When someone dies, their family gathers to remember and celebrate their life. This often includes writing and publishing obituaries to announce their passing and to recognize their survivors. Sometimes, the question of who to include in the obituary arises. Should estranged family members be included? What about ex-spouses? This can be a difficult decision, but it's important to consider all of the factors involved. Here is what to keep in mind.

Who You Should Include in Obituaries

Remember that an obituary should be a celebration of the deceased’s life and accomplishments, as well as an announcement about close family members they left behind. After a summary of their life, a typical listing will include a mention of their spouse or significant other, surviving parents and siblings, children, and sometimes grandchildren. It is rare for people outside that group to be mentioned.

Generally speaking, ex-spouses and estranged family members are not included in obituaries. This may be because they caused pain or strife during their time with the deceased, because they are not seen as immediate family, or other factors.

Ideally, obituaries should not distract from a person's life by introducing unwelcome drama into the announcement. For that reason, many families choose to omit individuals who fall into these categories.

Deciding on Estranged Family Members

There may be some situations in which you might consider including an estranged family member or ex-spouse in an obituary. For instance, if you want to honor a relative who was not part of your loved one's daily life but who still played a crucial role at key moments in their life, then it might be appropriate to include them, even if they later had a falling out.

Another example would be if the deceased had children with the person in question. In those instances, you may want to include them in order to recognize and honor their relationship.

Ultimately, it's up to you and your family to decide who should be included in an obituary. This is a personal decision with no right or wrong answer. All you can do is take into account all of the factors involved before making a final determination. Just be sure to keep the focus where it belongs: on your deceased loved one.

If you have never written an obituary before, the kind professionals at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home can help guide you through the process. Since 1918, they have provided insightful and caring services to people in the Harpers Ferry and Charles Town, WV, region. They also offer comprehensive funeral, burial, and cremation services. Call (304) 724-6500 to speak to a representative or visit them online to learn more about what they have to offer you during your time of need.