Memorial Writing Samples
A Place for Thoughtful Obituary
and Memorial Writing
browse samples of our writing
This page offers a collection of memorial writing samples created to honor life, love, and lasting connection.
Each example reflects a different style, length, and purpose—from traditional obituaries and legacy tributes to memorial letters and poems—so you can explore what feels most appropriate for your loved one.
These samples are meant to provide clarity, comfort, and inspiration, showing how thoughtful words can preserve a story with dignity, care, and heart.
Memorial writing Samples
Sample
Short & Sweet Obituary
Tribute – Poetic & Lyrical (149 Words)
- Type: Traditional Obituary
- Writing Style: Poetic and Lyrical
- Price: $125
- Word Count of Sample: 149
Remembering Eleanor Mae Thompson
The stars shine a little dimmer today as we say goodbye to Eleanor Mae Thompson, who graced this world with kindness, wisdom, and an unwavering love for life. Born beneath a harvest moon on October 12, 1946, she spent her years weaving joy into the fabric of those around her, a melody of laughter and grace that will forever echo in our hearts.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Thompson, and her parents, Margaret and Henry Lawson. She leaves behind her greatest joys—her children, David Thompson (Laura) and Emily Carter (James), and her adored grandchildren, Lillian, Henry, and Samuel.
She danced through life with a spirit as wild as the wind, finding poetry in the rustling leaves and solace in the morning sun. Eleanor now walks among the constellations, her love shining on in the hearts of those she cherished.
Sample
Standard Obituary – (250 - 399 Words)
- Type: Standard Tribute Obituary
- Writing Style: Warm & Nostalgic
- Price: $150
- Word Count of Sample: 289
In Loving Memory of Benjamin “Ben” Carter
Some lives shine quietly but leave an unforgettable glow. Benjamin “Ben” Carter, 61, was one of those souls—a man whose laughter warmed hearts, whose kindness knew no bounds, and whose love for his family was steadfast and true.
Born on June 15, 1963, Ben was the kind of person who never met a stranger. He had an uncanny ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether sharing a story over coffee, offering a helping hand, or simply showing up when it mattered, Ben made life richer for those who knew him.
He was a devoted husband to Lisa, a proud father to Maggie and Jack, and an enthusiastic “Grandpa Ben” to his first grandchild, Ella, who adored his silly songs and bedtime stories. His family was his greatest joy, and every moment spent together—whether on road trips, at backyard barbecues, or cheering on his favorite baseball team—was treasured.
Ben’s love of the simple things defined him. Sunday mornings with a newspaper, long walks with his golden retriever, Finn, and fixing things around the house just to say, “Good as new!” He had a knack for storytelling, often exaggerating just enough to make you laugh but always staying true to the heart of the tale.
Though he left us too soon, Ben’s spirit lives on in the kindness we show, the laughter we share, and the memories we hold close. His was a life well-lived, and his legacy is love.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 9, where stories and joy—not sadness—will fill the room. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share an unexpected act of kindness in Ben’s honor.
Sample
Sample Traditional Obituary – Sudden Passing - Lighthearted & Cheerful (400+ Words)
- Type: Sample Traditional Obituary
- Writing Style: Lighthearted & Cheerful
- Price: $175
- Word Count of Sample: 446
In Loving Memory of Michael “Mike” Thompson
The world lost a little bit of its balance, and maybe even a perfectly balanced ledger, with the sudden passing of Michael “Mike” Thompson at the age of 52. A man who found true joy in numbers, spreadsheets, and a well-organized to-do list, Mike built his own successful accounting firm from the ground up, turning what most would call “boring math” into a lifelong passion.
Mike loved order—his desk was always spotless, his tax returns filed early, and his vacation itineraries planned down to the minute. But for all his love of structure, he also embraced adventure. He and his family traveled the world together, collecting memories, fridge magnets, and an extensive knowledge of foreign exchange rates. He had an uncanny ability to find the best local restaurants, often guided by online reviews, a carefully researched spreadsheet, and his own impeccable instincts.
