Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown Obituaries

About Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown

Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located at 12 Executive Park Court, Germantown, MD, 20874. For years, they have been providing exceptional funeral services to families in the community, helping them navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. With a focus on dignity, respect, and personalized care, Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown has established itself as a leader in the funeral industry.

History and Mission

Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy, and understanding, Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown has a rich history of serving families with kindness and professionalism. Their mission is to provide a comforting and supportive environment where families can celebrate the life of their loved one, while also ensuring that every detail is taken care of with precision and care. The funeral home's commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected funeral homes in the area.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Roland Edward Eichelberger - April 09, 1958 - May 04, 2024

Departed: 05/04/2024 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Roland Edward Eichelberger.

View Full Obituary

Bong Ho Lee - September 05, 1939 - April 20, 2024

Departed: 04/20/2024 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Bong Ho Lee.

View Full Obituary

Randall E Hatman - September 29, 1948 - March 25, 2024

Departed: 03/25/2024 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: On March 25, 2024, Randy was called home by our Heavenly Father, after a long and courageous battle with bladder cancer. He fought hard through surgeries, x-rays, and numerous tests since June 2023. What a trooper he was, he never gave up. But unfortunately, he lost the battle he fought so hard for. Randy was 75. He was a Loving and Devoted husband of Joyce Hatman. Son of the late Doris Katzenstein and Edward Hatman. Randy also left behind his two beautiful Burmese cats, Sophie and Cashmere. (Not to mention the numerous feral cats he takes care of.)

Randy proudly served in the U. S. Navy aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. After the war, he worked jobs driving a tractor trailer and cutting down trees.

His last and favorite job was with AMTRAK as a train dispatcher at the B&P Junction and the K-Tower in Washington. Later, he was promoted to the Rules Examiner. But that didn’t stop him from working the K-Tower when they needed someone to fill in. He loved working for AMTRAK and was always ready and able to lend a helping hand. He acquired the nick-name “the HAT-MAN”, and if you knew Randy, you knew why. Not only was it his last name, but he must have had a hundred hats: Baltimore Ravens, Mustang, NASCAR, Las Vegas, Disney World, Florida, Atlantic City, Washington, just to name a few. He loved the railroad and was a huge “railroad-buff”! He retired from AMTRAK in 2008.

He was a member of AARP, American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose and VFW.

It was mid-summer of 1998 when he met Joyce at Beach Harbor on The Eastern Shore. They met through her little Yorkie, “Scooter”. There was an instant attraction and they were engaged in two months. On September 25, 1999 they were married at Kent Island United Methodist Church, by our own Rev. Robert Mitzel of Beach Harbor.

Crabbing was a big thing at Beach Harbor. Randy was avid in crabbing, fishing, shooting pool, playing horseshoes and playing quakes at the Moose Lodge. He could drive a tractor trailer, a motorcycle and could swim like a fish. And how he loved driving his Mustang Cobra!! There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. In addition to enjoying swimming, the hot tub and many friends they met at Beach Harbor, Randy and Joyce also enjoyed their many trips to Dover Downs, the Crab Deck, The Red Eye Dock Bar and shopping at Lowery’s Produce, not to mention their awesome snowballs!!

Everyone admired his garden, especially the ladies. He took pride in the flowers he planted and he received many compliments about his “green thumb”.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Kent Island United Methodist Church 2739 Cox Neck Road Chester, Maryland 21619 410-643-5361 Those desiring, please feel free to send a contribution in Randy’s memory to: World Wildlife Fund

1250 – 24th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037

to help fight the senseless poaching against the majestic Elephants, Gorillas and Tigers. No amount is too small! Happy Trains to you Randy! Until we meet again. RIP

View Full Obituary

Daniel Peter Gibbons - October 08, 1984 - February 20, 2024

Departed: 02/20/2024 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Daniel Peter Gibbons.

View Full Obituary

Hoyt Wilson Galloway - May 16, 1946 - February 09, 2024

Departed: 02/09/2024 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Hoyt Wilson Galloway.

View Full Obituary

Tina Marie Hutchins - November 26, 1987 - October 23, 2023

Departed: 10/23/2023 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Tina Marie Hutchins, 35 years old, born on November 26, 1987, passed away on Monday October 23, 2023.

