How to Write a Death Notice: Wording and Examples

A death notice is usually written within hours, usually by one person in the family. Here are examples you can copy and adapt, and a short list of what not to forget.

Updated October 15, 2026 · 6 minute read

A death notice

With great sorrow we announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmotherMargaret EllisThe funeral will take place on Sunday 18 January 2026 at 2 p.m.at Highgate Cemetery.The family will be receiving visitors at 12 Garden Road.The Ellis family

An example: names and places are illustrative

What to include

The name everyone knew them by, including a nickname or maiden name, if that is how people knew her.
The relationship: “beloved husband, father and grandfather of…”, so that someone who knows only the children understands who died.
The funeral’s time and place: day, date, time, cemetery or venue, and parking if relevant.
Where the family will receive visitors, and when, if already known. “Details of the shiva to follow” is fine.
A signature: “The family”, or their names.
Flowers or donations: if the family prefers donations to a charity, say so here.

A short message announcing a death

For group chats and contacts, short and factual is best:

With great sadness we let you know that Mum, Margaret Ellis, died this morning.The funeral is tomorrow, Sunday, at 2 p.m. at Highgate Cemetery.We will be at home this week. Details to follow.

A shloshim or memorial service notice

At the close of thirty days since the death ofour beloved mother and grandmotherMargaret Elliswe will gather at her grave at Highgate Cemeteryon Monday 16 February 2026 at 4 p.m.The family

An unveiling or yahrzeit invitation

On the first yahrzeit ofour mother and grandmother Margaret Elliswe will unveil her headstone on Thursday 7 January 2027 at 3 p.m.at Highgate Cemetery, and gather afterwards at the family home.The family

The Hebrew date of the yahrzeit, and the date it falls on this year, can be found here.

A condolence notice

Published by friends, colleagues or an employer:

The management and staff of ________extend their deepest sympathy to our colleague Daniel Ellison the death of his motherMargaret Ellis.May her memory be a blessing.

A notice says when and where. It cannot say who the person was. Many families now add a link to a memorial page (“for anyone who would like to share a memory or a photograph”) so that people who cannot come to the funeral can still take part. On Place a Stone, the link works once the page is open. How to create a memorial page

One place for everything that remains

A memorial page you keep: the life story, photographs, recordings, and memories that family and friends send and you approve. A reminder before each yahrzeit when the page keeps the Hebrew date, and everything downloadable at any time. Creating and filling the page is free. It stays private, seen only by you, until you open it to others with one payment: ₪99 in Israel, $39 elsewhere. No subscription.

Create a memorial page See an example page

Common questions

What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?

A death notice is a short announcement written by the family, with the funeral details. An obituary is a longer account of the person’s life, sometimes written by a newspaper. A memorial page can hold both.

When should a memorial service notice go out?

A few days before, so people can plan. The shloshim is counted from the day of burial.

Should the notice say how the person died?

There is no need. Many families simply say “after a long illness” or nothing at all.