About Obituary Generator
Obituary Generator helps families write a respectful, well-crafted obituary that honors a loved one's life — covering birth and death dates, family, accomplishments, passions, and service details. Funeral homes and grieving families use it when words feel impossible to find.
Who this tool is for
- Family members writing an obituary in the days after a loss
- Funeral directors helping families draft obituaries during arrangement meetings
- Adult children writing for a parent and wanting to honor a long life properly
- Friends writing for someone with no surviving immediate family
- Memorial services preparing the program leaflet text
Real use cases
- Write a newspaper obituary for a grandfather, ~250 words, including military service and surviving family
- Draft a longer life-story obituary for the funeral program (500+ words)
- Prepare a short social media post version to share with friends and extended family
- Adapt a written obituary into a memorial card or service insert
- Write a bilingual obituary in English and Spanish for a community newspaper
How to use Obituary Generator
- Enter the person's full name, dates of birth and death, and place of residence
- List immediate family — surviving and predeceased — with relationships
- Note major life accomplishments: career highlights, military service, education, community involvement
- Add personality details — favorite hobbies, the sound of their laugh, a phrase they always said
- Include service details (date, time, location) and any memorial donation requests
Tips for better results
- The details that make an obituary feel real are the small ones — "always had butterscotch in his pocket for the grandkids" matters more than job titles
- Newspapers charge by line or word — check your paper's pricing before writing 800 words you will pay to print
- Mention donation preferences ("in lieu of flowers, donations to...") explicitly — families often forget and it is harder to add later
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard length for a newspaper obituary?
150–300 words for a typical paid newspaper obit. Longer is fine for funeral programs and online memorials. Ask the funeral home — they often have a template length.
Should I include cause of death?
That is the family's choice. Common phrases: "passed away peacefully," "after a long illness," "unexpectedly," or simply "passed away" without cause. There is no wrong choice.
How do I handle estranged or complicated family relationships?
Many obituaries list "survived by" only those who were part of the person's life at the end. You are not legally required to mention anyone. Discuss with close family before publishing.
Can I write an obituary for a pet?
Yes — say "this is for a pet, our dog Bailey, 14 years old" and the tone shifts to honor the bond without the conventions of a human obituary.