In the early days after loss, there is often one task that looms larger than all the rest: writing the obituary. At first, it may feel like a formality, a public notice of someone’s passing. If you look a little closer, you begin to see it for what it truly is. An obituary isn't just a record of death, it's a story of life. It's the final chapter that captures how someone lived, loved, and mattered.
For generations, obituaries have been one of the few written records families leave behind. They are clipped from newspapers, tucked into family Bibles, saved in scrapbooks, or rediscovered years later in dusty boxes. They remind us that behind every name and date is a person who shaped lives and carried a story worth remembering.
More Than Facts
Commonly, obituaries start with the basic details. Born here. Married there. Passed away at this time. These facts matter, but they are not the whole truth. They do not capture the sound of a laugh that could brighten a room, or the Sunday dinners that became family tradition, or the countless acts of kindness that defined a life.
The most meaningful obituaries begin with the person, not the process. They tell us what someone stood for, what brought them joy, what made them unforgettable. They move beyond the surface and give us a glimpse of the soul.
The Power of Story
Stories make people come alive on the page. To say that a father loved his children is true, but to describe how he spent thirty years making animal-shaped pancakes every Sunday tells us far more. To say that a neighbor was kind is kind, but to share how she delivered soup to anyone who fell ill paints a picture that lingers.
These stories invite readers into the life of someone they may never have known. They connect us to our shared humanity. They remind us that life is not measured by the milestones alone, but by the small, daily gestures that leave an imprint on others.
Why Obituaries Still Matter
In today's world where information moves fast, some people might wonder if obituaries still hold the same weight. The answer is yes, in my opinion. Perhaps now more than ever. Families may post on social media, but an obituary carries permanence and intention. It says, this person lived, and their story is worth telling in full.
Obituaries give families a chance to gather memories and collaborate on what should be remembered. It reduces conflict, sparks conversation, and even teach younger generations about the values that shaped the family before them.
Writing With Care
At BestFarewell, we see the obituary as both a responsibility and an opportunity. That is why we built SageLink, our AI that has a feature of serving as a writing assistant, to guide families through this process. It asks thoughtful questions, remembers details, and helps capture the true essence of a life with clarity and care. The result is not just a notice, but a meaningful tribute.
Obituaries are not simply about endings. They are about legacy. They are about telling the story so that when future generations look back, they will know not just when someone lived, but how.
A Final Gift
The act of writing obituaries can be very hard, but it's also healing. It gives families the chance to remember good time, to laugh at old stories, to cry at tender memories, and to see their loved one’s life reflected in words. It's a reminder that even in loss, there's beauty in remembering.
The stories we leave behind truly matter. They are the threads that bind generations together. They are proof that a life was lived with meaning. And in the end, telling those stories is one of the most important acts of love we can offer.