A death notice, typically no more than 100 words, offers details that include: the deceased's name, surviving family members, perhaps the birth place or death place, and information about the upcoming funeral service. This announcement offers minimal information about the loved one's life story. Because it is expensive to publish a longer obituary in the newspaper, many families choose to publish a death notice instead, and they do not have the opportunity to create a lasting, written record of their loved one's life.

It can be challenging to write an obituary that captures a loved one’s life—their essence—while the writer is simultaneously mourning a huge loss. The smallest details—the deceased’s most-worn bowtie, the music that he played loud in the kitchen, his favorite cocktail, the strange personality quirks that the family found annoying and endearing both…. These can get lost beneath grief’s weight.

I am a former obituary writer for the Orlando Sentinel newspaper, which means that I am skilled at creating a safe space for the bereaved to share those small details that showcase their loved one’s story. From there, I create a narrative that honors the person who has passed. Many people I have interviewed have expressed that the experience of working together was therapeutic, that it felt good to remember the good. It is healing when you encounter a compassionate listener, a witness, someone who sees your grief, and can still help you memorialize your loved one.

When you order an obituary from me, you are hiring a trained reporter to craft a keepsake article that immortalizes your loved one’s memory. I conduct hour-long interviews with appointed family members and friends, and I’m meticulous about the details. I am deadline driven and turn these stories around quickly. 

A 500-word obituary includes a one-hour phone interview with me, one round of editing, and delivery—unless otherwise specified—within 72 hours. A typical news article includes three interviews, and I encourage you to consider that option! It is beautiful to see how different family member accounts complement one another.

You can choose to add additional interviews, editing rounds, a funeral program, or a framed copy to your order. Rush delivery is also available.

Schedule a free call, and we can find a package that meets your needs.

You can use this obituary in your funeral programs, post it on social media, and, if the funeral home offers this service, you can ask that it be posted to legacy.com. A framed copy can be included in your order, too. However you use it, an obituary is a record that documents your loved one’s life, and it will become part of your family history, something future generations will treasure.

I design funeral programs, too. Like the obituaries, these are customized to reflect the individual’s personality traits and values. If you purchase a standalone brochure, you’ll receive a one-hour phone interview, with me, one round of edits, and turnaround within 48 hours.

If we are already working together on the obituary, we can simply add the program to your order!

I can also frame your obituary per your request.

There are many ways you can share this information. You may ask your funeral home to publish your obituary to legacy.com, and then share this link with your family members and friends. You may publish the obituary across your social media channels, and/or send it (via postal service or electronically) to those you are inviting to the service. You may also include the obituary in the funeral program, so that all guests have a keepsake that commemorates your loved one.