How to Write an Obituary: Structure, Examples, and Practical Tips

Contents

• What an obituary is and why it matters
• Obituary, parte, and death notice — the differences
• The structure of an obituary — how to write one step by step
• Obituary templates — practical examples
• Where to publish an obituary in Romania
• Suitable wording and phrases for obituaries
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary
• Related Articles

Introduction

We know that you are going through a deeply painful time, and that writing an obituary can feel like an overwhelming task. It is natural to feel that you cannot find the right words — because no text can fully capture what a loved one meant to you. Yet a well-written obituary is an act of love and respect: a final public testament to the life and worth of the person who has left us.

How do you write an obituary worthy of the person you are honouring? In this guide we offer you the complete structure, concrete templates (both religious and secular versions), traditional Romanian phrasings, and practical information about where and how to publish an obituary in Romania in 2026.

This article is intended for anyone who needs to write a death notice or an obituary: family members, close friends, or representatives of a funeral service company. You will also find a clear comparison between the obituary, the parte, and the death notice, along with a table of publishing options and their associated costs.

As you attend to the formalities, we encourage you to also think about ways to preserve the memory of your loved one over the long term. Today, many families create a digital memorial on Kinmory, where relatives and friends can add photographs, messages, and stories — a heartfelt space accessible at any time.

What an obituary is and why it matters

An obituary is a tribute text that publicly announces a person's death and briefly presents their life, achievements, and qualities. Unlike a simple death notice, an obituary offers a portrait of the person — not just the formal details — and serves as the family's final public testament of respect.

The role of the obituary in Romanian culture

In Romania, the obituary has a long tradition. Traditionally published in the print press, it fulfils several functions at once:

• The public announcement of the death — informs the community, former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances
• The human portrait — presents the qualities, professional achievements, or social contribution of the deceased
• Practical information — communicates the details of the funeral ceremony (date, time, location)
• The expression of condolences — offers a formal space in which the family receives the community's thoughts of sympathy
• A record of memory — remains a written testament for future generations

Today, the obituary is no longer limited to the pages of newspapers. More and more families choose to publish the obituary online as well — on dedicated platforms, on social media, or on digital memorial pages.

Obituary, parte, and death notice — the differences

These three documents are often confused, although they have distinct forms and purposes. The parte (or "partecipație") is a short, standardised notice that contains strictly the essential details. The obituary is a longer text that also includes a portrait of the person. The death notice (anunț de deces) is a generic term that covers both forms.

What is a klepsydra?

The term "klepsydra" (from Greek, via Polish) is sometimes used in Romania, especially in Transylvania, to denote a publicly displayed death notice — usually a printed poster with a black border. The klepsydra contains the same information as the parte, but is intended for physical display: at the cemetery gates, at the entrance to the church, at the deceased's place of work, or on the door of the apartment block.

The structure of an obituary — how to write one step by step

A well-structured obituary follows a clear pattern that combines the essential information with a sincere portrait of the deceased. The order of the elements may vary, but the basic structure remains the same regardless of denomination or publishing channel. Below you will find each component explained.

1. The opening formula

The obituary begins with the actual announcement of the death. Choose a respectful formula, adapted to the family's beliefs:

• Religious version: “Cu durere în suflet, familia anunță trecerea la cele veșnice a…” (With sorrow in our hearts, the family announces the passing into eternity of…)
• Secular version: “Cu profund regret anunțăm încetarea din viață a…” (With profound regret, we announce the passing of…)
• Simple version: “S-a stins din viață…” (Passed away…)

2. The identifying details

Immediately after the opening, include:

• The full name of the deceased (including the birth name, if different)
• The date of birth and the date of death
• The age at the time of death
• The town of residence (optional)

3. The portrait of the person

This is the section that distinguishes the obituary from a simple parte. Include:

• The main profession or occupation
• Defining human qualities (2-3 authentic traits)
• Contribution to the community or notable achievements
• One meaningful personal detail (a passion, a habit, a value)

Tip: Two or three well-chosen details say more than a long list of superlatives. Be sincere and specific.

