What relatives do you include in an obituary?

When you list the survivors, make sure that you list them in order of closest relation to the deceased: spouse, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, and siblings. When you are listing a relative, make sure to include their first name, their spouse's first name in brackets and then their last name.

What family members should be listed in an obituary?

Listing Family Members

List the spouse first, include the town or city where the spouse lives, children in the order of when they were born and their spouses, if any, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, in-laws, nephews or nieces, all listed in birth order.

Who should be mentioned in an obituary?

Use the full names of parents, siblings, children, as well as spouse/partner. Also mention grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any step-family members. If the deceased has grandchildren or great-grandchildren, you can list them in number — most obituaries don't list each name of the surviving grandchildren.

What should you not include in an obituary?

Do you list step siblings in obituary?

Either way, do not exclude step-siblings unless they remained on the periphery of the deceased's life or were a negative influence. Avoid long lists of names: If the deceased had many friends, or if there are relatives who will be offended if they are not included in the obituary, give fewer details.

How To Write An Obituary

How do you include a step family in an obituary?

Children and/or stepchildren in order of date of birth, and their spouses. List spouse's first name in parenthesis, then surname. If the spouse's surname is different, or the couple is not married, include the partner's surname in the parenthesis along with their first name.

How do you list a blended family in an obituary?

There are no rules for how to handle this kind of obituary writing challenge, but it's important to include all step-siblings and half-siblings in the obituary notice, if you are making a list of family members. [Name] is survived by siblings [Name], [Name], [Name], and step-siblings [Name] and [Name].

How do you list a significant other in an obituary?

If the deceased is married, the name of the spouse should be listed at the beginning of the obituary. A common phrasing begins, "John A. Smith, loving husband of Jane (Jones) Smith..." and continues with the other pertinent details.

Do you include ex wife in obituary?

Should an ex wife be mentioned in an obituary? Most obituaries include the deceased's current spouse in the list of survivors, but don't mention any ex-spouses, as they are not typically considered current family.

What do names in parentheses mean in obituaries?

A name in parentheses that does not appear to be a nickname or the name of a spouse, for example, “Lydia (Bixby) Christiansen.” The woman's middle name matches the surname of her parents, for example, “Sarah Muncie Thompson was born to Joseph and Esther Muncie.”

Do you include nieces and nephews in obituary?

In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).

What does it mean to be preceded in death?

'Preceded in Death' Definition

The obituary will say that the deceased is survived by a list of relatives. The obituary will also say that the deceased was 'preceded in death' by certain people. "Preceded in death" refers to those relatives who died before the deceased.

How do I put my ex daughter in law in an obituary?

Generally, an ex in-law would not be considered a survivor for obituary purposes unless the relationship remained good or the rest of the family felt it was appropriate to include the individual. If there are children of the ex sister-in-law that need to be included, you could list survivors this way: “Surviving are……

How do you list multiple spouses in an obituary?

I would suggest that you list each spouse with their children, starting with the current wife and ending with the 1st wife. 8 children, (list names). If any of the wives are deceased, you could state it this way: ….

How do you address multiple marriages in an obituary?

In addition to listing survivors in an obituary, it is also customary to include a list of people who preceded your loved one in death. If the deceased had multiple marriages because a first spouse passed away, it is acceptable to list that spouse.

Where does an ex wife sit at a funeral?

While this might be clear-cut for close family, it's not always obvious when it comes to an ex-partner's funeral. In general, since you are no longer part of the close family, you should sit towards the back in the friend section.

How do you put your ex wife in an obituary?

If a couple shared friends and acquaintances, listing the ex among the survivors is a way to help people recognize the name of the deceased and respond appropriately. If the couple remained friendly after their divorce, it may be appropriate to list the survivor's name as "former spouse."

What do you call unmarried couples?

partner (also life partner, unmarried partner, domestic partner) boyfriend/girlfriend. significant other or S.O. the person's name without a descriptive word.

How do you put a stepdad in an obituary?

It is very common to have a blended family and there are several ways to list them in an obituary. Just remember, it's important to include everyone. For stepparents, write the obituary to say: [Name] was raised by mother [name] and stepfather [name], along with father [name] and stepmother [name].

How do you list survivors in an obituary examples?

In general, you list the closest members of the family first. Start with the spouse. Next, list children in the order they were born as well as any of their spouses. Here is where you might include ex-partners, especially if they had children with the deceased.

How do I list my adoptive parents in an obituary?

However, if the adoptee desires, or you, as the obituary writer, find it most appropriate, a simple statement such as, “Charlie was adopted as an infant, and he always felt the utmost gratitude to his birth family for placing him with adoptive parents who loved him unconditionally.” This protects the names of the ...

How do you write an obituary template?

How do I fill out an obituary?

What's the best way to say someone is deceased in an obituary?

Announce the death

You can present this information in a straightforward, factual way, or more uniquely. And there are many ways to say that someone has “died” (“departed,” “passed away,” “went to be with her Lord,” and “entered eternal rest” are some of the most common), so choose the expression you prefer.

How do you end an obituary?

At the end of an obituary a special message is sometimes found, such as 'in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to..' or 'Special Thanks to the staff at General Hospital for..' or 'We will always carry your memory in our hearts'. Sometimes a short prayer or a line from a poem is placed at the end.