Writing an obituary is a difficult and emotional task, especially when you have to mention the cause of death of your loved one. You may wonder how to write an obituary cause of death in a respectful and sensitive way, without revealing too much or too little information. Here are some tips and examples to help you write an obituary cause of death that honors the memory of your loved one.
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Why Mention the Cause of Death?
There are many reasons why you may want to mention the cause of death in an obituary. Some of them are:
- To inform the family and friends of the deceased about the circumstances of their passing.
- To raise awareness and educate the public about a certain disease or condition that affected the deceased.
- To encourage donations or support for a specific cause or organization that is related to the cause of death.
- To express gratitude or appreciation for the medical staff or caregivers who helped the deceased during their illness or injury.
- To acknowledge the courage or strength of the deceased who fought against their condition.
How to Choose the Right Words?
The choice of words for the cause of death depends on several factors, such as:
- The nature and severity of the condition that caused the death.
- The wishes and preferences of the deceased and their family.
- The tone and style of the obituary.
- The audience and purpose of the obituary.
Some general guidelines for choosing the right words are:
- Be honest and accurate, but avoid being too graphic or detailed.
- Use simple and clear language, but avoid being too vague or ambiguous.
- Be respectful and compassionate, but avoid being too sentimental or emotional.
- Be positive and hopeful, but avoid being too unrealistic or optimistic.
How to Format the Cause of Death?
The cause of death can be formatted in different ways in an obituary, depending on where and how you want to include it. Some common ways are:
- As a separate sentence or paragraph after the basic information (name, age, date and place of death) of the deceased. For example:
John Smith, 56, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023 at his home in New York City. He was born on June 15, 1967 in Boston, Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife, Jane Smith, his children, Jack and Jill Smith, his parents, Robert and Mary Smith, his siblings, Tom and Lisa Smith, and his nieces and nephews. John was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a successful lawyer and a passionate advocate for human rights. He enjoyed traveling, reading, golfing, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
John died after a long battle with lung cancer. He was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in 2021 and underwent several treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. He fought bravely and gracefully until the end. He was grateful for the support and care he received from his family, friends, doctors, nurses, and hospice workers. He also appreciated the donations made in his name to the American Cancer Society. - As a part of the basic information (name, age, date and place of death) of the deceased. For example:
John Smith, 56, died of lung cancer on August 30, 2023 at his home in New York City. - As a part of the biographical information (life story) of the deceased. For example:
John Smith was born on June 15, 1967 in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a loving family with his parents, Robert and Mary Smith, and his siblings, Tom and Lisa Smith. He attended Harvard University and graduated with honors in law. He married Jane Smith in 1990 and they had two children, Jack and Jill Smith. He worked as a lawyer for a prestigious firm in New York City and specialized in human rights cases. He was passionate about defending the rights and dignity of people around the world. He also loved traveling, reading, golfing, and spending time with his family.
In 2021, John was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. He underwent several treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. He fought bravely and gracefully until the end. He died peacefully on August 30, 2023 at his home in New York City.
How to End the Obituary?
The end of the obituary is usually where you can include some final words or sentiments about your loved one. You can also mention any funeral arrangements or memorial services that are planned or requested by the family. Some common ways to end the obituary are:
- With a quote or a poem that reflects the personality or beliefs of the deceased. For example:
John’s favorite quote was “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi. He lived by this motto and inspired many people with his actions and words. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, courage, and wisdom. - With a message of gratitude or appreciation for the people who helped or supported the deceased or the family. For example:
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and hospice workers who cared for John during his illness. They would also like to thank the friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues who offered their condolences, prayers, and assistance. They are deeply grateful for the love and support they received. - With a request or invitation for donations or participation in a specific cause or organization that is related to the cause of death. For example:
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the American Cancer Society. They also invite everyone to join them for a celebration of John’s life on September 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Park in New York City.
Writing an obituary cause of death can be challenging, but it can also be a meaningful and healing way to honor your loved one. By following these tips and examples, you can write an obituary cause of death that expresses your feelings and respects your loved one’s wishes.
