When writing an obituary, correctly listing family members ensures that everyone is honored and recognized in a respectful and organized manner. Below is a guide on how to format family names, relationships, and spouses for clarity and readability.
Standard Format:
John (Mary) Smith
Emily (James) Carter
Michael (Sarah) Thompson
Expanded Format:
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Smith; his children, John (Mary) Smith, Emily (James) Carter, and Michael (Sarah) Thompson; and his cherished grandchildren, Ava, Liam, Sophia, Noah, and Benjamin.
✔ Tips:
List the closest relatives first: spouse, children, parents, siblings, then extended family.
Spouses of children should be in parentheses.
If listing grandchildren, mention them after their parents.
If preferred, you can summarize grandchildren as “He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.”
Standard Format:
Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Susan Smith, and his sister, Margaret Jones.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Carter, and her grandson, Oliver.
✔ Tips:
Use the phrase “Preceded in death by” for clarity.
If a spouse has passed, list them first.
Parents, siblings, and children can be included.
If a grandchild has passed, mention them last.
Standard Format:
John (Mary) Smith and their children, Ava and Liam
Emily (James) Carter and their children, Sophia and Noah
Michael (Sarah) Thompson and his son, Benjamin
Expanded Format (For Large Families):
He is survived by his children and their families:
John (Mary) Smith and their children, Ava and Liam
Emily (James) Carter and their children, Sophia and Noah
Michael (Sarah) Thompson and his son, Benjamin
✔ Tips:
If the list is long, summarizing is acceptable (“12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren”).
Stepchildren can be included, noting “bonus son” or “stepdaughter” if desired.
If a child or grandchild has passed, they should be listed under Preceded in Death By.
Standard Format:
Lifelong friend, Jane Doe
Best friend, Mark Johnson
He was also survived by his dearest friend and fishing partner, Paul Adams.
✔ Tips:
Close friends can be mentioned under a separate section.
If they played a significant role, use descriptive phrases (“chosen family,” “like a brother”).
If space is limited, keep it to one or two key individuals.
A well-written obituary is both a tribute and a keepsake. By following these formatting guidelines, you ensure that the loved one’s story is clear, structured, and meaningful. Whether writing for a newspaper, online, or a personal memorial, these best practices will help preserve their legacy with the respect they deserve.
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