Losing a loved one is an incredibly heavy experience, and suddenly being tasked with summarising their entire life can feel overwhelming. You want to honour them properly, but where do you even begin? Knowing how to make an obituary is a practical way to share the news of a passing while celebrating a life well-lived.
This guide will walk you through the process, from the first sentence to the final tribute, ensuring you have the clarity needed during this difficult time.
How To Create An Obituary From Scratch
Writing an obituary is often a practical project management task handed to family members during a time of intense grief. To move through this process without becoming overwhelmed, treat it as a step-by-step logistical project.
Phase 1: Gather Core Facts
The first step is gathering essential details to remove confusion and find clarity in the chaos. You will need:
- Identification: The deceased’s full name, age, and dates of birth and death.
- Wake Details: Locations in Singapore typically include HDB void decks, funeral parlours, or private residences.
- Arrangement Logistics: Final rites, cremation details (such as Mandai Crematorium), or burial plans.
Phase 2: Drafting the Narrative
Once the facts are gathered, you can begin to add a “life sketch” that reflects the person’s memory properly.
- Announcement: Start with a simple statement of the passing.
- Key Milestones: Highlight significant achievements, such as their career, education, or contributions to the community.
- The Next-of-Kin (NOK): List surviving family members, starting with the closest living relatives.
- The Funeral Butler Concept: If you are using professional services, ensure the logistics of the wake—such as altar maintenance and supply replenishment—are handled so you can focus on sharing memories with family.
How To Write An Obituary Example For Family
When writing for a close relative, the tone becomes more personal. For instance, if you are learning how to write an obituary for a mother, you might focus on her nurturing nature, her famous home-cooked meals, or her dedication to the family.
Example: Mary Tan, aged 72, passed away peacefully on 15 March 2026. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was the heart of our home. Her kindness and sharp wit will be missed by all who knew her.
If you are figuring out how to write an obituary for a brother, you might highlight his hobbies, his career achievements, or the bond you shared growing up. Using a specific how-to-write-an-obituary example gives you a starting point so you are not staring at a blank page.
Use This How-To Write An Obituary Template
If you are feeling stuck, a structure can help organise your thoughts. Here is a simple how-to write an obituary template you can follow:
- Announcement: Name, age, and date of passing.
- Life Sketch: Key milestones, education, and career.
- Family: List of surviving relatives and those who predeceased them.
- Service Details: Location, time, and date of the wake and funeral.
- Closing: A final message or a request for donations to a preferred charity.
What Should You Not Include In An Obituary
While the goal is to give a dignified farewell, certain information should be omitted for security and privacy reasons.
Security Risks
- Home Addresses: Do not include specific home addresses or times when the entire family will be away at the wake or funeral. This prevents empty homes from being targeted by opportunistic individuals.
- Birth Dates (Optional): In some digital-first environments, providing full birth dates alongside a full name can increase the risk of identity theft. Using just the birth year and death date is a common alternative.
Private Sensitivities
- Opaque Family Issues: While you want transparency in professional dealings, an obituary is a public record intended to honour a memory. Avoid airing internal family conflicts or sensitive personal information that does not contribute to a respectful tribute.
- Cause of Death Details: Unless the family wishes to share this to fulfil the loved one’s wishes or support a specific cause (e.g., a pro-bono initiative for a specific illness), specific medical details are often omitted to maintain dignity.
How Long Is An Obituary Supposed To Be
A common question is how long is an obituary. There is no strict rule, but newspaper notices are usually charged by the line or column centimetre, so many families keep them between 200 to 500 words. Digital platforms offer more space, letting you share longer stories and more photos without worrying about print costs.
How To End An Obituary Respectfully
Choosing how to end an obituary is about providing a sense of closure. You might include a favourite poem, a short prayer, or a simple sentence about how much they will be missed. Common ways to conclude include:
- Forever in our hearts.
- Rest in eternal peace.
- In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [Charity Name].
Knowing how to end an obituary properly ensures the final note is one of respect and love.
Conclusion About Writing An Obituary
Writing a tribute is a profound act of service for someone you love. By following these steps, you can create a message that honours their memory and informs your community with grace.
If the logistics of arrangements feel like too much to handle right now, remember that support is available to guide you through every step of the process.
Funeral Guru will typically assist in preparing the obituary, as we understand the stress and emotional challenges families face during this time. Families are welcome to share any special messages they wish to include, so that the obituary can meaningfully reflect and honour the life of the deceased, leaving a lasting memory.
For professional assistance and transparent guidance during this time, contact us at the Funeral Guru.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing An Obituary
What Is The Typical Format Of A Singapore Obituary?
The standard format includes a photo of the deceased, their name, age, and date of passing. This is followed by the names of the next-of-kin (NOK), and specific details for the wake location (such as an HDB void deck or funeral parlour) and funeral rites.
Can I Make My Own Obituary?
Yes, anyone can write and create an obituary for their loved one. Many families find that writing it themselves allows for a more personal and heartfelt tribute that accurately reflects the unique life and wishes of the person they lost.
What Is The Cost Of Publishing An Obituary In Singapore?
Costs vary significantly depending on the medium. Traditional newspaper notices are charged based on size and lines, whereas digital platforms may offer different packages. Some families look for transparent pricing and easy comparisons to ensure financial fairness during this vulnerable time.
What Is The Best Way To Write An Obituary?
The best way is to focus on clarity and clear details while maintaining a respectful tone. Using a step-by-step approach removes confusion, allowing you to focus on family and sharing memories rather than getting lost in administrative overwhelm.
How Do I List Surviving Family Members?
List the spouse first, followed by children, grandchildren, and siblings. If the list is long, you can use general terms like “and many relatives” to keep the notice concise while still acknowledging the extended family.