4. The surviving family members

Mention the close relatives who mourn the deceased, usually in the following order:

• The spouse
• The children (and their spouses)
• The grandchildren
• The parents (if living)
• The siblings

5. The details of the funeral ceremony

Include practical information:

• The date, time, and place of the religious or secular ceremony
• The place of burial (the cemetery)
• The address at which condolences are received (if applicable)
• Special notes: "In lieu of flowers, donations to…" or "An intimate ceremony, family only"

6. The closing formula

Close with a suitable formula:

• Religious: “Dumnezeu să-l/s-o odihnească în pace! Veșnică pomenire!” (May God rest him/her in peace. Eternal remembrance.)
• Secular: “Odihnească-se în pace! Îi vom păstra amintirea vie.” (Rest in peace. We will keep his/her memory alive.)
• Personalised: “Va rămâne mereu în inimile noastre.” (He/she will remain forever in our hearts.)

Did you know? More and more families are complementing the traditional obituary with a digital memorial, where relatives and friends can leave messages of condolence, add photographs, and keep the memory of their loved one alive. A QR code placed on the monument allows anyone to open the memorial page directly from the graveside. Learn more about the digital memorial on Kinmory

Obituary templates — practical examples

Below you will find two complete obituary templates that you can adapt. The names and dates are fictitious.

Template 1 — Religious obituary (Orthodox)

With sorrow in our hearts, the family announces the passing into eternity of Mrs Maria Ionescu (née Popescu), at the age of 78.

Born on 12 May 1947 in Câmpulung Muscel, Mrs Ionescu was a teacher of Romanian language for over 35 years, shaping generations of pupils with dedication and patience. She was known for her kindness, her unwavering faith, and the love with which she cared for her family.

She is mourned by her husband, Ion Ionescu, her children — Alexandru and Elena — her grandchildren Andrei and Sofia, as well as the many friends and former pupils who held her in gratitude.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 22 March 2026, at 11:00, at Holy Trinity Church on Strada Victoriei no. 15, Bucharest, Sector 1. Burial will take place at Bellu Cemetery.

May God rest her in peace. Eternal remembrance.

Template 2 — Secular obituary (civil)

With profound regret, the family announces the passing of Mr Andrei Georgescu, at the age of 65, on 14 March 2026.

A construction engineer by profession, Andrei contributed to the modernisation of the infrastructure of Sibiu County for four decades. He was a man of integrity, a devoted friend, and a loving grandfather, who found joy in mountain hikes and the art of photography.

He is mourned by his wife, Luminița Georgescu, his daughter Ioana and son-in-law Mihai, his grandchildren Luca and Ana, as well as the extended family.

The farewell ceremony will take place on Friday, 20 March 2026, at 13:00, in the ceremony hall of Sibiu Municipal Cemetery.

We will keep his memory alive.

Adaptations for special situations

• Premature death: add a sentence of gratitude for the time spent together, without dwelling on the tragedy of the loss
• Public figures: include professional achievements and contribution to the community
• Death within a small family: reducing the family section is entirely acceptable
• At the family's wish: "Private ceremony. The family asks that its privacy be respected."

Where to publish an obituary in Romania

An obituary can be published through several channels, each with distinct advantages in terms of cost, reach, and formality. The choice depends on the budget, the size of the community that needs to be informed, and the family's preferences.

Publishing in newspapers

For publication in the print press, the procedure is as follows:

1. Choose the newspaper — national for a death of public relevance, local for informing the community
2. Write the text — following the structure described above
3. Submit the notice — via the newspaper's online form, by email, or by telephone
4. Payment — made by card or by bank transfer
5. Confirmation — you receive confirmation of publication within 1-2 business days

Prices for 2026 are usually calculated per word: between 1.15 lei/word (România Liberă) and 1.50 lei/word (other publications). An obituary of 100 words costs approximately 115-150 lei at a national newspaper. Information on costs is valid as of the publication date — 15 March 2026.

Publishing online

Digital alternatives are gaining ground, especially in urban areas. The advantages of publishing online include:

• Accessibility — relatives and friends in the diaspora can be informed immediately
• Permanence — the notice remains accessible; it does not disappear with the newspaper edition
• Interactivity — the possibility of receiving condolences, messages, and photographs
• Affordable cost — many platforms offer publication at reduced prices or included in a subscription

A digital memorial on Kinmory, for example, can function as a modern obituary: it contains the person's details, photographs, messages of condolence from the community, and a QR code that can be placed on the monument, allowing cemetery visitors to open the memorial page.

Suitable wording and phrases for obituaries

The choice of words matters enormously. Suitable phrasings convey respect, empathy, and dignity, while unsuitable expressions can unintentionally wound the family or the community. Below you will find a guide to the phrasings accepted in Romanian culture, with their English translations.

