What’s the Difference Between an Obituary and a Death Notice?

Notifying others of a death is frequently one of the first things that a family must complete after a loved one passes away. Making a death notice or an obituary is usually required for this. Despite the fact that these phrases are occasionally used synonymously, they have separate meanings and contain different information. Selecting the appropriate option for your circumstances can be aided by knowing the distinctions between an obituary and a death notice. We will go into more detail about these distinctions and the functions they each serve at memorial services in this blog.


What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a thorough and exhaustive notice of a deceased person’s passing. Usually, it appears in print media like newspapers, websites, or programs for memorial services. In addition to educating the public about the death, obituaries also honor the life of the departed. These are some essential components frequently seen in an obituary:

Personal Information: This comprises the deceased person’s age, date of birth, date of death, and complete name.

Biographical Details: A succinct account of the life of the departed individual, encompassing their background, schooling, profession, accomplishments, and interests.

Family Information: Names of surviving and deceased close relatives, including parents, siblings, spouses, kids, and grandkids.

Service Details: Details regarding the memorial services, including the funeral or celebration of life’s date, time, and place.

Images: To add a personal touch to the obituary, a photo of the deceased is frequently added.

Special Requests: Any unique demands from the deceased, such as giving money to a certain charity in place of flowers.

An obituary honors the life of the departed and acts as a public notice of their passing. It provides a lasting record for family and friends.

What is a Death Notice?

A death notice is a succinct announcement of a person’s passing that is typically posted online or in a newspaper. Its main purpose is to notify the community about the death and the impending memorial services; it is shorter than an obituary. The usual elements of a death notice are as follows:

Basic Details: The deceased person’s age, date of death, and full name.

Survivors: Names of the deceased’s immediate family members who are still alive.

Service Information: Specifics regarding the memorial ceremonies, such as the day, time, and venue.

Brief Announcement: A brief announcement from the family, occasionally accompanied by a gift request made in the departed person’s honor.

A death notice omits the personal and biographical aspects contained in an obituary and is more direct and factual, concentrating on the important details.

Key Differences Between an Obituary and a Death Notice

Length and Detail: Obituaries are typically longer and more detailed than death notices. They provide a complete account of the deceased’s life, while death notices are brief and to the point.

Purpose: An obituary serves both as a death announcement and a tribute to the deceased, celebrating their life and accomplishments. A death notice’s primary purpose is to inform the community of the death and the details of the memorial services.

Content: Obituaries include personal, biographical, and family information, whereas death notices focus on the basic facts and service details.

Publication: Both can be published in newspapers and online, but obituaries are often featured more prominently due to their length and detail.

Which One to Choose?

Depending on your requirements and preferences, you may choose between an obituary and a death notice. An obituary is the ideal option if you want to share your loved one’s life story and offer a thorough tribute. It provides a more intimate touch and might serve as a consoling memento for loved ones.

A death notice would be more suited if you would rather a simple statement that includes all the pertinent information regarding the death and memorial services. Given that it takes up less space in a newspaper, this choice is usually less expensive as well.

Conclusion

At memorial services, obituaries and death announcements are both crucial tools for informing the public and paying respect to the departed. Making the best decision for your circumstances might be aided by being aware of their distinctions. The idea is to make a dignified and significant announcement that honors the life and legacy of your loved one, regardless of whether you choose to write a lengthy obituary or a brief death notice.

Westside Cremation & Burial Services

12725 SW Millikan Way Ste 300
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-640-9045


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