Obituaries are more than just an account of someone’s life; they are a permanent record that friends, family, and strangers will read for years to come. That’s why Saint Charles, MO cremation service experts encourage families to use it as a thoughtful look back on the deceased’s life. Not just as a dry collection of facts and dates. 

Writing an obituary doesn’t have to be scary or difficult. This blog post will give you advice on how to write a personal yet memorable one. 

What to Include in an Obituary 

An obituary is a news article about someone who has recently passed away. It usually includes information about the deceased person’s life, such as their date of birth and death, cause of death, family life, occupation, and accomplishments. It also contains information about the person’s survivors and funeral arrangements. 

The real challenge is weaving these details into an engaging narrative about the dead person’s life. And this is easier to do when you have all the facts. 

Research the Dead Person’s Life 

Hence, when writing an obituary, the first thing is to research the dead person’s life. To do this, you should ask yourself a series of questions about the person. 

• Who was this person? 
  
• What were their passions, dreams, and aspirations? 
  
• What was their place in their community? 
  
• What do people remember them for? 

Everyone has a story. Answering these questions will help you tell it. 

Also, we all mean different things to different people. So, don’t hesitate to talk to relatives, friends, and neighbors to get an accurate picture of the person. 

Be Honest 

Honesty is fundamental when writing an obituary. The last thing you want to do is sugarcoat the person’s life or make it seem better than it was because this will only lead to regret. 

Be honest about the person’s life, from successes and failures. Your readers should know the person as they were so that they can reflect on them and their life correctly. You don’t need to be overly critical, but you do need to be honest. 

Keep It Short and Sweet 

While you want to be honest, you also don’t want to make the obituary too long and drawn out. Nobody wants to read an obituary that is several pages long; they want to read a short, sweet, and concise obituary that paints an accurate picture of the person’s life. 

Plus, newspapers charge per word. The shorter the obituary, the more affordable; you’ll have plenty of time to go into detail about the person’s life at the funeral. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Express Your Feelings 

Writing an obituary is a great opportunity to express your feelings about the person. You don’t have to stick to a rigid format or write without emotion. In fact, the most memorable obituaries are the ones full of feeling and emotion. 

You can focus on the deceased person’s passions and dreams or write about your relationship with the person and your feelings about their death. 

Let your emotions flow onto the page. The best obituaries are the ones that are heartfelt and honest. 

It’s okay if you still find writing your loved one’s obituary overwhelming. In a time of grief, it can be difficult to gather your thoughts. We can help and assist with other funeral planning you need. Contact us for your cremation services in Saint Charles, MO. We’re available 24/7.