Obituary examples and a fill-in-the-blank template
A fill-in-the-blank obituary template follows five parts: announcement (name, age, city, date), a short life story, surviving and predeceased family, service details, and a closing tribute. Fill each part with your own details and you have a complete obituary. Below are a short and a full-length example to adapt.
Fill-in-the-blank template
[Full name], [age], of [city], passed away on [date]. [He/She/They] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents]. [Short life story: work, passions, milestones]. [Name] is survived by [family], and was preceded in death by [family]. A service will be held on [date] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [organization].
Short example (newspaper style)
Margaret Anne Wilson, 78, of Portland, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. A devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong gardener, she is survived by her three children and five grandchildren. A memorial will be held July 12 at Rose Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local food bank.
Personalizing the template
The template gives structure; the details make it personal. Add the small, specific things — a favorite phrase, a Sunday ritual, the work they were proud of. If you'd rather not assemble it by hand, enter the same details into the writer and receive a finished, personalized draft in minutes.