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Obituary

Death announcement wording

Tell the closest people in person or by phone first, then use text, email and social media for everyone else. A death announcement needs only a few things: who died, when, a sentence about how if you wish, and when service details will follow. Short is fine.

Updated

A hand holding a white cup of black coffee
On this page

The examples on this page were written for TributePen. The people, names and details in them are invented: use them as a starting point, never as someone's real story.

Who to tell, in what order

  1. Immediate family, in person or by phone: parents, children, siblings, a spouse who was not present.
  2. Close friends and relatives who would be hurt to learn it online. A phone call or a personal text.
  3. The wider circle: an email or group message.
  4. Social media, last, once no one close will find out that way.

Ask one or two people to help you make calls. It is too many conversations for one person.

By text message

Personal text

simple

Hi Sarah, I have sad news. Mom passed away this morning, peacefully. I'll call you when I can. I wanted you to hear it from me.

For a text to a close friend · 26 words · 127 characters
Why it works: personal, short, and it promises a real conversation. Make it yours: a text is acceptable when a call is too much; say you will call.

Family group

simple

Dear family, with heavy hearts we share that Grandpa Walt died last night at home, with Grandma beside him. We'll send service details as soon as they're set. Please keep Grandma in your thoughts.

For a group text to extended family · 34 words · 196 characters
Why it works: clear, calm, and it tells people what happens next. Make it yours: name the person the family is worried about.

By email

Email announcement

formal≈ 39 sec read aloud

Subject: Sad news about Linda Kowalski

Dear friends,

It is with great sadness that we share that our mother, Linda Kowalski, died peacefully on September 25, surrounded by her family. She was 76.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., and the funeral service on Saturday at 10 a.m. Her full obituary, with all the details, is on the funeral home's website.

Thank you for the friendship you gave her over so many years. It meant the world to her.

Anne, Tom and Mike Kowalski

For an email to friends and acquaintances · 91 words · 501 characters
Why it works: the subject line prepares the reader, and the email points to the obituary for details. Make it yours: add the funeral home link when you send it.

Workplace email

formal≈ 37 sec read aloud

Dear team,

I am very sorry to share that our colleague Carlos Mendez died on Sunday. Carlos was part of this team for eleven years, and many of you worked closely with him.

His family has shared that a memorial service will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m.; anyone who wishes to attend may take the afternoon. We will have a card in the break room for messages to his family.

Please be kind to yourselves and each other this week. My door is open.

For a manager announcing a colleague's death · 86 words · 445 characters
Why it works: facts the family agreed to share, a practical way to help, and care for the team. Make it yours: check the wording with the family before sending.

On social media

Post from a daughter

warm

My dad, Ray Doyle, died on Thursday, September 24. He was a firefighter, a hockey coach, a Sunday-dinner kind of father, and the best man I will ever know. Service details are below. Thank you for all the love you've already sent.

For a public post from a daughter · 42 words · 230 characters
Why it works: three roles in one line give a picture of him. Make it yours: post only after everyone close has been told.

Asking for privacy

simple

We are heartbroken to share that Jake died unexpectedly on September 22. We are grateful for your love and ask for privacy as we grieve. Details of a memorial will be shared later.

For a post asking for privacy · 33 words · 180 characters
Why it works: it says what happened without detail and sets a boundary kindly. Make it yours: you can turn off comments on the post.

From a wife

warm

Many of you know that Bill has been ill for two years. This morning he died peacefully at home, with his family. Thank you for every meal, every card and every visit. We'll share a memorial date soon.

For a post from a spouse · 38 words · 200 characters
Why it works: it thanks the community that followed the illness. Make it yours: only mention the illness if it was already known.

When service details follow

Service details

simple

Thank you all for your kind messages about Mom. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 11 a.m., with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations to the public library's literacy program.

For a follow-up with service details · 39 words · 222 characters
Why it works: a short follow-up that answers the questions people are asking. Make it yours: repeat the details in the obituary.

For the full written notice, see how to write an obituary and short obituary examples. To thank people afterward, see funeral thank-you notes.

Common questions

How do you announce a death on social media?

After the closest family and friends have been told personally, post a short message with the person's name, when they died, a line about who they were if you want, and whether service details will follow. You can turn off comments or ask for privacy.

How do you announce a death at work?

If the person was a colleague, the manager usually tells the team in person or by email with the family's permission, giving the date, any service details the family wants shared and how to send condolences.

What should a death announcement not include?

Details of the illness or circumstances the family has not chosen to share, and, for safety, the home address or the times the house will be empty.

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