How do you list multiple names in an obituary?

Start the paragraph with the deceased's first name, and then “was preceded in death by:” followed by the list of names. The appropriate immediate family members like wives, husbands, brothers, sisters and parents are customarily listed, but you can add as many names as you wish.

How do you separate names in an obituary?

Semi-colon - A semi-colon should be used to separate a list that also contains commas in the same sentence. A semi-colon most often will be used in lists of survivors.

How do you punctuate a list of names in an obituary?

It's common to name parents, siblings, a spouse, and children while it is less common to name all grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Once you've identified the list of family members who you will want to include when writing an obituary, its common to use a semicolon (;) to indicate a pause between two statements.

How do you list children and spouses in an obituary?

Listing Family Members

List the spouse first, include the town or city where the spouse lives, children in the order of when they were born and their spouses, if any, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, in-laws, nephews or nieces, all listed in birth order.

What do names in parentheses mean in obituaries?

If the spouse or partner's surname is different, include their surname in the parenthesis along with their first name (ex: Tom (Sarah Williams) Johnson).

How to Write an Obituary

Which name goes in parentheses?

If the individual is widely known by a shortened name or nickname, include it in parentheses.

What should be avoided in an obituary?

Don't put too much personal information in an obituary. Leave out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. Don't include the deceased's home address.

What order do you list family in an obituary?

When you list the survivors, make sure that you list them in order of closest relation to the deceased: spouse, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, and siblings. When you are listing a relative, make sure to include their first name, their spouse's first name in brackets and then their last name.

Which family members are listed in obituaries?

Start the paragraph with the deceased's first name, and then “was preceded in death by:” followed by the list of names. The appropriate immediate family members like wives, husbands, brothers, sisters and parents are customarily listed, but you can add as many names as you wish.

How do you write an obituary for multiple marriages?

If any of the wives are deceased, you could state it this way: …. Richard is survived by his wife, Susie and their 2 children (list names); his 4 children (list names) from his second wife, Mary; his 8 children (list names) from his first wife, Ann.

What is the proper way to list a name?

The first thing to know is that there are generally only two correct options: two commas, one before and one after the name/title, or no commas at all. While a comma after the title may be correct on rare occasions (which don't concern us here), a comma only before a name or title is wrong.

How do you list multiple husbands in an obituary?

The order usually goes: current spouse, deceased spouse, and then any other spouses in chronological order. If the individual was not married at the time of their death but had been previously married, it is appropriate (but not necessary) to list their former spouses in the obituary.

How do you layout an obituary?

How do you write a dual obituary?

Remember to highlight the achievements and qualities of each person relatively equally. It's okay to mention their accomplishments separately, but it's important to honor both people adequately in their shared obituary. Emphasize the joy the relationship brought to them, and the ways in which they inspired others.

Do you use titles in obituaries?

Even though most U.S. publications have stopped using courtesy titles, exceptions are sometimes made for obituaries, where Mr., Ms., and so on are used to show respect.

How do you put half siblings in an obituary?

To write about stepsiblings or half-siblings, write the obituary to say: [Name] is survived by siblings [list all their names] and stepsiblings (or half-siblings) [list names].

Who comes first in an obituary?

In general, you list the closest members of the family first. Start with the spouse. Next, list children in the order they were born as well as any of their spouses. Here is where you might include ex-partners, especially if they had children with the deceased.

Should ex wife be listed in obituary?

There are no rules that are set in stone. This means you can always use your own judgment whether or not you include ex-spouses in an obituary. According to traditional obituary etiquette, it's common to include any predeceased or surviving relatives in an obituary.

Why would a family not write an obituary?

The deceased has few family members or friends

In some situations, the deceased's family may not see the need to write an obituary. In other cases, there may be no one who has the interest or ability to take care of this unnecessary task.

Should step siblings be listed in obituary?

Either way, do not exclude step-siblings unless they remained on the periphery of the deceased's life or were a negative influence. Avoid long lists of names: If the deceased had many friends, or if there are relatives who will be offended if they are not included in the obituary, give fewer details.

What is the order of family at a funeral?

The spouse is first, accompanied by children. Parents and siblings would be next, followed by extended family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc). Where should immediate family sit at a funeral? The immediate family members sit in the front rows.

What is the structure of an obituary?

Even the most sensational obituaries should include key details about the person's life and death. First, you'll want to include the person's name, birth place, age, date of death, location and cause of death (optional).

How many words is an average obituary?

The average length of an obituary is approximately 200 words, but some publications may accept obituaries as long as 450 words or as short as 50 words.

What is the best day to publish an obituary?

For both online and newspaper obituary posts, you should try and publish within a week after the death of your loved one. If the obituary has funeral notifications such as the location and timing of the funeral, you should post at least three days prior to the funeral.

Do you include estranged family members in an obituary?

Miss Manners: All family members, estranged or not, belong in an obituary - The Washington Post.