Writing an Obituary: Complete Guide and Templates 2024

Essential Information to Include in an Obituary

An effective obituary relies on a delicate balance: providing all necessary information whilst preserving the dignity and respect due to the memory of the deceased. Some elements are essential, others optional according to your wishes.

Mandatory Information

Here is what information to include in an obituary for it to be complete and useful to those around you:

• Full identity of the deceased: First name(s), surname, maiden name for married women if relevant

• Important dates: Date of birth and date of death (some prefer to mention only the age)

• Place of residence: Town or municipality where the deceased lived

• Close family: Spouse, children, grandchildren, sometimes brothers and sisters

• Information about the ceremony: Precise date, time and complete location (address of the church, crematorium or cemetery)

• Contact details for condolences: Family address or mention of a condolence register

Optional Information

To personalise the content of an obituary, you can also add:

• A photo of the deceased: Increasingly common, it humanises the announcement

• A quotation or short text: Favourite phrase, religious verse or personal message

• Life journey: Brief mention of professional accomplishments or passions

• Cause of death: Optional and according to the family's wishes (illness, accident)

• Particular requests: No flowers but donations to a charity, private ceremony

• Thanks: To medical staff, to loved ones who provided support

The essential thing is to find the right balance between practical information and respect for family privacy.

The Ideal Structure of an Obituary

To write an obituary that is clear and respectful, it is recommended to follow a proven structure for a death notice. Here are the five essential parts that make up a well-constructed obituary.

The Death Announcement

This is the first sentence of your notice, the one that announces the sad news. The tone must be sober and respectful. Here are some examples of phrases for an obituary commonly used in Switzerland:

• "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of..."

• "We are saddened to announce the death of..."

• "The family regrets to inform you of the passing of..."

• "It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of..."

• "We have the immense grief to inform you of the death of..."

For a text to announce a death, favour simplicity and sincerity. Avoid overly complex phrases or excessive euphemisms. Respect and dignity must be evident from the very first words.

The Identity of the Deceased

After the announcement, present the complete identity of the deceased person. This section must be precise and clear:

Example: "Mrs Marie Dupont, née Mercier, in her 78th year, resident of Lausanne"

Or in more detail: "Mr Jean-Pierre Martin, born on 15 March 1945 in Geneva, died on 2 January 2024 in Fribourg, in his 79th year"

If the deceased held professional titles or important distinctions that were part of their identity (Doctor, Professor, Knight of the Legion of Honour), you can mention them with sobriety: "Doctor Henri Favre, retired physician".

For married women, it is customary in Switzerland to mention the maiden name: "Mrs Sophie Blanc, née Rossier".

The Bereaved Family

This section lists the loved ones who mourn the deceased. The order of presentation generally follows the family hierarchy:

1. The spouse

2. The children (with their spouses)

3. The grandchildren

4. The great-grandchildren

5. Brothers and sisters

6. Other family members

Appropriate phrases include:

• "Leaves in mourning his/her spouse..."

• "Surrounded by the affection of..."

• "Share their grief..."

• "Mourn his/her passing..."

Example: "Leaves in mourning his wife Claire, his children Marc and Sophie, his grandchildren Léa, Thomas and Emma, as well as his sister Anne and all his family."

For blended families, adapt the wording tactfully: "his children and stepchildren" or simply list all first names without specifying the exact relationships.

Practical Information About the Ceremony

This part is crucial as it allows loved ones to attend the funeral. Be precise and complete:

• Type of ceremony: Religious (mass, service), civil, or private

• Exact date and time: "Friday 12 January 2024 at 2:30 pm"

• Complete location: Name and address of the church, temple, crematorium or cemetery

• Any restrictions: "Private family ceremony" if applicable

Complete example: "The religious ceremony will take place on Saturday 20 January 2024 at 10:00 am at Saint-François Church, Place Saint-François, 1003 Lausanne, followed by burial at Bois-de-Vaux cemetery."

If a moment of contemplation is planned before the ceremony, mention it as well: "A moment of contemplation is scheduled at the Plainpalais Funeral Centre, rue des Rois 10, 1204 Geneva, on Friday 19 January from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm."

This structure for a death notice ensures that all loved ones have the necessary information to accompany the deceased on their final journey.

The Closing Phrase

The end of the notice allows you to add a personal touch and make any requests. Here are some examples of phrases for an obituary as a closing:

Thanks:

• "The family warmly thanks the medical staff of [town] hospital for their dedication."

