When a loved one passes away, one of the initial stages of the grieving process often involves writing or reading an obituary. Beyond being a formal announcement of death, an obituary is much more vital – it tells a story. This isn’t just any story but the unique tale of a person’s journey through life. It outlines their achievements, highlights their passions, and pays tribute to how they touched the lives of those around them.
Defining an Obituary: An Explanation
Despite the emotions attached to the passing of a loved one, it’s important to understand the practical elements that make up an obituary. Typically, it includes key details such as the person’s full name, age at the time of passing, dates of birth and death, as well as the cause of death (if the family wishes to make it public). The obituary also carries a biographical sketch, painting a picture of the persons life in broad strokes. It provides a list of surviving relatives, offering a sense of connection and mutual loss within the family.
Step 1: Gather Information about Your Cousin
In the past, I was often tasked with writing the obituaries for family members like my cousin. One of the first steps that I took in this process was to gather a comprehensive list of information about her. I noted down her full name, date of birth, date of death, pertinent familial relationships, significant life events, career history, hobbies, interests, and achievements. I made an effort to encapsulate the full essence of my cousin, exploring both her major milestones and everyday details to portray a complete picture.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Tone
The obituary’s tone is a vital aspect of honoring your cousin’s memory. Maintaining respectful dignity is key, but that shouldn’t exclude light and joy. Indeed, it is essential to balance the act of respectful commemoration with the uplifting celebration of a life well-lived. You’re writing a tribute to your cousin, not a mere report. Remember the happiness they brought into their and others’ lives, and let your heartfelt feelings guide your words.
Step 3: Writing the Obituary
Using the necessary details at hand, I began structuring the obituary. Initially, I recorded the important factual details – the full name, age, and date of demise, ensuring the utmost accuracy. I highlighted any particular points of her life that were especially memorable to me and offered the reader a snapshot of her impact on those around her. I emphasized her achievements, personal qualities, the lives she enriched, and any forthcoming memorial services we had planned.
Step 4: Sample Obituaries for Cousins
To better understand what a well-crafted obituary looks like, use other obituaries as references. Samples can be extremely useful in providing an established structure and guiding your tone. More importantly, they can help you see how others have acknowledged loss while also celebrating life. You can begin with something like this:
I can recall a few instances where I had written about the passing of a loved one. Something similar to this might be of help: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of [Full Name], our cherished cousin, friend, and [profession or notable role/achievement]. At [his/her] age of [Age], [he/she] left us on [Date]. I will always remember [him/her] for [Personal Anecdote or Character Traits]. [He/She] deeply impacted many lives, including the loving [Names of Close Relatives]. In [his/her] memory, we will be holding a service at…”
Step 5: Proofreading and Sharing the Obituary
In my experience of composing obituaries, I learned that revisiting the written piece is essential. Proofreading is a critical step in the process – it’s always easier to catch mistakes after stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes. Before sharing the obituary with family members, I made sure all the mentioned details were accurate and no relevant information was omitted. Once satisfied, I shared my draft with other family members for their input. This process helped us make sure everyone feel it’s a fitting memorial to our loved one.
By the way, I have years of experience and have helped hundreds of customers to navigate through these emotional times. My role was to make sure the memories of loved ones were honored and preserved in the right way.
Conclusion: Remembering Your Cousin
Writing an obituary for your cousin is more than an obligatory duty; it’s a chance to express your unique relationship and the treasured memories you both shared. It’s a deeply personal, meaningful act that bridges the gap between personal loss and public announcement.
Enduring the Grief: An Acknowledgement
Grief can be overwhelmingly difficult to process, no less render into words. It’s raw and deeply personal. However, enduring this very grief while penning down your cousin’s obituary is perhaps the best homage you can pay to your shared relationship.
Obituary Writing Resources
There are several resources available online (social media groups, relevant forums, etc.) where you can find help with writing an obituary. These could provide support as well as critical tips from people who have gone through similar experiences.
