Guidelines for writing a Eulogy
If you have been entrusted with the important task of writing a eulogy, keep in mind that it should be kept simple and sincere. Even if the deceased has led a long and varied life, keep it relatively short. If you would like to, you can prepare a longer version to be handed out at the funeral, or to be included in the Order of Service.
Here are some points you may like to include:
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Details of brothers and sisters
- Early childhood stories; location and interests; interesting or amusing details and experiences.
- Educational history & special achievements: (schools attended; awards received; academic or trade qualifications and achievements)
- Nicknames; personal likes/dislikes; often-told stories that give an insight into the person; special sayings, qualities, skills.
- Details of career paths and involvement in charity/voluntary organisations; any military service
- Details of marriages/divorces/children/significant relationships
- Details of grandchildren/great grandchildren
- Details of travel experiences
- Details of sporting achievements
- Details of any hobbies/interests
- Details of any Club memberships; positions held
- Lines quoted from a song or poem, or another reading of special significance.
- Thank you on behalf of the family to hospital, carers, family, friends, etc
- Invitation to join the family for refreshments (unless that task has been delegated to another family member).