How to write a proper tribute...

How does one write a proper Tribute (obituary)? Info for People and Pet Companions.

An obituary is one of the most personal things you’ll ever write for someone or yourself.

It can be brief or eloquent, simple or humorous... as long as it expresses the sentiment you want, that’s all that matters.


The obituary is something that will live on forever memorializing the life of your loved one. Today, obituaries are even searchable online, and with that in mind, it’s no surprise people feel anxiety at the thought of having to write an obituary. It’s a big responsibility that people take seriously. If you find yourself in that position, try to not let the anxiety get the best of you. An obituary can actually help you reduce stress by helping you communicate with numerous people at once, and encourage comfort from your community in the wake of your loss. With the tips below writing an obituary will be easier than you imagined and maybe even a little therapeutic. 


What to Include in an Obituary

The first challenge is understanding what should and shouldn’t be included in an obituary. There are no rules that must be followed, however, there are some standard best practices. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s typically included in an obituary:


PERSON OR PET

  • The deceased’s full name and age
  • Acknowledgement of the passing.
  • You don’t have to provide the details surrounding their death, but the obituary should first note that the individual passed. Some people want to be more transparent and share how their loved one died, and that's ok too!
  • Date of the death.
  • Where they lived, died, was born and grew up. 
  • Big Life Accomplishments
  • Names of surviving family members.
  • Time and location for services (if having any)
  • Special Memories
  • You may also want to include a photo or two that will be published alongside the obituary. 


PERSON

  • Education and work accomplishments.
  • Military service and honors.
  • Hobbies and interests.
  • Memberships.


You can provide as many or as few details as you want in the obituary. Some people choose to keep the obituary brief and others simply want to keep the details to themselves. Here, it can be as long as you want! Online there is no charge for length, so go wild if you'd like!



The Tone is Up to You

Obituaries don’t have to be somber, serious or sad. They can be happy, funny and celebratory. Before choosing which tone to take it could help to think about your loved one and how they would have written their obituary. Just be careful to keep the obituary respectful if you do use a lighter tone. 


Write About What You Want Others to Remember

The most important reason to write an obituary is it captures the essence of your loved one’s life. What is it that you want your loved one to be remembered for? No matter what tone you take or the details you provide, readers should be left with a sense of who your loved one was and what made them special. 


And if you need more help...

Just shoot me an email. I'm here for you! themodernmortician@gmail.com



New Paragraph

February 21, 2025
Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Week Post- Kurt Cobain April 1994: Suicide of an Icon
January 29, 2025
Bullying in the Funeral Industry: a silent crisis
By Modern Mortician Admin December 22, 2024
Educational PDF of Eco Friendly Options for End of Life Education
compost contaminate concerns
December 22, 2024
Could Human Composting be a Contaminate?
December 17, 2024
Exposing Deathcare the Podcast, now on Patreon
water cremation, wave urn
By Modern Mortician Admin December 17, 2024
Melissa Meadow explains where to get water cremation in the US
November 25, 2024
Top 2024 TikTok Influencers Redefining the Funeral Industry
November 25, 2024
OG Funeral Influencers, 2016 - 2020; Those that paved the way for today's "Funeraltainer."
photo pf a woodland path
October 25, 2024
First Published Book by The Modern Mortician
October 25, 2024
**Uncovering the Truth: Behind the Scenes of Exposing Deathcare** Welcome to *Exposing Deathcare,* a podcast created to shine a light on the hidden, often dark realities within the funeral industry. I'm Melissa Meadow, (your host M) or as some of you may know me, *The Modern Mortician.* This podcast is a platform to expose unethical practices, harmful experiences, and shady dealings that have plagued grieving families, funeral staff, and the industry as a whole. By bringing these stories to light, *Exposing Deathcare* aims to push for transparency, support those affected by trauma, and encourage necessary reforms in the way deathcare operates. **Why This Podcast?** For years, I’ve worked behind the scenes in the funeral industry, witnessing the good, the bad, and the shocking. Too often, families face unnecessary upsells, hidden fees, and sometimes outright manipulation when they’re at their most vulnerable. Meanwhile, funeral professionals who truly want to help people are too often pressured by corporate greed or unsustainable business practices. This isn't just about exposing what’s broken – it’s about acknowledging the pain caused by these wrongs and fostering a deathcare environment that respects the dead and the living alike. Through anonymous interviews, real-life stories from funeral directors and staff, and deep dives into specific issues, *Exposing Deathcare* tackles the taboo topics that don’t often make it into the public eye. From high-pressure sales tactics to the consequences of toxic workplace cultures, no topic is off-limits. **Join the Conversation** If you or someone you know has experienced unethical practices or painful situations within the funeral industry, consider sharing your story with *Exposing Deathcare.* Whether you’re a funeral director, a mortician, or someone who has dealt with a funeral home during a difficult time, your story matters. By speaking out, you can help bring accountability to the industry and protect others from facing similar experiences. Submit your stories confidentially, and together, let’s work toward a world where deathcare is about compassion, dignity, and truth. Join the conversation by tuning into *Exposing Deathcare,* and if you have a story to tell, reach out to us. Let’s bring ethics back into deathcare. exposingdeathcare@gmail.com linktr.ee/exposingdeathcare
More Posts
Share by: