If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are in charge of writing an obituary, here’s a good place to start. These examples of well-written obituaries can help you craft one with empathy, love, and a warm sense of remembrance.
Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. In the midst of grief, the task of writing an obituary can feel overwhelming. It's a chance to honor their life and memory, but capturing the essence of a person in just a few paragraphs can be daunting.
You're not alone. Writing an obituary often falls on family members who may not have experience with this type of writing. Don't let the pressure to get it right add to your burden. This guide is here to help.
We'll walk you through the common elements of an obituary, providing clear steps and examples of well-written obituaries for inspiration. We'll also offer tips on structuring the information and crafting a heartfelt tribute that celebrates your loved one's life.
Let's turn this difficult task into a collaborative effort of remembrance.
An obituary serves as a public announcement of someone's passing and a tribute to their life. While there's some flexibility in how these are written, most obituaries share a core set of elements to inform and honor the deceased.
Here's a breakdown of the information you'll typically find:
By incorporating these elements, you can create a respectful and informative obituary that honors the memory of your loved one.
Here are some obituary examples to give you a better idea of what to include, leave out, and call attention to as you write this final tribute to your loved one.
Alexander Michael Yurkiv, born on April 18, 2004, in Johnson City, NY was sent to his eternal home on April 10, 2024, in Sunshine Coast, Australia, due to a motorcycle accident. He was the beloved son of Andrew and Katerina Yurkiv.
Alex, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Alex is survived by his loving parents, Andrew and Katerina, his brother Bogdan, sister Evelyn, brother Daniel, and sister-in-law Anastasiia. Alex was the cherished grandson of Olga and Yaroslav (Slavik) Yurkiv, and Tamara and Stephan Kadylak. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles who adored him dearly. Among them are Ruslan and Jesse Kadylak, Viktor and Katya Kadylak, Nadya and Sergiy Petchenyi, Julia Kadylak, Steven Kadylak, Igor Kadylak, Lilya Yurkiv, and a host of cousins who shared in his joyful spirit. He was predeceased by his uncle, Robert Privitera.
After his graduation from Vestal High School, Alex embarked on a mission to spread the message of love and hope. For nearly two years, with the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) organization, he served as a missionary in various parts of the world, including Australia, Morocco, Poland, Ukraine, and Fiji. His dedication to his faith and his desire to bring light to those in need epitomized his joyful and generous nature.
Outside of his missionary work, Alex found joy in music and the open road. He was a talented guitar player, releasing a song titled "Take Me to The River (I Will Swim)" that touched the hearts of millions around the world. His love for long drives on his motorcycle or car reflected his adventurous and free spirit.
Those who knew Alex will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Alexander Michael Yurkiv will be held on April 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM at BFUPC — Binghamton First Ukrainian Pentecostal Church at 143 Castle Creek Road, Binghamton, NY, USA. The video will be broadcasted live on the BFUPChurch YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-alex-a-beacon-of-joy.
The costs raised will go toward touching hearts and continuing the mission that Alex started on earth.
Although Alex's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Sashko, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
The family will receive friends at the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home 483 Chenango St. Binghamton, Tuesday, April 30th. from 12:00pm — 1:00 pm. Alex will be interred at Vestal Hills Memorial Park.
Mrs. Toni Alice Conley Hamm, age 79, of Morehead, passed away Friday evening, February 23, 2018, at her residence. She was born March 20, 1938, in Carter County, a daughter of the late Luther and Nancy Jane Sparks Conley.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Willie Hamm; three sons, Mike Hamm, Robbie Hamm, and Harold Hamm; two daughters, Frances Jane Jones and Freda Mae Hamm; three grandchildren, Brent Carter, Willie Joe Hamm and Avery Hamm; one brother, Roy Conley; and five sisters, Dorothy Sue Newell, Della Mae Lewis, Helen Brown, Opal Conley and Nellie Patrick.
