Guidelines for Writing and Obituary - FCA of the Finger Lakes

It can be difficult to write an obituary, especially when the need for it is unexpected. These guidelines may be of help in writing one for someone else -- or even your own.

Obituaries come in all shapes and sizes, as you may know from reading them. The usual policy in the Ithaca area is that the funeral home supplies the newspaper with a brief death notice at no charge to the survivors. Those who want an obituary usually must generate it themselves, and there may be a charge. In September 2007, the cost to run an obituary in The Ithaca Journal was $1.91 per column line. Sometimes a separate, short notice of a memorial service may be run later at no charge, depending on the publication.

The following list corresponds to a suggested format for an obituary in a newspaper. Some of the information may not be available or you may not wish to list it. (Note: Certain information is already on the FCAFL membership form. It would also be a help to your survivors if you file this guideline document and/or your obituary with your FCAFL records.) Information in a regional or national publication is usually more abbreviated than that in a local newspaper.

Full name of person (including middle, family, or maiden names)
Age and area of residence at death, date of death
Place and date of birth, names of parents
Area where lived and/or worked prior to coming to this area
If married, when and to whom
Military history, honors
Education, where and what years, degree(s)
Awards, honors
Important publications or other noteworthy accomplishments
Work history, where and when
Important or special organization memberships
Volunteer activities
Special interests and/or hobbies for which the person will be especially remembered
Survivors: immediate family, children, other relations, special friends
Family members and/or special friends who predeceased the person
Funeral or memorial service plans, dates, location. Cemetery/place of burial or where ashes are to be scattered
Where memorial contributions/donations may be made (list full address if possible and especially if not local)
Funeral home in charge of arrangements