Eulogies and Obituaries

Crafting a heartfelt and impactful eulogy can be a challenging task, even for seasoned speakers. However, it doesn't have to be daunting. Summarizing a person's life in a few minutes, striking a balance between solemnity and humor, is achievable with careful preparation. Writing and delivering a eulogy is not only a therapeutic means to cope with grief but also a significant honor. To help you create a moving and memorable eulogy, consider the following tips:

Gather Information:

• Consult with family members, close friends, and co-workers to gather crucial details about the departed. Key elements to include are familial ties, educational and professional background, hobbies, special interests, places of residence or travel, and noteworthy accomplishments.



Organize Your Thoughts:

• Capture your ideas through a medium comfortable to you and create an outline for your speech. Fill in the collected information, ensuring a logical flow that highlights the essence of the person's life.

Write It Down:

• Unlike a spontaneous toast, a eulogy requires careful scripting. Writing it down ensures you cover all essential details and aids in memory recall. Make the written copy easily readable, considering font size or spacing, and be mindful of time constraints.

Review and Revise:

• Your initial draft is just a starting point. Sleep on it and revisit it with fresh eyes. Morning clarity often unveils opportunities for improvement. Make necessary revisions to refine the eulogy.

Practice, Practice, Practice:

• Familiarize yourself with the eulogy by reading it multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror or share it with friends and family for feedback. Strive to deliver the speech without it seeming scripted; the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

Balance Humor and Respect:

• While a eulogy is not a roast, there is room for appropriate humor. Fondly recall relatable stories that bring a smile. Ensure the humor aligns with the audience, considering the presence of diverse age groups. Laughter can be a healing balm, fostering coping mechanisms and evoking cherished memories.

Express Emotion:

• Funerals are emotionally charged, and it's natural to shed tears. Don't shy away from displaying genuine emotions, as it fosters connection. If you anticipate being overwhelmed, have a trusted individual prepared to deliver the eulogy on your behalf.

Prepare for the Moment:

• Have a glass of water and tissues within reach. These simple provisions can offer comfort during the speech, allowing you to maintain composure and focus on delivering a poignant tribute.
• Approach the task with sincerity and reverence, honoring the departed while providing solace and shared moments of reflection for those in attendance.

Crafting an obituary is a challenging and emotional undertaking. Begin by collecting details from family and friends regarding the deceased's childhood, education, career, and interests. Additionally, consult with the funeral home to obtain essential information about the date, time, and location of the funeral service and any related events. Utilizing a template can streamline the process, providing a structured guide for composing a thoughtful and well-organized obituary.

[GIVEN NAME] [MIDDLE NAME (AND NICKNAME)] [SURNAME NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], [STATE], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH] in [LOCATION OF DEATH].



Funeral service will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME] with Reverend [NAME] of [CHURCH] officiating. Burial will follow at [CEMETERY NAME], [CEMETERY LOCATION]. Visitation will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME]. [NAME OF FUNERAL HOME] will be handling the funeral arrangements.

[NAME] was born in [LOCATION OF BIRTH] to [PARENT’S NAMES] on [DATE OF BIRTH]. He/she went to high school at [SCHOOL NAME] and graduated in [YEAR]. He/she went on to earn a degree/certificate in [DEGREE TYPE] from [SCHOOL NAME]. He/she worked as a [JOB TYPE] for [COMPANY] for [NUMBER OF YEARS]. He/she enjoyed [ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES]. He/she received [AWARDS/HONORS] and was involved in [CHARITIES/ORGANIZATIONS].

[NAME] is survived by his/her [RELATION], [NAME] of [CITY]. (List all survivors: spouse children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, nieces and nephews). He/she is preceded in death by his/her [RELATION], [NAME]. (List predeceased: spouse, parents, children, and siblings.)

Memorial donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION NAME], [MAILING ADDRESS]. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to [ORGANIZATION/NAME] [FINAL WORDS].

Remember most newspapers charge by the word, this template is good for getting all the information necessary in as few words possible. However, this template is not written in stone. You can make any adjustments you feel necessary.