How to Write an Obituary

An obituary is an important notification to friends, family, and the community, that your loved one has passed away. It may contain information on services or gatherings to be held. It could also mention family members of your loved one, surviving and predeceased. It may even provide some information about your loved one, a bit of a history, or a look at who they were.

The key to writing a good Obituary is thinking about what you want people to know about your loved one and keep them the focus. Write about what you and others loved about them, the details you will miss, and any glimpse into their life that you would like to share.

Often, friends and family members save obituaries as a remembrance.

For some this can be a difficult task, for others it is a healing endeavor, everyone is different. Springfield is committed to coming alongside you and helping where you need it.

Obituaries through Springfield

We find that families have different ideas when it comes to obituaries.

A good place to begin is deciding what type of obituary you would like your loved one to have, when you would like it made public, and where the obituary will be visible to the public.

The Two Types of Obituaries at Springfield

A Short Death Notice
Some families prioritize getting the word out quickly or they simply want to keep things on the shorter side.  For those families, we recommend they choose to do a Short Death Notice.

What is a Short Death Notice?
When a family selects a Short Death Notice Obituary for their loved one, we aim to get a proof, for the family’s approval, to them the same day or next morning.

There is no limit on placement: our 3 free online options (the Springfield website, Castanet, and Facebook) & newspapers we will post or submit the approved proof where you would like it placed. While we don’t charge for submitting an obituary to the newspapers, please be aware they have their own cost.

Example of Short Death Notice ▾▴

Smitty, Joseph “Joe”

April 6, 1965 — July 30, 2022

In the early hours of July 30th, 2022, our dear father, passed away and joined his wife Mary after 7 years apart.

For those who wish to send flowers, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honour to a charity of your choice.

A Funeral Service to celebrate his exemplary life will be held on TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Following the funeral, a simple Graveside Service will take place at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

A Snapshot of Their Life Story

Some families want more than a Death Notice, they want friends, family, and community members to be able to read more about their loved one's life. They are looking for something more creative, with a personal touch.  We understand that side of it too and want to help families achieve this.

When a family selects a Snapshot of Their Life Story for their loved one’s obituary, it will naturally take some time to proof and do photo touch-ups. We aim to get a proof, for the family’s approval, to them in a couple of days.

There is no limit on placement: our 3 free online options (the Springfield website, Castanet, and Facebook) & newspapers we will post or submit the approved proof where you would like it placed. It is important to note, to draft and submit obituaries to the newspapers is included in our professional service fees, the newspapers will have their own cost based on the size of the obituary. Therefore, long obituaries for the newspapers may not be the right choice if cost is a concern.

Example Of Snapshot of Their Life Story ▾▴

Smith, Joyce Marie
August 5, 1930 — April 2, 2022

Joyce Marie Smith passed away August 2, 2022, peacefully in her sleep at the Spring Valley Care Centre in Kelowna, BC.

Joyce, born to Jennifer and Matthew Potter in England, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. At the age of 2, Joyce moved to Montreal, Canada with her family, including Timmy.

In 1949, she met Greg Smith at the coffee shop in their neighborhood, and the two were inseparable from that point on. Joyce and Greg were married and had four children, Mike (Annette), Vickie (Rick), Katherine (Joshua) and Robert (Cheryl).

Joyce was a fiercely dedicated mom to all her children. Family came first and was everything to her, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.

Joyce was an avid bird watcher, crafter, and reader. Throughout her life, she donated her time to many charitable causes. Her positive attitude toward life made her stand out in a crowd.

Joyce was predeceased by Greg (d. 1983). She blessed the lives of her 17 grandchildren and her great-grandchild Ethan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

I need more ideas of what to write.

  • Date/ Location of birth and where they were raised.
  • Were they a people person? Or, did they only gather a few special connections?
  • Things in their life that point to who they were as a person. This may include their career; how they were with their family & friends; the impact they made on the community; organizations/charities/clubs; hobbies; or how they spent their time.
  • Any quirks/foibles or other personality traits that made your loved one extra special?

 

Choosing the Obituary Photo

There are countless options when choosing a memorial card photo: a big smile, thoughtful expression while they rest on their favourite park bench at sunset, a fond memory with family and friends, a photo that captures who they were to your family.

When selecting the image, a clean and clear digital photo that can be enlarged without becoming fuzzy will serve best, as many families choose to use the same image for the memorial card and obituary. Our team can help with photo touch-ups to help the image truly shine.

Many families also choose to have a second image for the back of the card or to use it as a watermark behind the service information. This is a great opportunity to share images of cherished memories and locations.

What Now?

To see more and get started our Obituary Form is available for you.

If you have typed the obituary up or have a digital copy of the photo(s), please send to us at obit@springfieldfuneralhome.com with the last name and first name of your loved one in the subject line.

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Kimberley

Kimberley Church
OBITUARIES
Bio
obit@springfieldfuneralhome.com