How to Write a Cremation Obituary (Examples, Wording & Template)
If you're looking for a cremation obituary example or aren’t sure what to include when there is no traditional funeral service, you’re not alone. Many families choosing cremation want something simple, meaningful, and clear—without the pressure of planning a formal ceremony.
This step-by-step guide will show you what to include, how to word a cremation obituary, and provide examples you can use for reference.
If you prefer guided support, you can use our online obituary-writing tool, which walks you through each section and creates a formatted draft automatically:
Try the obituary builder → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
In this guide, you’ll find:
• what to include in a cremation obituary
• a sample cremation obituary (for educational purposes only)
• helpful notes after the example
• wording for no service and celebration of life
• a fill-in-the-blank template
• common mistakes to avoid
• frequently asked questions
Whether you’re writing a short notice or a longer tribute, this guide will help you write with confidence and clarity.
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What to Include in a Cremation Obituary
A cremation obituary includes most of the same elements as a traditional obituary, with small differences in wording.
Here’s what to include:
1. Basic details
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
• gentle wording (optional)
Examples:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “after a brief illness”
• “surrounded by family”
2. Life summary
Optional elements:
• birth date and birthplace
• parents’ names
• education
• marriage or partner
• career or military service
3. Personality and interests
Examples:
• hobbies
• values
• community involvement
• memorable traits
4. Surviving family members
Typically listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children and spouses
• grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased relatives (optional)
5. Cremation wording
Instead of “funeral arrangements,” use:
• “Cremation has taken place.”
• “A private family service will be held.”
• “A celebration of life will be held at a later date.”
6. Memorial preferences
Examples:
• “In lieu of flowers…”
• charity donations
• hospice or church
Do NOT include home addresses for safety.
Cremation obituaries are often shorter and simpler, but online versions may be as long as you like.
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Sample Cremation Obituary
(For educational and example purposes only — all names and details are fictional)
Linda Marie Harrison, 68, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on October 2, 1956, in Savannah, Georgia, Linda was the daughter of Charles and Evelyn Brooks. After graduating from Georgia State University, she spent more than 30 years working as a pediatric nurse, where she was known for her compassion and calming presence.
In 1980, Linda married her husband, James, and together they raised two children. She loved gardening, reading mystery novels, and baking her famous peach cobbler for every family gathering. Linda was an active member of Grace Methodist Church and volunteered with the local food pantry for many years.
Linda is survived by her husband of 45 years, James; her children, Emily (Ryan) Collins and Matthew (Sophie) Harrison; and three grandchildren who brought her great joy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Anne.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Methodist Church in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in Linda’s memory.
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Helpful Notes About This Example
This sample is provided only as a guide. You can adjust tone, length, and details as needed.
Why this example works
Includes cremation wording clearly and gently
Focuses on personality and family
Avoids sensitive medical and private details
Provides service information without a funeral
Includes optional donation preference
If this example was helpful and you're ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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Alternate Wording Options
No service planned
Cremation has taken place, and the family will gather privately to honor [name].
Celebration of life later
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Simple announcement
[Name], [age], passed away on [date]. Cremation has taken place.
Faith-based
[Name] went to be with the Lord on [date]. Cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held.
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Fill-in-the-Blank Cremation Obituary Template
You can copy and customize:
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/after a brief illness/etc.] on [date].
[First name] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names, optional]. [He/She] [education/career summary], and will be remembered for [traits, hobbies, or values].
[First name] is survived by [list surviving relatives] and preceded in death by [names, if applicable].
Cremation has taken place. [Service type] will be held on [date/time] at [location], or [celebration of life at a later date]. In lieu of flowers, [donation preference].
When you're ready to save, edit, and publish your obituary online, you can do it here:
Start your obituary (no commitment to begin) → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• forgetting to include the cremation wording
• mentioning home addresses
• oversharing medical details
• switching between name formats
• writing without family review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to mention cremation?
No — it’s optional. Many families choose simple wording like:
“Cremation has taken place.”
Is it appropriate to have no service?
Yes — many cremation obituaries say:
• “private family gathering”
• “celebration of life at a later date”
How long should a cremation obituary be?
Most are 200–500 words, but online versions can be longer.
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Final Thoughts
Learning how to write a cremation obituary is about honoring a life in a way that feels meaningful and true. There is no right or wrong length or format—only what reflects your loved one.
With RemembrLink, you can:
• write an obituary using our guided template tool
• save drafts and edit anytime
• add photos and family memories
• publish and share with loved ones
Begin your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray