4 Self-written Obituary Templates and Examples
Writing an obituary is often a task given to family members after someone passes away. In some cases, however, individuals may choose to take this responsibility into their own hands, crafting their own self-written obituaries to share their stories in a personal, genuine way. A self-written obituary allows individuals to capture their own humor, personality, and reflections on life, providing a deeply authentic remembrance for their loved ones. This article covers inspiring examples of self-written obituaries that show how different people may this unique opportunity to tell their life stories, express gratitude, and even leave a few laughs behind.
What is a self-written obituary?
A self-written obituary is a unique, personal obituary written by an individual before their death. Unlike traditional obituaries, which are often composed by family or friends, a self-written obituary allows a person to tell their life story in their own words, capturing their personality, humor, and values in a genuine, memorable way. It can range from heartfelt and reflective to humorous or unconventional, offering loved ones a glimpse of how the person wanted to be remembered. This approach also relieves family members of the responsibility and ensures that one’s life story is told accurately and meaningfully.
Examples of self-written obituaries
These self-written obituaries are excellent choices for those who don’t want their family to be tasked with writing the obituary on their behalf. Writing a first person obituary is an excellent opportunity to truly share your own life story, in your own words, and include as much (or as little) information as you want to. Whether you’d like a funny self-written obituary, a more serious obituary written in first person, or a lengthy tale of a well-lived life, these self-written obituary examples and obituary templates are great foundations and places to start:
Self written obituary template and example - Traveler
Self written obituary template - Traveler
Instead of having someone else write my obituary for me, I’ve decided to write my own. I hope you enjoy reading this short piece about my life.
I was born in [year] to my parents, [names of parents]. We lived in [location] and I was a [wonderful/terrible/okay/quiet/shy/loud/quirky] child from the very beginning. I enjoyed [hobbies] and attended school at [school name]. When I was [age], I moved to [location] and pursued a degree in [subject] at [university name]. I graduated with a degree in [subject] in [year]. I was [age]. After this, I lived in many different, wonderful places, including: [locations lived].
Now that I’m [age] and have settled in [location], I feel that I’ve had a long and fulfilling life. My most favorite hobbies are [hobbies]. My favorite flavor of ice cream is [flavor] and my favorite place in the world is [location]. I love my family more than anything in the world and I love all of my friends dearly. Before I go, I want to share my favorite quote with you. It reads, “[quote]”, by [author name].
I’ve asked my family to only hold a celebration of life in my honor, I don’t want a traditional funeral service. Once I’ve passed, they’ll share the details with you. Thank you for reading a bit about my life. Take care.
Use this templateSelf written obituary example - Traveler
Instead of having someone else write my obituary for me, I’ve decided to write my own. I hope you enjoy reading this short piece about my life.
I was born in 1982 to my parents, Isabelle & Liam. We lived in Portland and I was a quirky child from the very beginning. I enjoyed painting and acting and attended school at Portland High. When I was 20, I moved to Seattle and pursued a degree in City Planning at Seattle University. I graduated with a degree in Urban Engineering in 2006. I was 24. After this, I lived in many different, wonderful places, including: Maine, Colorado, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.
Now that I’m 39 and have settled in Vermont, I feel that I’ve had a long and fulfilling life. My most favorite hobbies are drawing and reading. My favorite flavor of ice cream is raspberry sorbet and my favorite place in the world is Greece. I love my family more than anything in the world and I love all of my friends dearly. Before I go, I want to share my favorite quote with you. It reads, “Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.”, by John Lennon.
I’ve asked my family to only hold a celebration of life in my honor, I don’t want a traditional funeral service. Once I’ve passed, they’ll share the details with you. Thank you for reading a bit about my life. Take care.
Self written obituary template and example #2
Self written obituary template #2
I wanted to sit here and write my own obituary instead of having someone else write it for me. If you’re reading this, I’m already gone, but please do not mourn my passing as it was my time.
My name is [full name]. I was born on [date] to [parent’s names] in [location]. I went to [name of school] and my favorite subjects included [subject] and [subject]. After I finished high school, I decided to pursue a career in [career choice]. I absolutely loved it and would go on to work in the field for over [number of years] years. Some of my passions in life included [passions]. I was a prominent member of [organization name] and volunteered at [organization name].
My small, but beautiful family includes: [list family members]. I will miss all of you so, so much and cannot thank you enough for the wonderful life you have provided me. If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s [life lesson].
That’s all I’d like to say for now. Thank you for reading about me and my life. Goodbye for now.
