The best eulogies tell lots of stories as stories are the way that we remember loved ones and keep their memories alive even after they are gone.

Whether you are writing a eulogy for someone who has just passed away or will pass away soon, you undoubtedly are experiencing a variety of emotions. That’s why I want to help you as much as possible by providing a eulogy outline to help guide you through this important and honourable task. We will also brainstorm this together when we meet.

In short, a eulogy is a speech about a family member or a close friend or a loved one who has died. The purpose of a eulogy is to memorialise your loved one in a way that both honours their memory and provides some comfort and possible humorous relief to those attending the services.

A eulogy is typically read at a funeral or memorial service with immediate and extended family as well as close friends, co-workers, and even acquaintances in attendance. Time: it usually goes between 5 - 10 min.

A eulogy can also be made meaningful by describing your loved one’s life in terms of achievements as well as a timeline of their life. Here are some facts you might like to gather and include in your eulogy.

First discuss when and where the deceased was born, who was in his/her birth family, significant family events, and any other interesting family details. 

When and where the deceased was born

Name of parents and siblings:

Schools they attended

What were they like as a child

Nicknames and/or names they are known to others

Early childhood - localities and interests

Schools attended, awards gained

Academic or trade qualifications and achievements

Details of any war or military service

First discuss when and where the deceased was born, who was in his or her birth family, significant family events, and any other interesting family details. 

Example: “Jane was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 12, 1972.  She was the youngest of three children.  Her older sisters, Mary and Ann, travelled from New Zealand to be with us here today.  Their parents, Mike and Hannah, moved to New Zealand in 1962 when Mike was offered a promotion with the electrical company.”

Next FAMILY

If the deceased was married at the time of his or her death, talk about his or her spouse.  Also, mention any children and grandchildren.  Details of marriages, divorces, children, and significant relationships.

Partner:

How they met:

Wedding Date:

Children:

Details of grandchildren/great-grandchildren

Discuss the special qualities of the deceased—e.g. kind, funny, smart, selfless, generous, outgoing, shy, generous, resilient, and hard-working.

Details of activities e.g. music, sport etc.

Any special stories, sayings, or qualities?

Include Special Memories, Stories, and Qualities of the Deceased in the Eulogy

For paragraphs 6 to 9 of the eulogy, share special memories and stories about the deceased.  

After you have covered biographical information about the deceased is the time to delve into  any special memories or stories.

You can use some humour here, if you wish.  But be careful to use humour that is appropriate for the occasion and that others will find tasteful.

For example:

“My dad would always volunteer to be the coach for our football team.  We loved going camping and fishing with him on the weekends, though we spent more time joking around than actually catching any fish.  Family was the most important thing to my dad.  He would always say, “Family will always be there to watch your back, so be nice to your brothers!”

Next, talk about the deceased’s life achievements, talents, hobbies and passions.

For example:

“Mary was a paediatric doctor for over 30 years.  She was a wonderful mentor for many students, many of whom I see sitting in the congregation today.  Many people don’t know that Mary would volunteer her time and energy working with inner-city kids on weekends.  Mary was generous and selfless, which was reflected in all that she did.”

Finally, discuss the special qualities of the deceased—e.g. kind, funny, smart, selfless, generous, and outgoing.

For example:

“Anyone who knew Sandra knew that she never took life too seriously.  She was always pulling pranks and cracking jokes.  April Fool’s Day was her favourite day of the year.  I will never forget the time that Sandra flipped all the photos hanging in my house upside-down – every single one!  Months later we were still finding random photos that were still hanging upside-down.”

The best eulogies tell lots of stories as stories are the way that we remember loved ones and keep their memories alive even after they are gone.