Above all, Mike was a devoted husband to Sarah, an incredibly proud father to Emma (16) and Noah (13), and the world’s most doting dog dad to Baxter, their lovable, treat-demanding golden retriever. He may have been a numbers guy, but his family was always his greatest equation—one filled with love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep life interesting.
He had a way of making the most mundane moments entertaining—turning grocery runs into strategic missions, mapping out road trips with color-coded spreadsheets, and giving unsolicited but incredibly useful tax advice at dinner parties. He believed every problem had a solution and approached life with a mix of logic, dry humor, and an uncanny ability to spot a rounding error from a mile away.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert Thompson, and is survived by his mother, Linda Thompson, his brother Tom Thompson (Rebecca), and a long list of friends and colleagues who will forever miss his witty emails, his unwavering reliability, and his ability to make even financial statements sound exciting.
To honor Mike, his family asks that you triple-check your receipts, file your taxes on time, and consider adding a new adventure to your calendar—just as he would have planned it. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 2, where laughter and storytelling will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a small business grant fund in his name, ensuring his legacy of precision, passion, and adventure lives on.
Mike lived his life by the numbers, but his impact can never be measured. His spreadsheets may have been meticulously organized, but his love for his family, friends, and the joys of life could never be contained within a single formula.
Sample:
Memorial Poem
Tribute – Poetic & Lyrical (171 Words)
- Type: Memorial Poem
- Writing Style: Poetic and Lyrical
- Price: $150
- Word Count of Sample: 171
A Life in Bloom – In Memory of Evelyn Grace Harrington
She walked in gardens, soft and bright,
A heart that carried golden light.
With hands that nurtured, love so wide,
She built a world where warmth could hide.
She spoke in laughter, soft and free,
Like whispered winds through autumn trees.
Her kindness bloomed like petals fair,
A love that lingered in the air.
She danced through days with steady grace,
A steady heart, a peaceful space.
No storm could shake the roots she grew,
Her love was deep, her soul was true.
She leaves behind a garden wide,
Her children strong, her love inside.
A husband’s hand now holds the sky,
He feels her near, he won’t ask why.
So plant a flower, tend the land,
She’s in the soil, the breeze, the sand.
And when the sun sets, soft and new,
Know love like hers still carries through.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on Sunday, March 10.
In her honor, the family invites you to plant a flower in
your garden—her favorite place to be.
Sample
Standard Online Obituary | Sample
Thoughtful & Reflective (325 Words)
- Type: Standard Online Obituary | Sample
- Writing Style: Poetic and Lyrical
- Price: $150
- Word Count of Sample: 325
In Loving Memory of Margaret “Maggie” Thompson
July 12, 1948 – February 18, 2024
Margaret “Maggie” Thompson, 75, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully in her home on February 18, 2024, surrounded by family. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Maggie was known for her boundless kindness, unwavering faith, and love for life’s simple joys.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Maggie moved to Colorado as a young woman, where she built a life filled with love and adventure. She spent over 30 years as a dedicated elementary school teacher, touching the lives of countless students with her patience and warmth. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as she mentored new teachers and volunteered at local literacy programs well into retirement.
Maggie found joy in tending to her flower garden, baking homemade pies for family gatherings, and cheering on the Denver Broncos every football season. She was a storyteller, a gentle advisor, and a pillar of strength for her loved ones. She had a way of making everyone feel valued, always offering a kind word or an open ear.
She is survived by her children, Michael Thompson (Sarah) and Emily Reynolds (Daniel); her beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Lily; and her lifelong best friend, Dorothy Allen. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Thompson, and her parents, George and Helen Carter.
A celebration of Maggie’s life will be held on March 2, 2024, at St. Paul’s Community Church in Denver. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring her memory and sharing the stories that made her so special.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reading Partners Colorado, a cause close to her heart, continuing her lifelong dedication to education and literacy.
Maggie’s legacy lives on through the love she shared, the wisdom she imparted, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit remains in the kindness she spread and the lessons she taught.
