Announce the Death of a Family Member to Other Family Members, Close Friends, and Acquaintances

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our dear [grandfather/grandmother]'s passing, [Name of Deceased]. [He/She] passed away peacefully on [day of week] following complications from [brief illness/surgery]. [Optional: Briefly share details about the illness or surgery.]

[Name of Deceased] was a [positive personality trait] and [positive personality trait] person who [share a brief anecdote or memory that highlights a specific quality]. [He/She] will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved [him/her]. A private graveside service was held with close family, in accordance with [his/her] wishes.

We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Letter #2

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved [grandmother/grandfather], [Name of Deceased]. [He/She] passed away peacefully in [his/her] sleep on Wednesday night after a courageous battle with kidney failure. [Optional: Briefly share details about the illness.]

[Name of Deceased] was a pillar of our family, and we will forever cherish the memories of [his/her] [positive quality] spirit and [positive quality] nature. [Optional: Share a specific memory or anecdote.] A funeral service will be held on Saturday at [time] at the Doe & Sons Funeral Home in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Doe Scholarship Fund. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Letter #3

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our dear aunt, [Name of Deceased]. [Optional: Briefly state the cause of death.] [Name of Deceased] was a bright light in our lives, known for [positive personality trait] and [positive personality trait]. [Optional: Share a specific memory or anecdote.]

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday at 3:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doe Scholarship Fund, as per [Name of Deceased]'s wishes. We will miss [her] dearly and appreciate your support during this time of grief.

How to Write this Announcement Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines

For extended family and close friends who live out of town, handwritten notes are appropriate, and the tone should be very personal. Sometimes printed announcements (often black-banded) are sent to other out-of-town friends and acquaintances. These announcements are somewhat more formal. Both contain essentially the same information, but differ in degree of familiarity. For those who may want to attend the funeral, an immediate telephone call will usually be necessary in place of or preceding the announcement.

Steps

  1. Make the announcement in a direct, yet sensitive, way.

Write Your announcement in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 Make the announcement in a direct, yet sensitive, way.

Sample Sentences for Step 1

Key Phrases for Step 1