• "Many thanks to Dr [name] and the palliative care team for their support."

Particular requests:

• "Rather than flowers, the family suggests a donation to [name of charity]."

• "No flowers or wreaths, according to the deceased's wishes."

• "In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to [cause]."

Online tribute:

More and more families mention the possibility of leaving a message online: "A tribute and condolence space is available on Wolky, where you can share your memories and testimonials."

This option allows you to create a lasting memorial space, accessible to all those who wish to pay tribute to the deceased, even from a distance. Discover how Wolky transforms the way to honour your loved ones in Switzerland.

The Tone and Style to Adopt

To write an obituary appropriately, the choice of tone is essential. It must reflect both the respect due to the deceased and the authenticity of the family's feelings.

Favour Sobriety and Sincerity

An obituary message must be sober, respectful and sincere. Avoid:

• Overly familiar expressions or colloquial language

• Excessively flowery or pompous phrases

• Technical or administrative jargon

• Overly intimate or medical details

Rather favour simplicity and clarity. An obituary is not a literary exercise, but an important act of communication that must be understood by all.

Adapt the Tone to the Deceased's Personality

Whilst remaining respectful, you can adapt the tone according to your loved one's personality:

• Formal tone: For a person who held official positions or preferred discretion

• More personal tone: For someone warm, by adding an anecdote or a striking quality

• Spiritual tone: By including a religious or philosophical quotation that was dear to them

To write a touching funeral text, think about what really characterised the deceased person. A simple sentence can make all the difference: "Generous man and music lover" or "Devoted mother and caring grandmother".

The Ideal Length

For a standard notice intended for a newspaper, aim for between 100 and 300 words. This length allows you to include all essential information without overloading the text.

• Short notice (100-120 words): Minimum information, suitable for limited budgets

• Standard notice (150-200 words): Ideal balance between information and personalisation

• Detailed notice (250-300 words): Allows you to add a life journey, quotations, thanks

For an online publication, you generally have more freedom on length, which allows you to enrich the content with anecdotes, photos and testimonials.

Examples and Templates of Obituaries

To help you concretely write an obituary, here are three adaptable templates according to your needs and context. These examples of simple and respectful obituaries correspond to customs in Switzerland and can serve as a basis for your own writing.

Don't hesitate to personalise them according to the deceased's personality and the family's wishes. For more inspiration, consult the obituaries published on Wolky.

Template 1: Short and Sober Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of

Mrs Marie DUPONT
née Mercier

which occurred on 15 January 2024 in her 78th year, in Lausanne.

Share their grief:
Her husband Pierre
Her children Sophie and Marc
Her grandchildren Léa and Thomas
As well as all her family

The farewell ceremony will take place on Saturday 20 January 2024 at 2:00 pm at Saint-Paul Church, Avenue de la Gare 15, 1003 Lausanne.

Family address: Dupont Family, Chemin des Fleurs 8, 1004 Lausanne

This short obituary template (approximately 100 words) contains all essential information. It is ideal for publication in a newspaper with a limited budget, or for those who prefer absolute sobriety.

Template 2: Simple and Warm Obituary

We are saddened to announce the death of

Mr Jean-Pierre MARTIN
Retired teacher

who passed away peacefully on 10 January 2024 in Geneva, in his 82nd year.

"Life is but a passage, but love remains eternal."

Leave in mourning:
His wife Claire
His children Anne and François, their spouses
His grandchildren Emma, Lucas and Chloé
His sister Marguerite
As well as his nephews, nieces and friends

The farewell ceremony will take place on Friday 19 January 2024 at 10:30 am at Saint-Georges Funeral Centre, Chemin des Crêts 5, 1205 Geneva.

Rather than flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Geneva League Against Cancer.

This example of text for death (approximately 140 words) adds a personal touch with the mention of the profession and a quotation. It is a balanced funeral text template that humanises the announcement whilst remaining sober.

Template 3: Detailed and Personalised Obituary

It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of

Mrs Sophie BLANC
née Rossier
Doctor of Medicine

which occurred on 8 January 2024 in Fribourg, in her 68th year, after an illness courageously borne.

Sophie devoted her life to caring for others with dedication and compassion. A committed woman, loving mother and caring grandmother, she leaves to all who knew her the memory of a generous person, full of humour and joie de vivre.

"What remains of us are the traces of love we have left."

