Introduction
When a loved one passes away, finding the right words to announce their death can seem like a difficult task. Writing an obituary means condensing an entire life into a few lines, whilst respecting conventions and conveying the essence of the deceased person.
A well-written death notice serves several essential functions: it informs acquaintances of the death, communicates practical details of the ceremony and pays tribute to the memory of the deceased. Whether in a traditional format or a more personal version, every obituary must strike the right balance between information and emotion.
In this practical guide, we accompany you step by step in writing a respectful and complete obituary. You will discover the basic structure to follow, the essential information to include, numerous appropriate phrases and expressions, as well as complete ready-to-use templates that you can adapt to your situation. Whether you prefer a formal or more intimate tone, you will find the necessary tools to honour your loved one with dignity and effectively inform those who were close to them.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
An effective obituary combines essential information (identity of the deceased, date and place of death, ceremony details) with personal elements that pay tribute to the deceased person. The classic structure includes an opening formula, presentation of the deceased, expression of the family's grief and practical information. You can choose between a traditional formal tone or a more modern and personal approach, enriching the text with meaningful anecdotes or qualities that characterised your loved one.
Basic structure of an obituary
A well-structured obituary includes some fundamental elements. It begins with the full name of the deceased, followed by dates of birth and death. State the place of residence and mention the closest family members (spouse, children, parents).
Continue with practical information about the ceremony: date, time and place. It may conclude with thanks or indications regarding flowers and donations. This structure ensures clarity and respect, making it easier for those seeking concrete information to read.
Essential information to include
The indispensable elements are the complete identity (first name, surname, maiden name if applicable), age or precise dates, and place of residence or death. Mention the closest surviving family members: spouse, children, parents, siblings.
Always add information about the ceremony: date, time, location of the religious or civil service. These details allow acquaintances and friends to attend and pay tribute. Without this information, the notice is incomplete.
Optional elements for personalisation
To make the notice unique, you can add a brief biography: profession, passions, community involvement. A meaningful quotation or thought from the deceased adds emotional depth.
Thanks to medical staff, neighbours or friends are appreciated. You can indicate preferences regarding flowers ("Please, no flowers") or suggest donations to an organisation dear to the deceased. These details personalise the message without making it heavy.
How to begin an obituary: opening formulas
The opening sets the tone for the entire notice. Classic formulas include: "With deep sorrow we announce the passing of...", "Passed away surrounded by loved ones...", "Left us peacefully...".
For a more modern tone, you can write: "The family announces with sadness the death of...", "Passed away surrounded by the love of family...". Choose the opening according to the family context and the character of the deceased, always maintaining respect and dignity.
Phrases and expressions for funeral notices
Having ready-made phrases makes writing easier during a difficult time. To announce the death: "With immense sorrow we communicate...", "Has passed away...", "Passed away peacefully...".
For family members: "Leaves in grief his wife [name], children [names]...", "Mourned by...". To give thanks: "The family sincerely thanks the hospital staff...". For the ceremony: "The religious service will be held...", "The rosary will take place...". These formulas respect conventions whilst maintaining naturalness.
Expressing the family's grief
Communicating bereavement requires balance between emotion and sobriety. Use expressions such as: "With deep sadness...", "In the greatest sorrow...", "With hearts full of grief...".
Avoid sentimental excess or bureaucratic coldness. Effective phrases: "The family announces with immense sorrow...", "Leaves an irreplaceable void...", "We will remember them with infinite affection...". The tone must reflect the family bond without seeming artificial.
Describing the deceased person
Evoking the personality of the deceased requires sincerity and measure. Examples: "A person of great generosity and humanity...", "Remembered for dedication to family...", "A person of deep faith and integrity...".
For those with specific passions: "Passionate about mountains...", "Devoted to volunteering...". Avoid empty formulas. Choose authentic qualities that reflect who the person truly was. A sincere description honours the memory better than generic phrases.
Practical information about the ceremony
Communicate logistical details clearly. Examples: "The funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday 15th March at 2:30 pm at the parish church of...", "Departure from the residence at 2:00 pm".
For indications about flowers: "Please, no flowers", "Donations may be made to...". For information: "For further details contact the family on...". Direct and practical language facilitates attendance and shows consideration for those who wish to be present.
Complete examples of obituaries
Three ready-to-use templates cover the most common situations. The first is classic and formal, suitable for traditional contexts. The second is modern and concise, ideal for those who prefer simplicity.
The third incorporates a personal biography, perfect for those wishing to tell the story of the deceased's life. Each template can be adapted: replace names, dates and specific details. These examples show how to combine structural elements with an appropriate tone, making writing easier even in moments of great emotion.
Classic and formal template
"With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Maria Rossi, née Bianchi, which occurred on 12th March 2024 at the age of 78. Mourned by her husband Giovanni, children Luca and Anna with their respective families, grandchildren and all who knew her.
The funeral ceremony will be held on Friday 15th March at 2:30 pm at the church of San Marco in Lugano. The family sincerely thanks the hospital staff for the loving care provided."
Modern and concise template
"The family announces with sadness the death of Paolo Martini, which occurred on 10th March 2024 at 65 years of age. Remembered with affection by his wife Elena, children Marco and Silvia, and grandchildren.
The ceremony will be held on Wednesday 13th March at 3:00 pm at the chapel of Bellinzona cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer League. Thanks to all who have been close to us."
Template with personal biography
"Passed away peacefully Carlo Bernasconi, 82 years old, former headmaster of Locarno primary school. A man of deep culture and devoted to teaching, he educated generations of students with passion and rigour. Passionate about local history, he published numerous articles on life in Ticino.
Mourned by his wife Rosa, children Andrea and Francesca, five grandchildren. Ceremony on Saturday 16th March at 10:00 am, church of Sant'Antonio, Locarno."
Practical advice for writing
An effective obituary is clear and complete without being verbose. Aim for 150-250 words: sufficient for all essential elements, brief enough to maintain attention. Carefully verify dates, names and times before publication.
Maintain a respectful but natural tone. Avoid archaic or excessively formal terms that sound artificial. Reread several times and, if possible, have a family member check. Online platforms such as Funere allow immediate modifications if necessary, offering flexibility that printed newspapers do not guarantee.
Publishing the obituary: available options
In Switzerland you have several possibilities to disseminate the notice. Local newspapers require 1-2 days' notice and involve variable costs (50-300 francs). Municipal noticeboards are free but geographically limited.
Online platforms offer immediate publication and wider reach. Funere, for example, is free and instant: you publish in a few minutes, modify when needed, and the notice remains accessible over time. To compare advantages and costs of different channels, consult our detailed comparative guide.
Writing an obituary requires sensitivity and attention to detail, but with a clear structure and the right formulas, it becomes a more manageable task even in difficult moments. The essential thing is to include the necessary practical information, name, dates, place and time of the ceremony, whilst the more personal elements allow you to pay tribute to the deceased person in an authentic and respectful way.
Whether you choose a classic and formal format or a more modern and concise approach, the important thing is that the message reflects the personality of your loved one and adequately informs those who wish to attend the final farewell. Remember that there is no perfect template: every obituary is unique like the person it commemorates.
If you wish to publish a death notice quickly and free of charge, accessible to all without complications, you can use the Funere platform to share important information with family, friends and acquaintances in a few minutes.
