Announce the Death of a Family Member, or Write the Obituary
Letter #1
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our beloved [mother/father/grandparent], [Name of Deceased], on May 6, 2018. [He/She] lived a long and fulfilling life, filled with [positive personality trait] and [positive personality trait]. [Optional: Briefly mention cause of death, if desired.]
[Name of Deceased] was a devoted [family role] and a cherished friend to many. [He/She] was passionate about [hobbies/interests] and will be remembered for [positive quality] and [positive quality]. [Optional: Share a specific memory or anecdote that reflects their personality.]
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 am at the Springfield Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [charity name]. We will miss [him/her] dearly and appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Letter #2
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of [Name of Deceased] on Saturday, October 22nd, 2018. [He/She] leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication. [Optional: Briefly mention cause of death, if desired.]
[Name of Deceased] was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant before embarking on a successful career as a local business owner and school board member. [Optional: Share a specific accomplishment or contribution.] [He/She] was also a talented photographer who captured the beauty of the world around [him/her].
[Name of Deceased] is survived by [his/her] loving spouse, [spouse's name], and [children's names]. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 27th at 1:00 pm at the Springfield Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Springfield Children's Hospital. We will forever cherish the memory of [Name of Deceased]'s kindness and commitment to his community.
Letter #3
With hearts full of love, we share the news of [Name of Deceased]'s passing on Saturday, January 3rd. [Optional: Briefly mention cause of death, if desired.] [He/She] was a pillar of our community, a devoted spouse and parent, and a friend to all who knew [him/her].
[Name of Deceased] dedicated [his/her] life to family and service. [Optional: Share specific examples of volunteering or community involvement.] [He/She] was a constant source of support and encouragement, leaving a lasting impact on everyone [he/she] met.
[Name of Deceased] is survived by [spouse's name] and [children's names]. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at Our Lady of Grace Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women Against Breast Cancer Foundation. We will miss [him/her] dearly, but [his/her] spirit of compassion and dedication will live on.
Letter #4
Our hearts ache as we announce the passing of [Name of Deceased] in a car accident near Springfield on April 9th. [Optional: Briefly mention cause of death, if desired.] [He/She] was a loving [family role] and a cherished member of our family.
[Name of Deceased] found peace and joy in nature. [Optional: Share a specific memory or anecdote related to nature.] [He/She] will be deeply missed by [surviving family members].
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 17th at 2:00 pm at the XYZ Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. We welcome your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
How to Write this Announcement Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines
The obituary appearing in a newspaper will be more formal than an announcement to family or friends. It contains specific biographical data about the deceased and information that those wishing to pay respects will need. Since the need for the information is immediate, you should either deliver the information to the newspaper in person or read it to the appropriate person over the telephone.
Steps
- Include the following information:
Write Your announcement in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases
1 Include the following information:
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- Complete name of the deceased
Date and place of birth
Parents's names
Age at time of death
Place of residence
Date of death
Place of death
Civic or religious affiliations
Personal or career information
Names, relationships, and home towns of survivors
Names of immediate family who preceded the deceased in death
An indication of whether the services are private or open to friends and relatives.
If flowers are not wanted, a statement e.g., "Please omit flowers" or "Contributions to (name of recipient) preferred in place of flowers."
Date and place of services, viewings, and interment
Key Phrases for Step 1
- a service will be held
- after a long illness
- burial will be
- contributions may be made in the name of the deceased
- enjoyed performing
- fatally injured
- following a brief illness
- friends may call
- friends may pay their respects from
- funeral services will be held
- graduated from
- graveside service
- heroic battle with
- in lieu of flowers
- interment will be
- is survived by
- memorial contributions may be made to
- memorial services will be held
- passed away
- preceded in death by
- private memorial service
- retired from
- served his country during the
- services will be held
- significant contribution
- was a talented
- was a member of
- well known for
- will be sorely missed
