There are a few relatively common parts of the process that are followed after a loved one passes, and the writing and posting of an obituary is one of the most well-known here. Which purposes are served by obituaries, and why should the family of the departed be prioritizing a quality obituary during the grieving process? 

At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to provide numerous caring, compassionate services in areas like funeral arrangements, caskets, headstones and more for clients around Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, West Valley City and nearby areas. We also assist with obituaries in several ways, including obituary postings, notifications and more. In this two-part blog series, we'll discuss some of the key reasons why obituaries are written and posted, plus what to be thinking about in each of these areas if you're involved in the obituary process for any departed friend or loved one.

What is an Obituary?

Firstly, for those who aren't familiar with obituaries, it's important to define the term. An obituary is a written notice announcing the death of an individual and providing some basic details about their life, such as their birthdate, family members, education, career and achievements. 

They are typically published in newspapers or on funeral home websites. They may also be shared on social media platforms or in online obituary databases. The purpose of an obituary can be multifold - our next few sections, and on into part two of our series, will go over these various purposes.

Sharing News

In many cases, the primary purpose of an obituary is simply to share the news of a person's passing with their community. This includes friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances who may not have been aware of the death otherwise. 

Obituaries serve as a way to spread the news quickly and efficiently, reducing the chances of someone finding out through word-of-mouth or social media posts that they may not see for some time.

Honor and Tribute

Another important purpose of obituaries is to honor and pay tribute to the deceased individual. They provide an opportunity for friends, family members and others to reflect on the person's life, accomplishments, character traits and more. 

Obituaries often include anecdotes or special memories that allow readers to remember and celebrate the life of the departed. This can bring comfort to those who are grieving and help them feel closer to their loved one. For instance, a published obituary may jog memories and encourage people to reach out and share their own stories about the deceased. 

In part two of our series, we'll look at a few more reasons why obituaries are important. To learn about any of our other funeral home or cremation services, speak to the pros at McDougal Funeral Home today. We're standing by for you.