cremation services in Phoenix, AZ

Is it Necessary to Publish an Obituary?

After someone passes away, the family is left to make important decisions about handling the deceased’s affairs, including whether to write an obituary. While obituary writing is part of services offered by cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, not everyone shares an interest in the funeral tradition.

An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s death published in a newspaper or online. It includes information about the person’s life, such as their birthdate, occupation, accomplishments, and surviving family members. While obituaries are now seen as one of many boxes to tick during funeral planning, they have several practical benefits.

Benefits of Writing an Obituary

One of the primary benefits of writing an obituary is that it allows family and friends to honor and remember the person who has passed away publicly. By sharing information about the person’s life and accomplishments, an obituary can help others understand and appreciate the deceased’s impact on their community.

In addition to honoring the person’s memory, writing an obituary can also help inform the community of the person’s passing. This can be important for friends and acquaintances who may not have known about the death and wish to offer condolences to the family.

Why a Family Might Prefer Not to Write an Obituary

While there are benefits to writing an obituary, there are also reasons why a family might choose not to do so. One reason is that it can be emotionally challenging for family members to write an obituary while grieving. Additionally, some families may prefer to keep the details of their loved one’s passing private and not share them with the public.

Another reason a family might choose not to write an obituary is that it can be expensive. Depending on the newspaper or publication, the cost of publishing an obituary can vary significantly, and some families may need more financial means to do so.

Alternative Options for Publishing an Obituary

cremation services in Phoenix, AZWhatever the reason, choosing not to write an obituary doesn’t mean giving up on all of its advantages. There are several alternative options that a family may consider. These include:

  1. Creating a memorial website or social media page: Many families now create a website or social media page dedicated to their loved one’s memory. This can be a place to share photos, memories, and stories about the person’s life. It can also be private, all while being a source of information for those with access.
  2. Holding a memorial service: A memorial service can be a way to honor the person’s memory and bring together friends and family to share stories and memories. For those who see obituaries as self-admiration, a memorial service is a chance to have outsiders reflect on the deceased’s life. The event can be captured on video and posted on the private memorial website.
  3. Making a charitable donation: In place of publishing an obituary, some families may choose to make a generous donation in their loved one’s memory.
  4. Writing a personal tribute: Family members can also write personal tributes to their loved one that can be shared privately with friends and family.

So, is it necessary to write an obituary? While there are benefits to writing an obituary, it is ultimately up to the family to decide whether or not to do so. There are alternative ways to honor the person’s memory, and your options expand depending on the disposition method. With a cremation service in Phoenix, AZ, you can have a scattering ceremony, plant a memorial tree, and many more.

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