Eulogies & Obituaries

Eulogies

How to Write and Deliver a Meaningful Eulogy?

Giving a eulogy can be an overwhelming experience, even for the most experienced speakers. It’s a delicate balance of honoring a life, expressing grief, and occasionally sharing a light-hearted memory. However, it can also be a powerful way to celebrate the life of your loved one and help others process their grief. Writing and delivering a eulogy can serve as a therapeutic tool for both you and the grieving community. If you’ve been asked to give the eulogy, it’s an honor and should be approached with care and respect.

Here are some tips to help you write and deliver an eloquent and memorable eulogy:

1. Start with an Outline

• Begin by listing key memories or qualities that defined your loved one.
• Focus on the aspects of their life that had the greatest impact.
• Share personal stories, anecdotes, or lessons learned from them.

2. Balance Humor and Emotion

• It’s okay to smile or even laugh while remembering happy moments. It can make the eulogy more relatable and comforting.
• But also acknowledge the sadness and loss – this is a moment for reflection and respect.

3. Keep It Personal and Honest

• Speak from the heart, and don’t worry about being perfect.
• Share your emotions, whether joy or sorrow. People appreciate authenticity and sincerity.

4. Stay Focused and Keep It Brief

• Try to keep the eulogy between 5-10 minutes.
• Stay on topic to maintain the attention of the audience and convey your thoughts clearly.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

• Rehearse your eulogy in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend. This will help you gain confidence.
• Don’t be afraid to pause if you get emotional. It’s okay to take your time.

6. End with a Positive, Uplifting Note

• End by highlighting how your loved one’s life made a lasting impact.
• Offer a comforting thought or a heartfelt quote to conclude.

Remember, the eulogy is a celebration of life. While the emotions may be heavy, sharing the special moments and memories can offer comfort and healing to those present. 

Obituaries

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. However, it’s an important task that helps celebrate the life of the deceased while providing necessary information to the community. Here’s a helpful guide to making the process easier and ensuring your obituary is both meaningful and properly structured.

1. Gather Essential Information

Start by collecting key details about your loved one’s life:

• Full Name (including maiden name, if applicable)
• Date and Place of Birth
• Date and Place of Death
• Family Information (parents, spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.)
• Education and Career: Schools attended, degrees earned, career highlights
• Hobbies, Interests, and Accomplishments: Passions, community involvement, or special talents
• Funeral Details: The date, time, and location of any services or memorial events
• Special Messages: Important quotes, heartfelt messages, or any personal anecdotes you’d like to include

2. Consult with the Funeral Home

Contact the funeral home for any specific details about funeral services, visitation hours, or other important events related to the death. They can provide you with accurate information that should be included.

3. Use a Template

Using an obituary template can help simplify the process by providing a structured format. Here’s an example template to get you started:

[Full Name]
Born: [Date of Birth]
Died: [Date of Death]

[Name], [Age], of [City], passed away on [Date]. [He/She] was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth] to [Parent(s) Name(s)]. [Name] graduated from [School Name(s)] and went on to have a successful career as [Career]. [He/She] enjoyed [Hobbies/Interests], and was a beloved member of the [Community/Organization].

[He/She] is survived by [list close family members], as well as many other family members and friends.

A [Funeral Service/Memorial Service] will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time].

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Charity or Organization] in [Name’s] honor.

4. Review and Finalize

After drafting the obituary, have a family member or close friend review it for accuracy and completeness. Make sure all dates and names are correct.

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to reflect on your loved one’s life and share their legacy with others. 

Remember most newspapers charge by the word, this template is good for getting the all the information necessary in as few words possible.  However, this template is not written in stone.  You can make any adjustments you feel necessary.