She was a member of Haldeman Church of God and a homemaker. She enjoyed arts and crafts and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Alice is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, Timothy Joe Hamm (Janie) of Morehead, Clarence Edgar Hamm of Soldier, Ben Casey Hamm (Janet) of Owingsville, and Jessie Ray Hamm of Soldier; five daughters and one son-in-law, Sharon Jane Hamm of Olive Hill, Carol Hamm of Morehead, Loretta Lynn Herron of Grayson, Mabel Pelfrey of Soldier, and Tina Walton (Bobby) of Soldier; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and one sister, Louise Bowling of Anderson, Indiana. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, with Brother Don Rivers and Brother Bobby Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Hamm Cemetery in Soldier.
Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 and after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Alice’s family will serve as pallbearers.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.globefc.com.
Joseph Emilien Eugene Dorge died unexpectedly on August 30, 2022, at his residence. He was only 72 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. Joseph was born on March 19, 1950.
Joseph is survived and missed by his loving wife Emilie (née Catellier) of 50 years; and his children, Natalie, Patrick, Roxanne (Michael), Carole Felipe (Rupert), Richard. Forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Austin, Marley, Nico, Everett, Edward. Siblings and their families; Paulette & Jean, Aline & Albert, Gerry, Leanne, Jean-Guy & Wanda, Michel & Bruce, Jacquie & Gilles, Lyse & Marleen. His memory will be cherished by the Catellier family; Marguerite & Maurice, Laurette & Andre, Aline & Michel, Rheal, Carole & Alphonse, Michelle & Claude.
His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews; Danielle & Jordan, Michelle, Ginette, Lisa, Nicole & Sean, Melanie, Julie, David, Chantal, Sylvie & Chris, Nicholas, Adam, Aleesia, Stephane & Lucille. On his wife’s side: Christine & Michel, Claudel & Réjean, Sylvie & Daniel, Johanne & Daniel, Darrel, Caroline & Ryan, Rossel & Julie, Miguel, Christian & Melisa, Justin, Maxine & Cory, Janelle. Great nieces and nephews; Gabriel, Raphael, Emanuel, Nathaniel, Callie, Moses, Miguel, Luc, Marc, Kaia, Elias, Rémi, Kaylen, Max, Danica, Olivia, Leon, Marceau. On his wife’s side: Melissa, Lexi, Josée, Chase, Elize, Reagan, Jayden, Rylan, Danika, Alex, Xavier, Tarren, Jada, Shya, Nova, Liam, Laken, Olivia, and Théo.
Joseph was predeceased by his father, Télesphore, his mother, Ida, his sister Johanne, and his brother Gerry. He was also predeceased by his in-laws Denis & Isabelle, brother in-laws Emile, Reynald, and David.
He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up on a farm in St. Agathe, Manitoba. Later on he moved to Windsor Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he eventually met his wife. Then moved to his family farm in St. Agathe to start a family of his own, eventually ending up back in Winnipeg. Some of his greatest joy came from his five children. They created many memories while enjoying trips as a family. Visiting Mount Rushmore, Florida, and camping all over Manitoba and Ontario. He volunteered as a coach for soccer and hockey and attended many of their activities.
He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren by teaching Austin how to play skip-bo, always sharing advice on life skills, and caring for him like a son. He loved to spend afternoons with Marley and Nico going to Ghost Lake, playing mini golf, taking them camping, or for ice cream treats. He would have special “campfires” with Everett, and this summer he was able to experience Eddie catching his first fish while taking Everett and Eddie fishing.
Joseph had many professions throughout his life. He worked in coal mines, farmed, was a co-founder of JO-VI-AL farming co-op, was a foreman for a few home builders, drove feed and fuel trucks, and owned and operated River City Pizza with wife and two sons. After moving to Alberta, he found his place at the Tool Rental in Home Depot where he made many friends.
Joseph had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was often spending his spare time researching topics of interest or reading books. He enjoyed watching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was an avid Winnipeg Jets fan. He enjoyed doing puzzles and whenever surrounded by company you could be sure he would seize the opportunity for a game of canasta. You could be sure he is playing canasta in heaven with his family. Joseph loved driving and never turned down a good road trip. He really enjoyed his trips to Hawaii, Yuma, Victoria, and Florida. Recently he purchased an RV and made many good memories this past summer camping with his wife.
Joseph was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy. Joseph had incredible patience, and always made time to help others. He would say it all comes back to us.
His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbors who were there for us on the night of his passing. Also a heartfelt thank you to the Cochrane EMT, Firefighters, and RCMP for doing everything they could.
