What do these different notices represent?

The difference between a Death Notice and a Funeral Notice is simply that the Death Notice will not include the details of the funeral service, whereas the Funeral Notice will include an invitation to attend the funeral service with information such as date, time and location.  Apart from the funeral details, they can contain exactly the same information.

A Death Notice

Death Notices are most often used when the family are unsure of the date of the funeral or the funeral is to be delayed, and they simply want a notice to advise of the death occurring.  In this instance, they will place a Funeral Notice at a later time.  A Death Notice is also used when there is to be either a ‘private service’ with no invited guests, or ‘no service’ is to take place.

A Funeral or Memorial Notice

The purpose of a Funeral or Memorial Notice is to notify family and friends that the death has occurred, and extend an invitation to attend the service and will include details such as date, time and location.

The amount of information included in a notice is entirely up to you, and depends on how much information you want to publish and how much money you want to spend.  Whether the notice has detailed information or just the essentials, it is important to note there are no rules of how the notice should be written.

Each newspaper has their own guidelines for the formatting and style of these notices, and funeral directors can advise and assist you to compose a notice.

Newspapers will  accept a notice placed by a funeral director or if the family of the deceased are placing the notice themselves, the newspaper will confirm the details with the funeral director.
The information that can be included in a Funeral or Memorial Notice is:

  • The full name of the deceased. (including a maiden name or nickname)
  • Date of birth
  • Date and location of death
  • Cause of death
  • Names of family members
  • Details of the funeral service including date, time, and location of service
  • Name of a charity to which donations can be made.
  • A thank you to those who provided care, such as hospital or nursing home staff.
  • A short verse, quote or maybe some favourite words of the deceased.

A Thank You Notice

A Thank You Notice in your local paper is a way of thanking everyone who came to the funeral, sent sympathy cards or flowers, or otherwise offered their condolences and support.  You will need to decide whether you want the notice to express general gratitude to everyone, or if you want to specifically mention individuals or organisations.  These notices do not have to be long, and you may want to consider also sending handwritten cards to the people who offered personal support or made an extra effort to make the service run smoothly.

If the person closest to the deceased is unable to write immediately, a member of the family or a friend can write on their behalf. The notes don’t have to be long and it is acceptable to wait for up to six weeks after a funeral.

Funeral Notice Example

BURNETT, Ron Clive

18.10.1947 – 12.08.2011

Retired Painter and Docker

Loved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a service to be held at the Hemmant Crematorium Chapel, Hemmant and Tingalpa Road, Hemmant, on Friday 18th August, 2011 commencing at 10.00 am. No flowers by request.

Memorial Notice Example

BRADLEY, Ron Clive

18.10.1947 – 12.08.2011

Late of Tricare, Pindarra Hills and formerly of Dubbo.

Passed away peacefully at Royal Brisbane Hospital, on May 9th, 2014.

Cherished Husband of Julie. Dearly loved Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather and Great-grandfather of their respective Families. Also a loved Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle and a good Friend to many.

 

 Death Notice Example

“Loved Always Never To Be Forgotten”

Private Cremation

HIPKINS, Nathan John (Hip)

16.02.1954 – 13.09.2013

Loving Father of Oscar. Son of Ellen (dec’d) and Harold (dec’d) and  Brother of Edward, Steven and Elizabeth. Loving Friend of Carol.

A private service was held for Hip on 20th September 2013.

 

 

Thank you Notice Example

WILSON, Ellen Elizabeth (Nellie)

Passed away 4th June 2012

The family of the late Nellie Wilson, wish to extend our sincere thanks for your many kindnesses, and for the condolences and support that we have received. We also send our gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Sunset Villa at Chermside for the wonderful care and friendship during Nellie’s time with you.

 

 

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