Obituary examples for every relationship
Browse real samples to see what a finished obituary looks like. Each example page includes multiple tones, word counts, and writing commentary to help you find the right approach.
What you'll find in our obituary examples
Every example on this site is a fully written obituary, not a fragment or a teaser. You can read the whole thing, copy it, and use it as a model for the one you have to write. The examples cover the full range of relationships, tones, and lengths people actually need.
What sets these apart from the obituaries you find on Legacy and similar archives is the writing commentary. Below each example we point to the specific choices that make it work -- the opening line that earns the reader's attention, the concrete detail that does the heavy lifting, the closing image that lingers. You are not just reading an obituary. You are learning what to copy and what to leave behind.
Use the samples to find the tone and structure that fits your situation, then write your own from the specifics only you know. The point is inspiration, not a template you fill in.
Reading examples not quite helping? Let AI write one for you.
Our AI obituary generator asks you questions about your loved one and writes a personalized obituary based on your answers. It takes about 10 minutes and produces something that sounds like it was written by someone who knew them.
Featured examples
Dorothy Mae Patterson (nee Sullivan)
Mother
Dorothy Patterson, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Wednesday at Mercy Medical Center after a brief illness. Her three daughters were by her side.
Harold James Whitfield
Father
Harold Whitfield, 72, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died at home on March 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Harold never said much.
Michael James Kowalczyk
Friend
Mike Kowalczyk, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died on February 3, 2026.
Examples by relationship
Pick the relationship that matches who you are writing for.
Parents
Grandparents
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Son
3 carefully written examples for the hardest obituary a parent may face.
Daughter
3 gentle examples honoring a daughter's life, personality, and the impact she made.
Child
3 tender examples for a young child, focused on who they were and what they meant.
Infant
3 brief, respectful examples for a life that was short but mattered completely.
Extended family and others
Friend
3 examples for when a friend's family asks for help or you want to write your own tribute.
Aunt
3 samples honoring an aunt's role in the wider family and the lives she touched.
Uncle
3 examples covering career, personality, and the unique role an uncle plays.
Veteran
3 samples with proper military honors, service details, and post-service life.
Coworker
3 examples for someone whose impact was felt every day in the workplace.
Pet
3 examples honoring a pet who was truly part of the family.
How our examples help
Each example page includes:
- 3 fully written obituaries in different tones (warm, formal, heartfelt, and more)
- Word counts ranging from short newspaper notices to longer tributes
- Writing commentary explaining what makes each example effective
- Inspiration for structure, phrasing, and the kinds of details to include
- A clear picture of what a finished obituary looks like before you start writing
Common questions
Are these real obituary examples?
These are realistic sample obituaries written to illustrate different tones, lengths, and structures. They are based on common patterns found in published obituaries, but the names and details are fictional. Each example is designed to show you what a finished obituary looks like for a specific relationship.
How do I use an obituary example?
Read through the examples for the relationship that matches your situation. Pay attention to the structure, the kinds of details included, and the overall tone. Then write your own obituary using the same approach but with your loved one's real details. You can borrow phrasing, structure, or the overall flow. The goal is inspiration, not copying word for word.
What tone should I choose?
Warm works well for most situations. It feels personal without being overly emotional. Formal is a good fit for newspaper submissions or when the person held a prominent role. Heartfelt suits someone whose personality and relationships were the center of their life. Traditional follows classic obituary conventions. Modern takes a less structured, more conversational approach.
What's the difference between an example and a template?
An example is a fully written obituary that shows you what the finished product looks like. A template is a fill-in-the-blank framework where you insert your own details. Examples help you understand tone and style. Templates help you get to a finished draft faster. Both are available on this site.
Should I use an example or the AI generator?
Examples are useful when you want to see what others have written and borrow ideas for your own draft. The AI generator is better if you want something written specifically for your loved one. You answer questions about their life, personality, and what made them who they were, and the AI writes a personalized obituary based on your answers. Both are free to start.
Still not sure where to start? Let our AI write one based on your answers.