What Should You Exclude From An Obituary?

Obituaries often serve as public announcements of a loved one’s passing and a celebration of their life. However, the task of writing an obituary can sometimes be daunting, especially considering the sensitivity of the information you might share about the deceased. It’s crucial to strike a balance between honoring the person’s life and protecting their privacy.

In light of this, there are certain details that you should ideally not include in an obituary.

Personal and Sensitive Details

One of the primary areas to be cautious about is the inclusion of personal and sensitive details. These are pieces of information that could potentially compromise the deceased’s identity or lead to opportunistic crimes such as identity theft or burglary. Below, are a few specific details to exclude:

    • Date and place of birth: These are details often used for identity verification. By excluding them, you limit the potential for identity theft.
    • Home Address: Providing this information can expose the deceased’s home to potential burglars, especially during the time of the funeral when the house might be empty.
    • Mother’s maiden name: This is another piece of information often used for identity verification.
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Data That Attracts Scammers

Some information may indirectly provide scammers with an opportunity to exploit the family’s situation. These are generally more strategic in nature, and not immediately apparent. You should avoid:

  • Overly specific funeral details: While it’s important to inform community members about the funeral arrangements, revealing too many specifics (like the exact timing) might alert criminals to a vacant home.
  • Full Names of Surviving Relatives: Sharing the full names of surviving relatives can expose them to ‘imposter scams’, where scammers pose as debt collectors or government officials.

Unnecessary Personal Stories and Anecdotes

The tone of an obituary should ideally be respectful and somber, with a focus on the factual details of the deceased’s life. The inclusion of inappropriate personal stories, jokes, or statements can detract from this. While humor and personal anecdotes can sometimes highlight the deceased’s character, ensure these are respectful and suitable for a public remembrance.

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Conclusion

Writing an obituary involves the delicate task of publicly celebrating a life while also maintaining the dignity and privacy of the deceased. By being conscious of the potential for misuse of provided information, we can draft an obituary that beautifully commemorates their life without risking identity theft, scams, or other issues.

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