Role of Obituaries: History, Closure, Celebration

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic roles that obituaries play, and reasons why families of a departed loved one will typically arrange for one. Obituaries are written notices announcing the passing of someone close to you, and will typically include basic details about their life and achievements - they serve several specific roles, both for the family themselves and for others who may have known the deceased. 

At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to provide caring funeral arrangements and other funeral services for clients around Salt Lake City, Taylorsville and West Valley City, including a selection of caskets and headstones for any need. We also provide assistance with obituaries, including obituary listings and several other areas. While part one of our series discussed obituaries in the context of sharing the news of a passing and honoring the departed, today's part two will look at some of the other key roles obituaries play.

Documenting Family History

While it may be difficult to think about it this way during the grieving process, an obituary serves as a valuable piece of family history. This is especially true if the departed loved one was a significant figure in their community or had notable achievements throughout their life. Family members and future generations can look back at this document to understand more about their ancestors and how they were remembered by those who knew them.

For instance, if the departed has a long list of accomplishments in their professional life, this serves as a great reminder for younger generations to strive for excellence and work towards their goals. Be sure to mention any special awards or honors received, educational achievements such as degrees or certifications earned, and any other notable career highlights.

Providing Closure

An obituary can also serve as a way for loved ones to gain some closure and process their emotions. Seeing the life of their departed loved one written down can provide a sense of finality, allowing them to accept what has happened and move forward in the grieving process.

Celebrating Life

Finally, obituaries serve as an opportunity to celebrate the life of the departed. While they may no longer be with us physically, their impact and memory can live on through the words shared in the obituary. This is a chance to remember all the good times spent together, the lessons learned from the departed, and how they touched the lives of those around them.

There are numerous ways this can be achieved, from sharing heartwarming anecdotes to including details about their favorite hobbies or passions. It's important to remember that an obituary is not just a list of facts and achievements - it's a tribute to the person who has passed on and should reflect their unique personality and spirit.

Obituaries serve many purposes beyond simply announcing a loved one's passing. They document family history, provide closure and allow for celebration of a life well-lived. At McDougal Funeral Home, we understand the importance of obituaries and are here to assist you in creating a meaningful tribute for your loved one. Contact us today for more information on our funeral services or any related need you may have.