She is survived by her three daughters, Nevaeh Hutchins, Mariah Lockett and Shania McCool, her mother Sonya Spicer, her father Marty Spicer, her sisters Robin Spicer and Sheena Hutchins, and many nieces and nephews.

Tina was taken from her family way too soon. She loved all of her daughters immensely and was extremely giving. She would give the shirt off of her back to help someone else. She was outgoing, full of life and loved her family more than words can describe. Tina was loved by so many people, she was a daughter, a mother, a sister and a friend.

In our minds we always knew, this time would come to pass.

But knowing it and living it, has come and gone so fast.

Goodbyes are often hard to say; they hurt so very much.

You’re not gone, you still remain, in the minds, hearts and lives you have touched.

View Full Obituary

Edward William Mehl - September 23, 1936 - August 15, 2023

Departed: 08/15/2023 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Edward William Mehl, Jr., 86, was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a proud U.S. Navy veteran. He died peacefully on August 15, 2023, after a heroic battle with ALS. In his final days he was surrounded and comforted by family and a devoted care team at the Perry Point VA hospice.

Born September 23, 1936, he was son the of the late Edward, Sr. and Grace Mehl. He was predeceased by his first wife Rosemary, brother Tom Mehl, and sons Fred Mehl and Billy Topper. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and children Anna and Steve Mock, Edward III and Valerie Mehl, Robert Mehl and Michael de Andrade, Diane and Steve Hall, Mary Pat Poist, Kathy and Michael Stesch, Robert and Rose Topper, and Jeanne Topper and Anne Asbury. He was the proud and loving grandfather to Rachael, Ryan, Rosemary (Jason), Edward IV (Cristina), Jaclynn, Briana (AJ), Wes (Maire), Richy, Zachary, Colin, Bridget (Andrew), Colleen (Alex) Megan (Jen), Christina, Caroline, Grace, and Rowan, and adoring great grandfather to Dustin, Deja, Eddie V, Josie, Julia, Margaret, and Marion. He is also survived by his brother Richard and sister Terri, many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Ed most enjoyed spending time with family. He was proud of his Italian American heritage, into which he was born, and his honorary Irish American heritage, into which he married. He was loved by everyone he met. He knew no strangers and had a wonderful way of making people feel welcomed, appreciated and instantly at ease.

He was a tractor-trailer driver for 45 years, working for Western Auto and Ace Hardware. He was a Baltimore Colts and Ravens fan, working part time as a security guard during home games for many years. After retiring, he worked part time for Baywood Golf Club and Weis grocery store.

Ed was a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School, class of 1955. He was patriotic and a proud Navy Veteran who enjoyed sharing stories of his time serving aboard the U.S.S. Norris. For the last 25 years, he published newsletters and organized reunions for his shipmates. He was also a member of the Tin Can Sailors and Catholic War Veterans.

Ed was much more comfortable lending a helping hand than receiving one. He was head usher at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany, Delaware and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympics. He often hosted disabled veterans at his home in the summer. He and his wife Pat were avid world travelers. They also enjoyed camping, establishing lifelong friendships with the members of their camping club, and relaxing on their boat Garlic and Gaelic. Ed was always on the go, working, volunteering, riding his bike, or woodworking in his garage. Some of his other adventures, included skydiving, a hot air balloon ride, and a mock airplane “dogfight.”

A Mass of Christian burial celebrated by family friend Father Paschal Morlino will be held Saturday, August 26, at 10 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore. Following the Mass, the family will receive visitors at the church and at a reception at Matthew’s 1600, Ellicott Room, 1600 Frederick Road, Catonsville. Interment with military honors will be held on a later date at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Owings Mill, MD.

