Eulogies AND Obituaries

Giving a heartfelt and impactful eulogy can be a daunting task, even for those who are experienced in public speaking. Summarizing someone's life in just a few minutes, while balancing somberness with light-hearted moments, is no small feat. However, preparing a eulogy can be a therapeutic way to process your grief, and being asked to deliver one is a true honor. Here are some guidelines to help you craft and deliver a memorable eulogy.

1. Gather Information: Speak with family members, close friends, and colleagues to collect important details about the person's life. Consider including information about their family, career, hobbies, places they lived or visited, and any notable achievements.
2. Organize Your Thoughts: Write down your ideas in a way that feels comfortable to you. Create an outline to structure your speech, then fill in the details using the information you gathered.
3. Write It Down: Unlike a casual toast, a eulogy should not be improvised. Writing it down ensures that you capture all the details you want to share. When preparing a copy for the podium, make sure it is easy to read, with a clear font or spaced-out handwriting. Keep your remarks concise, especially if others will also be speaking.
4. Review and Revise: Your first draft likely won’t be your last. Once you’ve completed it, take a break and revisit it later with fresh eyes. This will help you make any necessary revisions.
5. Practice: Familiarize yourself with the eulogy by reading it several times. Practice in front of a mirror or with trusted friends or family, and ask for their feedback. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when delivering the speech.
6. Incorporate Humor Thoughtfully: While a funeral is a solemn occasion, a well-placed, appropriate anecdote can bring comfort and fond memories. Share a story that reflects the person’s character in a way that resonates with everyone, keeping in mind the diverse audience.
7. Embrace Emotion: Funerals are emotional events, and it’s natural to show your feelings. However, if you’re concerned about being overwhelmed, have a trusted person ready to step in and deliver the eulogy on your behalf. Provide them with a copy ahead of time, just in case.
8. Be Prepared: Keep a glass of water and tissues handy during the eulogy.

Writing an obituary can be challenging and emotional. To begin, gather information from the deceased's family and friends about their early life, education, career, hobbies, and interests. Also, consult with the funeral home for details about the funeral service, including dates, times, and locations.

Here is a simple template to help you create a structured obituary:



[Full Name], [Age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date of Death] in [Location of Death].

A funeral service will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time], officiated by [Name] of [Church]. Burial will follow at [Cemetery Name] in [Cemetery Location]. Visitation will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. [Funeral Home Name] is in charge of the arrangements.

[Name] was born in [Location of Birth] to [Parents' Names] on [Date of Birth]. They attended [School Name] and graduated in [Year]. They went on to earn a degree/certificate in [Degree Type] from [School Name]. They worked as a [Job Title] for [Company Name] for [Number of Years]. They enjoyed [Hobbies/Activities] and were recognized with [Awards/Honors]. They were also active in [Organizations/Charities].

[Name] is survived by [Relationship and Name of Survivors]. They are preceded in death by [Relationship and Name of Predeceased].

Memorial donations may be made to [Organization Name] at [Mailing Address]. The family would like to extend their gratitude to [Organization/Name].

This template is designed to be concise, helping you include all necessary details efficiently. However, feel free to adjust it to best reflect the life of your loved one.