When writing an obituary for a deceased loved one, you must consider the reader’s perspective. Many obituaries do not provide enough biographical details and rarely mention a person’s contribution to society. Add some personality by giving personal connections to make an obituary more appealing.
Biographical Details
While an obituary is not a biography, biographical details are essential. The purpose of the obituary is to inform the general public of the deceased’s life and passing. Biographical information should be concise, informative, and factual, and you can search for obituary information at sites such as https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/all-obits. The dates of birth and death, the name of the deceased’s parents, any stepchildren, and any military service are all critical.
Whether the deceased died young or old, obituaries should include biographical details about the deceased. These should consist of the person’s date of birth, the name of their parents, their spouse, and the names of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Education, military service, and work experience should also be included. The place of birth is also important.
Some families include the date of birth and death, but it is up to the family to decide what is appropriate. Some families also have the city and name of the deceased’s parents. Some families choose not to include the cause of death. While the biographical details are essential for a well-written obituary, they aren’t the only thing people will read. Some unscrupulous individuals might take advantage of biographical details to make a profit.
While an obituary is an essential document for the family and friends of the deceased, it is crucial to get the facts correct. If you have written the obituary on a computer, it is essential to print a hard copy and make sure the content is accurate. It is also necessary to get someone else to read it, if possible.
Adding Personality
When writing an obituary, it is crucial to add unique details that show the deceased person’s personality. Use anecdotes and examples to demonstrate the unique traits of the person who passed away. Make the obituary speak with the deceased’s voice as if you were writing the obituary yourself.
If possible, include details of the person’s hobbies and favorite things. Also, if the obituary is written for a living person, have the details of their impact on their community and family. This will add a personal touch to the obituary and make it more than a dull autobiography.
Another way to add personality to an obituary is to include details of the deceased’s career. A brief biography of a deceased person’s life should give the reader insight into his personality and what he enjoyed doing. For example, a short obituary for a young adult may focus on his favorite band. However, it is also appropriate to include details of his life’s journey, including his involvement with many organizations.
Remember to be respectful of the deceased’s wishes. A witty obituary is not intended to make the departed person look silly. Using humor can lighten the tone and make the obituary more memorable. Just make sure that you use sincere words and a manner that is appropriate for the departed.