Opening phrasings

Ways of referring to the deceased

Avoid expressions that are too direct or clinical. Use:

• “răposatul/răposata” (the departed) or “cel/cea care a plecat dintre noi” (the one who has left us)
• “decedatul/decedata” (the deceased — correct, but more formal)
• “regretatul/regretata” (the late — in official contexts)
• “cel/cea dispărut/ă” (the departed/lost one) — best avoided, as it can cause confusion

Closing phrasings

• “Dumnezeu să-l/s-o odihnească în pace! Veșnică pomenire!” (May God rest him/her in peace. Eternal remembrance.)
• “Odihnească-se în pace!” (Rest in peace.)
• “Îi vom păstra amintirea vie în inimile noastre.” (We will keep his/her memory alive in our hearts.)
• “Va rămâne mereu în amintirea celor care l-au/au iubit-o.” (He/she will remain forever in the memory of those who loved him/her.)

What to avoid

• Medical details about the cause of death — they are not necessary in an obituary
• Exaggerations and superlatives — "the most extraordinary person in the world" sounds false; be authentic
• Phrasings that are too direct — avoid “a murit” (died) and “a decedat” (deceased) in the opening; prefer “s-a stins din viață” (passed away)
• Financial information — do not mention the estate or the inheritance
• Family conflicts — the obituary is not the place to signal tensions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an obituary and a parte?

An obituary (necrolog) is a longer text that presents the life, achievements, and qualities of the deceased, published in newspapers or online. The parte (the formal death announcement) is a short, formal notice containing only the essential details: the name, the dates of birth and death, the family members, and the details of the funeral ceremony. The parte is more common in Romania, while the obituary is used for public figures or at the family's wish.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary in a newspaper in Romania?

The cost of publishing an obituary or death notice in Romanian newspapers varies according to the publication and the length of the text. As a guide, the price is 1.15-1.50 lei per word (VAT included) at national newspapers such as România Liberă or Jurnalul Național. An obituary of 80-120 words costs between 100 and 180 lei. Local newspapers may have different rates.

Where can an obituary be published online?

Obituaries and death notices can be published on dedicated online platforms, on social media (Facebook, Instagram), or on a church's website. In addition, on the Kinmory platform you can create a digital memorial that also works as a modern obituary — with photographs, messages of condolence, and a QR code for the monument.

What wording is suitable for an obituary in Romania?

Classic Romanian obituary phrasings include: “Cu durere în suflet anunțăm trecerea la cele veșnice a…” (With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the passing into eternity of…), “S-a stins din viață…” (Passed away…), “Cu profund regret, familia anunță decesul…” (With profound regret, the family announces the death of…), “A trecut la Domnul…” (Gone to the Lord… — the religious version) or “A încetat din viață…” (Departed this life… — the secular version). Avoid phrasings that are too direct or clinical. Close with “Dumnezeu să-l/s-o odihnească!” (May God rest him/her) or “Odihnească-se în pace!” (Rest in peace) for the secular version.

Summary

• The obituary is a tribute text that announces the death and presents a portrait of the person; the parte is a short notice with the essential details
• The standard structure includes: the opening formula, the identifying details, the portrait of the person, the family members, the ceremony details, and the closing formula
• Where to publish: national newspapers (100-250 lei), local newspapers (50-150 lei), online (0-100 lei), church (donation), social media (free)
• The tone should be respectful, sincere, and balanced — avoid exaggerations and medical details
• Digital alternatives (online memorials, memorial pages) increasingly complement the traditional obituary
• Adapt the phrasings to the family's denomination — always offer a secular version too
• Two or three authentic details about the person are worth more than dozens of superlatives

Related Articles

• Death Certificate in Romania — Complete Guide — how to obtain the necessary documents
• How to Organise a Funeral — the steps from death to ceremony
• Digital Memorial with a QR Code — how a modern digital memorial works
• Funeral Benefit 2026 — financial entitlements from the state
• The Grieving Process — Stages — how to get through this period

While attending to the formalities — consider a digital memorial

Create a digital memorial on Kinmory — a heartfelt space where family and friends can add photographs, messages of condolence, and memories. The memorial remains accessible at any time, from anywhere in the world, and a QR code can be placed on the monument.

Create a digital memorial on Kinmory