Wording a goodbye: 5 obituary templates
Losing someone you love is shattering. In the midst of grief, the immediate pressure to inform extended family, friends, and the community can feel overwhelming.
Suddenly, you are tasked with summarizing a precious life into a few paragraphs. You are juggling committee meetings, funeral arrangements, and finances, all while staring at a blank page trying to find the right words.
To help lift a small part of the burden, we have compiled five distinct obituary templates. They cover different tones and situations, from formal announcements suitable for newspapers to shorter versions designed for social platforms.
You can copy, paste, and customize these templates to honor your loved one fittingly.
To help lift a small part of the burden, we have compiled five distinct obituary templates. They cover different tones and situations, from formal announcements suitable for newspapers to shorter versions designed for social platforms. You can copy, paste, and customize these templates to honor your loved one fittingly.
The Essential Checklist: What Must Be Included?
Before looking at the templates, ensure you have these key details ready. A complete announcement typically includes:
- Full Name of the Deceased (and any nicknames they were widely known by).
- Their Role: (e.g., Beloved husband of…, devoted mother to…, son of…).
- Age or Year of Birth/Death (optional but common).
- Cause of death (Briefly, e.g., “after a short illness”. It is also acceptable to omit this).
- Family details: Listing parents, spouse, children, and siblings is culturally very important.
- Funeral & Burial Arrangements: Dates, times, and venues for the service and burial.
- Cortège Details: When the body leaves the mortuary.
TEMPLATE 1: THE FORMAL & TRADITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Suitable for official newspaper publications.
[Headline: e.g., DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT] It is with deep sorrow [ and humble acceptance of God’s will] that we announce the passing of [Full Name], affectionately known as [Nickname], of [Home Area/Village].
He/She was the beloved husband/wife of [ Spouse’s Name]. A devoted father/mother to [ List Children’s Names]. Son/Daughter of the late [ Father’s Name] and [ Mother’s Name]. Son-in-law/Daughter-in-law to [ Names]. Brother/Sister to [ List Siblings’ Names]. Doting grandfather/grandmother to [ List Grandchildren’s Names].
The cortège leaves [ Name of Mortuary] on [ Day of week, Date] at [ Time] for a funeral service at [ Church/Venue Name] starting at [ Time]. Thereafter, he/she will be laid to rest at their family home in [ Village, County]. Family and friends are meeting daily at [Venue/Home location] from [Time] for prayers and funeral arrangements. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord.
Template 2: The Faith-Based/Religious Announcement
Focuses on spiritual comfort
[Headline: PROMOTED TO GLORY]
We celebrate the life of [Full Name] who was called home to be with the Lord on [Date of Death]. Beloved [role, e.g., wife/husband/parent] of [Names].
Though we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope. We are comforted knowing he/she is resting peacefully in the arms of his/her Maker.
A thanksgiving service will be held at [Church Name] on [Date] at [Time]. The burial will follow at [Location].
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Template 3: The Short & Direct (Ideal for Social Media)
When you need to get the essential information out quickly to large groups.
SAD NEWS: PASSING OF **[NAME]
Friends and Family,
It is with heavy hearts we inform you of the passing of our beloved [Name & Nickname] on [Date]. We are devastated but holding onto each other for strength during this time.
Funeral Arrangements:
- Service: [Date] at [Venue], [Time].
- Burial: [Location/Village] following the service.
Family and friends are meeting at [Location] at [Time].
Your prayers and support are appreciated. Please keep the entire [Family Name] family in your prayers.
Template 4: The Celebration of Life
A tone of gratitude for a long life well-lived.
[Headline: A LIFE WELL LIVED: CELEBRATING MZEE/CUCU **[NAME]]
We give thanks to the Almighty for the long, fruitful life of our patriarch/matriarch, [Full Name], aged [Age]. He/she rested peacefully on [Date].
Mzee/Cucu was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love in our community in [Area]. He/she leaves behind a rich legacy carried on by his/her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
We will celebrate his/her remarkable journey on [Date of Funeral]. The service will be held at [Venue], followed by interment at the family grounds in [Location].
Template 5: The Gentle Announcement
For Sudden or Tragic Loss
[Headline: IN LOVING MEMORY]
We are heartbroken to share the sudden and untimely passing of our cherished [Full Name] on [Date]. [Name] brought incredible light and joy to everyone who knew them. Their sudden departure has left a void that can never be filled.
A service to honor [Name]’s memory will take place on [Date] at [Venue]. We will lay them to rest at [Location].
Forever in our hearts.
A Final thought: Sharing Their Story
Writing these words down is an incredibly difficult act of love. Once you have crafted the right tribute, the next crucial step is ensuring everyone who cared about them gets a chance to see it.
If you are looking for a dignified, central place to host this tribute, a space where friends near and far can read their story, view photos, and leave condolences anytime, forever, we have built https://rip.ke/ for exactly that purpose.
It is a simple, respectful way to create a lasting digital home for their memory when you are ready. Learn more about creating a permanent memorial here. https://rip.ke/post/
