Writing an obituary is a delicate task, one that requires careful thought, emotion, and respect for the person who has passed. A key part of any obituary is mentioning the memorial service, as it provides details for loved ones who want to honor the deceased. However, it’s important to convey this information in a respectful, heartfelt, and clear manner. Here, we’ll explore different examples of how to mention memorial services in obituaries, providing helpful writing tips along the way.
1. Traditional Memorial Service Mentions
When mentioning a memorial service in an obituary, you may want to use classic and formal language. Here’s an example:
“A memorial service will be held in honor of John Smith on Friday, December 15th, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 1234 Elm Street. All are welcome to attend to celebrate his life.”
This format is straightforward, providing the date, time, and location of the service. It’s clear and respectful, with an open invitation for anyone to attend.
2. Personal and Heartfelt Memorial Mentions
Some families prefer a more personal touch when writing an obituary. Here’s an example:
“In loving memory of Sarah Williams, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Williams Family Home. Sarah’s family and friends are invited to gather to share stories, celebrate her life, and honor her memory.”
This example brings a personal element by inviting those close to the deceased to share memories, which can feel more intimate and reflective of the individual’s life.
3. Mentioning Donations Instead of Flowers
Sometimes, families request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers. If this is part of the memorial service, it’s important to mention it clearly in the obituary. Here’s how you might phrase it:
“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of James Brown. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20th, at the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel.”
This mention is respectful and gives clear guidance to those who wish to pay tribute in another meaningful way.
4. Virtual Memorial Services
Given today’s digital world, some memorial services may be held virtually, either in full or as an additional option for those unable to attend in person. Here’s how to mention a virtual service:
“A virtual memorial service will be held for Emily Johnson on Sunday, December 17th, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Details and a link to the service will be provided on the family’s website.”
This format ensures that those who can’t attend in person still have the opportunity to participate in honoring the deceased.
5. Including Special Instructions for Memorial Services
Sometimes, obituaries include special instructions, such as dress codes, themes, or specific requests made by the deceased or their family. Here’s an example:
“A memorial service for Mark Peterson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18th, at Maple Grove Park. In keeping with Mark’s love for casual gatherings, guests are encouraged to wear comfortable attire.”
This type of mention helps guide guests and ensures the service aligns with the deceased’s wishes.
Obituary Memorial Writing Tips:
- Be Clear and Concise: Always provide the date, time, and location of the memorial service, and consider whether you need to mention any special requests or instructions.
- Personalize It: Reflect the personality and wishes of the deceased. Was there something that made them unique? Incorporating this into the memorial service mention can help convey the essence of who they were.
- Tone of Respect: Whether the service is intimate or large, ensure the tone of your memorial mention is one of respect and celebration of the deceased’s life.
- Include Virtual Options: If the service is virtual or hybrid, clearly state how people can participate. This is especially important in today’s digital age.
In summary, mentioning memorial services in obituaries can be done in many ways depending on the family’s preferences and the tone they wish to set. Whether it’s a formal gathering, an intimate celebration, or a virtual gathering, providing the details clearly and respectfully is key to making sure loved ones can properly pay their respects.