View Full Obituary

Renee Suzanne Taylor - Unknown - November 03, 2022

Departed: 11/03/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: No description available

View Full Obituary

Renee Suzanne Taylor - July 23, 1969 - November 03, 2022

Departed: 11/03/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Renée Suzanne Taylor (formerly Hopkins) Edwards passed away suddenly of natural causes in the early morning hours of November 3, 2022. She was 53 years old. Preceded in death by her father, Charles H. Taylor, Jr,. of VA, in 1985; she is survived by her mother, Diana Lee Johnson of Falls Church, VA, her son, Stefen Duane Hopkins of Brunswick, MD, and her husband, Brandon R. Edwards currently of Germantown, MD. She is also survived by her stepsister, Melissa Hart, and her family of Raleigh, NC; as well as Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in Virginia, NH, FL, and OH.

Renée grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia. Like her mother, Renée graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1987. She attended Northern Virginia Community College. She loved music and singing and sang with a couple of small bands over the years. Her first husband, George E. (Mike) Hopkins, father of their son listed above resides in Massachusetts.

Renée has been an insurance agent for many years, specializing in Commercial Insurance for several companies, most recently Mitch White Insurance Agency in California, as a representative in the Metro DC area.

She was happily married to Brandon Edwards in 2019, and they have weathered many health challenges together in that time. She loved the Shenandoah Valley of her father’s youth. Known for her sense of humor and love of animals, her loss will be greatly felt by those she leaves behind, particularly her three “fur babies”.

The family will hold a remembrance luncheon at a later date, after the holiday. Some of her ashes will be spread on her father’s grave in Woodstock, VA, as she would have wanted.

View Full Obituary

Michael Edward Yates - August 26, 1968 - October 16, 2022

Departed: 10/16/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Michael Edward Yates Sr., 54 years old of Glen Burnie, MD, passed away on October 16, 2022.

Born August 26, 1968, he was the son of Warren Lee Yates Sr. and Sharon Kiel. Michael was known as an excellent mechanic and loved fishing.

He is preceded in death by his father, Warren Lee Yates Sr., his sister Sharon Lynn Griffin, his uncle Edgar Matthews and his son, Michael Edward Yates Jr.

Michael is survived by his mother, Sharon Kiel, his children, Kimberly Yates, Amanda Jenkins and Brandon Michael Yates. He is also survived by his brother, Warren Lee Yates Jr. and sister, Lorrie Ann Yates, aunts Gail Matthews, Margaret Matthews, Deborah Walton and Evelyn Riley and his girlfriend, Stephanie Hood.

Services are private.

View Full Obituary

Cyril Richard Edgar Benson - September 06, 1967 - July 04, 2022

Departed: 07/04/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Cyril Richard Edgar Benson.

View Full Obituary

Sandra Ann Nelson - July 06, 1956 - May 04, 2022

Departed: 05/04/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Sandra Ann Nelson (Fager) passed away on May 4, surrounded by love and with the fading sounds of a spring thunderstorm outside her window. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, and we will all miss her desperately.Sandy grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her parents and sister. She loved Presque Isle State Park and visiting the beaches of Lake Erie. She traveled often to spend time with her grandparents in Jamestown, New York, on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. There, she learned the art of Swedish cooking, a skill that she honed and used to spread joy to the rest of her family throughout her life. Sandy was fiercely proud of her Swedish heritage, and she instilled that pride in her children as well. Sandy attended Thiel College, studying education and religion, and she formed lifelong friendships and made many memories in the drama department, also studying abroad in Mexico City.Family was the most important thing to Sandy. She treasured the relationship she had with Sheldon, her doting father, who taught her to always look on the bright side and who also instilled in her a strong inner faith that would guide her throughout her life. Sandy and her sister, Sue, had an unbreakable sisterhood created through a shared love of music, politics, and humor, the strength of which will continue to reverberate with their children and grandchildren. Growing up in Erie, she met the love of her life, Shane Nelson, and the two of them forged a bond that stretched across decades and brought her love, fulfillment and comfort. Their devotion to one another was unlimited and could be felt through the love and support that they collectively provided to their friends, family, and rescue dogs. Perhaps her greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she was a wonderful, loving, and supporting mother to her two boys, Jonathan and Nathaniel. Her tight bond with her children extended to their families, and she welcomed being a mother-in-law by making her sons’ partners feel like part of her family, passing on stories and traditions. The thing that brought Sandy the most fulfillment was being a grandmother. She was beloved by her four grandsons—Felix, Theo, Winston, and Sebastian—and she loved them with her entire heart. She was never happier than when she was spending time with the grandkids, doing projects, playing games, and learning everything she could about their interests. Sandy devoted her life to other people’s children, too, spending more than 30years as a teacher in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. Her students meant the world to her, and she held each of them in her heart as the years went by. Sandy was a voracious reader, an avid history buff, a prolific artist, a talented gardener, and an amazing chef. She loved to go new places and meet new people. She was always eager to learn about her loved ones’ lives, share their joys, comfort their sorrows, and enjoy a good cup of coffee. And, perhaps surprisingly, she enthusiastically cheered on the Buffalo Bills. Sandy is preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, mother, uncle and aunt, sister and brother-in-law, two sons and their partners, four grandsons, nieces, and nephews. Every time we hear a cardinal’s call or see a white feather, we will think of her. We will miss and love her for the rest of our lives. Memorial services will be planned for sometime in the future.

