Writing an obituary can be difficult, especially when the family is blended, and losing a loved one is never easy. You want to remember their life, include all of their loved ones, and keep people from getting hurt. A good obituary for a person who died in a blended family should tell their story, show love for all family members, be clear, and be polite.
To write Shawnee, Oklahoma obituaries, you should get information like the person’s birth date, important events in their life, and favorite hobbies. Second, make a list of all your close family members that is fair to both blood and step-family members. Third, add personal touches like quotes, accomplishments, or moments that are important to you. Last but not least, keep the tone friendly, open, and honest.
Expert Tips to Write an Obituary with a Blended Family Involved
Here are some tips you should know:
1. Understand the Purpose of the Obituary
When someone dies, it’s more than just an announcement; it’s an honor. It talks about the good things someone did in their life and thanks the people who loved them. It’s also important for everyone in a blended family to feel seen and appreciated. It will be saved and shared by others, so make sure it’s something your family will remember for a long time.
2. Start With Key Life Information
Write down the most important things you know about your loved one. Among these are:
- Name in full (including any nicknames).
- Date and place of birth.
- The date and place of death.
- Age at the time of death.
You can also add important events in your life, like the best times at work, school, or the military. You could write down when someone from a mixed family met a partner with kids or when they became a stepparent.
3. Be Thoughtful With Family Listings
It might be hard to call a blended family a family. The goal is to find all the ways people are connected without worsening things. Grouping names, like “survived by” and “preceded in death by,” is a good idea.
For example:
- Survived by: spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and siblings.
- Preceded in death by: parents, siblings, or other relatives.
When talking about family, always ask them how they’d like to be seen, and if you can, use their names.
4. Share Personal Stories and Memories
Facts tell the outline of a life, but stories bring it to life. Tell more about hobbies and interests, and how they have changed other people’s lives. They may have loved fishing on a calm lake, baking pies for family gatherings, or watching their kids play sports. Short stories or quotes from people who knew the person who died can make the obituary feel more personal.
5. Keep the Tone Warm and Inclusive
Many blended families have many different traditions, histories, and life situations. The obituary should do a good job of showing this mix. Don’t talk about what makes people different. Instead, use kind words that celebrate love and unity. “Children by marriage” or “children” would work instead of “stepchildren,” if that does not bother anyone.
6. Add Service and Memorial Details
People should know when and where to visit the body in the obituary. It should say when, where, and how much the funeral or memorial event will cost. It should also have details about how to view or visit. “Instead of flowers, donations may be made to…” etc. People who are part of a blended family should invite their friends and family from both sides of the family.
7. Review and Edit Before Publishing
Talk to some family members about the obituary before you send it to the paper or post it online. This step makes sure there are no mistakes and that everyone feels like they were heard. Read it out loud to make sure the tone is right. A kind and honest obituary can help people get through a rough time and improve.
Conclusion
Writing an obituary for someone from a blended family takes extra care. Pay attention to their story, use family names with care, talk about events that are important to them, and keep the tone friendly and polite. Always check facts with family and friends before publishing them.
Follow these steps to create a tribute that respects the person’s life and includes everyone important to them. You can get ideas from Shawnee, Oklahoma, obituaries that show how others have remembered their loved ones.
