Checklist: Writing A Death Notice Or Obituary

Death notices are paid announcements in a newspaper that give the name of the person who died and details of the funeral service, as well as where donations can be made. Obituaries are articles written by a newspaper’s staff offering a detailed biography of the person who died.

The basic information usually included in a death notice:

• The full name of the person who died, including maiden name or nickname
• Date and location of death
• Cause of death (optional)
• Names of surviving family members (optional)
• Details of the funeral or memorial service (public or private); if public, date, time, and location of service
• Name of charity to which donations should be made

Additional biographical information may be included in a death notice, such as:

• Date and place of birth, names of parents
• Date and place of marriage, and name of spouse
• Educational history, including schools attended and degrees or honors received
• Military service, including any honors or awards received
• Employment history, including positions held, awards received, or special achievements
• Membership in organizations, including religious, cultural, civic, or fraternal
• Special accomplishments
• Hobbies and interests
• Personality and character of the person who died