There is no perfect way to hold a whole person in a few paragraphs. Use the simple template below, print the free PDF worksheet, or gather details here in your browser.
No sign-up required. Begin with one detail and one memory at a time.
Full name, age, place of residence, date of death, and—only if desired—the cause of death.
Tell the shape of their life.
Where they came from, work they valued, people they loved, interests, faith, service, and the qualities others will remember.
Name the people around them.
List close family who died before them and those who survive them. Ask relatives to help verify names and spellings.
Share service information.
Include visitation, funeral or memorial details, and whether the gathering is public or private.
Close with remembrance.
Offer a sentence that sounds like them, a brief gratitude, or information about flowers, memorial gifts, or a cause they loved.
A simple obituary template
Replace the words in brackets with your own details. Leave out anything you would rather keep private, and change the wording until it sounds like the person you remember.
[Name], [age], of [place], died on [date]. They will be remembered for [qualities, interests, or a meaningful part of their life]. One memory we treasure is [a short story or detail].
[Name] is survived by [family or loved ones] and was preceded in death by [names, if you wish to include them].
A [service or gathering] will be held at [place] on [date and time]. [Optional information about flowers, memorial gifts, or a cause they loved.]
Use these prompts privately in your browser or print the blank worksheet. Nothing entered here is sent or saved.
Your entries print from this browser only. Nothing is sent or saved.
For the hours after the writing
You may be carrying more than anyone can see.
Wherever you live in the United States, TeleConnect can securely connect you with a First Hour peer mentor who understands profound loss. In-person support is also available in Louisville.
First session freePeer support from lived experienceAll beliefs welcome
