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GUIDE TO WRITING AN OBITUARY

Why not get started on writing your own obituary? This is your chance to say what you want others to know about you. Do it for yourself: for peace of mind knowing that you have had your say. And do it for your family and friends: that you have helped them cope with a difficult time. 

Your best chance of having your wishes honored is to write them down. Writing your own obituary can be part of your life and end-of-life planning. The way you would like to be remembered is part of a careful arranging for yourself should you not be in the best of health or life. 

Tips to Writing Your Own Obituary 

Just get started. No matter how incomplete it is, it will be of benefit to others. Read other obituaries for ideas. Every day there are heartfelt obituaries in newspapers and web sites across the nation. Many are well thought out and give homage to a precious life lived. Say what your life means to you. This part may be hardest for others to describe it you don't. Find Three Words. Think of the right three words that would aptly sum up your life and conclude your obituary.

Use this project as an opportunity. You can, for example, expand your work into a longer autobiography that you can leave to your descendants. You can also use this as an opportunity to make those other arrangements such as a “living will” and funeral wishes. 

Inspire yourself. Write an inspiring obituary, then live up to it! 

Include a recent photo. As well as one of a younger you, if you wish, with the other information. Leave your composition in a place where it can be readily accessed when it is needed. Inform your next of kin where this information is, as well as your funeral wishes. If you prearrange your funeral, an obituary and picture can also be kept on file for newspapers and family. 

Plan for an exceptional obituary. Create as interesting and meaningful a life as possible while you can.