Eulogies & Obituaries
Funeral Planning
Eulogies & Obituaries
Writing a meaningful eulogy or obituary can feel overwhelming, even for experienced speakers. We’ve gathered helpful resources to guide you through the process and honor your loved one’s memory.
Eulogies
Giving a eulogy can feel intimidating, but it’s also a meaningful way to honor someone’s life. To create a memorable eulogy:
Gather Information – Talk to family, friends, and colleagues to learn about the person’s relationships, career, hobbies, travels, and accomplishments.
Organize Your Thoughts – Make an outline to structure your speech.
Write It Down – Avoid improvising. Use a clear, readable format and keep it concise.
Review and Revise – Take a break after your first draft and refine it with fresh eyes.
Practice – Read it aloud multiple times, get feedback, and become comfortable with the delivery.
Balance Humor and Respect – Include lighthearted stories if appropriate, but keep it tasteful and inclusive.
Show Emotion – Don’t be afraid to cry; it’s natural. Have a backup speaker ready if emotions become overwhelming.
Prepare Practical Details – Keep water and tissues nearby for the speech.
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
Obituaries
Writing an obituary is a difficult and emotional task, but using a structured approach can make the process easier. Start by gathering information from family and friends about the deceased’s life, including their childhood, education, career, hobbies, interests, achievements, and any community or charitable involvement. Contact the funeral home to confirm details about the date, time, and location of the funeral, visitation, or other related events.
A properly structured obituary typically includes the following elements:
Full Name, Age, and Residence – Include the deceased’s given name, middle name (and nickname, if applicable), surname, age, and the city and state where they lived.
Date and Place of Death – State when and where the person passed away.
Funeral and Burial Information – Include details about the funeral service (location, date, time, and officiant), burial (cemetery name and location), and visitation. Mention the funeral home handling arrangements.
Birth Information – Include date and place of birth and the names of the parents.
Education and Career – Describe schools attended, degrees or certificates earned, jobs held, and any significant career milestones.
Hobbies, Interests, Achievements, and Community Involvement – Share the deceased’s passions, awards, honors, or organizations they were involved with.
Survivors and Predeceased Family Members – List surviving family members (spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews) and predeceased family members.
Memorial Donations – If applicable, include information about charitable organizations where donations can be made in memory of the deceased.
Closing Words – End with a personal tribute or final words that reflect the deceased’s life and legacy.
Tips for Writing an Obituary:
Use a template to ensure all necessary information is included. Templates are a helpful starting point, but feel free to adjust wording to make the obituary personal and reflective of the deceased’s unique life.
Keep it concise and structured, especially since many newspapers charge by the word.
Be mindful of tone – an obituary should honor and celebrate the deceased while providing key information for friends, family, and the community.
By following these steps, you can write a clear, respectful, and complete obituary that honors the life of your loved one while providing essential details for those wishing to pay their respects.