

How do you write an unforgettable obituary? ›

How to Write an Obituary That Is Creative and Memorable
  1. Ask questions & collaborate with the family. ...
  2. Add some emotion. ...
  3. Experiment with humor. ...
  4. Give friends and family members an easy way to share the obituary. ...
  5. Make the obituary easy to find on your website. ...
  6. Encourage visitors to post memories and messages. ...
  7. Incorporate videos.
Mar 15, 2016

What is the best obituary ever written? ›

The obituary of 82-year-old Connecticuter Joe Heller, penned by his daughter Monique Heller, was praised as the “best obituary ever” by The New York Times, which also profiled Heller's “wacky” funeral, a casual affair that saw his coffin carried off in a vintage Mack fire truck.

Why would a family not do an obituary? ›

Obituaries are not required by law , so the deceased's family might have chosen to forego publishing one. Publishing an obituary can be expensive , and the funds may be unavailable. The deceased has few family members or friends , so there might have, unfortunately, been no need for an obituary.

What does it mean when someone passes away suddenly? ›

A sudden death is an unanticipated death

While sudden deaths have very different causes, what unites them all is that they are unexpected and consequently unanticipated. The people bereaved by these deaths have no time to prepare for their loss, or say goodbye.

What does "died tragically" mean in an obituary? ›

Finding the hidden meanings in obituary euphemisms can tell the story of an unclear death. Tragically usually denotes an accident. Suddenly indicates suicide more often than not. Unexpectedly cuts closer to suicide.

What makes a great obituary? ›

Beyond that, an obituary is meant to provide context about the deceased and help tell the story about who they were and the life they led. To achieve this, it should include brief anecdotes that illustrate their personality or how they spent their time, and their accomplishments or contributions to their community.

How do you make an obituary special? ›

Make it personal

To write a great obituary, it's important to capture the spirit of the loved one who has passed. Compose a paragraph that describes not only what your loved one did, but also what your loved one was like. For example, focus on hobbies, passions, and personal characteristics.

What is a good short obituary example? ›

[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.

How do you make an obituary stand out? ›

How to Write an Obituary That Is Creative and Memorable
  1. Ask questions & collaborate with the family. ...
  2. Add some emotion. ...
  3. Experiment with humor. ...
  4. Give friends and family members an easy way to share the obituary. ...
  5. Make the obituary easy to find on your website. ...
  6. Encourage visitors to post memories and messages. ...
  7. Incorporate videos.
Mar 15, 2016

What makes for a good obituary? ›

An obituary tends to have three distinct parts: the beginning (name, age, date of death, cause of death [if possible to include], work, education); the middle (anecdotes that celebrate the person's life); and the end (so-and-so is survived by, which Chang calls “a very efficient way of saying who's grieving.”)

Why would a family not post an obituary? ›

In some cases, the deceased person may have explicitly requested not to have an obituary written, or the family may feel they would not have wanted one. Additionally, some families may be concerned about privacy or wish to keep the details of their loved one's passing private.

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