Use this templateSelf written obituary example #2
I wanted to sit here and write my own obituary instead of having someone else write it for me. If you’re reading this, I’m already gone, but please do not mourn my passing as it was my time.
My name is Liam Miles Presley Jr. I was born on June 3rd, 1956 to Liam and Kate Presley in Mankato, MN. I went to Mankato High and my favorite subjects included biology and theater. After I finished high school, I decided to pursue a career in radio. I absolutely loved it and would go on to work in the field for over 30 years. Some of my passions in life included radio, public broadcast, gardening, and herpetology. I was a prominent member of Minnesota Broadcast Corporation, Radio Jockeys International and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.
My small, but beautiful family includes: my wife, Sanja; my son, Miles; my daughter, Emma; my sisters, Twila and Meredith; and my brother, Frank. I will miss all of you so, so much and cannot thank you enough for the wonderful life you have provided me. If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s to love the ones you’re with.
That’s all I’d like to say for now. Thank you for reading about me and my life. Goodbye for now.
Self written obituary template and example #3 - funny
Self written obituary template #3 - funny
Hey! It’s [your name]. If you’re reading this, it means I’m already dead. What a bummer! I didn’t want my [children/family/husband/wife] to have to write this about me as I know how hard it’d be. (And I also didn’t want the funeral home to be in charge of it!) So I figured I’d write my own obituary, in my own words.
First things first -- the facts. I was born in the small town of [location] to the best parents a kid could ask for -- [names of parents]. I attended all my schools in this town until I graduated from high school and decided to take on the world by attending university at [university name]. I studied [subject], a subject I’ve always loved, even as a little kid. College was [great/horrible/rough/exciting/amazing] and I am proud to say I graduated with a degree in [subject] in [year].
After graduating, I decided to go to work at [company], where I ended up staying for over [number] years. I met so many amazing people there, including my wonderful [wife/husband/partner] -- [name of partner]. We were nuts and went on to have [number] kids, all of whom were a handful and a half, but my greatest joy and pride in life.
As you know, my family means everything to me and I hope they are able to move past my death with strength in their hearts. To my family: please know how much I love you, how proud I am, and how I can’t wait to see you once you get to wherever it is I’m going.
No services will be held (at my request!), but I think the kids will be planning some type of party for me. Please attend this party with joy in your heart and only remember the good times. Also, no flowers please! I was never able to keep a plant alive and wouldn’t want to continue that tradition after I passed anyways.
Use this templateSelf written obituary example #3 - funny
Hey! It’s Joanne. If you’re reading this, it means I’m already dead. What a bummer! I didn’t want my children to have to write this about me as I know how hard it’d be. (And I also didn’t want the funeral home to be in charge of it, could you imagine!) So I figured I’d write my own obituary, in my own words.
First things first -- the facts. I was born in the small town of Greenville to the best parents a kid could ask for -- John and Ava. I attended all my schools in this town until I graduated from high school and decided to take on the world by attending university at University of Illinois. I studied Aerodynamics, a subject I’ve always loved, even as a little kid (planes, planes, planes!). College was a drag and I am proud to say I graduated with a degree in Engineering in 1982.
After graduating, I decided to go to work at American Airlines, where I ended up staying for over 25 years. I met so many amazing people there, including my wonderful wife -- Mona. We were nuts and went on to adopt 4 kids, Rita, Peggy, Richard, and Phillip, all of whom were a handful and a half, but my greatest joy and pride in life.
As you know, my family means everything to me and I hope they are able to move past my death with strength in their hearts. To my family: please know how much I love you, how proud I am, and how I can’t wait to see you once you get to wherever it is I’m going.
No services will be held (at my request!), but I think the kids will be planning some type of party for me. Please attend this party with joy in your heart and only remember the good times. Also, no flowers please! I was never able to keep a plant alive and want to continue that tradition after I passed anyways.
Self written obituary template and example for someone with cancer
Self written obituary template for someone with cancer
Well, folks, if you’re reading this, it means I’ve finally kicked the bucket. Cancer may have gotten the last word, but I had plenty to say before I left.
I, [Name], of [Location], officially signed out of this world on [Date] at the age of [Age]. And let me tell you, it was one heck of a ride. I laughed a lot, loved deeply, and ate more [favorite food] than any doctor would recommend.
Born on [Birthdate] to [Parents’ Names] (who are hopefully not too disappointed I beat them to the finish line), I spent my life making questionable decisions, collecting wonderful friends, and leaving behind a trail of sarcastic remarks that I hope will be quoted for generations.
