Understanding the Importance of Obituaries
An obituary is more than just a public notice of a person’s death; it is a celebration of their life and an essential part of the grieving process. It provides a detailed account of the deceased’s life, achievements, and the legacy they leave behind. Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, especially during a time of grief. This guide will help you craft a meaningful obituary, focusing on the ‘survived by’ section, with examples to guide you.
What Does ‘Survived By’ Mean in an Obituary?
The ‘survived by’ section of an obituary lists the deceased’s closest family members who are still living. This part of the obituary acknowledges the loved ones left behind and can include spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and sometimes extended family or close friends. It’s a way to honor those who were significant in the deceased’s life and to show the continuity of their family legacy.
How to Write the ‘Survived By’ Section
- Start with Immediate Family: Begin by listing the closest surviving family members, such as the spouse and children. For example, “John is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and their three children, Sarah, Michael, and Emily.”
- Include Extended Family: If desired, you can extend this section to include grandchildren, siblings, and parents. For example, “He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Linda, and his sister, Jane.”
- Consider Close Friends: Sometimes, close friends are considered family. They can be included if they played a significant role in the deceased’s life.
- Use Full Names: Use full names to avoid confusion and to show respect to the individuals being mentioned.
Examples of ‘Survived By’ Sections
Here are some examples to help guide you:
- “Mary is survived by her husband, John, her daughters, Anna and Grace, and her grandchildren, Lily and Jack.”
- “He leaves behind his devoted wife, Susan, his sons, David and Mark, and his beloved dog, Max.”
- “Survived by her brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Karen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.”
Writing a Complete Obituary
When writing an obituary, it’s important to include various sections to provide a comprehensive tribute. Here’s a suggested structure:
- Announcement of Death: Begin with a simple announcement of the person’s passing, including their name, age, and place of death.
- Biographical Information: Include important life events, achievements, and hobbies.
- Family Information: This is where the ‘survived by’ section will be included.
- Service Information: Provide details about the funeral or memorial service, including date, time, and location.
- Memorial Contributions: If applicable, suggest where donations can be made in the deceased’s honor.
Using Obituary Templates and Tools
At QuickFuneral.com, we offer a range of funeral invitation templates and an AI obituary writer tool to assist you in crafting a heartfelt tribute. These resources are designed to make the process easier and to ensure that every detail is beautifully captured.
FAQs about Writing Obituaries
- What should I include in an obituary?
Include the deceased’s name, age, brief life history, family members, and funeral service details. - How long should an obituary be?
It typically ranges from 200 to 500 words, but it can be longer if desired. - Can I write my own obituary?
Yes, pre-planning your obituary can ensure your life story is told as you wish. - Should I include cause of death?
This is optional and based on family preference. - How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?
Contact the newspaper directly for submission guidelines and deadlines. - What is the cost of publishing an obituary?
Costs vary by publication; some may offer free online listings.
Access All Obituary Templates
For more resources and templates, visit our obituary templates page to find the perfect template for your needs.