Obituary Writing Checklist.

1. Introduction - Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a profound act of commemoration and a final chance to honor a loved one's life. It serves as an official public announcement of their passing. A well-crafted obituary combines key biographical details with personal stories, capturing the essence of who they were.

At its core, an obituary allows you to:

• Inform the community about their death
• Celebrate their remarkable achievements and life experiences
• Share the impact they had on friends, family and those around them
• Provide funeral or memorial service details
• Request charitable donations in their name, if desired

While the prospect can feel overwhelming, especially soon after a loss, this act preserves their legacy. Take heart in knowing you're paying tribute to someone special.

2. Gathering Essential Information

Before you start writing, gather all the key facts about your loved one's life. This will form the foundation for their obituary. Consult with immediate family to ensure accuracy and consensus.

The essential details include:

• Full name, including any nicknames
• Date of birth and age at passing
• Place of birth and most recent residence
• Names of predeceased and surviving family members
• Details about their career and education
• Military service, if applicable
• Memberships in organizations, clubs or religious groups
• Special interests, hobbies and achievements

You may also wish to request a few favorite photographs to include. Having these details on hand will make the writing process much smoother.

3. Honoring Their Life Story

While the factual foundation is crucial, the heart of the obituary lies in honoring your loved one's journey through life. Consider their:

• Core values and character strengths
• Perseverance through challenges
• Humor and wit
• Generosity and compassion
• Most cherished relationships
• Lasting positive influences on others

Gather a few favorite anecdotes that poignantly illustrate who they were as a person. Friends and relatives may have heartwarming or comical stories to contribute.

Balance is key - the obituary should celebrate their humanity and approachability alongside their impressive accomplishments. Capture what made them uniquely vibrant.

4. Obituary Writing Best Practices

When transforming the gathered details into a compelling written tribute, following these practices can help:

• Start with their full name and a thoughtful opening line summarizing their essence
• Write in the third person, using the past tense
• Use clear, concise language to promote easy understanding
• Break lengthier content into shorter paragraphs of 3-4 sentences max
• Use chronological order when relating biographical facts
• Double-check all spelling of names, dates and other key details

Tone is highly important. Aim for respectful solemnity while allowing warmth and personality to shine through. Neither overly somber nor flippant is advisable.

5. Commemorating Their Legacy

As you approach the conclusion, reflect on the difference this person made and the lasting legacy they'll leave through:

• Family bonds and memories created
• Values and wisdom imparted to younger generations
• Professional achievements or societal contributions
• Acts of service, volunteering or philanthropy
• Creative works, inventions or educational teachings

This section lets you convey the deeper imprint this person left on the world. If applicable, you can also suggest donations to a preferred charity or cause in their honor.

6. Final Checks Before Publishing

Before submitting an obituary for publication, take these final quality assurance steps:

• Review the entire content carefully for any spelling or factual errors
• Confirm you have the necessary sign-offs from immediate family members
• Ensure you've adhered to any length requirements or guidelines
• Double-check stylistic elements like full names, honorifics and dates
• If needed, trim any extraneous details to reach the desired length

You may also wish to have one or two trusted friends read it with fresh eyes. Their feedback could identify any missed errors or areas needing revision.

7. Publishing Options and Procedures

Once finalized, there are several avenues for publishing an obituary:

• Local or regional newspapers often have form submissions and guidelines
• Online memorials increasingly offer digital obituary hosting
• Funeral homes may include basic obituaries in service programs
• For high-profile individuals, national publications may be appropriate

Be sure to follow all specified procedures, length requirements, pricing details, and submission deadlines. Provide publishable photographs if requested.

8. Wrapping Up - Saying Goodbye with Care

Writing an obituary demands circumspect care - it may likely be one of the last opportunities to honor your loved one's life in a public forum. While the process can stir emotions, approach it as a chance to put their story into permanent words.

Once published, you'll have created a dignified living memorial. We may never stop missing them, but obituaries let the world know, too, why they were so deeply loved.

If you need help along the way, resources like ObituaryHelp.org are available. Their sample templates and guidance can ease the burden. With heart and diligence, you can craft a fitting commemoration.