View Full Obituary

Taisia Sergeevna Tur - February 16, 1937 - April 06, 2022

Departed: 04/06/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Taisia Sergeevna Tur.

View Full Obituary

Marc Kevin Sargent - April 23, 1953 - March 28, 2022

Departed: 03/28/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Marc Kevin Sargent.

View Full Obituary

Gary Allen Cooper - April 04, 1974 - March 23, 2022

Departed: 03/23/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Gary Allen Cooper.

View Full Obituary

Stella Marys Gamarra Vogler - September 12, 1962 - March 20, 2022

Departed: 03/20/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Stella Marys Gamarra Vogler.

View Full Obituary

Allan Barry Cohan - March 30, 1935 - January 19, 2022

Departed: 01/19/2022 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Allan Barry Cohan.

View Full Obituary

Lawrence Haven Wise - November 09, 1950 - December 17, 2021

Departed: 12/17/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Lawrence Haven Wise, Sr., a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on December 17, 2021, at the age of 71. He was born on November 9, 1950, to Frances Daniels and Rudolph Wise in Buffalo, New York. Lawrence enlisted in the United States Armed Forces at the age of 19. After completing his service and an honorable discharge,Lawrence kicked off a decades long career as a First Class Licensed Building Engineer and retired from ABM Engineering in 2019 after 14 years. Lawrence was an avid sports enthusiast who racked up a string of trophies while serving as the Commissioner of his family’s fantasy football league, and as a member of so many more. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends as someone who approached life and its challenges with never-ending curiosity, a sharp sense of humor, and his trademark infectious laugh.Lawrence is survived by his wife, Deena; his sons, Lawrence Wise, Jr., and Kyle Wise; his stepsons, David Eveleigh, and Daren Eveleigh; his grandchildren, Dominic Wise, Karlie Eveleigh, and Dylan Eveleigh; and his siblings Theresa Gray, Jocelyn Coffey, Dr. Sharon Coffey, Duane Coffey, and William Coffey. A private service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, January 15th at University of Maryland Memorial Chapel.

View Full Obituary

Richard Eugene Bedard - May 17, 1957 - December 04, 2021

Departed: 12/04/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Richard Eugene Bedard.

View Full Obituary

Alfred Dunkin Noyes - June 06, 1936 - November 27, 2021

Departed: 11/27/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Alfred Dunkin Noyes.

View Full Obituary

Jesse B. Price - January 03, 1940 - November 05, 2021

Departed: 11/05/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Jesse B. Price, III (JB), 81, of Dickerson, MD passed away after a serious illness on November 5, 2021, at Kline Hospice House in Frederick County, Maryland. He was born January 3, 1940, in Washington, D.C. at Sibley Hospital. He was the son of the late Jesse Booker Price, Jr., and Ruth Louise (Gould) Price.

He graduated from High Point High School in 1959. Following graduation, he was employed at the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, VA until 1999. In the mid 1960’s he served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1968. He married Mary C. Price on December 7, 1963, and celebrated nearly 58 years of marriage. Together, they raised two daughters.

