Obituaries - ROCKET-COURIER (2024)

FAQs

How to write an obituary in South Africa? ›

The noun obituary, which appears in English in the early 18th century, comes from the Latin obīre, where ob- means "toward," and īre, "to go," suggesting a "going toward" one's death.

: a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account. obituarist. ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwər-ist. ō- -ˈbi-chə-rist.

(oʊbɪtʃuɛri ) Word forms: plural obituaries. countable noun. Someone's obituary is an account of their life and character which is presented in a newspaper or broadcast soon after they die. His obituary was published in one edition of his own newspaper before it was discovered that he was alive.

[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.

Publishing an obituary is a time-sensitive process–you should try to have it written and posted within a week of the deceased's passing. This goes for obituaries published both online and in print.

Posting an obituary is not a legal requirement and is a sentimental action. Families don't have to publish one if they don't want it or do not have the funds to do so. While you do not have to share a death note or obituary, you must file a death certificate with your state's office.

In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).

There are many reasons to include cause of death in the obituary: to inform the community, to acknowledge your loved one's battle with illness, to raise awareness about a disease, or simply to reduce the number of times you are asked “How did he die?” That said, some families are not comfortable sharing this ...

1. informal. an obituary. 2. the date of a person's death.

How do I end an obituary? ›

At the end of an obituary a special message is sometimes found, such as 'in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to..' or 'Special Thanks to the staff at General Hospital for..' or 'We will always carry your memory in our hearts'. Sometimes a short prayer or a line from a poem is placed at the end.

Editor Carol DeChant explains, "Obituaries are usually mini-biographies, focused on what a person did, but the eulogy is much deeper, more about who the person was... It's meant for the select group of people who knew and cared for that person, or who care for the survivors."

Concluding Message

In the conclusion of the obituary, special requests may be made such as, “in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to…” or “Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at General Hospital for…” Some families make the final line a dedication honoring their loved one.

A eulogy is a speech given during a funeral or memorial service. It's usually delivered by a close family member or friend, but can also be led by a priest, minister or celebrant. The tradition began in Ancient Greece when grand eulogies were given during large public memorials for soldiers lost at war.

The death of the deceased has to be registered within 72 hours of their passing. It is therefore very important that as soon as the Doctor issues the Notice of Death (DHA 1663) that the Funeral Director meets with the next-of-kin to complete the necessary documentation in order for the death to be registered.

Applications for a Death Certificate must be lodged at any office of the Department of Home Affairs or at any South African embassy, mission or consulate if the death occurs abroad. An abridged death certificate will be issued free of charge on the same day of registration of death.