| These are the common pitfalls people run into | | | | appropriate to explain details of the illness up until |
| when writing obituaries. These mistakes make the | | | | the death. These phrases are appropriate although |
| difference between a good obituary and a | | | | as I mentioned, not necessary: |
| meaningful obituary. Learn how you can avoid | | | | - Died of Name of Disease |
| these pitfalls when writing obituaries for your | | | | - Passed away peacefully... |
| loved ones. | | | | - Passed away suddenly... |
| Why You Might Hit Pitfalls When Writing Obituaries | | | | The fact is, the person has died, but details about |
| Writing obituaries is often a sad task because you | | | | the death are better left to conversations or |
| have to do it after someone you love has passed | | | | memoirs than in an obituary. It is just not |
| on. Because of this, sometimes you can make | | | | appropriate. |
| mistakes with the obituary that pulls the focus | | | | Writing Too Much About the Funeral |
| away from the celebration of life and | | | | There is a subtle difference between announcing |
| announcement of death that an obituary really is. | | | | the funeral in an obituary and describing the |
| Also, if you've never written an obituary before, | | | | funeral. A funeral should be announced, but not |
| you may not fully understand what you need to | | | | described in an obituary. It is not a party invitation, |
| write about. | | | | it is an announcement of the passing of a dear |
| What is an Obituary? | | | | person so that every one can come and pay |
| An obituary is a notice that announces the death | | | | their respects. Give dates, times, locations and |
| of someone with a description of the person's life | | | | required dress or etiquette of the funeral, but |
| and list of family members. An obituary can be | | | | describing the casket, flowers and menu is not |
| published in a newspaper, online or in the funeral | | | | appropriate. |
| program. There are subtle differences in the | | | | Writing that Uses Clichés |
| obituary based on where it will be published. Find | | | | The interesting thing about clichés is that |
| out how to write an obituary at | | | | some people understand them and others don't at |
| What are the Common Pitfalls When Writing | | | | all. It may be completely clear to you what is |
| Obituaries? | | | | meant but imagine you are new to the English |
| There are many but the most common ones are: | | | | Language, would you understand these phrases: |
| - Writing about the loss rather than writing about | | | | - Gone to meet his maker |
| the deceased. | | | | - In Lieu of Flowers |
| - Writing too much about the events leading up to | | | | - After a long battle with Name of Disease... |
| the death and the death itself. | | | | Rather you could say: |
| - Writing too much about the funeral | | | | - Died peacefully |
| - Writing that uses clichés. | | | | - Donations can be made to Name of Organization |
| - Thanking people in an obituary | | | | - Succumbed to Name of Disease |
| Writing About the Loss Rather Than Writing | | | | Thanking People in an Obituary |
| About the Deceased | | | | This is a touchy subject, but unless you have |
| This pitfall is the most common. Writing about the | | | | spoken to the deceased about whom they would |
| family or about how the person writing the | | | | want to thank in their obituary or are writing your |
| obituary feels rather than writing about the | | | | own obituary, thanking people is not appropriate |
| deceased is not appropriate. Do not write about | | | | for several reasons: |
| how the family is feeling after the death of their | | | | - You might miss out some very important |
| loved one. Phrases to avoid are: | | | | people that the deceased would have wanted |
| - With deep sorrow, the family announces... | | | | included. |
| - It is with great sadness that we announce.... | | | | - Thanking only those involved with the funeral |
| - With mixed emotions, we announce the peaceful | | | | leaves out everyone who helped the deceased |
| passing... | | | | before death. |
| It is assumed that you will have some emotions | | | | - Thank you notes should be hand written and |
| toward the death of your loved one, to write it in | | | | given or sent directly to the person you wish to |
| the obituary is unnecessary. Besides an obituary is | | | | thank. A thank you in an obituary is neither |
| about the deceased, not the mourners. It is also | | | | heartfelt nor appropriate. See funeral thank you |
| important that you speak of the deceased in third | | | | notes at ObituariesHelp.org |
| person, using He or She. Don't use the words that | | | | With a little bit of care you can avoid this pitfalls |
| you, the writer used when addressing the | | | | when writing obituaries. It is best to read it over |
| deceased, like "mom" or "auntie" | | | | and have others read it over to make sure you |
| Writing Too Much About the Death | | | | haven't fallen into these traps. Proofread it |
| It is not necessary to mention the cause of | | | | carefully and make sure you've included every |
| death, although it is perfectly appropriate to do so. | | | | detail that the deceased would have wanted in |
| But if someone died from an illness it is not | | | | the space allotted. |