Losing someone hurts in ways that words can barely hold. And then, on top of the grief, someone has to write the burial notice. That someone is often you, sitting at a kitchen table with a blank screen, not quite sure where to start or what’s expected.
A burial notice is short, but it carries a lot. It tells the world a person lived. It tells friends and family where to show up and when. Getting it right matters, even if no one will say so out loud.
These samples cover a wide range of situations. Pick the one that fits closest, adjust the names and details, and give yourself permission to breathe.
Burial Notice Samples
Every family is different, and so is every goodbye. The notices below range from formal and traditional to plain and personal, so you can find the tone that feels right for the person you’re honoring.
1. Standard Traditional Notice
John Michael Hartley
It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Michael Hartley, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, announces his peaceful passing on March 14, 2025, at the age of 79.
The burial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 4520 Elmwood Drive, Columbus, Ohio.
A graveside service will follow immediately after. Family and friends are warmly welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Heart Association in John’s name.
2. Brief and Simple Notice
Margaret Louise Decker, 1941–2025
Margaret Louise Decker passed away quietly on April 3, 2025.
Burial will take place on April 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Roanoke, Virginia.
The family thanks all who have reached out with kindness and support during this difficult time.
3. Religious (Christian) Notice
Notice of Burial for Thomas Earl Gibson
The family of Thomas Earl Gibson announces his passing on February 28, 2025, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Thomas, aged 67, was a devoted member of Grace Fellowship Church and gave his life to faith, family, and service.
A burial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Fellowship Church Cemetery, 210 Pine Ridge Road, Greenville, South Carolina. Reverend Paul Adeyemi will officiate.
The family invites all who knew Thomas to join them as they commend him to God’s keeping.
4. Catholic Rite Notice
Rosa Maria Alvarado
The family of Rosa Maria Alvarado announces her passing on January 19, 2025, aged 84.
Rosa was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she worshipped for over fifty years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 875 Mission Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas. Burial will follow at San Fernando Cemetery.
Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. All are welcome.
5. Jewish Burial Notice
Announcement of the Passing of David Nathaniel Stein
The family of David Nathaniel Stein announces with profound sadness his passing on March 5, 2025, at the age of 76.
In keeping with Jewish tradition, burial took place on March 6, 2025, at Beth Olam Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Miriam Cohen officiated.
Shiva will be observed at the family home, 318 Westwood Avenue, Los Angeles, through March 12. Friends and community members are welcome to pay their respects between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. each evening.
6. Infant or Child Burial Notice
In Loving Memory of Noah James Whitfield
We announce with heartbreak the passing of our son, Noah James Whitfield, on April 1, 2025, just four days after his birth.
A private graveside service was held on April 4, 2025, at Meadow Rest Cemetery, Burlington, Vermont.
The family asks for privacy at this time. Cards of condolence may be sent to 52 Lakeview Court, Burlington, Vermont 05401.
Noah was loved completely, and he will be forever in our hearts.
7. Veteran’s Burial Notice
Notice of Burial for Staff Sergeant Raymond A. Kowalski, U.S. Army (Ret.)
The family of Raymond Anthony Kowalski announces his passing on March 22, 2025, at the age of 81.
Raymond served with distinction in the United States Army from 1963 to 1985 and remained proud of his service throughout his life.
Military funeral honors will be rendered at his burial on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
The family is grateful to the veterans’ community and invites all who served alongside Raymond to attend.
8. Graveside Only Notice (No Church Service)
Burial Notice for Helen Ruth Patterson
Helen Ruth Patterson passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 91.
At Helen’s request, a simple graveside burial service will be held on May 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery, 1200 Forest Road, Eugene, Oregon.
Friends and family are welcome. Dress casually, as Helen always preferred it that way.
A reception will follow at the Patterson family home. Please RSVP to (541) 555-0183.
9. Private Family Burial Notice
Announcement: Passing of Eleanor Grace Simmons
The family of Eleanor Grace Simmons announces her passing on February 12, 2025, at the age of 88.
Burial was held privately on February 15, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee, attended only by immediate family, per Eleanor’s wishes.
A public memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Simmons Family Farm, 44 Cedar Creek Road, Nashville. All who knew Eleanor are warmly invited.
10. Sudden or Unexpected Death Notice
Notice of the Passing of Marcus Allen Webb
It is with shock and deep sadness that the family of Marcus Allen Webb announces his sudden passing on April 17, 2025, at the age of 42.
Marcus was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a deeply loved member of the Riverside community.
Burial will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Gardens, 600 River Road, Sacramento, California.
The family asks for prayers and understanding as they grieve this unexpected loss. A GoFundMe to support the family has been established at gofundme.com/webbfamily2025.
11. Long-Illness Burial Notice
Vivian Claire Norwood, 1953–2025
After a long and courageous fight with cancer, Vivian Claire Norwood passed away on March 31, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Vivian faced her illness with a quiet strength that inspired everyone around her. She spent her final months doing what she loved most: gardening, reading, and spoiling her grandchildren.
Burial will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Westfield Memorial Park, 890 Highland Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina.
In honor of Vivian’s fight, the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the American Cancer Society.
12. Out-of-State Burial Notice
Notice of Burial for George Emanuel Frost
The family announces the passing of George Emanuel Frost on April 5, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he resided for the past twelve years.
George will be returned to his hometown for burial. Services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 320 Church Street, Albany, New York.
For those unable to travel, the family plans to hold a local memorial in Phoenix at a date to be confirmed. Updates will be posted at frostfamilymemorial.com.
13. Prominent Community Figure Notice
Burial Notice for Dr. Constance Adaeze Okafor
The family and colleagues of Dr. Constance Adaeze Okafor announce her passing on March 28, 2025, at the age of 69.
Dr. Okafor dedicated thirty-five years to public health in Houston, Texas, and was widely respected for her work in underserved communities. Her loss is felt far beyond her family.
A public burial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas. Mayor’s Office representatives and former colleagues will be in attendance.
The public is welcome. A minute of silence will be observed at Houston City Hall on April 7 in her honor.
14. Bilingual Burial Notice (English and Spanish)
Notice of Burial / Aviso de Sepelio
Samuel Eduardo Reyes
The family of Samuel Eduardo Reyes announces his passing on April 20, 2025, at the age of 74.
Burial will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Garden of Peace Cemetery, 1800 South Oak Avenue, Miami, Florida.
La familia de Samuel Eduardo Reyes anuncia con profundo dolor su fallecimiento el 20 de abril de 2025, a los 74 años de edad.
El sepelio se realizará el sábado 26 de abril de 2025, a las 11:00 a.m. en el Cementerio Garden of Peace, 1800 South Oak Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Familiares y amigos son bienvenidos.
15. Online Memorial with Burial Notice
Burial Notice for Patricia June Holloway
Patricia June Holloway, beloved mother of four and grandmother of nine, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 77.
Burial will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Shady Grove Cemetery, 1012 Birch Lane, Memphis, Tennessee.
For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available at patriciahollowaymemorial.com beginning at 1:45 p.m. A virtual guestbook and memory wall are available on the same page.
Patricia loved her garden, her church choir, and anyone who sat long enough at her kitchen table. She will be missed in ways that are hard to put into words.
Wrapping Up
A burial notice doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful. A few clear lines, placed somewhere the right people will see them, can carry an enormous amount of love and respect. The goal is simply to invite people in and give them the information they need to say goodbye.
If none of these fit perfectly, that’s fine. Borrow the structure from one, the tone from another, and let the person’s real name, real dates, and real character fill the rest. The best notices always sound like the family wrote them, because they did.