Death & Funeral Notices

How to Write a Funeral Notice

Most people get confused about Death and Funeral notices and think they are the same thing but actually they are 2 separate notices that usually appear in 2 separate sections in the paper. The Funeral Director places the death notice & funeral notice for the family.

The death notice is to notify family and friends that a loved one has passed away. The notice should include the following –

  • Surname (Maiden Name if applicable)
  • Christian Names and nickname if applicable
  • Passed away at (Name of Hospital/Nursing home or residence) on date of death
  • Dearly loved Husband/wife of
  • Loving father/mother of (also Son/Daughter in law) can be included
  • Loved Pa/Gran (ask what the Grandchildren referred to them as)
  • Ending with one line verse or poem (listed below)

The Funeral notice is prepared by the Funeral Director and will include the name of the deceased , place the service is being held , time and details about burial or cremation details. In some cases you may make donations are to be made in lieu of flowers etc. It is important to remember that Death & Funeral Notices can become costly in the major Metropolitan papers and you should ask the cost of notices appearing in these papers.

Listed below are some widely used line endings and verses which may assist –

  • To know him/her was to love him her
  • Loving memories are ours to keep
  • Peace at last
  • Resting in God’s care
  • Always in our hearts
  • You weren’t only my brother/sister, but by friend
  • Treasured memories
  • One of nature’s gentlemen
  • A patient sufferer at rest
  • She is now wherever we are
  • Forever with the Lord
  • Forever in our hearts
  • Rest in peace
  • Will be sadly missed
  • Till we meet again
  • Love does not end
  • Loved and respected by all
  • A happy smile, a heart of gold,
    You were the best in this world
    Could hold
  • To hear your voice, to see your smile
    To sit and talk with you a while
    To be together in the same old way
    Would be my only wish today