Guidelines for Crafting a Death Announcement

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Content

Creating a Simple Announcement

Expanding the Announcement

Sending a Personalized Notice to Loved Ones

Assistance with Crafting a Death Announcement

Losing a loved one is a time filled with emotions. The task of composing a death announcement might not be your immediate focus. Luckily, it can be a straightforward process. At the very least, include the name of the deceased, the date of passing, and details about any memorial services. Optionally, you can pen a more detailed announcement for the newspaper or to inform close ones.

Steps

Creating a Simple Announcement

Determine whether to write a concise announcement. A brief announcement is suitable if you're feeling overwhelmed or if specific circumstances apply. Keep it succinct, especially if it's for a newspaper publication with word limits or for inviting acquaintances to the funeral. For closer friends and family, consider a more personal announcement.

You’re publishing in a newspaper with limited space.
You're extending invitations to the funeral for acquaintances.

Announcing the Passing. Start your announcement with a simple sentence stating the identity of the deceased and the date of their passing. Optionally, include their age. This announcement is often made collectively by the family.

For instance, you can write: “With heavy hearts, the Smith family announces the passing of their dear mother, Eileen, aged 81, on September 1, 2016.”
Alternatively: “The Smith family shares the news of their mother’s passing, Eileen, who peacefully departed on September 1, 2016.”
Or: “Eileen Smith. Aged 81. Our cherished mother left us on September 1, 2016.”

Indicate the Arrangements. Specify if there will be a service, such as a mass or funeral, or both. Mention the date, time, and location of the event.

For instance, you can state: “A service is scheduled for September 8, 2016, at 8:00 pm at the Plains synagogue, TN.”
If it's a funeral: “The funeral service will take place on September 8, 2016, at 2:30 pm at the United Methodist Church in Any City.”

Provide Donation Information. Those wishing to express condolences may want to contribute to a cause in memory of your loved one. Mention any relevant foundation or scholarship fund they can donate to.

For instance, you can mention: “In memory of Eileen, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.”

Expanding the Announcement

Sharing the News of Your Loved One’s Passing. Similar to a concise notice, start with the name and date of passing, optionally including the age.

For instance, you can write: “Ken Jones, aged 68, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Any City, USA.”

Provide birth information. In a more detailed death announcement, it's appropriate to mention the date and place of birth, as well as the deceased's parents. While not obligatory, it adds depth to the announcement.

For instance, you could say, “Born on June 22, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, to Kevin and Charlotte Jones.”

Detail the deceased’s education. A comprehensive announcement allows you to highlight the individual's educational journey, including notable institutions attended. This information can resonate with those who shared educational experiences.

For example, you might state, “He was an alumnus of Middle Town Community High School and the University of Michigan.”

Recognize surviving and deceased family members. Offer insights into the family structure, including marital status, children, and any preceding family members. Mentioning surviving spouses or children adds context.

For example, you could write, “He married Carol Johnson in 1970 and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Jean and Joan.”
If a spouse precedes them, consider: “Survived by his daughters, Jean and Joan, and predeceased by his wife Carol, whom he married in 1970.”

Highlight professional achievements and honors. Expound on the deceased's career successes and any accolades received. Keep it concise, focusing on significant milestones and awards, rather than a detailed resume.

For example, you might mention, “Ken dedicated 35 years to various government roles, culminating as City Hall Manager from 2000-2008. His retirement was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award by Any City's mayor.”

Share personal anecdotes. Use this opportunity to convey unique aspects of the deceased’s personality. These anecdotes serve as heartfelt reminiscences and evoke fond memories among readers.

For instance, you could share, “Ken's colleagues and family will fondly remember his quirky sense of humor, often dressing up on holidays, whether as Santa or the Easter Bunny.”

Provide details of the funeral service. Mention the location, date, and time of the service, specifying if it's a memorial service, mass, or other religious ceremony.

For instance, you could state: “A memorial service is scheduled at Castle Funeral Home on July 27, 2016.”

Guide individuals on making donations. Direct mourners to organizations accepting charitable contributions, either ones your loved one supported or those in line with their interests.

For example: “Contributions in Ken’s honor may be directed to the city’s Recreation Fund.”

Sending a Personalized Notice to Loved Ones

Determine when to issue a personalized announcement. When sharing more intimate details about the passing, such as the cause of death, consider addressing close friends or family via email or letter.

A personal announcement allows for a more informal tone, addressing the recipient directly as “you.”

Notify of the passing. Specify the time of death, using a less formal approach. You may choose to mention the day of the week rather than the specific date.

For example, you might say: “Our hearts are heavy as we announce the sudden passing of our dear uncle, Jack, who departed last Friday.”

Include additional information. Feel free to incorporate any relevant details in a personal death announcement, similar to those found in a more comprehensive one, such as:

Details about surviving relatives
Professional achievements and educational background
Personal anecdotes (interests, quirks, etc.)
Charitable organizations or causes for contributions

Assistance with Crafting a Death Announcement

Annotated Guide to Writing a Death Announcement

Essential Components of a Death Announcement

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Death Announcement

Helpful Tips

Ensure to adhere to the formatting and guidelines specified by the newspaper where you intend to publish the death announcement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What essential information should be included in a death announcement?

A death announcement should include the name of the deceased, the date of passing, and details about memorial services. You can also add optional personal touches, such as the deceased's age and notable life events.

How can I personalize a death announcement for close friends and family?

For close friends and family, consider writing a more detailed and intimate announcement. This can include personal anecdotes, the deceased's achievements, and information about surviving family members to evoke fond memories.

What steps should I follow to write a concise death announcement?

To write a concise death announcement, begin with the identity of the deceased and their date of passing. Keep it succinct for newspaper publications, mentioning any arrangements or services clearly and directly.

Is it necessary to include donation information in a death announcement?

Yes, including donation information is thoughtful. It allows mourners to express their condolences by contributing to a charity or cause that was meaningful to the deceased, providing a way to honor their memory.

What mistakes should I avoid when crafting a death announcement?

Common mistakes include omitting key information, using overly complex language, or failing to follow publication guidelines. Ensure clarity and conciseness while adhering to the format required by the newspaper.