When a loved one passes away, you may encounter two common ways to announce their death: obituaries and death notices. While both serve to inform others of a person’s passing, they differ in length, purpose, and the details they include.
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a detailed tribute that celebrates the life of the deceased. It typically appears in newspapers, online memorial websites, or funeral home websites. Obituaries are often written by family members, close friends, or professional writers, with input from the family.
Key Features of an Obituary:
Here are the key features of an obituary:
- Length and Detail: Obituaries are longer and include more personal details about the deceased, such as their life accomplishments, hobbies, career, and community involvement.
- Family and Survivors: They often list surviving family members, predeceased relatives, and relationships such as spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
- Service Information: Obituaries include details about funeral services, memorials, or celebrations of life, such as the date, time, and location.
- Optional Personal Touch: Families may add personal anecdotes, quotes, or messages to honor their loved one’s memory.
What Is a Death Notice?
A death notice is a brief announcement that simply informs the public of someone’s passing. It typically appears in the classified section of newspapers or on funeral home websites.
Key Features of a Death Notice:
- Length and Focus: Death notices are shorter and more factual, focusing on basic information.
- Key Details: They usually include the deceased’s name, age, date of death, and sometimes the city where they lived.
- Service Information: While optional, some death notices include funeral or memorial service details.
- Formality: Death notices are typically formal and do not include personal anecdotes or detailed biographical information.
Comparing an Obituary and a Death Notice
| Feature | Obituary | Death Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Longer, detailed | Short, concise |
| Purpose | Celebrates and remembers | Announces death |
| Content | Includes personal details and accomplishments | Limited to basic facts |
| Service Information | Often included | Optional |
| Tone | Personal, warm, reflective | Formal, straightforward |
| Cost | Higher due to length | Lower due to brevity |
How to Choose Between an Obituary and a Death Notice
The choice between an obituary and a death notice often depends on your goals, budget, and the preferences of the deceased or their family.
- Use an obituary if you wish to celebrate your loved one’s life in detail and share their story with a wider audience.
- Use a death notice if you want a simple, cost-effective announcement or if the deceased preferred privacy.
Both formats play an essential role in acknowledging a loss and notifying others of a passing. Understanding the differences can help you choose the option that best honors your loved one’s memory while meeting practical considerations.
For guidance on writing an obituary or placing a death notice, consult your local newspaper or funeral home. Many funeral homes also offer online resources to simplify the process.
Examples of Death Notice vs Obituary
The help yuo better understand the difference between an obituary and a Death Notice, see the examples below.
Obituary Example for Daniel Michael Franklin
Daniel Michael Franklin (“Dan”)
Buffalo, NY – Daniel Michael Franklin, lovingly known as “Dan,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 14, 2025, at the age of 89.Dan is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Linda; his two sons, Michael (wife Sue) and Paul (wife Bonnie); and his treasured grandchildren, Dimitri and Jenna.
A lifelong resident of Buffalo, Dan dedicated over 30 years to teaching history, inspiring generations of students with his passion for learning and storytelling. In his free time, he enjoyed volunteering at the local library, spending quality time with family, and cheering for his beloved Buffalo Bills.
Dan’s kindness, wisdom, and humor touched everyone who knew him. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and his commitment to his community.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on January 21, 2025, at McKinnon Funeral Chapel, Buffalo, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Dan’s heart.
He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Death Notice Example for Daniel Michael Franklin
Daniel Michael Franklin (“Dan”)
Buffalo, NY – Daniel Michael Franklin, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 14, 2025.
Dan is survived by his wife Linda, sons Michael (Sue, Dimitri) and Paul (Bonnie, Jenna).A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on January 21, 2025, at McKinnon Funeral Chapel, Buffalo, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