Sample
Extended Legacy Tribute
Gentle & Comforting, Personal & Storytelling
- Type: Extended Legacy Tribute | Sample
- Gentle & Comforting, Personal & Storytelling
- Price: $175
- Word Count of Sample: 472
Honoring the Life of Robert “Bob” Callahan
September 3, 1955 – February 10, 2024 | Nashville, Tennessee
Robert “Bob” Callahan, 68, a lifelong resident of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was known for his unwavering kindness, quick wit, and deep love for storytelling. Whether behind a microphone, gathered with family, or lending a hand to a friend, Bob’s presence was one of warmth and generosity.
Born and raised in Nashville, Bob had a deep appreciation for music, history, and community—values that shaped both his personal and professional life. He began his career in broadcasting as a young intern at a local radio station, eventually becoming a beloved radio host and sports commentator. For over 40 years, his voice filled homes across Tennessee, delivering game-day insights, heartfelt interviews, and the kind of storytelling that made listeners feel like old friends. His passion for the Tennessee Titans was legendary, and his animated discussions about football were as much a part of his legacy as the games themselves.
Beyond his career, Bob was a devoted family man. He met the love of his life, Linda Callahan, during college, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and laughter. Married for 45 years, Bob and Linda’s home was always open, filled with music, good food, and deep conversations. Their children, Mark Callahan (Rebecca) and Jessica Palmer (Ethan), remember him as a guiding light—always ready with advice, encouragement, or one of his classic dad jokes.
His greatest joy came from being “Grandpa Bob” to Noah, Ava, and Jack. Whether taking them fishing, teaching them how to build model airplanes, or telling them stories about his own childhood adventures, Bob cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.
Bob also had a strong commitment to his community. He was an active volunteer with the Nashville Food Bank, spent time mentoring young broadcasters through the Tennessee Radio Guild, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His generosity extended beyond family and friends—he believed in lifting others up and making a difference wherever he could.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Callahan, and his brother, Tom Callahan. He leaves behind not just a family, but a network of friends, listeners, and colleagues who will forever remember his infectious laughter, sharp mind, and the kindness he showed to all.
A celebration of life will be held on February 24, 2024, at Belmont Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause Bob supported for decades.
Bob’s voice may be silent, but his legacy of storytelling, love, and generosity will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
Sample
long form legacy tribute | Sample
Sample for a journalist and humanitarian.
- Type: Journalistic / Public Figure Tribute
- Inspirational & Legacy-Focused
- Price: $200
- Word Count of Sample: ~553
Daniel Carter – A Voice for the Voiceless
Daniel Carter was more than a journalist; he was a witness to history, a seeker of truth, and a voice for those the world too often forgot. With nothing but a notepad, a camera slung over his shoulder, and an unshakable resolve, he ventured into the heart of devastation—where floodwaters swallowed entire villages, where the earth split apart beneath people’s feet, where war turned homes into rubble. His mission was never to chase headlines; it was to tell the stories of the unseen, the unheard, the ones who mattered most.
For over three decades, Daniel reported from the frontlines of human suffering and resilience. He stood knee-deep in monsoon waters in Bangladesh, listening as families recounted how the rising tides stole everything but their will to rebuild. He walked the shattered streets of Port-au-Prince after the 2010 earthquake, holding the hand of a child who had lost everything yet still managed to smile. In war zones, where fear swallowed even the bravest, he sat with civilians in bombed-out shelters, writing not about politics or power, but about the mother who shared her last piece of bread, the doctor who stayed when everyone else had fled, the young girl who dreamed of a future beyond the wreckage.
What set Daniel apart was not only where he went, but how he listened. He believed that presence mattered—that sometimes the most important thing he could offer was attention, patience, and respect. He took time to learn names, to sit in silence, to bear witness without interruption. In doing so, he allowed people to be seen not as victims, but as human beings.
Daniel never sought fame. He turned down high-profile newsroom positions to stay where he felt most needed. His work was raw, real, and unfiltered—published in major outlets but always carrying the voices of everyday people, their struggles, their triumphs. He believed that every person had a story worth telling and that the world became a better place when people listened.
