Practical and immediate
How do I write an obituary?
Short answer
Include: full name, age, date and place of death, survivors, any services planned, and where donations may be made in their memory. Keep it factual and personal. Many funeral homes offer obituary writing assistance.
What this usually means
Include: full name, age, date and place of death, survivors, any services planned, and where donations may be made in their memory. Keep it factual and personal. Many funeral homes offer obituary writing assistance.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.