When someone passes away, it's a difficult and emotional time for those left behind. Writing an obituary is one way to honor the memory of the deceased and provide a way for others to pay their respects. However, there are a few common mistakes that people make when writing an obituary. To ensure that the obituary is a fitting tribute, here are a few mistakes to avoid.
What to Avoid When Writing Obituaries
1. Leaving Out Important Information
When writing an obituary, it’s important to provide information about the life and accomplishments of the deceased. This should include their full name, age, date and place of birth, date and place of death, education, occupation, and family members. Additionally, it’s important to provide information about any clubs or organizations they were part of, any awards they received, and any hobbies they enjoyed. Leaving out any of this information can be disrespectful to the deceased and their family.
2. Including Too Much Personal Detail
While it’s important to provide information about the life and accomplishments of the deceased, it’s also important to consider their privacy. Including too much personal detail can be seen as inappropriate and disrespectful. Anything that could be seen as too intimate or personal should be avoided. This includes details about their personal relationships, any medical conditions, or any financial information.
3. Relying on Clichés
While an obituary should be respectful and somber, it should also accurately reflect the life of the deceased. It may be tempting to fill an obituary with clichéd phrases, but a text which includes more details about the deceased’s life, personality, and accomplishments will be more meaningful and memorable.
If you need help writing obituaries for loved ones, turn to the considerate team of professionals at Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, AR. Serving area families for over a century, their range of services includes funeral planning, cremation and burial services, and complimentary obituary composition. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help you, and call them at (479) 229-2524 to discuss your needs.