His impact reached far beyond the articles he wrote. Aid organizations often cited his reporting as a catalyst for increased awareness and international relief efforts. His coverage of the refugee crisis in Syria helped mobilize global attention and support. After witnessing the suffering of displaced families in Sudan, he personally funded educational programs for children who had never held a book before.
But Daniel’s commitment to service extended beyond his reporting. He trained young journalists, mentoring those who wanted to follow in his footsteps. He spoke at humanitarian conferences, urging the world to see the people behind the statistics. In his rare moments away from the field, he spent time in schools and universities, reminding aspiring writers that journalism was not just about telling stories—it was about giving people a voice when they had none.
His true legacy, however, was not in awards or accolades—it was in the lives he touched. In the communities he visited, he was not just a reporter; he was a friend, a helper, a witness who carried their truths to the world.
Though the bylines will stop, his stories will not. The people he wrote about will never be forgotten. And somewhere—in the pages of history and in the hearts of those who found hope in his words—Daniel Carter’s legacy lives on.
Memorial letters Samples
Sample
Memorial Letter | Sample
Thoughtful & Reflective Letter to my Father
- Type: Letter to Heaven | To a Father
- Thoughtful & Reflective
- Price: $125
- Word Count of Sample: ~382
Dear Dad,
You were a military man, and because of that, we learned respect early—not the kind you demand, but the kind you live. We learned resilience, how to stand steady when things shifted beneath our feet, and how to adapt every time orders sent us somewhere new. With every transfer, you showed me that home wasn’t a place on a map—it was how we showed up for one another.
You taught me to stand up for myself, and just as importantly, to stand up for others. But you also taught me that strength doesn’t mean reacting first. You taught me to pause—to seek counsel—to think before answering, before acting, before letting emotion take the lead. I still hear that guidance when I hit a wall. Whether I follow it immediately or wrestle with it for a while, it grounds me in truth and keeps me steady. I still stand up for myself and for others—but I do it with intention, the way you showed me.
You gave me my first bird, Chico, and then my first dog, Rembrandt—and with them, you opened a door in my heart that never closed. You encouraged my love for animals of all kinds… although you did draw the line at the white mice from school (Apparently I was allergic to those – lol) and the tarantula we housed for a few days as a birthday gift. (Fair enough.) Still, you never mocked my compassion. You let it grow, and I never stopped following it.
You taught me practical things, too—the kind that stay with you forever. How to change a tire. How to change my oil. How to drive a stick shift. You taught me that independence isn’t about never needing help—it’s about knowing you can handle things when you have to.
Most of all, you taught me that integrity and truth are not optional. They aren’t situational. They aren’t convenient. They’re the foundation. That lesson has guided me more times than I can count, especially when the easier path tempted me otherwise.
I carry you with me, Dad—in how I live, how I love, how I protect what matters. You shaped who I am in ways time can’t undo. And for that, I will always be grateful.
With love,
Sample
Memorial Letter | Sample
A Letter to a Beloved Dog
- Type: Letter to Heaven | To a Dog
- Gentle & Comforting
- Price: $125
- Word Count of Sample: ~330
My Sweet Rembrandt,
I still reach for your leash some mornings, forgetting that our walks are now just memories. The house is quieter without the sound of your paws against the floor, without your joyful barks when I walked through the door. You were my shadow, my comfort, my constant—always by my side, always knowing when I needed you most.
You were my first. My heart. The one who opened me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. Because of you, my heart learned how to stretch, how to make room, how to love deeply—and because of you, it was able to welcome more paws than I could ever imagine. Every love that came after carries a piece of what you taught me.
You were my ride or die, planted proudly in the shotgun seat, ears up, eyes forward, ready for whatever came next. Together, we traveled the wilds of Canada—from Vancouver to Dawson City and beyond—miles of open road, endless skies, and moments where it felt like it was just you and me against the world. Later, you stayed with me through another long journey, from Vegas to Chicago, crossing the vastness of the United States with the same calm loyalty, the same steady presence that made anywhere feel like home.
You taught me love in its purest form—unconditional, patient, and boundless. No matter what kind of day I had, you met me with a wagging tail and warm eyes that said, “I’m here.” You made even the simplest days sacred just by being beside me.
