Short Obituary Examples
Short obituaries are perfect for newspapers, social media, or memorial cards—they capture the essence of a life without unnecessary detail. Below are concise, heartfelt short obituary examples for every loved one.
Short Obituary for Father (Senior)
John Michael Smith
1945 – 2024
Austin, TX
John Smith, 79, of Austin, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024. Beloved husband of Mary, father of 2, grandfather of 5. Veteran, avid fisherman, and devoted family man. Private service to be held.
In lieu of flowers, donate to Wounded Warrior Project.
Short Obituary for Father (Middle-Aged)
Robert Lee Davis
1965 – 2024
Denver, CO
Robert Davis, 59, of Denver, passed away on April 5, 2024. Loving husband of Lisa, father of 3, brother of 2. Carpenter, Broncos fan, and dedicated volunteer. Celebration of life: April 12, 2024, 2 PM at Denver Community Center.
Short Obituary for Mother (Senior)
Mary Ann Wilson
1938 – 2024
Seattle, WA
Mary Wilson, 86, of Seattle, passed away on February 18, 2024. Beloved wife of late James, mother of 4, grandmother of 8. Homemaker, gardener, and church volunteer. Private family service.
Donations to Seattle Food Bank in her name.
Short Obituary for Mother (Middle-Aged)
Susan Elizabeth Martinez
1970 – 2024
Miami, FL
Susan Martinez, 54, of Miami, passed away on March 22, 2024. Loving wife of Carlos, mother of 2, sister of 3. Nurse, cook, and lover of salsa music. Memorial: March 29, 2024, 1 PM at Miami First Baptist Church.
Short Obituary for Grandmother
Margaret "Nana" Thompson
1928 – 2024
Chicago, IL
Margaret Thompson, 96, of Chicago, passed away on January 12, 2024. Beloved grandmother of 12, great-grandmother of 15. Baker, storyteller, and family matriarch. Mass: January 18, 2024, 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church.
Short Obituary for Grandfather
William "Papa" Harrison
1925 – 2024
Nashville, TN
William Harrison, 98, of Nashville, passed away on February 15, 2024. WWII veteran, farmer, grandfather of 9. Military honors service: February 21, 2024, 11 AM at Nashville National Cemetery.
Short Obituary for Brother (Adult)
Michael "Mike" Johnson
1975 – 2024
Atlanta, GA
Michael Johnson, 48, of Atlanta, passed away on March 20, 2024. Beloved husband of Sarah, father of 2, brother of 2. Marketing executive, Falcons fan, soccer coach. Celebration of life: March 27, 2024, 2 PM at Atlanta Community Church.
Short Obituary for Young Brother
Jacob "Jake" Wilson
1998 – 2023
Denver, CO
Jacob Wilson, 25, of Denver, passed away on November 15, 2023. Park ranger, hiker, beloved son and brother. Memorial hike: November 25, 2023, Rocky Mountain National Park.
Short Obituary for Sister (Adult)
Sarah "Sally" Miller
1978 – 2024
Chicago, IL
Sarah Miller, 46, of Chicago, passed away on April 10, 2024. Nurse, wife of Tom, mother of 2, sister of 2. Celebration of life: April 17, 2024, 3 PM at Lurie Children’s Hospital Chapel.
Donations to Lurie Children’s Hospital in her honor.
Short Obituary for Young Sister
Emma Thompson
2000 – 2024
Austin, TX
Emma Thompson, 23, of Austin, passed away on February 5, 2024. University student, aspiring teacher, beloved daughter and sister. Memorial: February 12, 2024, 2 PM at Austin Community Church.
General Short Obituary (Any Loved One)
[Full Name]
[Birth Year] – [Passing Year]
[City, State]
[Name], [Age], of [City], passed away on [Date]. Beloved [husband/wife/parent/sibling/grandparent] of [Family Members]. [Brief career/hobby]. [Service details or "Private family service."]
In lieu of flowers, donations to [Charity] in [Name]’s honor.
Ultra-Short Obituary (Newspaper Fit)
[First Name] [Last Name]
[Birth Date] – [Passing Date]
[City]
Survived by [Spouse, Children, Grandchildren]. Service: [Date/Time/Location] or "Private." Donations to [Charity].
How to Write a Short Obituary
- Stick to essentials: Name, age, location, passing date, key family members, and service/charity info.
- Keep it concise: Aim for 1-3 short paragraphs (newspapers often charge by word count).
- Highlight 1-2 key traits: A favorite hobby, career, or role (e.g., "devoted grandfather" or "lifelong teacher").
- Include practical details: Service time/location or "private family service" if applicable.
- Add charity info: Replace flowers with donations to a cause they cared about (optional but meaningful).