The copy-and-paste template
Replace the bracketed prompts, and remove anything that does not fit. Share only information the family has agreed to make public.
[Full name], my beloved [spouse or partner], died on [date], aged [age]. We shared [years or a meaningful chapter] together. I will always treasure [memory]. Beyond our life together, [name] loved [interests, friendships, or pursuits]. [Family details]. [Confirmed memorial arrangements or private remembrance wishes].
Word is editable; PDF is a printable reference, not a fillable form. The download includes fictional sample wording.
Balance the relationship and the individual
Include something that was distinctly theirs: a skill, friendship, interest, or project. The obituary can honor your bond without making the person’s identity depend entirely on being a husband, wife, or partner.
If dates such as a wedding or anniversary are included, check them. There is no need to publish a complete relationship timeline or explain private history.
Choose a voice you can sustain
First person can feel intimate: “I will remember our Saturday walks.” Third person can be easier for a shared family announcement: “Their family remembers their love of the coast.” Both approaches can be respectful.
If several people contribute, agree on the voice and read the finished text aloud. A single consistent narrator is often easier to follow than switching between “I,” “we,” and third person.
Illustrations, not real obituaries
Obituary examples
Fictional example
A first-person tribute
My husband, Adrian Wells, died on March 18, 2025, at the age of 67. In our 31 years together, we built a life around good food, long walks, and the friends who became our family. I will remember his habit of leaving a note beside the kettle whenever he went out early. Adrian loved ceramics and volunteered at a community garden. He is survived by me, his wife, Mira, and his brother, Paul. We will remember him in a private gathering.
Why it works: One everyday gesture communicates intimacy without disclosing sensitive history.
Fictional example
A third-person announcement
June Park, 64, of Seattle, died on February 7, 2025. June was a partner, architect, and dedicated amateur cellist who loved making space for people and music. June is survived by their partner, Ellis, and their sisters, Hana and Beth. Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
Why it works: The relationship is included alongside the person’s independent interests.
Questions about this template
Can an unmarried partner be listed first?
Yes. There is no universal required order. Choose wording that reflects the important relationships in the person’s life.
Do I need to mention a previous marriage?
Not necessarily. Include relevant family relationships without explaining private history unless the family wants to share it.
Can someone help me write it?
Yes. You can give a trusted person a few notes and ask them to prepare a draft. Review it when you feel able, especially names and arrangements.