You’re publishing an announcement in a newspaper. There may be a word limit, so you may want to keep the announcement as short as possible. You want to invite people to the funeral but don’t know them too well. You can limit the amount of information you share with people you don’t know. You can send a more intimate announcement to friends and family.
For example, you can write, “The Smith family announces with great sadness the loss of their beloved mother, Eileen, age 81, on September 1, 2016. ”[1] X Research source Here is alternate wording: “The Smith family announces the passing of their mother, Eileen, who died peacefully on September 1, 2016. ” Another wording: “Eileen Smith. 81. Our beloved mother passed away on September 1, 2016. ”[2] X Research source
For example, you can write: “A service will be held on September 8, 2016, at 8:00 pm at the synagogue in Plains, TN. ”[3] X Research source If you’re having a funeral, then write: “A funeral service will be held on September 8, 2016 at 2:30 pm at United Methodist Church, Any City. ”
For example, you can write, “Memorial donations in Eileen’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society. ”
For example, you can write: “Ken Jones, 68, died on Sunday, July 17, 2016 in Any City, USA. ”[5] X Research source
For example, you can write, “He was born June 22, 1948 in Los Angeles, California, to Kevin and Charlotte Jones. ”[6] X Research source
For example, you can write, “He attended Middle Town Community High School and the University of Michigan. ”
For example, you can write, “In 1970 he married Carol Johnson and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Jean and Joan. ”[8] X Research source If your loved one is predeceased by a spouse, you can write: “He is survived by his two daughters, Jean and Joan, and pre-deceased by his wife Carol, whom he married in 1970. ”
For example, you can write, “Ken served for 35 years in various government jobs, rising to the office of City Hall Manager, where he served from 2000-2008. Upon his retirement, he received the Outstanding Citizen Award from Any City’s mayor. ”
For example, you might write: “Ken’s colleagues and family will miss his unique sense of humor, which saw him dress up in costume on holidays, whether as Santa or as the Easter Bunny. ”
For example, you can write: “A memorial service will be held at Castle Funeral home on July 27, 2016. ”[11] X Research source
For example: “Donations may be made in Ken’s name to the city’s Recreation Fund. ”
An intimate death announcement allows you to adopt a more informal tone. You can address the reader as “you. ”
For example, you can write: “Our family is devastated to announce the untimely death of our beloved uncle, Jack, who passed away last Friday. ”[12] X Research source
surviving family members professional accomplishments and education personal details (hobbies, quirks, etc. ) donations or charities people can contribute to
