How to Write an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an obituary is one of the first things a family is asked to do after a loved one passes, often at a moment when words are hard to find. An obituary does not need to be long or polished. Its purpose is simple: to announce the passing, to honour a life, and to let people know how they can pay their respects.

This guide walks through what to include, in the order most families find natural.

1. Announce the passing

Begin with the full name of the person who has passed, their age, and the date they died. Many families also include a nickname or the name close friends knew them by. A birth year and year of passing, shown together, give readers a quick sense of the life span.

2. Share a little of their life

This is the heart of the obituary. A few sentences are enough. Mention where they lived, the work they did, and the things they cared about. Small, specific details are what people remember: the morning kopi, the provision shop, the classroom, the garden. Write in plain language, as though you were telling a friend.

3. List who they leave behind

Name the immediate family who survive them, such as a spouse, children, and grandchildren. This helps distant friends and colleagues understand the family and know whom to reach out to.

4. Give the wake and funeral details

Include the wake location, the dates and times, and the funeral or cremation arrangements. In Singapore, many wakes are held at void decks, funeral parlours, places of worship, or the family home. Clear details help mourners attend and pay their respects.

5. Invite tributes

Close by inviting others to share a memory or a message of condolence. On Obituary.sg, every notice has a tribute wall where friends, neighbours, and former colleagues can leave a few words, so the family can read them in the days and years that follow.

A short example

Tan Ah Kow, 88, passed away peacefully on 28 June 2026. A devoted father, grandfather, and provision-shop keeper of Tiong Bahru for over fifty years, he was known for his kindness and his endless patience. He is survived by his wife, two children, and five grandchildren. The wake will be held at the void deck of Block 55, Tiong Bahru Road, from 28 June to 1 July.

There is no single right way to write an obituary. Write honestly, keep it simple, and let it sound like the person you are remembering.