A death notice is a public announcement of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or on an online platform. It usually appears shortly after the death occurs and serves two main purposes: it informs friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the wider community about the passing, and it shares practical details about the funeral or memorial service.
Death notices have a long history in print journalism, and many newspapers still carry them in a dedicated section. In recent years, online death notices have become increasingly common, offered by newspapers' websites, funeral homes, and dedicated memorial platforms. Digital notices are often easier to share — a family member can send a link through email, text message, or social media so that people further afield are informed quickly.
Death Notice vs. Obituary: What's the Difference?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, and in everyday conversation that's fine. Traditionally, though, they describe slightly different things.
A death notice is usually short and factual. It announces the death, names the person, and provides the essential details — dates, service information, and perhaps a brief note about surviving family members. In many newspapers, death notices are paid announcements, meaning the family or funeral home pays a fee based on length.
An obituary is typically longer and more narrative. It tells the story of a person's life: where they grew up, what they did for a living, what they loved, who they cherished, and what they left behind. Obituaries are often written with more warmth and personality, and in the case of notable individuals, they may be prepared by journalists.
In practice, the line between the two has blurred. Many families now write a notice that does both jobs — it announces the death and honors the life in a few meaningful sentences. Whether you call it a notice or an obituary matters less than making sure it communicates what people need to know.
What to Include in a Death Notice
There is no single required format, but most death notices contain the following elements:
The full name of the person who has died. Include any name they were commonly known by, such as a nickname, maiden name, or professional title, so that acquaintances recognize them.
Age and date of death. Some families include the place of death as well; others prefer not to. Both choices are acceptable.
Brief biographical details. Where the person lived, what they did, and perhaps a line about their life — this is optional and often depends on the length and tone you want.
Surviving family members. Commonly listed as the spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, siblings, and sometimes parents. Many notices also mention close relatives who predeceased the person, often phrased as "preceded in death by..." Families vary widely here; some list many relatives, others keep it minimal. Predeceased pets and close friends are sometimes included too — there is no rule, only what feels right.
Funeral or memorial service details. The date, time, and location of the service, along with any information about visitation or a wake. If the service is private, or if there will be a public gathering at a later date, the notice should say so.
Special requests. In place of flowers, families often ask for donations to a charity the person supported. This is the right place to mention that. You can also note whether flowers are welcome.
A photograph. Most publications allow you to include a photo, usually for an additional fee in print. Choose a clear image that reflects how the person was known and loved.
A simple example of how these elements come together:
Jane Elizabeth Doyle (née Carter), aged 82, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on March 12, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Doyle, devoted mother of Sarah, Michael, and Peter, and cherished grandmother of six. Jane taught primary school for over thirty years and was known for her garden, her kindness, and her famous apple pie. A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Springfield, on March 19 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Public Library. Family and friends are warmly welcome.
How to Write One: Practical Steps
Gather the facts first. Before you write anything, collect the key details: full legal name, date and place of death, age, service arrangements, and the list of close relatives. Having this in front of you makes writing much easier.
Decide on the length and tone. A short, factual notice can be a few sentences. A fuller tribute may run several paragraphs. Ask yourself what the person would have wanted — some people would have found a lengthy public tribute embarrassing; others would have loved it. There's no wrong answer.
Keep the first sentence simple. The opening line does the essential work: who has died, when, and (optionally) how. You don't need to explain the cause of death unless the family chooses to, and there is no obligation to do so.
Write in plain, warm language. Formal phrases like "passed away" or "departed this life" are traditional and perfectly appropriate. But simple, personal language works just as well: "She was loved by everyone who knew her" often means more than elaborate phrasing.
Double-check names and dates. This is worth emphasizing. Errors in a death notice are unfortunately common and can cause real hurt — a misspelled name, a wrong date, a relative accidentally omitted. Ask a second family member to proofread before submission. Verify the spelling of every name, confirm the service time and address, and read the notice aloud once to catch anything awkward.
Where to Publish
You generally have a few options, and many families use a combination.
Local or regional newspapers. Traditional print notices still reach an audience that relies on them, particularly older readers. Contact the newspaper's notices department directly; they will explain submission deadlines, word limits, and pricing, which typically depend on the length of the notice and whether a photo is included.
Online newspaper listings. Most newspapers publish notices on their websites, often included with or cheaper than the print version. Online listings usually allow friends to leave messages of condolence, which many families find comforting.
Funeral home websites. Most funeral homes post death notices on their own sites as part of their service and can often handle newspaper submission on your behalf. This is worth asking about — it can save you time and paperwork during an exhausting week.
Memorial websites and social media. Platforms dedicated to memorial pages let families post notices, collect tributes, and share service details widely. A personal social media post can also work, particularly for reaching a wide circle quickly, though consider who in the family should hear the news privately first.
Cost and Timing Considerations
Print death notices are usually paid announcements, with pricing based on length, inclusion of a photograph, and the publication's rates. Costs vary considerably between publications, so if budget matters, ask the newspaper for their pricing before drafting to full length. Online-only notices are frequently free or low-cost.
On timing, notices traditionally run shortly before the funeral so that people who wish to attend can plan accordingly. If the service will happen quickly, or if the family needs more time, some newspapers run notices after the fact or publish a notice of a future memorial gathering. Don't feel pressured by convention — publish when it works for your family.
A Few Final Thoughts
A death notice does not need to be perfect. It needs to be accurate, respectful, and clear. Simple and sincere will always serve you better than elaborate and strained. If writing feels impossible in the days after a loss, ask the funeral director for help — handling notices is a routine part of their work, and many will draft one from the information you provide.
And remember that the notice is only one way of honoring someone. What matters most to the people who read it is knowing what happened, where to say goodbye, and how to support you. Say what needs to be said, in your own words, and that will be enough.