Pixel & Oak / Funeral help

Help for the week after a death

Plain, free guides for the writing that has to happen fast: the obituary, the eulogy, the funeral program and the cards. Take what helps and leave the rest.

• Obituary template: fill in the blanksFree obituary templates you can copy and fill in: a traditional template, a short newspaper version, a celebration of life version and one for a parent.
• How to write an obituaryHow to write an obituary in seven steps: what to include, what to leave out, how long it should be, where to publish it and what it costs.
• Obituary examplesEight obituary examples you can learn from: for a mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, veteran, teacher, a short newspaper notice and a celebration of life.
• How to write a eulogyHow to write a eulogy in five parts: opening, life, stories, lessons and goodbye. How long it should be, and how to deliver it when you are grieving.
• Eulogy examplesShort eulogy examples you can adapt: for a mother, a father, a grandparent and a friend, plus a two-minute eulogy for when you need something brief.
• Funeral program templateWhat goes in a funeral program, page by page, with order of service examples for Christian, Catholic and non-religious services, plus sizes, paper and printing tips.
• Celebration of life program templateHow to put together a celebration of life program: what to include, a sample order of events, wording ideas and how it differs from a funeral program.
• What to write in a sympathy cardWhat to write in a sympathy card: more than 60 messages for the loss of a mother, father, spouse, friend or coworker, plus short, religious and late messages.