Jose Colcol Quiban, 82, passed away peacefully in the arms of his son Jomar on Thursday December 29, 2022 in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines.
Jose was born on May 3, 1940 to Eugenio Campos Quiban and Felipa Colcol Quiban in Manaog, Pangasinan, Philippines. After graduating from Baguio City National High School he enlisted in the United States Navy with his brother, Teofilo, in 1962 and served six valiant years on the Navy Destroyer Ship USS Agerholm during the Vietnam War.
He came to America in 1968 with first wife, Nellie, while stationed in Hawaii at Hickam Air Force Base for shore duty. His first child, Judy, was also born in Hawaii in 1969. He then was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia in 1970 and served on the Navy Submarine Tender Ship USS Simon Lake. During the seven years in Virginia, he had his second child, Joel, and started attending college at University of West Florida in Pensacola for an accounting degree.
He continued to expand his family with a third child, Gina, while stationed at Charleston Naval Base in South Carolina in 1977 for three years. He was then stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia while living in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his family moved back to Hawaii in 1980, where he was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of West Florida. Jose retired as a Navy Chief Petty Officer in 1983.
After serving 21 years in the U.S Navy, Jose continued to serve the nation via a new career with the U.S Department of Defense in 1985 as the West Coast Regional Commissary Director (retiring in 2006) and moved from Fallon, Nevada to the Philippines with his fourth child Jomar for the remainder of his life.
Jose is survived by his three children with first wife Nellie Picardo Quiban: Judy Ann Picardo Quiban, Joel Daniel Picardo Quiban (wife Ginah Quiban), Gina Marie Picardo Quiban (husband Justin Ed Vasquez), fourth child Jomar Quiban with second wife Ramlen Quiban; Twelve grandchildren Sara Salina Martinez (31), Heaven Leigh Hokulani Quiban (29), Hunter Konane Quiban Skrzypek (27), Jalen Keoni Quiban (26), Elijah Keali’i Quiban Vasquez (23), Bryce I’oela Quiban (21), Noah Nohea Quiban Vasquez (20), Harmony Keanuenue Quiban Whiteaker (18), Drew Okelani Quiban (17), Holden William Ali’ikai Quiban Whiteaker (15), Jonah Iokua Quiban Vasquez (14), Josiah Kahoku Quiban Vasquez (12); and one great granddaughter Leilani Ariella Ragan (3).
Jose is also survived by his brothers Marcos Quiban, Teofilo Quiban and sisters Olympia Quiban Buenafe and Gloria Quiban Finuliar.
Jose is preceded in death by his parents Eugenio Campos Quiban and Felipa Colcol Quiban; brothers Aurelio Quiban and Victor Quiban; and sisters Celedonia Quiban Quevedo, Sergia Quiban Ladines, Perla Quiban Tabancura and Trinidad Campos Quiban.
Jose’s Novena Prayer began on December 30, 2022, and he was cremated on January 8, 2023. His remains will be flown from the Philippines back to the United States. A military funeral honors and committal service will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow. The family is currently making plans for the funeral and reception. Further details will be shared soon.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Jose and the Quiban Family!
Debra Ann “Debi” Barrett, age 71 of Hendersonville, TN passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Capstone in Gallatin. She was born March 12, 1953 in Goodlettsville, TN to the late Loyd and Gwyn Smith.
Debi loved being at the ball field, whether it was watching her kids play or watching Mike call the ball. She loved being on the lake and always wanted to be the boat driver. During her high school years, she played clarinet in the Goodlettsville High School Band. She played on the Ingersoll-Rand softball team for a short period, and she also served as Stacy’s assistant softball team coach from the time Stacy was 7 until she was 18.
Debi was preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Gwyn; brother, Max Smith; and grandson, Ashton Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Barrett; son, Dustin Johnson and wife Trish Fortune; daughter, Stacy Ward; grandchildren, Braxton Johnson, Cagle Johnson, Malek Bolin, Barrett Bolin, Ryleigh Shaffer and Raylynn Shaffer; nieces, Amy (Ben) Butler and Dana (Alan) Suiter; and step-daughters, Michelle Johnson (Dean Allen), Lesley Barrett (Chris Bolin), and Jessica Barrett (Eric Shaffer).
