Obituary Templates & Examples (Free Copy-Paste for Families)

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming during a time of loss. Yet this task is one of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s life. Knowing how to write an obituary gives families a chance to reflect, share memories, and celebrate someone’s legacy while also providing important information for friends and the community. Below, we’ll explain the steps of writing an obituary, share several copy-and-paste templates, and offer examples you can personalize for your family’s needs.

Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary

An obituary serves two important purposes: it announces a person’s passing and it celebrates their life. Beyond providing basic details like the name, age, date of passing, and funeral arrangements, an obituary paints a picture of who the person was. It tells a story that honors their accomplishments, relationships, and values. A well-written obituary can comfort loved ones and inspire those who read it.

How to Write an Obituary

When learning how to write an obituary, it helps to follow a basic structure. Most obituaries include the following elements:

1. Announcement of Death – Begin with the full name of the deceased, their age, and the date of passing. Many families choose to mention the location or cause of death if they wish to share it publicly.
2. Biographical Information – Include birth details such as date and place of birth, parents’ names, and a brief summary of major life events, education, career, or milestones.
3. Personal Life – Share meaningful aspects of the person’s life: hobbies, interests, favorite pastimes, and the things they were known for. This is where the personality shines through.
4. Family Members – List surviving and predeceased relatives. For example: “She is survived by her husband, John; her two children, Michael and Sarah; and her sister, Lisa.”
5. Funeral or Memorial Details – Provide clear information about services, visitation, or burial. If services are private, you can mention that the family will hold a private ceremony at a later date.
6. Special Messages – Many families add a final sentence or two expressing gratitude to caregivers, donations in lieu of flowers, or a closing sentiment such as “She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

Short Obituary Template

Template:
[Full Name], age [Age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date]. [He/She/They] was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth] to [Parents’ Names]. [He/She/They] will be remembered for [mention key traits, career, or hobbies]. [He/She/They] is survived by [list family members]. A [type of service] will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time].

Example:
John David Thompson, age 72, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on October 30, 2025. He was born on January 8, 1953, in Ocala, Florida, to George and Mary Thompson. John will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and dedication to his community. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Emily; and his two grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home on November 10, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Traditional Obituary Template

Template:
[Full Name] of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date] at the age of [Age]. [He/She/They] was born on [Date of Birth] to [Parents’ Names] in [Place of Birth]. After graduating from [School/College], [he/she/they] [career summary]. [He/She/They] married [Spouse’s Name] in [Year], and together they shared [number] wonderful years. [Full Name] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and was known for [positive traits]. [He/She/They] is survived by [list family members]. Visitation will be held at [Location] on [Date] from [Time], followed by a [funeral/memorial] service.

Example:
Mary Ellen Rodriguez of Lake City, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on May 2, 1942, to Carlos and Ana Rivera in Tallahassee. After graduating from Florida State University, Mary became a teacher and dedicated 35 years to educating children in the local school district. She married Robert Rodriguez in 1964, and together they shared 61 beautiful years. Mary loved gardening, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughters, Teresa and Marisa; and her three grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home on October 22, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Memorial Obituary Template

Sometimes families choose to write a more narrative-style obituary for a memorial or celebration of life. This type of obituary tells the story of a person’s journey and impact rather than focusing solely on dates and facts.

Template:
The family of [Full Name] is deeply saddened to announce [his/her/their] passing on [Date]. Born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth], [Name] lived a full and remarkable life. [He/She/They] touched the hearts of everyone [he/she/they] met through [personality trait, career, or contribution]. [He/She/They] will be lovingly remembered by [list family members] and cherished friends. A celebration of life will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. The family thanks [hospice, hospital, caregivers] for their compassion and care.

Example:
The family of James “Jim” Carter is deeply saddened to announce his passing on September 5, 2025. Born on December 3, 1950, in Live Oak, Florida, Jim lived a life filled with laughter, generosity, and love for the outdoors. A retired firefighter, Jim spent his years serving his community and mentoring others. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; his son, Jason; his daughter, Megan; and his many grandchildren and friends. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Lake City on September 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. The family thanks ICS Cremation & Funeral Home for their support and care during this difficult time.

Obituary Example for a Parent

Example:
Our beloved mother, Patricia Anne Green, passed away on October 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 12, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Edward and Helen Parker. Patricia devoted her life to her family and her faith, raising her three children with love and patience. She was an active member of her church and enjoyed quilting, gardening, and volunteering at local food drives. Patricia is survived by her children, Thomas, Jennifer, and Laura; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Margaret. A memorial service will be held at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home on October 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. The family invites friends to share memories and celebrate a life well-lived.

Obituary Example for a Veteran

Example:
Sergeant William “Bill” Harris, U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on February 10, 1946, in Ocala, Florida, he proudly served his country for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam. After his service, Bill dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans through local outreach programs. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol; his son, David; and his daughter, Rachel. A veteran cemetery burial with full military honors will be arranged through ICS Cremation & Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in Bill’s memory.

Obituary Example for a Green Burial

Example:
Laura Bennett, age 68, of Alachua, Florida, passed away on September 18, 2025. She was born on June 4, 1957, in Gainesville and lived her life surrounded by nature, family, and community. Laura believed deeply in sustainability and caring for the earth. Her final wishes included a green burial to return gently to the soil. She is survived by her husband, Mark; her children, Hannah and Jacob; and her grandchildren, Lily and Cole. The family thanks ICS Cremation & Funeral Home for making her wishes for an eco-friendly burial possible and for their compassionate support.

Tips for Personalizing an Obituary

1. Focus on Personality: Include anecdotes, quotes, or favorite sayings that show who the person truly was.
2. Use a Warm Tone: Obituaries don’t have to be somber. Reflect joy, humor, or love where appropriate.
3. Include Legacy Details: Mention meaningful contributions, volunteer work, or causes they supported.
4. Add Photos or Symbols: Many online obituaries include a favorite photo or small symbols like hearts, crosses, or flowers.
5. Keep It Accurate: Confirm names, dates, and locations to avoid confusion for those attending services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting Key Details: Double-check dates, locations, and spelling.
• Overly Long or Short: Aim for about 200–400 words for most newspaper or online postings.
• Unclear Service Information: Always list the date, time, and place if the public is invited.
• Lack of Personality: Don’t be afraid to make it heartfelt. Your loved one’s story deserves to be told with authenticity.

Free Obituary Example You Can Copy and Customize

[Full Name], [Age], passed away peacefully on [Date], surrounded by loved ones. Born in [Place of Birth], [he/she/they] was a beloved [relation, profession, or community role] who will be remembered for [personal traits or accomplishments]. [He/She/They] is survived by [list family] and predeceased by [names if applicable]. A [funeral/memorial/celebration of life] will be held on [Date] at [Location]. The family wishes to thank [organization or caregivers] for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [charity or cause] in [Name’s] memory.

Trust ICS Cremation & Funeral Home to Help

Writing an obituary is a heartfelt task, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Since 2000, ICS Cremation & Funeral Home has been the premier funeral planner and crematory serving families across North Central Florida. Our compassionate team helps make every step of funeral arrangements stress-free and affordable. Whether you are arranging a traditional service, green burial, cremation, or veteran cemetery burial, the professionals at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home will guide you with care and understanding.

If you’re uncertain about how to write an obituary or plan a meaningful farewell, let the experienced team at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home assist you. We will help you create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one’s life beautifully. Contact us today for caring, quality, and affordable services for your family.

Categorised in: Obituaries

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