What Not to Include in an Obituary
An obituary is a public record. What you leave out matters as much as what you put in. Here's a practical guide to what not to include — and why — so your tribute stays respectful and safe.
Avoid including these
Personal identification details
Do not include a full street address, mother's maiden name, exact date of birth in some contexts (identity theft risk), or sensitive identifiers. A city or town is enough for location.
Cause of death (when it's private)
Many families prefer "passed away peacefully" or "died unexpectedly" over specific causes. Suicide, overdose, or other stigmatised causes are often omitted to protect the family's privacy and the memory of the person.
Negative or divisive information
Avoid mentioning estrangements, divorces in a negative light, disagreements, or anything that could hurt surviving family members. The obituary is not the place to settle scores.
Unverified or speculative claims
Stick to facts. Don't invent accomplishments, relationships, or stories. If you're unsure, leave it out.
Political or controversial opinions
Unless the person was publicly known for a cause, keep politics and polarising views out. An obituary should unite, not divide.
Need help deciding what to include?
Our guided tool asks the right questions and produces a respectful, publication-ready obituary — without guesswork.
Start Writing →