Share their immense grief:
Her husband Michel
Her children: Caroline and her partner David, Julien and his partner Sarah
Her beloved grandchildren: Alice, Victor, Zoé and Nathan
Her brother Philippe and his wife Martine
Her nephews and nieces
As well as all her friends and colleagues

A moment of contemplation will take place on Thursday 18 January 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Fribourg Funeral Centre, Route des Arsenaux 15, 1700 Fribourg.

The religious ceremony will be celebrated on Friday 19 January 2024 at 2:00 pm at Saint-Nicolas Cathedral in Fribourg, followed by burial at Saint-Léonard cemetery.

The family wishes to warmly thank the staff of the oncology department at Fribourg Cantonal Hospital for their exceptional support and humanity.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Fribourg League Against Cancer, CCP 17-6002-3.

An online tribute space is available at www.wolky.ch where you can share your memories and testimonials.

Family address: Michel Blanc, Avenue de la Gare 24, 1700 Fribourg

This detailed text for obituary (approximately 280 words) offers a more complete portrait of the deceased person. It is particularly suitable for online publication or in a commemorative booklet. It is an obituary ready to publish online that can be enriched with photos and testimonials.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing

Even with the best intentions, certain mistakes can harm the quality of your obituary. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to write an obituary for a loved one impeccably.

Forgetting Essential Information

The most frequent mistake consists of omitting crucial details:

• Date or time of the ceremony: Always check this information twice

• Complete address of the location: Don't just give the name of the church, add the precise address

• Correct surname: Particularly for compound names or maiden names

• Contact details for condolences: Make it easy for people wishing to express their support

Spelling Mistakes and Date Errors

Nothing is more regrettable than a spelling mistake in a surname or a date error. These mistakes can:

• Create confusion among loved ones

• Show disrespect towards the deceased

• Prevent certain people from attending the ceremony

Solution: Systematically have the notice proofread by at least two different people before publication.

Contradictory Information

Ensure consistency between:

• The age mentioned and the dates of birth/death

• The dates announced and the day of the week

• Information communicated orally and that in the written notice

Inappropriate Tone

Avoid two extremes:

• Too familiar: Colloquial expressions, misplaced humour, intimate nicknames

• Too distant: Cold administrative language, excessive impersonal formulations

Find the right balance between respect and emotional authenticity.

Awkward or Ambiguous Phrases

Certain expressions can be confusing:

• "Died suddenly" may suggest an accident or suicide

• "After a long illness" may seem too precise if the family prefers discretion

• "Surrounded by loved ones" only if this was actually the case

Forgetting Proofreading and Verification

Before publishing, take the time to:

1. Have a loved one proofread: An outside perspective will detect errors you no longer see

2. Check with the funeral home: Confirm the exact dates, times and locations of the ceremony

3. Check contact details: Telephone numbers, addresses, names of charities

4. Read aloud: This helps to spot awkward wordings

The funeral home accompanying you can also help you proofread and correct the notice before publication. Don't hesitate to seek their expertise.

Where and How to Publish Your Obituary in Switzerland

Once your notice is written, you need to choose where to publish it. In Switzerland, several options are available to you, each with its advantages, costs and specificities. Here is a complete guide to publishing an obituary adapted to your needs.

Publication in Regional Newspapers

Traditional publication in the print press remains an option favoured by many families in Switzerland, particularly to reach elderly people and the local community.

How to Proceed

To announce a death in a newspaper in Switzerland, here are the steps:

1. Contact the newspaper's obituary service: By telephone or email, generally available 24/7

2. Submit your text: By email, fax or directly online depending on the newspaper

3. Choose options: Size, border, photo, publication dates

4. Respect deadlines: Generally 24 to 48 hours before the desired publication

5. Validate a proof: The newspaper sends you a preview to validate before printing

Publication Costs

Rates vary considerably depending on:

• The chosen newspaper: Major dailies are more expensive than local press

• The length of the notice: Often priced per line or per character

• Options: Border, photo, special layout

• Number of publications: Publication over several days

In Switzerland, generally expect between 600 and 2,000 CHF for publishing a standard obituary in a regional newspaper. Prices can even exceed 3,000 CHF for major national dailies with options.

The advantage of this option is local reach and tradition, but the high costs and limited lifespan (one or two days) make it sometimes a constraining solution.

Online Publication on Wolky

Faced with high costs and limitations of print press, a modern and accessible alternative has developed: online obituary publication.

Wolky: A Complete Solution at a Fixed Price

Wolky offers online obituary publication for all of Switzerland at a fixed price of 180 CHF, 3 to 10 times cheaper than publication in a traditional newspaper.

