Obituary

An obituary is a notice of a person's death, typically including a brief biography of the deceased, highlighting their achievements, family details, and information about memorial services. It is often published in newspapers, online, or circulated by family and friends. The purpose of an obituary is to inform the public of a person's passing, celebrate their life, and provide details for those wishing to pay their respects or attend a funeral. Obits can vary greatly, from brief notices to more elaborate tributes, depending on the individual's prominence and the family's wishes.

Obituary meaning with examples

• The local newspaper published a detailed obituary for the renowned historian, Dr. Eleanor Vance. It chronicled her groundbreaking research on ancient civilizations, mentioning her academic awards and the impact she made in the field. The obituary also listed her surviving family members and details about the memorial service, enabling her colleagues and students to attend and pay their respects to the celebrated academic.
• After the passing of a beloved community volunteer, the online edition ran a heartfelt obituary detailing her decades of service to the local food bank and animal shelter. The obituary featured quotes from those who knew her best, including her children and the organizations she dedicated her life to, with specific arrangements for donations in her memory.
• The family of the prominent entrepreneur, Harold Finch, requested a concise obituary that focused primarily on his business achievements. The notice, published in a national business journal, detailed his career highlights, including his creation of a major tech company, which will be noted for shaping the industry and his philanthropic contributions.
• The unexpected passing of a well-loved primary school teacher prompted the school to publish an extensive obituary in their newsletter. The obituary included anecdotes from former students, celebrating her impact and highlighting the annual school play and fund-raising event that was planned in her honor, along with the arrangements for the public memorial held in the school gymnasium.