Summarize the following:
The first paragraph of any obituary includes these details. You may also choose to include information about your loved one’s current residence. It is not necessary to go into detail about the cause of death, but only to share what feels appropriate. For example, you could say that your loved one died after a long illness or died suddenly. Include her date of birth and the names of her parents. If there was a significant move in your loved one’s early life, mention it here. For example, you might want to state that he was born in Greece but immigrated to the United States as a young child. Include details about schools attended and degrees earned. This paragraph can also be the place to introduce important themes in your loved one’s life story. Did she first discover her love of literature while an English major in college, for example? The personal details you include will make this section meaningful to those who attend your loved one’s funeral.  You might proceed by writing a paragraph on each significant aspect of your loved one’s life: work, hobbies, and family, for example. Alternatively, you might choose to develop a narrative about your loved one. For example, if her crowning achievement was a position in national government, you might want to write several paragraphs describing how she earned the knowledge and experience necessary to get there. Use anecdotes and other personal details. Weave these elements into the larger life story. They should help to convey the overall tone of your loved one’s life.  For example, if your loved one adored jokes, you might include one or two of his most famous humorous quotes. The obituary of a beloved teacher might include a story from a former student about what it was like to be in her classroom. You should include relatives who predeceased your loved one as well as your loved one’s survivors. Begin this paragraph by saying that your loved one was “preceded in death by” the close relatives who have already died. Then, say that your loved one “is survived by” the close relatives who are still living. It is customary to list the cities or towns where the living relatives currently reside. State where your loved one will be buried or interred. While the newspaper version of the obituary should include details about the funeral service and visiting hours, the program obituary should be more general and simply record information about your loved one’s final resting place. You may wish to offer thanks to those who made your loved one’s last days or weeks easier, for example at a hospital or hospice facility. You may also wish to thank the staff at the funeral home. Include the names of caregivers here.
State your loved one’s name, birth and death years, and cause of death. Write a paragraph about where your loved one was born. Write a paragraph about your loved one’s education. Describe your loved one’s adult life, taking as many paragraphs as you need. Illustrate important aspects of your loved one’s life. List the names of close relatives. Write a final paragraph that includes details about funeral arrangements. End the obituary with a sentence of thanks.