Knowing how to write a death notice isn’t something that ever crosses anyone’s mind until they feel obligated to do it, and it’s generally within hours of a loss. Death notices and obituaries tend to get used interchangeably, but they serve two different purposes.
- A death note is brief and to the point; it only covers the essentials, and it’s purely factual.
- An obituary is a full tribute to that person, where you can write about their life, relationship, and the legacy they left.
We created this guide to help you understand the difference between both of them and provide you with easy-to-follow steps that’ll help you write both.
What is a Death Notice?
A death notice is used as a public announcement where you can inform people of a loved one’s passing. It only requires basic information of the deceased, such as their name, date of death, and any details regarding all upcoming services. Death notices can be published in local newspapers or shared online on social media, as they will help notify family, friends, and community members who might not have been notified personally.
This announcement also lets people arrange their schedules so they can pay their respects if they are able to.
What to Include in a Death Notice
When writing a death notice, there’s important information you should always add so others know how to remember and honor the deceased. Here is all you should add:
- Full Name: Include the person’s full name, along with any commonly known nicknames.
- Date of Death: Specify the date of passing to clearly communicate when the loss occurred.
- Service Details: Provide the date, time, and location of any memorial or funeral services, so those wishing to attend can plan accordingly.
- Special Requests: If the family has specific requests, such as donations to a particular charity or nonprofit instead of flowers, include this information.
When writing a death notice, there’s important information you should always add so others know how to remember and honor the deceased. Here is all you should add:
Death Notice Examples
- Death Notice for a Father — Johnathan “John” Doe, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. A service will be held on March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MERI.
- Death Notice for a Brother — Thomas Edward Brown, 52, departed on April 15, 2026. A memorial gathering will be held on April 20, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Maplewood Funeral Home. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be sent to MERI.
- Death Notice for a Mother — Margaret “Maggie” Smith, loving mother and grandmother, passed on July 13, 2026, at the age of 84. Funeral services will take place on July 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Riverside Chapel. Donations to MERI are appreciated in her honor.
What is an Obituary?
An obituary is a more in-depth view of that person’s life; it goes less into essential information and more into who they were as a person, what they achieved in life, and honoring their qualities as an individual.
Unlike a death notice, which is short and to the point, an obituary lets you reflect on the legacy of your loved one. This tribute can be published in newspapers, shared online, offered to friends and family as a way to remember their legacy, and even to the community as an important way to celebrate your loved one’s life.
Key Components of an Obituary
Sitting down and writing an obituary of your loved one should be done with one goal in mind: capturing the essence of how they were while adding details of important moments in their life that will resonate with friends and family. Here are some important details every obituary should include:
- Biographical Information: Share key facts, such as the deceased’s full name, date and place of birth, date of death, and any relevant locations they lived in during their life.
- Family Members: List close family members, including those who have passed and those who survive the individual.
- Life Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments, such as educational milestones, career achievements, community involvement, and any hobbies or passions that defined their life.
- Service Details: Provide information on funeral or memorial services, including date, time, and location, for those who wish to attend.
How to Add a Personal Touch to Obituaries
If you want to make an obituary feel special and a lot more personal, you can use some of these ideas below to help capture their unique spirit:
- Share Anecdotes and Stories: Including a memorable story or favorite saying helps bring the person’s character to life and provides readers with a glimpse into who they were beyond basic facts.
- Highlight Hobbies and Interests: Mention any hobbies, interests, or causes that were close to their heart, such as a love for gardening, a passion for helping animals, or a dedication to community service.
- Express Family Sentiments: Share a few words on what they meant to the family or community, capturing sentiments that honor their impact on others and their lasting legacy.
Adding these personal touches can make people understand and view your loved one’s life in a way that helps them cherish the memories they created together throughout the years a lot more.
Where to Publish a Death Notice or Obituary
There are several options for publishing a death notice or obituary, allowing you to reach a broader audience or keep the announcement within a closer circle. Common options include:
- Local newspapers: This is the most traditional way of publishing a death notice or an obituary, they generally charge by word-count and most also include publication on their website as part of the same fee.
- Online platforms: Sites like Legacy.com and Ever Loved offer dedicated memorial pages with easy sharing and the ability to collect condolences and photos in one place.
- Funeral home websites: Most funeral homes publish obituaries on their site as part of their service package, at no additional cost to the family.
- Social media: A direct post on Facebook or Instagram reaches personal networks immediately and allows friends to respond in real time. Keep the tone measured and include the essential service details.
For guidance on the submission process, see our full guide on how to submit an obituary.
Writing Death Notices for Social Media or Emails
Adapting a death notice for digital platforms allows you to reach friends and family in a more immediate and personal way. Here’s how to share a death notice via social media or email:
- Social Media (like Facebook): A short, respectful message that includes the name, date of death, and service details can help inform loved ones. Many people choose to post a death notice on Facebook specifically to reach as many people as possible but you can use other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.
- Email Announcements: If you prefer a more private approach, an email can be a personal way to inform close friends and family. Include essential details, service information, and any donation requests if applicable.
These digital options offer flexibility, allowing you to choose the most appropriate way to inform and engage with friends, family, and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?
A death notice should be short and mainly focused on facts. It covers the name, date of death, and service details quickly. An obituary on the other hand is where you can talk about your loved one in detail. You can mention their life, relationships, career, and legacy. Both are important and serve a specific purpose
How long should an obituary be?
Generally, obituaries are around 200 and 500 words. If you are planning on publishing in a print newspaper, length matters since most newspapers will charge you by the word. This means that writing as concisely as possible will save you money. Online websites on the other hand rarely have any sort of word count so you can write as much as you want.
Who writes an obituary?
Generally, a close family member or a friend. Some funeral homes will offer writing assistance as part of their service package. There are also professional obituary writers available for hire if the family decides to do it that way.
What do you write in an obituary?
The bare minimum is the full name, dates of birth and death, immediate survivors, and service details. To make it a lot more personal, you can add a career highlight, a hobby, a passion, or a memory that lets everyone know how they were. A single specific and detailed sentence does a lot more than a whole paragraph of broad praise.
Can a death notice be published online?
Yes. Online platforms have largely replaced print for many families, especially those in different cities or states. Legacy.com, Ever Loved, and most funeral home websites all accept online death notices and obituary submissions.
A Lasting Legacy: Contributing to Science Through Body Donation
For those who wish to create a lasting impact, MERI offers an opportunity to contribute to medical research and education through MERI’s Genesis Program. By choosing body donation, individuals provide an invaluable resource for training healthcare professionals, advancing medical techniques, and supporting life-saving research. This generous decision ensures that your legacy lives on, helping future generations of medical professionals gain hands-on experience and improve patient care.
Through our program, donors make a profound difference, allowing medical students, doctors, and researchers to study human anatomy and practice essential procedures that will save lives. It’s a meaningful way to give back, offering others a chance to learn and grow.
To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy through body donation, visit our page on whole body donation.