I miss your head resting on my lap, the way you tilted your head at my words as if you understood every syllable. I miss how you made everything better simply by being you. I take comfort in knowing that you are running free now, chasing endless sunbeams, waiting for the day we meet again.
Until then, my love for you remains. Always.
With all my heart,
Sample
Memorial Letter | Sample
A Mother’s Letter to Her Son
On the Anniversary of His Passing
- Type: Anniversary Letter to Son - on the anniversary of his passing
- Thoughtful & Reflective
- Price: $125
- Word Count of Sample: ~410
My Sweet Boy,
Another year has passed, and yet time does not make missing you any easier. I still wake up some mornings expecting to hear your voice, to see you walk through the door with that knowing smile, as if no time had passed at all. Instead, I carry you in the spaces between moments—in the quiet where your laughter used to live, in the stillness that follows a memory too tender to speak aloud.
I will never stop being your mother. That role did not end the day you left this world. It lives on in every breath I take, in every thought of you, in every silent conversation I still have with you when the world feels too loud. I love you with a depth that time cannot soften. I speak your name with reverence. I protect your memory fiercely, because it is one of my greatest treasures.
Dallas still looks for you. Some days, he sits by the window and waits, watching the road the way he always did, ears lifting at every sound, as if you might appear at any moment. I see it, and my heart breaks all over again. Even now, love remembers. Even now, it waits.
Some days, the weight of your absence feels unbearable. There are moments when grief arrives without warning, heavy and sudden, stealing the air from my lungs. But then I remember that love—real, soul-deep love—is not bound by time or distance. You are not gone. You are in the warmth of the sun on my face, in the hush of the evening air, in the familiar songs that bring tears before I even realize why. You are in the quiet signs, the gentle nudges, the small miracles that remind me you are near.
I often wonder who you would be today. What dreams you would have chased. What paths you might have taken. I imagine your laughter a little deeper, your wisdom a little stronger, your heart still just as kind. While I grieve the life you should have had, I find comfort in believing you are free—unburdened by pain, untouched by struggle, surrounded by peace. That belief carries me on the days when the ache feels endless.
If love alone could have kept you here, you never would have left. But since I cannot hold you in my arms, I hold you in my heart—where you have always belonged, where you will always remain.
I love you, my beautiful boy. Beyond time. Beyond words. Always.
Mom
Sample
Memorial Letter | A Letter for the Future
From Dad to Daughter on Her Wedding Day
- Type: From Dad to Daughter on Her Wedding Day
- Thoughtful & Reflective + Gentle & Comforting
- Price: $125
- Word Count of Sample: ~350
My Dearest Missy,
If you are reading this, it means today is your wedding day—a day I always knew would come, though I’ll admit I wasn’t entirely convinced you’d ever stop being my little girl. I would have given anything to see you walk down that aisle, to hold your hand one last time, to tell you how radiant you look—and to remind you, just once more, that no one will ever love you quite as fiercely as your dad.
Since I can’t be there in person, let these words be my arms around you. Today is not just about promises made at the altar, but about the love that carried you here. You have always had a heart that loves deeply, forgives freely, and sees the good in people—sometimes even when they don’t deserve it. (That’s a gift… and occasionally a test of patience.)
Marriage isn’t about finding perfection in another person—trust me, it doesn’t exist. It’s about choosing each other every single day, even when one of you forgets to replace the toilet paper or insists they’re not lost. There will be laughter and adventure, and yes, moments that test your patience. When those days come, remember this: love is measured not by how easy the journey is, but by the grace—and humor—you show each other along the way.
I know your mother will be standing in the front row today, smiling for both of us and probably reminding everyone to keep tissues handy. And when you take that first dance, close your eyes for just a moment—you’ll feel me there. Because I am. In every memory, in every lesson, and in that quiet inner voice that sounds suspiciously like me saying, “You’ve got this.”
So go, my girl. Step into this next chapter with the courage, kindness, and strength I have always known lived inside you. And if you ever need me, just listen—to the wind, to your heart, to the love surrounding you. I’ll be there… probably offering advice you didn’t ask for.
With all my love,
Dad