In his retirement, Jesse enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren. Many summer vacations to the beach offered him the opportunity to be with family and enjoy watching his grandchildren grow up.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Lupo. Surviving in addition to his wife, Mary, are his daughters M. Amanda and her husband Geoffrey, of Clarksville, MD and his daughter Rebecca and her husband, Dean of Dickerson, Maryland; his sister Shirley and her husband Kenneth; Six grandchildren: Ashley, and her husband Tyler of Seattle, WA, Geoffrey and Daniel, Orlando, Fl; Kathryn, Maegan, Emily of Dickerson, MD; and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service for Celebration of Life will be held near Sugarloaf Mountain at the Hallowood Retreat Center in Frederick County, MD.

Those who wish to remember Jesse in a special way may make donations in his memory to the American Cancer Society or to the www.FrederickHealthHospice.org.

View Full Obituary

Walter John Shank - May 18, 1951 - September 18, 2021

Departed: 09/18/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Walter John Shank.

View Full Obituary

Otto Polgardi - March 18, 1968 - September 16, 2021

Departed: 09/16/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: Otto Polgardi, 53 years old, of Jamesburg, New Jersey, passed away Thursday September 16, 2021 in a motorcycle accident.

Born March 18, 1968, in New Brunswick, New Jersey he was the son of Otto and Elizabeth Polgardi.

In Otto’s early years, he spent a lot of his time racing BMX bikes, and working in the family business. Otto graduated from St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick. When Otto’s son was younger, he was an avid Quartermidget race car dad And enthusiastically involved in every aspect of his track at Oaklane Quarter midget Speedway. He also enjoyed traveling with his family.

Otto was the president and founder of The Ghost Riders, a group that has evolved over the years into the family it is today. His passion for safety and riding led him to become a member of the New Jersey EMS Rescue Riders.

He was a deeply patriotic American whom was devastated by the events of 9-11 and would join in various groups that would ride in honor of the fallen members of that day. Groups that are affiliated with these events include Knights of the Inferno and America’s 911 Ride. An avid and strong supporter of our men and women in blue, he took every opportunity to be involved with Back The Blue rides and recently worked together with a good friend to coordinate a recent ride. Forever and always a strong supporter of our military he was involved in several rides with Rolling Thunder and other organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cathi Polgardi, his son David Otto Polgardi, his sister Diana Sittig (Polgardi). Brother in law Russell Barsky and wife Lisa. His nieces Melanie Harmon, Sara Barsky, Michelle Barsky, and nephew Daniel Sittig.

Otto was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Polgardi and father Otto Polgardi. On Saturday, September 25, 2021 there will be a Memorial/Prayer Service at •Lester Memorial Home

located at 16-W Church Street in Jamesburg, NJ. From 9am-11am.

•Following, from 12pm-4pm we will have a Celebration of Otto’s Life at the American Legion Post #321 Union Beach located at 524-Front Street in Union Beach, NJ.

**Bring pictures that mean something to you and your relationship with Otto. No limit on the amount of pictures that you can bring. These will be placed on a board and saved into an album for the family to keep. We will close out the service with any stories or words that anyone would like to share about Otto.

View Full Obituary

Keith Michael Sullivan - April 18, 1975 - September 13, 2021

Departed: 09/13/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Keith Michael Sullivan.

View Full Obituary

Myrtle Watkins - July 17, 1930 - September 02, 2021

Departed: 09/02/2021 (Germantown)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Myrtle Watkins.

View Full Obituary

123

Services Offered

Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown offers a wide range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs of each family they serve. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebration of life events, their experienced staff will guide you through every step of the process. They also offer pre-planning services, allowing individuals to make arrangements for their own funeral in advance, giving their loved ones peace of mind and ensuring that their final wishes are honored.

Cremation Services

As a cremation center, Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown offers a variety of cremation options to suit individual preferences. From direct cremation to witnessed cremation, they ensure that every family's needs are met with dignity and respect. Their state-of-the-art cremation facility is operated by trained professionals who adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Families can rest assured that their loved one will be treated with care and compassion throughout the cremation process.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends gathering to pay their respects. The spacious chapel can accommodate large crowds, while intimate gathering spaces allow for smaller, more personal ceremonies. Ample parking, handicap accessibility, and modern audio-visual equipment ensure that every need is met. Additionally, Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown offers catering services, allowing families to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one rather than worrying about logistics.

