Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and during such a time, families often face numerous decisions about how to best honor the life of the deceased. One of the most important elements in this process is the obituary—a written notice that shares the news of someone’s passing and celebrates their life. If you are navigating this process, Parrish Funeral Home, a trusted funeral service provider, can assist you with crafting an obituary that captures the essence of your loved one while providing vital details about services and memorials.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of Parrish Funeral Home in assisting families with obituaries, the process of writing and publishing an obituary, and the significance of obituaries in the grieving and healing process. We’ll also address some common questions surrounding obituaries.
Table of Contents
What is an Obituary?
An obituary is a published announcement that informs the public of someone’s death, typically followed by a brief summary of their life and the details of memorial services. Traditionally, obituaries are published in local newspapers, but with the rise of online services, they are now also posted on websites and social media.
An obituary serves multiple functions:
- Death Notification: It officially announces the passing of an individual and gives those who knew them the chance to pay their respects.
- Life Celebration: Obituaries highlight the deceased’s achievements, character, and the impact they had on their community and family.
- Funeral Details: It provides information on the time, location, and date of the funeral or memorial services.
- Memorial Donations: Many families request memorial donations to a charity or cause close to the deceased, and obituaries typically provide this information.
While obituaries follow a general format, they are also deeply personal, reflecting the life and spirit of the person who has passed away.
The Role of Parrish Funeral Home in Obituary Services
Parrish Funeral Home, with its years of experience in funeral planning and services, plays a key role in guiding families through the process of crafting and submitting obituaries. Here are some of the ways the funeral home supports families:
1. Helping with Obituary Writing
Writing an obituary can be a challenging and emotional task. Many families struggle with finding the right words to express the depth of their grief while honoring the deceased’s memory. The funeral directors at Parrish Funeral Home provide compassionate support in this area by assisting with the writing process. They work closely with the family to gather all necessary information and ensure the obituary reflects the individual’s life and personality.
Some of the information typically included in an obituary is:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of birth and date of death
- Names of surviving family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.)
- Educational background, career, or hobbies
- Accomplishments or notable achievements
- Funeral or memorial service information
- Requests for memorial donations or charity contributions
Parrish Funeral Home staff is experienced in drafting obituaries that balance formal details with a respectful and heartfelt tone. They help ensure that the final draft accurately reflects the wishes of the family while adhering to publication guidelines.
2. Personalized Tributes
Beyond the basic details, an obituary can also include personalized tributes, such as favorite quotes, Bible verses, or anecdotes that celebrate the individual’s character. Parrish Funeral Home understands that every person is unique, and they work with families to ensure the obituary highlights meaningful aspects of the deceased’s life, such as their passions, values, or contributions to the community.
For example, if the deceased had a strong passion for volunteering, the obituary might mention their involvement in community service. If they had a quirky sense of humor or a favorite saying, this could also be incorporated. The funeral home’s staff can help weave these personal details into the obituary to make it more memorable and reflective of the person.
3. Publishing the Obituary
Once the obituary is written, Parrish Funeral Home will assist with its submission to newspapers, online obituary platforms, and other relevant outlets. While traditional print obituaries are still common, many families also choose to post obituaries online. Online obituary platforms, such as Legacy.com, offer an easy way for family and friends to view and share the obituary, as well as leave comments or share memories.
In some cases, Parrish Funeral Home can even create an obituary page on their website where family members can leave tributes, share photos, and find out more details about the funeral or memorial services. This can be a helpful tool for those who live out of town or are unable to attend the services in person.
4. Funeral and Memorial Service Information
In addition to writing and submitting the obituary, Parrish Funeral Home also helps with the logistics of the funeral or memorial services. The obituary will often include specific details about:
- The time and location of the funeral or visitation
- Burial or cremation arrangements
- Requests for donations to a specific charity in lieu of flowers
By providing these details in the obituary, the funeral home helps families communicate essential information to those wishing to attend services and offer support.
Why Obituaries Matter
Obituaries play an essential role in the grieving and healing process for families and communities. Here’s why:
1. Provides Closure and a Sense of Peace
For the family of the deceased, the obituary serves as a final act of love and respect. Writing it allows them to process their grief and come to terms with their loss. The act of writing and sharing the obituary gives families an opportunity to reflect on their loved one’s life and their relationship with them.
2. Announces the Death and Gathers Support
Obituaries are a vital tool in informing the wider community about a person’s passing. It’s often difficult for family members to notify everyone who knew the deceased, so an obituary provides a way to share this important news. It also gives people an opportunity to send condolences, offer support, and attend memorial services.
3. Celebrates the Life of the Deceased
Obituaries provide an opportunity to celebrate and remember the life of the person who has passed away. It is not just about death but also about reflecting on their accomplishments, personality, and how they impacted others. This act of remembrance helps the community and family come together to honor the individual.
4. Creates a Historical Record
Obituaries are often used for genealogical purposes and are a way of preserving family history. The details about the deceased’s birth, family, and achievements can become part of their legacy. Family members who are doing genealogical research may reference obituaries to learn more about their ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parrish Funeral Home Obituaries
1. How long should an obituary be?
An obituary typically ranges between 150 and 300 words, though there is no strict limit. Some newspapers may have specific word count restrictions. Parrish Funeral Home can help ensure that the obituary stays within the publication’s guidelines while including all essential details.
2. Can I include a photo in the obituary?
Yes, most obituaries include a photograph of the deceased. This adds a personal touch and allows others to remember the individual. Parrish Funeral Home can help you select a suitable photo and ensure that it is of high quality for publication.
3. Can I write an obituary in advance?
Yes, many people choose to write their own obituary as part of pre-planning for their funeral. If you are considering this, Parrish Funeral Home can help guide you through the process and ensure that your obituary reflects your wishes.
4. How do I submit an obituary to the newspaper?
Parrish Funeral Home can assist in submitting your obituary to local newspapers. They have relationships with various publications and will ensure that your obituary is submitted in a timely manner. Additionally, they can help with online obituary platforms.
5. Can an obituary be changed after it is published?
Obituaries can usually be amended if there are errors or if family members wish to add additional information. If you need to make a change after publication, Parrish Funeral Home will work with you to update the obituary as needed.
6. Are there any fees associated with obituaries?
Yes, publishing an obituary often involves a fee, particularly if it is placed in a print newspaper. The cost is typically based on the word count, the inclusion of a photo, and whether the obituary runs in multiple locations. Parrish Funeral Home will assist you in understanding the costs involved and help manage the publication process.
Conclusion
An obituary is a meaningful and important part of the funeral process. It serves as a way to announce a loved one’s passing, celebrate their life, and inform the community of memorial service details. Parrish Funeral Home offers compassionate assistance with every step of the obituary process—from writing and personalization to submission and publication—helping families honor their loved ones in a way that feels right. If you need guidance with crafting a thoughtful obituary, Parrish Funeral Home is here to support you during this challenging time, providing the care and attention you deserve.