How to write a death notice or obituary

Death notice or obituary?

A death notice is short and usually written by the family. Newspapers charge for it by length, and it carries the essentials: the name, the date, the family and the funeral. An obituary is a longer story of the person's life. Newspapers sometimes publish one written by a journalist, and families often write their own for a memorial page or the order of service.

What to include

• Their full name, plus any name people knew them by: “Margaret (Peggy) Halloran”.
• Where they lived, and their age or years: “of Ballarat, aged 84”.
• The date they died, and where if you'd like: “peacefully at home”.
• Their closest family: partner, children, grandchildren, siblings.
• A line about who they were, if there's room.
• The funeral details, or “a private funeral has been held”.
• Flowers or donations, if you have a preference.

Leave out the home address and the date of birth in full. They're not needed, and notices are public.

Examples you can adapt

Short and traditional:

HALLORAN, Margaret (Peggy). Passed away peacefully at home on 4 October 2026, aged 84. Loved wife of the late Tom. Loving mother of Kate and Michael, and Nana to Ella, Sam and Ruby. Forever in our hearts.

Warmer and more personal:

HALLORAN, Peggy. 1942–2026. Gardener, card shark and the best listener we knew. Peggy died on 4 October, surrounded by family, with the footy on. She'll be missed by Kate, Michael, her grandchildren and half of Ballarat.

A notice from friends or a workplace:

HALLORAN, Peggy. The members of Ballarat Bowls Club are saddened by the passing of our friend and long-time treasurer. Our thoughts are with Kate, Michael and the family.

Wording for the death itself is a personal choice. “Died”, “passed away” and “went home” are all common. Use the words your family uses.

The funeral details

Give the day, date, time and full venue name, so people can find it: “Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Peggy's life at St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat, on Friday 16 October at 11 am, followed by refreshments at the Bowls Club.”

If people can watch online, say so, and add a short web address instead of a long livestream link. A family page does this well: the notice stays short, and the link holds the map, livestream, RSVPs and updates if anything changes.

Where to publish it

Local and state newspapers take notices through their websites, usually with a print and online listing. The funeral director can place it for you and add it to their own website. Ask about deadlines: many papers need the notice a day or two before it runs. And share it with the people who matter directly. Our guide to telling people has wording for texts and emails.