A celebration of Debi’s life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024 in the Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Adoration Hospice by visiting www.AdorationHealth.com
Kenneth Amile Anderson, 88, of West Lake Road, Hammondsport, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024.Ken was born in Bradford, Pa., to Lillian and Kenneth Anderson Sr. on July 12, 1935. He went to school at Bradford Area High School, class of 1953, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Nan LaBorde, on Aug. 24, 1957.
Ken received an Associate of Arts degree from Paul Smith's College ('56), a bachelor's degree in physical education (minor in biology) from St. Lawrence University ('58), and a Master of Science in education from Alfred University ('65). Ken competed in baseball and was captain of the ski team at St. Lawrence. Ken also completed post graduate courses at Bethany College in West Virginia, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, Cornell University in Ithaca, St. Bonaventure University in Allegany and SUNY Cortland.
Ken became a licensed instructor for radiation monitoring in Steuben County with the Civil Defense Program. Ken worked as a teacher for 34 years in the science department at Hammondsport Central School. While at the school, Ken was a baseball coach and started programs in gymnastics and the ski club. In 1986 Ken was honored by the Greek Peak Ski Resort and inducted into the Program Advisor Hall of Fame by being "recognized for helping to introduce thousands of people to the sport of skiing." Most of all Ken enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow ski club advisors.
Throughout his time in Hammondsport Ken enjoyed hobbies of scuba diving, tennis, sailing, swimming and skiing. He enjoyed activities on the lake with his grandchildren but especially enjoyed time with his beloved wife, Nan.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Terry Anderson of Sarasota, Fla.; son Michael (Kathy) Anderson of Berwyn and son David (Barb) Anderson of Half Moon Bay, Calif.; and seven grandchildren, James, Harrison, Chandra, Phillip, Mark, Luke and Eric.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Connie (Robert) Weekly; brother, Larry (Yoko) Anderson; and wife, Nan.
A memorial service will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Hammondsport Central School auditorium. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammondsport.
Columbus, Ohio — John Firebaugh, age 90, passed away on June 5. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dr. Francille (Maloch) Firebaugh, and over 20 nieces and nephews. John was the youngest of nine children, and he is predeceased by his eight siblings: sisters, Della Daugherty, Anne Australia Baldridge, and Marian Vermillion; and brothers, George Lawrence Firebaugh, Wyman Firebaugh, Jay Glenn Firebaugh, Lowell Wayne Firebaugh, and Charles Daniel Firebaugh. He is also predeceased by his parents, George Marshall and Mary Lillian (Coffman) Firebaugh.
John grew up on a dairy farm outside Wooster, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He remained in Columbus to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the areas of soil conservation and farming home administration. In Columbus he met Francille at the Ohio Hiking Club, and they married in 1970.
In 1978, John was appointed by USAID to work on a two-year drainage project in a remote region of Afghanistan. Francille was able to join him by taking a leave of absence from her administrative position at Ohio State. After one year there, they had to be evacuated to India when the Russian army moved in. They eventually arrived in Nepal where they stayed for six months before returning to the U.S.
In 1988 John and Francille moved to Ithaca, New York, where Francille accepted a position as Dean of Human Ecology at Cornell University, and John continued his work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They moved back to Columbus in 2008, after they had both fully retired.
John was very recognizable at Cornell as the non-college guy who navigated Ithaca's hilly terrain on his bicycle. Because Francille usually walked to her job at the university, their car rarely left the garage. But they did love to travel internationally, and it was a rare treat to visit their home, where you would be shown items purchased from around the world, and told the stories behind them.
John was a gentle, unassuming man with a sly sense of humor. A good week for John would include solving an engineering problem that had been puzzling him, finding a new way to use some of the plants in his garden, and attending a lecture or two at the university on virtually any topic, from macroeconomic theory to black matter.
John was notoriously frugal with himself and graciously generous with others. Back in the days when cameras required film, John had failed to buy film for one of his birthday celebrations because he wanted to wait until it went on sale the next day. At the same time, he and Francille gave magnanimously to nieces, nephews, and other family members, in their times of need.
