Obituary Examples

The following  are obituary examples; a basic, standard and creative version, along with a heads up to three mistake you don't want to make.

The price of the obituary in the newspaper is determined by the number of  lines.   If you would like to keep the cost down, consider placing a basic or standard obituary in the newspaper, and a longer version online (usually the funeral home offers an online obituary) or include a longer version in the funeral program.

 Basic Obituary Example

BROWN, John Jordan-Died suddenly at his home in Smithville, in his xx year. Survived by his beloved wife, Agnes, and children James Brown, Sarah Wilcox and 3 grandchildren. Service June 3 at 2 pm at Miller's Funeral Chapel. Interment at ABC Memorial Gardens.

 Standard Obituary Example

SMITH, Peter Patrick
1941 - 2014
Died peacefully, early Tuesday morning. Peter was dearly loved by his wife Sandy, daughters Lindsay and Sarah (Jack), grandchildren Peter, Paige, Oliver, Henry and Joseph, brother Tom (Susan), nephews Keiran (Maria) and Zak, and many loyal and caring friends.We will miss our dear Poppa. May he be at peace on the shores of The Lake at sunrise. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Arena at UBC, Friday, April 4th at 2 pm (jerseys acceptable). In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC SPCA or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

 Creative Obituary Example

WHITE, Cora - Passed with peace and grace on June 10, with her family at her side. Predeceased by her loving husband Hugh in 2001.  Survived by son George (Cathy) of Anywhere, daughter Anne (Terry) Stewart of Bass Lake; grandchildren: Genoa Wilson, Oliver  White , Thea and Alena Stewart.  She was predeceased by her loving daughter Diana Jones. 

Cora was born in Newtown, attended Rhodes University  and moved to Smallville as a young woman to begin her career as a lawyer.  After marrying Hugh, she threw her energies into raising their children.  Open to all neighboring children, her kitchen was never closed. She and Hugh retired to Naramata in 1990, and in addition to their many travels, she became a glass artisan creating beautiful fused glass pieces.  She will be always remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and whose greatest passion was helping others.

A service will be held at Kelly's Memorial Chapel, 2141 Steeles Ave,  on August 10 at 2 pm.  Interment at Naramata Cemetery.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Leaving and Dr. Cleveland for their care.  If you wish, donations may be made to Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

She leaves us rich in memories.

Can You Spot The 3 Mistakes in This Obituary?

Jane Smith Born June 3, 1953, Jane Smith of  124 Alder Avenue, Newtown, passed away peacefully July 12, 2014. Daughter of the late Mary (nee Martindale) and Harry Jones. Beloved wife of  John. Loving father to Henry and Gordon. Visitation will be held in the Brown Funeral Chapel, York, on Thursday, July 17, 2014   at 11 am.  Service to follow at 1 pm.


 The first three lines of this obituary have three big mistakes that are very common in obituaries, making the deceased a target to the world's low life.  Identity thieves can and do target the deceased.  Don't give them any ammunition.

  • Don't include the actual day and month of birth. Only use the year.
  • Don't put the address in obituaries. Aside from preventing identity theft, you don't want thieves to visit the house, helping themselves while you're at the funeral.
  • Don't  include the mother's maiden name; people often use this for passwords


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