Advantages of Online Publication

• National reach: Accessible from all over Switzerland and even from abroad

• Transparent and affordable price: 180 CHF all inclusive, no hidden fees

• Enriched content: Possibility to add several photos, videos and testimonials

• Interactive condolence space: Loved ones can leave messages, share memories

• Lasting tribute: The notice remains accessible indefinitely, creating a permanent memorial space

• Modification possible: You can correct or complete information after publication

• No character limit: Write a tribute as long as desired

• Easy sharing: Send the link by email, SMS or social networks

• Visit statistics: See how many people have viewed the tribute

A Simple and Quick Process

Writing an obituary in Switzerland on Wolky is intuitive:

1. Create your account for free

2. Fill in the guided form with the deceased's information

3. Add photos, personalised text and ceremony details

4. Preview and publish in a few minutes

5. Share the link with those around you

Create an obituary on Wolky and offer a dignified and accessible tribute to your loved one.

To learn more about this new approach, read our article on Wolky, a new way to honour your loved ones in Switzerland.

Combining Both Approaches

Many families today choose a hybrid approach:

• Short publication in the local newspaper: To inform the immediate community and respect tradition

• Complete publication online on Wolky: To create a lasting and detailed tribute, accessible to all

This combination allows you to benefit from the advantages of both media whilst controlling costs.

Deadlines to Respect

Timing is crucial so that as many people as possible can attend the ceremony.

Recommended Deadlines

• Ideal publication: 3 to 5 days before the ceremony

• Absolute minimum: 24 to 48 hours before to give people time to organise

• For people far away: The longer the deadline, the better (a week if possible)

Technical Deadlines

• Paper newspapers: Generally 24 to 48 hours between order and publication

• Online publication: Immediate once the notice is validated

Coordination with the Funeral Home

Before publishing your notice, make sure to:

• Confirm the exact date and time of the ceremony

• Check the precise location (complete address)

• Validate practical information (access, parking, etc.)

• Coordinate the publication timing with the funeral organisation

The funeral home can advise you on optimal timing according to your situation and help you with publication procedures.

Practical Advice to Facilitate Writing

Writing an obituary during a time of mourning can seem overwhelming. Here is a practical guide with steps to write an obituary whilst minimising stress and errors.

Gather All Information Before Starting

Prepare a complete list before launching into writing:

• Official documents: Birth certificate, family record book, death certificate

• Information about the ceremony: Confirmed with the funeral home

• Family list: Full names of all loved ones to mention

• Personal elements: Favourite quotations, accomplishments, passions of the deceased

• Contact details: Family address, charities for donations

This preparation will save you back-and-forth and omissions.

Get Help from a Loved One

To write an obituary for a loved one, don't hesitate to seek help:

• Collaborative writing: Write the text with a brother, sister or close friend

• Careful proofreading: Ask at least two people to proofread

• Collective validation: For large families, share the draft notice before publication

Several perspectives allow you to detect errors and enrich the content.

Use a Template as a Base

Don't start from a blank page. The free obituary templates to copy presented in this article are there to guide you. Proceed in steps:

1. Choose the template that best corresponds to your situation

2. Copy it into a Word or Google Docs document

3. Replace the information with that of your loved one

4. Personalise the tone and add specific elements

5. Proofread and adjust

Take Your Time Despite the Urgency

Even if deadlines are tight:

• Don't rush: An hour of careful writing is better than 15 rushed minutes

• Take breaks: If emotion overwhelms you, stop and resume later

• Sleep on it: If possible, reread the next day with fresh eyes

Keep a Copy of the Text

Remember to:

• Save the text in several places (computer, cloud, email)

• Print a paper version for family archives

• Share the final version with concerned loved ones

Seek Help from Professionals

Don't forget that you are not alone:

• Funeral homes: They are used to guiding families in this process

• Newspaper services: They can advise you on wording and layout

• Online platforms like Wolky: They offer guided forms that facilitate writing

Final Checklist Before Publication

Before validating publication, check this list:

• Spelling of all names and first names

• Correct dates and times

• Complete address of ceremony location

• Consistency between age and dates

• Contact details for condolences

• Proofreading by at least two people

• Validation of information with the funeral home

• Appropriate and respectful tone

This complete guide to writing an obituary and this funeral notice guide accompany you through each step. Remember that the important thing is to create a sincere tribute that honours your loved one's memory and properly informs those around you.