Eulogy & Obituary Writing
Eulogy & Obituary Writing
Writing a eulogy is one of the most meaningful and often most difficult things you may be asked to do.
Many people quietly wonder:
- Where do I even begin?
- What should I include?
- What if I get emotional?
If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. There is no perfect way to write a eulogy. There is only a sincere way. What is a Eulogy, really? At its heart, a eulogy is simply a reflection on a life. It’s a way of saying:
- This is who they were
- This is how they lived
- This is what they meant to us
You don’t have to say everything. You only need to say what feels genuine.
What Should Be Included?
Most eulogies gently include:
- A brief overview of their life
- The roles they held (parent, sibling, friend)
- Personal qualities or traits
- A few meaningful memories or stories
- What they will be remembered for
Think of it less as a speech… and more as telling their story.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re unsure how to begin, here are a few simple ways in:
Begin with Their Life.
“Mary was born on December 10, 1957…”
Begin with Who They Were
“One thing about Mary, she never knew a stranger…”
Begin with a Memory
“I remember when I was eight years old…”
Begin with a Defining Word
“If I had to describe Mary in one word, it would be feisty…”
Remember……There is no right or wrong place to begin— only the place that feels natural to you.
What If They Weren’t Perfect?
This is something many families quietly carry. You might wonder:
- Is it okay to mention their stubbornness?
- Do I need to soften who they really were?
The answer is no, you don’t.
A meaningful eulogy is an honest one. If your loved one was strong-willed, independent, or even a bit feisty, those qualities are part of their story. The key is balance. Often, a simple story can hold both truth and tenderness.
Why Stories Matter
Stories bring a person to life in a way that facts alone cannot. You might say someone was “tough” …. but a story about a grandfather letting their granddaughter put curlers in his hair reveals something deeper: love, humor, and heart. That’s what people remember. That’s what stays with them.
What If I Get Emotional?
You probably will. That’s okay. A eulogy is not about delivering something perfectly. It’s about honoring someone you love. Take your time. Pause when you need to. Those gathered with you understand. They are carrying the same loss.
Do I Have to Do This Alone?
No, you don’t. Some people prefer to write on their own. Others want a little guidance or someone to help shape their thoughts. If you need some help, I’m here to guide you.
Schedule a Conversation.
If You Would Like Support
If you would like help writing a eulogy or simply someone to walk alongside you in the process, I’m here to help.
Schedule a Conversation
A Final Thought
There are no perfect words. Only meaningful ones. Trust the words that come. There will be enough.
Writing a Eulogy
Starting Points
You may begin in several ways, depending on what feels right:
Chronological
Example: Mary was born on December 10, 1957, to Harry and Joan Smith in Denver, Colorado. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She grew up in Denver, graduated from Denver High School, and loved soccer and softball.
Personality Traits
Example: Mary never knew a stranger. Being around her brought a sense of joy and warmth.
A Funny or Meaningful Story
Example: I remember when I was eight years old…
An Attention Grabber
Example: One word to describe Mary was feisty. Like a pit bull, she never backed down from an argument.
These approaches are commonly found in eulogy examples, sample eulogies, and professional eulogy writing services, including eulogy writing in Traverse City.
If you would like help with how to write a eulogy, or prefer professional assistance, go HERE.
Obituaries
Obituaries are very abbreviated eulogies. They typically include key facts gathered from the information form and provide a concise summary of a person’s life. Families often combine obituary writing services with eulogy writing services for consistency and clarity.
