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Obituary template for a parent
Writing about a parent can feel like too much to hold at once. This template starts you with the plain facts and the shape of a notice, then leaves room for the things only you know. Fill in what you can, skip what you cannot, and change any wording afterwards.
Take your time. What you type and the photos you add stay on your device. We never receive them. You can close the page whenever you need to.
Write yours
Your text
Highlighted [brackets] mark a needed detail that is still blank. Paste the text into any document to change the wording.
The plain template
The same template with every blank showing. Copy it into any document and replace each [bracketed] part.
[full name], [age], of [hometown or where they lived], passed away on [date of death], [how or where they passed].
They were born on [date of birth], in [place of birth], to [parents' names].
[first name or the name family used] worked as [work or career] for [for how long]. They were known for [what they were known for]. They loved [what they loved].
They are survived by [survived by]. They were preceded in death by [preceded in death by].
A service will be held at [service place] on [service date and time].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to [donations or flowers].
[a closing line in your own words]
An example made-up people and details
Margaret Anne Holloway, 84, of Maplewood, passed away on March 3, 2026, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.
She was born on June 4, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, to Anna and Paul Reyes.
Margaret worked as a school bus driver for thirty-one years. She was known for her quick laugh and her open front door. She loved her vegetable garden, church suppers and Sunday card games.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Thomas; her daughters, Ana and Beth; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Walter.
A service will be held at Maplewood Community Church on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Maplewood Library Fund.
She will be remembered at every table where someone is made to feel welcome.
A few gentle notes
- Start with what you are certain of: the name, the date, and the service details. The rest can be added later.
- Choose one or two details that sound like them, such as a phrase they used or a place they always went, rather than a long list.
- Ask a sibling or a close friend to read it before it is printed. A second pair of eyes catches names and dates.
- If you are not sure how to describe a family relationship, it is fine to leave it out or use the words the person themselves used.
- Before sharing online, consider leaving out home addresses, full birth dates, a mother’s maiden name, and when the home will be empty.
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