John was inviting and easy going. He had a young-at-heart quality. You could get a flavor of this as he would carry on a conversation or tell stories, seated on the kitchen counter with his feet dangling and swinging back and forth.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 24, at the First Congregational Church in Columbus (444 East Broad Street), where John was an active long-time member. The service will also be livestreamed (fcchurch.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the First Congregational Church, Columbus.
“Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.”
— St. Pope John Paul II
Eileen G. Matzinger (nee Kulakaski), 83, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on June 12, 2024, after over twenty years of carrying the cross of several serious medical conditions. She was born on July 14, 1940, in Glen Cove, NY. She is preceded in death by her parents; Stanley and Gladys Kulakaski.
She grew up on the Inisfada Estate in Manhasset, NY, with her father Stanley serving as head grounds caretaker for Inisfada residents Nicholas and Genevieve Brady, New York philanthropists and patrons of Catholic charities and later for the Catholic Society of Jesus St. Ignatius Retreat House. Eileen attended St. Mary's High School and took special interest in choir, cheer and public speaking. She was Cheer Team Captain and voted "Most Popular" in her senior class. Following graduation she worked as an administrative assistant for a local engineering firm and area businesses.
Eileen married Bruce James Matzinger on November 3, 1962, and lived in the small hamlet of Glen Head, NY, for over 40 years. She was a devoted mother to BettyJo (husband Jonathan Lash) and Bruce Jr. (wife Pamela), and later a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to Alexander (wife Christiana), Glen (wife Emma), Ava, Mariah, James, Simone, and Lyla and great-grandchildren Jonathan, Rosie, and Robert. Eileen was proud to be a New Yorker, enjoyed Broadway shows and living near the coast with many weekends spent on the Long Island Sound and Jones Beach. Eileen loved the water and living nearby was such a gift for her.
While raising her family on Long Island, Eileen took classes in elementary education and business administration at Cornell University, and worked as an audit secretary at the First National Bank of Long Island. She especially enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, with very memorable and multiple trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, Brazil, Caribbean Islands and National Parks. Eileen also loved cats and tended to "Sushi" and later "Boychek," who made the move with her and Bruce to Chambersburg, PA.
Upon retirement and moving to the Chambersburg area, Eileen continued her love of music as an active and devoted member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Choir. She enjoyed rehearsals and singing at Sunday Masses and Feast Day celebrations. She was also a dedicated pool member at Penn National Golf Club in Fayetteville and the Chambersburg Fitness Center, committed to swimming laps and doing water aerobic classes throughout the year. She shared this passion with her children and grandchildren as they were learning to swim.
Eileen found joy in preparing meals and finding loving gifts to celebrate seasons, sacraments, birthdays, and anniversaries. Her blueberry muffins and deviled eggs were family favorites. She had a knack for mailing the perfect card and it was important to her to attend all birthdays, recitals, graduations, and sacramental celebrations both near and far. She enthusiastically embraced her husband, Bruce, and their two children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Family get-togethers for holidays and any occasion delighted her, especially when it included lots of chocolate! During her last two years of life, while receiving medical care at Chambers Pointe Health Care Center, she was devoted to the rosary as a source of strength and shared her sense of humor with the nursing staff, residents and visitors. She took a special interest in the lives of those who cared for her.
Eileen found solace and community at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where her funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, with visitation at 10 AM and the Catholic Requiem Mass at 11 AM.
Contributions in her memory may be made to EWTN Global Catholic Network, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.
Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.
We hope these examples of well-written obituaries help you navigate the process of writing a beautiful obituary for your loved one. We know that navigating this loss is a heavy weight to bear.
If you consider trusting Meadow Memorials with your loved one, we’re truly grateful. We understand the weight of this moment and the difficulty of these decisions.
Meadow offers a more compassionate and meaningful way to celebrate a life well-lived with affordable, all-inclusive cremation services and customized memorial planning services in the Los Angeles area.
Our team of caring memorial planners partner with you in this tender time to create an occasion as remarkable as the life it honors.
With our licensed team, you can expect:
The Meadow Cremation package includes everything you need for a simple cremation.
Everything you need for a traditional memorial service at one of our partner chapels.
We'll help you create a memory that will last forever at a Beautiful Venue across Los Angeles County.
