The Berkshire Eagle Obituaries: A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Respects
Introduction
Death is an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, it's important to be prepared. One of the most important things you can do is to write an obituary. An obituary is a public notice of someone's death that includes information about their life and accomplishments. It can be published in a newspaper, online, or both.
Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, but it's one that should be done with care. After all, this is your chance to share your loved one's story with the world and let people know how much they were loved.
What to Include in an Obituary
There are certain elements that should be included in every obituary:
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Name and age: The full name of the deceased, including their middle name and any nicknames or maiden name. The age should be at the time of death.
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Date and place of death: The date and city or town where the death occurred.
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Cause of death (optional): You may choose to include the cause of death, but this is not required.
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Survivors: A list of the deceased's immediate family members, including their spouse, children, parents, and siblings. You may also include close friends or other loved ones.
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Service information: If there will be a funeral or memorial service, include the date, time, and location.
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In lieu of flowers: Many families request that donations be made to a charity in lieu of flowers. If this is the case, include the name of the charity and the contact information.
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Personal information: This is where you can share details about the deceased's life and accomplishments. This may include their education, career, hobbies, and community involvement.
Writing Style
The writing style of an obituary should be respectful and dignified. Avoid using slang or overly emotional language. Instead, focus on providing factual information and sharing fond memories of the deceased.
Sample Obituary
The following is a sample obituary:
In Memoriam: John Smith
John Smith, 78, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in Pittsfield on May 10, 1944, to the late William and Mary Smith. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1962 and went on to serve in the United States Army. After his military service, John worked as a carpenter for over 40 years.
John was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; his three children, John Jr., Susan, and Michael; and his six grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Pittsfield on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Publish Your Obituary
Once you have written your obituary, you need to decide where to publish it. You can choose to publish it in a newspaper, online, or both.
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Newspapers: Newspaper obituaries are still the most common way to announce a death. They reach a wide audience and can be kept as a keepsake. However, newspaper obituaries can be expensive.
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Online obituaries: Online obituaries are becoming increasingly popular. They are more affordable than newspaper obituaries and they can be shared with a wider audience.
Conclusion
Writing an obituary is a difficult task, but it's an important one. By following these tips, you can create a meaningful obituary that will honor your loved one and provide comfort to those who are grieving.
Additional Tips
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Be brief: Obituaries should be concise and to the point. Aim for around 200-300 words.
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Be accurate: Make sure all of the information in the obituary is correct. This includes the name, age, date of death, and survivors.
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Proofread carefully: Before you publish your obituary, proofread it carefully for any errors.
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Get feedback from others: Ask a friend or family member to read over your obituary before you publish it. They can provide feedback on the content and style.
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