I am survived by my [spouse/partner, if applicable], my [children, if applicable—list names], and my beloved [pet name, if applicable], who will probably wonder where I went and why dinner is late. I am also survived by [siblings, best friends, or anyone else who should be mentioned], who will no doubt spend the next few years debating who my real favorite was.
As for my professional life, I spent [years] doing [career or passion] and somehow convinced people to pay me for it. Not too shabby.
A celebration of my life will be held on [Date] at [Location], where there will be laughter, storytelling, and hopefully an open bar (because let’s be honest, you’ll need it). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to [Charity or Cause], because if I can guilt you into doing something good, I absolutely will.
In closing, I want to say this: life is short, eat dessert first, take the trip, and don’t wait to tell people you love them. And if anyone dares write “She lost her battle with cancer” on my headstone, I will haunt you. I didn’t lose—I fought like hell, and now I’m finally getting some rest.
See you on the other side (or at least, I hope so—you know who you are).
With love and mischief, [Name]
Use this templateSelf written obituary example for someone with cancer
Well, folks, if you’re reading this, it means I’ve finally kicked the bucket. Cancer may have gotten the last word, but I had plenty to say before I left.
I, Grace Bauer, of Portland, Oregon, officially signed out of this world on February 28, 2025, at the age of 54. And let me tell you, it was one heck of a ride. I laughed a lot, loved deeply, and ate more chocolate cake than any doctor would recommend.
Born on June 12, 1970, to Eleanor and Richard Bauer (who are hopefully not too disappointed I beat them to the finish line), I spent my life making questionable decisions, collecting wonderful friends, and leaving behind a trail of sarcastic remarks that I hope will be quoted for generations.
I am survived by my husband, Mark, my two children, Lily and Sam, and my beloved golden retriever, Waffles, who will probably wonder where I went and why dinner is late. I am also survived by my brother, James, my best friend, Carla, and an alarming number of unfinished craft projects.
As for my professional life, I spent 30 years doing graphic design, convincing people that good typography truly does matter. Not too shabby.
A celebration of my life will be held on March 10, 2025, at The Garden Room in Portland, where there will be laughter, storytelling, and hopefully an open bar (because let’s be honest, you’ll need it). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Cancer Society, because if I can guilt you into doing something good, I absolutely will.
In closing, I want to say this: life is short, eat dessert first, take the trip, and don’t wait to tell people you love them. And if anyone dares write “She lost her battle with cancer” on my headstone, I will haunt you. I didn’t lose—I fought like hell, and now I’m finally getting some rest.
See you on the other side (or at least, I hope so—you know who you are).
With love and mischief, Grace Bauer
Remember, the best self written obituaries are the ones that come from the heart and are unique to you and your life story. Try to incorporate stories or elements that are personal to you and your life in order to ensure the obituary represents you the best way it can.
Funny sayings to include in a self-written obituary
Adding humor to a self-written obituary is a wonderful way to reflect your personality and bring a smile to your loved ones even in a time of loss. Here are some funny ideas to consider, all depending on your unique sense of humor and style:
- "I told you I was sick!"
- "Well, at least I don’t have to do my taxes this year."
- "It’s been a wild ride, folks. Thanks for all the fish."
- "Gone to wherever socks go when they disappear in the wash."
- "If you’re reading this, I guess my procrastination finally caught up with me."
- "In a world where pineapples belong on pizza, I’ll rest peacefully knowing I was always right about that debate."
- "Known for always taking the longest way to get anywhere – at least I can’t get lost now!"
- "To all the people I owe money to: I’m sorry; it’s in the will…sort of."
- "If there’s Wi-Fi where I’m going, I’ll definitely check in on Facebook."
- "Remember to floss, be kind, and for heaven’s sake, don’t leave the butter out on the counter!"
- "Tell my kids not to forget to call their mother!"
- "If you ever needed to talk to me, just sit quietly. I’ll be the voice in your head telling you to have an extra slice of cake."
- "If you hear loud laughter from the sky, it’s probably me cracking a joke with the Big Guy."
- "On my way to haunt all my high school bullies – you know who you are!"
- "If you thought I was stubborn in life, just wait till you see me rearranging your dreams."
- "Exit stage left – with style."
- "That’s all, folks!"
- "This obituary is sponsored by coffee, my beloved sidekick through it all."
- "I hope they let me bring my book collection up there."
Including a touch of humor in your own obituary can add a memorable and personal touch, making sure you leave everyone with a final laugh or smile.
If you want to post your obituary online, a free (and easy) way to do so is to create a memorial website on Ever Loved. Ever Loved memorial websites come with a space to publish your obituary, share event information, share and collect memories, collect donations, and more.