Staff and Leadership

The team at Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown is comprised of experienced funeral professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to every family they serve. Led by licensed funeral directors and certified crematory operators, the staff is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in everything they do. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, families can trust that they will receive compassionate care and guidance throughout the entire process.

Community Involvement

Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown is deeply rooted in the local community and is committed to giving back through various outreach programs and charitable initiatives. They partner with local organizations to support bereaved families, host educational seminars on end-of-life planning, and participate in community events that promote awareness about death care and grief support. By engaging with the community in meaningful ways, Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown demonstrates its commitment to serving beyond the walls of their funeral home.

Testimonials and Reviews

Families who have entrusted Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown with their loved ones' care consistently praise the funeral home's exceptional service, compassion, and attention to detail. Online reviews highlight the staff's kindness, professionalism, and ability to tailor services to meet individual needs. Time and again, families express gratitude for the support and guidance they received during one of life's most difficult moments.

Contact Information

If you're seeking a trusted partner to help you navigate the funeral planning process or would like more information about Potomac Valley Cremation Center - Germantown's services, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact them by phone at [insert phone number], email at [insert email], or visit their website at [insert website]. Their caring staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It's usually published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral program to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the passing. They can also help to notify people who may not have been aware of the person's illness or death.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. Funeral homes and mortuaries may also offer assistance in writing and publishing obituaries as part of their services.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral services, memorial donations, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Generally, it's recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. Aim for around 100-200 words.

Can I include photos or other media in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and some newspapers allow you to include photos, videos, or other multimedia elements to make the obituary more personal and engaging.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and type of notice. Some online platforms offer free or low-cost options, while traditional newspapers may charge by the word or line.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary as a way to control how they're remembered and to spare their loved ones from having to do it during a difficult time. This is often referred to as a "self-obit."

What's the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of someone's passing, while an obituary provides more detailed information about the person's life and legacy.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Check with the specific publication or platform for their submission guidelines and deadlines. You may need to provide proof of death, such as a death certificate or funeral home confirmation.

Can I edit or update an obituary after it's been published?

This depends on the publication or platform. Some may allow corrections or updates, while others may not. Be sure to review your obituary carefully before submitting it.

What if I want to keep the obituary private or limited to certain individuals?

If you want to restrict access to the obituary, consider using a private online platform or sharing it directly with specific individuals or groups rather than publishing it publicly.

Can I include humor or lighthearted anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. Humor and lighthearted stories can help celebrate their life and bring comfort to those who are grieving.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Online platforms may publish immediately, while traditional newspapers may take several days or even weeks.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

Yes, you can republish an obituary on anniversaries or special occasions as a way to continue honoring and remembering the person who has passed away.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

Dont worry! Many funeral homes, mortuaries, and online platforms offer assistance with writing and publishing obituaries. You can also ask a friend or family member for help.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes! Including information about charitable donations or memorial funds can be a meaningful way to honor the person who has passed away and support a cause that was important to them.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice an error in an obituary, contact the publication or platform immediately to request corrections. They may be able to make changes before publication or issue a correction notice.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and connecting with others who are grieving. Consider creating a memorial page or sharing the obituary on your personal profile.

What if I want to create a more elaborate tribute or memorial?

Beyond an obituary, you might consider creating a memorial website, scrapbook, or video tribute to celebrate the person's life and legacy.

How do I cope with writing an obituary during a difficult time?

Taking on the task of writing an obituary can be emotionally challenging. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when needed, and consider enlisting support from friends, family, or a professional counselor.

Are there any specific cultural or religious considerations for writing an obituary?

Yes! Different cultures and religions may have unique customs or traditions surrounding death announcements. Be respectful of these differences and consult with community leaders or spiritual advisors if needed.

Can I use an online template or generator to help write an obituary?

Yes! There are many online resources available that can guide you through the process of writing an obituary. These templates can be especially helpful if you're struggling with where to start.

How do I ensure that the tone of the obituary is respectful and fitting?

Aim for a tone that is sincere, respectful, and celebratory. Avoid using language that might be perceived as insensitive or offensive. Remember that the goal is to honor and remember the person who has passed away.