Obituary Examples —
Written with Care
Browse real samples for different relationships and tones. Each one was created from real facts — no invented details, no hollow phrases.
Want one written for your loved one? →Browse by relationship
Obituary for a Mother
A full-length traditional tribute for Eleanor Grace Mitchell — capturing sixty years of quiet devotion, faith, and family.
Read example →Obituary for a Father
A warm tribute for Robert James Calloway — retired engineer, little league coach, and builder of the best treehouse in the county.
Read example →Short Obituary Examples
Five newspaper-ready short obituaries (75–100 words each) across different relationships and tones.
Read examples →Obituary for a Husband
A tribute for Thomas Alan Mercer — thirty-two years of teaching history, Saturday breakfast cook, and the person who never missed a school play.
Read example →Obituary for a Veteran
Two military obituary examples — Army and Navy — with guidance on honouring service respectfully.
Read examples →What makes a good obituary?
The best obituaries are specific, not general. "She loved her family" is true of almost everyone. "She drove three hours in a snowstorm to be at her granddaughter's first recital" tells you exactly who this person was.
A well-structured obituary moves through three acts: an opening that sets the tone, a life narrative that captures career, personality, and community, and a closing with survivors and service details. The most important thing is that it sounds like someone who actually knew the person wrote it.
Length matters too. Newspapers have word limits; online memorials don't. The examples on this page show how the same life can be captured in 80 words or 480 — depending on what the moment requires.
The same life, four different tones
See how the opening of Margaret Hartfield's obituary changes with each tone. Our tool lets you choose — or try all four.
Margaret Elaine Hartfield, 84, of Millbrook, passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2024. A devoted wife, mother, and member of Millbrook Presbyterian Church for over fifty years, she is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
If you knew Margaret Hartfield, you knew her kitchen. For sixty years, Sunday mornings smelled like biscuits and coffee, and the door was always open. She passed away on November 4th, leaving behind the family she poured herself into.
Margaret Elaine Hartfield, 84, of Millbrook, passed away November 4th, 2024. She is survived by three children and seven grandchildren. Services at Millbrook Presbyterian Church.
Margaret Elaine Hartfield entered her eternal rest on November 4th, 2024, at the age of 84. A faithful servant of Millbrook Presbyterian Church for over fifty years, she lived her faith quietly and completely. She is home.
Use one as your starting point
Not sure where to start? Answer a few questions about your loved one and we'll write a personalised tribute — in your chosen tone — in under 30 seconds.
Get Started →