How to Write an Obituary: Step-by-Step Guide
Writing an obituary is one of the first tasks many families face after a death, and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. An obituary announces that someone has died, shares a short account of their life, names their close family and gives details about any service. Most run between 150 and 300 words, though there is no strict rule.
Families usually write one within a few days of the death, often with help from the funeral director. A simple structure makes the job manageable: start with the facts, add a few details that capture who the person was, and finish with the practical information. This guide walks you through each step, with a free template and three examples you can borrow from. If you're still working out what needs to happen first, our guide to what to do when someone dies is a good place to begin.
Obituary vs. Death Notice: What's the Difference?
A death notice is a brief announcement, usually paid for, that gives the person's name, date of death and service details. An obituary is a longer tribute that tells the story of the person's life. Many families publish both: the notice in the newspaper and the full obituary on the funeral home's website.
If you're deciding where to put your time and budget, this comparison shows how the two differ. Whichever you choose, obituary writing is mostly a matter of gathering the right facts and putting them in a sensible order.
Costs vary widely. Large daily newspapers generally charge more than community papers, so it's worth asking each outlet for a quote before you submit.
What to Include in an Obituary
There's no required format, but most obituaries cover the same core details:
- Full name: Include a nickname readers might recognize, plus the person's age and city or town of residence.
- Date and place of death: The cause of death is entirely the family's choice. Phrases like "after a long illness" or "suddenly" are perfectly acceptable.
- Birthplace and life highlights: A few details about education, career, military service, community or faith involvement, and passions.
- Family: Use "survived by" for the spouse or partner first, then children and their partners, grandchildren and siblings. Use "predeceased by" for those who died before them.
- Service details: The date, time and location of the funeral, celebration of life or reception, plus a livestream link if there is one.
- Memorial donations: If the family prefers "in lieu of flowers," give the charity's full name.
- A photo: Choose a recent, clear photo that looks like the person people knew.
What to Leave Out of an Obituary
Obituaries are public, and the details in them can be used for identity fraud. To protect your loved one's identity, leave out the full date of birth (their age is enough), the home address (the city is enough) and the mother's maiden name.
It's also a good idea for the family or executor to notify Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency and the credit bureaus (Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada) soon after the death. The Government of Canada's checklist of what to do when someone dies covers the rest. If you're the executor, our executor checklist can help you keep track of the many moving pieces.
One more thing to leave out: family friction. Confirm every name and relationship with close family before publishing, and keep private disputes out of the obituary.
How to Write an Obituary Step by Step
Here's a simple process to follow when writing an obituary:
- Check whether the person left written wishes, such as a will, a funeral plan or a pre-written obituary. If they registered their documents with the Willful will registry, the executor can find them more easily.
- Gather the facts with family: full legal names, correct spellings, dates and places.
- Open with the announcement: name, age, city and date of death. Choose wording that feels right for your family, such as "passed away peacefully," "died" or "left us."
- Tell the life story through two or three details that show who the person was, rather than a résumé of jobs and dates.
- List surviving and predeceased family in the conventional order.
- Add the service details and donation information.
- Choose a recent, clear photo.
- Proofread, then ask a second family member to check every name and date.
- Send it to the funeral home and any newspapers, and share the link with family and friends.
Obituary Template
Copy the template below and fill in the blanks. Cut or expand sections to fit your newspaper's word limit.
Obituary and Death Notice Examples
The names and details below are invented. Use them for inspiration.
Traditional obituary
A warmer, more personal obituary
Death notice
Where and When to Publish an Obituary
Most families use a mix of outlets. Common options include:
- The funeral home's website, which is often included in the service package
- Local and national newspapers (many Canadian papers post obituaries online through Legacy.com)
- Online memorial pages
- Social media
- Community or faith-group newsletters
Aim to publish a few days before the service so people can plan to attend, and check each newspaper's submission deadline. An obituary is optional, as no law requires one. Funeral directors can also help with writing and submitting it, so don't hesitate to ask.
Writing Your Own Obituary in Advance
Pre-writing your own obituary can be a meaningful part of end-of-life planning. It lets you record the details only you know, and it spares your family a hard task in the first days after a death.
Store it with your will and funeral wishes, and tell your executor where to find it. If you haven't chosen an executor yet, our guide to choosing an executor can help. For a broader look at the topic, read our overview of end-of-life planning.
Willful's free End-of-Life Wishes guide is a good place to start. Willful also lets you record your funeral and burial wishes alongside your will.
Plan Ahead with Willful
A clear, accurate obituary honours the person and tells the community how to pay their respects. Planning ahead spares family members from making these decisions under pressure.
Willful is an estate planning platform trusted by thousands of Canadians. You can complete a lawyer-approved will, power of attorney, estate inventory, and more online from the comfort of your couch. Get started with Willful or compare Willful's plans.
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Start your will today →Frequently Asked Questions About Obituaries
Most run 150 to 300 words. Newspapers often charge by the word or line, so a shorter version for print and a longer one online is a common approach.
A death notice is a brief paid announcement with the essentials. An obituary is a longer tribute that tells the person's life story.
Usually a family member, often with help from the funeral director. There is no legal requirement for anyone to write one.
It depends on the outlet. Newspapers usually charge by the line or word and add fees for photos, while funeral homes often include online obituaries in their service package. Ask for a quote first.
That's entirely up to the family. Many choose a simple phrase such as "after a long illness" or leave it out.
Aim for a few days before the service so people can plan to attend, and check each newspaper's deadline.
Yes. Many people do, and storing it with your will and funeral wishes makes it easy for your executor to find.
