How to Write an Obituary: Format, Templates, and Publication Guide
TimeWill Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-05 · Reviewed by the product team
An obituary is a notice that tells family and friends someone has passed. The essential elements are a title, the deceased's information, the time and cause of death, the farewell ceremony arrangements (time and place), and a family or committee sign-off. Ordinary families can send it via WeChat or a group message; organizations and public officials need a formal written obituary published through approved channels. Use accurate kinship terms and state the time and place precisely.
An obituary is how family and friends learn that someone has passed and how they can attend the farewell. A well-written obituary ensures relatives can make it in time; a vague one leaves people guessing. This guide walks through the format, two ready-to-adapt templates, and the main publication channels. Further reading: End-of-Life Planning Guide.
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a notice issued by the family, employer, or a funeral committee, informing relatives and friends of the deceased's name, identity, time and place of death, and the funeral arrangements. It is not a eulogy: a eulogy is the tribute read aloud during the ceremony, while an obituary is the notice sent out beforehand.
The Basic Format of an Obituary
- Title — Center the word 'Obituary,' or 'Obituary of Comrade XXX.'
- Body — Deceased's name, identity, cause and time of death (Gregorian calendar), place, age.
- Funeral arrangements — Farewell ceremony time, location, and a contact number.
- Sign-off — Family names, or the funeral committee name, plus the date of issue.
Template 1: Family Version
Our father, [Name], passed away at [Time] on [Date] at [Hospital] after illness, at the age of [Age]. A farewell ceremony will be held at [Time] on [Date] in Hall [X] of [Funeral Home]. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Sons [Names], daughters [Names], with grief. [Date]. This format is concise and suitable for WeChat or a family group.
Template 2: Official Organization Version
Comrade [Name], a member of the Communist Party of China and former [Title] of [Organization], passed away at [Time] on [Date] at [Location] after medical treatment proved ineffective, at the age of [Age]. Over many years, Comrade [Name] made important contributions to [Field]. A farewell ceremony will be held at [Time] on [Date] at [Funeral Home]. Attendees should gather at [Place] by [Time] for shared transport. Contact: [Phone]. [Organization] Funeral Committee, [Date].
Choosing a Publication Channel
- WeChat family group or Moments — Fastest, ideal for ordinary families. Pin the message to avoid it getting buried.
- Newspaper obituary — For someone with broader social influence; allow a day for layout.
- Organization bulletin or internal notice — For employees and retirees; coordinate with the unit's general office.
- Social media — Protect privacy; avoid disclosing the home address in full.
What to Watch for When Writing
Use accurate kinship terms. State the time and place precisely, to the minute, and use the Gregorian date. 'Passed away from illness' is clearer than 'succumbed to illness.' Give a single family contact number to avoid confusion. For public officials, the draft must be reviewed by the employer before release.
Pairing the Obituary with Digital Notification
A WeChat obituary is quick but easily lost in the message stream. Call the closest relatives first, then send the written obituary, and pin the ceremony details (time, place, transport, dress code) as a single long message. For relatives overseas, note the time zone and visa lead time. Compiling a complete estate planning checklist alongside the obituary helps the family track every task. Further reading: Estate Planning Checklist Template and Digital Will Guide.
Disclaimer
This article offers a format reference for writing obituaries and does not constitute legal advice. Obituaries for public employees must follow employer regulations. For families with overseas relatives, factor in time zones and visa arrangements. Estate matters should be handled with professional legal guidance.
FAQ
Q: Is it appropriate to send an obituary on WeChat?
Yes. WeChat or a family group is the fastest channel and is appropriate for ordinary families. For older or overseas relatives who aren't on the platform, a phone call plus a text message backup works better. Keep the time, place, and dress code in a single pinned message.
Q: What's the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
An obituary (fù gào) is a notice issued before the ceremony, informing people of the death and the funeral arrangements. A eulogy (dào cí) is a tribute read aloud during the farewell ceremony, recalling the person's life and character. The two serve different purposes.
Q: Should the cause of death be included?
State it plainly, for example 'passed away from illness' or 'passed away peacefully.' There's no need to go into clinical detail. For unnatural deaths, follow what the family agrees to disclose; omitting the cause is also acceptable.
Q: Are there special rules for public officials' obituaries?
Obituaries for serving or retired government employees must be reviewed by the employer and follow the organization's mourning protocols. The title, rank, and major contributions should be stated accurately. Consult the unit's general office or human resources department.
References & Notes
- Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, Book VI: Succession (scope of the estate and inheritance order)
- Regulations on Official Document Processing of Party and Government Organs (General Office of the CPC Central Committee, 2012)
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