For families
Resources
Writing help for families and answers to the questions we hear most, for the parts of an obituary that are hardest to put into words.
Start here
Writing guides7 min readHow to Write an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide
Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor a loved one's life while sharing important information with family, friends and the community.
Read the guideAll resources
- 7 min read
Five Essential Steps in Planning a Celebration of Life
A celebration of life need not follow a script. It can be formal or relaxed, reflective or joyful, intimate or large. It can borrow from a traditional funeral and add details relevant to the person whose life is being celebrated.
Read the guide - Writing guides4 min read
Writing an Obituary for a Complicated Life
An obituary does not need to declare that someone was wonderful, universally loved or deeply missed. When a person had a troubled life or difficult relationships, the best approach is factual, restrained and humane.
Read the guide - 6 min read
How to Write an Obituary as a Family
An obituary is often the first thing a grieving family creates together. It may also be one of the first things they argue about. One sibling wants it short. Another wants every grandchild named. Someone remembers the year of the wedding differently. The deadline for the newspaper is tomorrow.
Read the guide - Photos2 min read
Tips for Selecting Photos for an Obituary
How to narrow down photo options for a loved one’s obituary
Read the guide - 2 min read
What’s the Difference Between a Death Notice and an Obituary?
Which one does your family need? When someone dies, one of the first decisions a family must make is how to announce the loss. A death notice and an obituary both share information about someone’s death, but they serve different purposes.
Read the guide
Questions families ask us
Short answers. If yours is not here, call 1-866-236-0023 and we will talk it through.
Can I publish an obituary without writing it myself?
Yes. The guided flow can draft the obituary from the details you provide, and you review and approve every word before it is submitted. You can also write it yourself, or call 1-866-236-0023 for help.
How long does it take to appear online?
Weeklys editorial staff read every celebration before it publishes, so it does not go live the moment you submit it. It appears once that review is complete.
What does publishing in print cost?
It depends on which papers you choose, how long the obituary is and whether it carries a photo. You see the total on the review step, before anything is paid.
How do I claim a funeral home listing?
Open the funeral home page in the directory and use the claim link on it. We verify the request before the listing changes hands.