They’re written to send by text, WhatsApp or email, or to post on social media. Each one comes in two versions, one more traditional and one more personal. Replace the words in brackets and keep only what fits.
What to include in a short obituary
- Their full name, and their age if you wish
- When they passed away
- One line about who they were
- Their closest family, if you want to name them
- The day, time and place of the funeral, memorial or celebration of life
- Optional: where to send flowers or donations
Obituary examples for a mother
Traditional: It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our mother, [Full Name], on [date], at the age of [age]. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her. A funeral service will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Personal: Mom passed away peacefully on [date], surrounded by her family. She filled every room with laughter and never let anyone leave her kitchen hungry. We will gather to remember her on [day, date] at [time] at [place]. Please come and share a story about her.
Obituary examples for a father
Traditional: We are saddened to announce the death of [Full Name], beloved husband of [spouse’s name] and father of [children’s names], on [date]. He was [age]. Services will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Personal: Our dad, [First Name], left us on [date]. He taught us to fix things, to tell a good joke and to always show up for the people we love. Join us on [day, date] at [time] at [place] to say goodbye.
Obituary examples for a grandmother
Traditional: [Full Name], our beloved grandmother, passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. She is survived by her [number] children and [number] grandchildren, who will miss her deeply. A memorial service will take place on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Personal: Grandma [First Name] passed away on [date]. She had a hug for everyone and a story for every occasion, and Sunday dinners won’t be the same without her. We will celebrate her life on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Obituary examples for a grandfather
Traditional: We share with sadness the passing of [Full Name], loving husband, father and grandfather, on [date], at the age of [age]. A funeral service will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [place], followed by a reception at [place].
Personal: Grandpa [First Name] passed away on [date]. He never missed a birthday, a ball game or a chance to slip us a dollar when Mom wasn’t looking. Come remember him with us on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Obituary examples for a husband or wife
Traditional: With deep sorrow, I share that my [husband/wife], [Full Name], passed away on [date]. We were married for [number] years. The funeral will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [place]. Thank you for your love and support.
Personal: My [husband/wife] and best friend, [First Name], died on [date]. For [number] years, [he/she] made every ordinary day feel like something worth remembering. We’ll say goodbye on [day, date] at [time] at [place], and I would love to see you there.
Obituary examples for a friend
Traditional: It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, [Full Name], on [date]. [He/She] will be remembered for [his/her] generosity and loyalty. A memorial service will be held on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
Personal: We lost [First Name] on [date]. [He/She] was the friend who answered at 2 a.m. and remembered every story. If [he/she] was part of your life too, please join us on [day, date] at [time] at [place].
When it’s a celebration of life
[Full Name] passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. Instead of a traditional funeral, we will hold a celebration of [his/her] life on [day, date] at [time] at [place]. Come as you are, bring a favorite memory, and help us celebrate the life [he/she] lived.
When the service details aren’t ready yet
[Full Name] passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. We will share the details of the service as soon as they are confirmed. Thank you for your love and support during this time.
Turn it into a free video announcement
Once the words are ready, you can send them as a short vertical video with their photo, their name and dates, and the service details, so everyone gets the news in a single message. It’s free, with a small feltoo.com mark, and takes a few minutes from your phone.
Classic
A classic announcement on a single screen, with their photos changing gently behind the words.
Color Memories
A bright, open announcement, with the service details set in a band of color you choose.
Elegant
A formal, cinematic announcement, at its best in black and white.
Elegant Light
A gentle, luminous notice: their portrait fading into white, with every detail in clear dark type.
Minimal Paper
A calm, simple announcement in black type on paper, with nothing in the way of the details.
Reverie
A quiet, evening-toned announcement: their portrait held between deep shadows, their name in a flowing italic.
Soft Frame
A warm, gentle announcement on soft paper tones, with every detail of the gathering in one place.
See the free announcement templates →
Questions
What’s the difference between an obituary and a death announcement?
A death announcement is short: it shares the news and the service details. An obituary usually tells more about the person’s life, family and achievements. The examples on this page are short enough to work as either.
What if there is no service?
Say so simply, for example: “In keeping with [his/her] wishes, there will be no service.” You can add where people can send condolences or donations instead.
When should I send it?
Close family and friends are usually told first, in person or by phone. After that, a short message to everyone else is fine, even before the service details are set. You can send those later.
Later, when you’re ready to tell their whole story, a memorial video can bring together photos from every chapter of their life.