Newspaper Notices - a guide to composing a funeral notice
It is usual that newspaper agencies require the funeral home to place the initial ‘main notice’, also known as the ‘AA’ notice, into the papers. We can advise how to compose a notice, however below is a guide that may be of assistance to you. One of our funeral directors will be able to advise costs and times when the notice(s) has (have) to reach the newspaper agencies.
Name
Surname then first names. Please feel free to place nicknames or abbreviated names e.g Tom. You can also place a rank, title or other honour here including service details.
Date
You can place the day, date and where the death happened e.g On Monday, 15 June, 2020 at Wellington Regional Hospital.
Explaining how the person died
eg:
peacefully
surrounded by family
after a long or short illness
tragically taken
as a result of an accident
after a long/brave struggle/battle or
suddenly
Age
Some people are proud of their age and wish to mention this, just as some people don’t like to advertise their age.
How do we mention family and friends?
Names can be placed in order of seniority or in order of priority. Deceased relatives can be referred to as the late Joanne Smith or John Smith (Dec).
Ideas
Loved, beloved, dearly loved, much loved, loving, precious, adored, treasured, cherished, respected....
Dear friend, sincere life long friend, companion, partner....
Wife/ husband, sister/ brother (step), daughter/son/infant/baby, grandmother/father, nana/papa or any nick-name they were know by.
Inclusive terms may be used when deciding not to print everyone’s names eg: “Much loved Nana of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.” or “Loved by all the family/nieces/nephews.”
Funeral details
Here are some options for introducing the funeral service e.g.
A service to celebrate the life of…….
A funeral service for…..will be held in
We will gather to farewell ….. will be held in
A Requiem Mass to celebrate the life of…..
A rosary will be recited for …..
It is important to state the date, time, and full title and address of the venue for the service.
Where there is to be a private service it is usual to insert "in accordance with ...’s wishes a private service has been held."
Special thanks
You may wish to thank a special doctor, nurse, resthome or hospice. e.g.
"We would like to thank The Mary Potter Hospice for their loving care of Bob.”
In lieu of flowers
Can read -
"In lieu of flowers donations to the …… would be appreciated and may be left at the service."
"No flowers by request."
"Cut flowers only please."
Messages
We are more than happy to receive messages on behalf of the family as this avoids placing your address in the paper. If you would like us to receive messages on your behalf, address the letter to The Smith Family, C/-PO Box 50-347, Porirua 5240.
An unique phrase or words
You may also wish to place a phrase or words that was unique to your family member.
It is usual that newspaper agencies require the funeral home to place the initial ‘main notice’, also known as the ‘AA’ notice, into the papers. We can advise how to compose a notice, however below is a guide that may be of assistance to you. One of our funeral directors will be able to advise costs and times when the notice(s) has (have) to reach the newspaper agencies.
Name
Surname then first names. Please feel free to place nicknames or abbreviated names e.g Tom. You can also place a rank, title or other honour here including service details.
Date
You can place the day, date and where the death happened e.g On Monday, 15 June, 2020 at Wellington Regional Hospital.
Explaining how the person died
eg:
peacefully
surrounded by family
after a long or short illness
tragically taken
as a result of an accident
after a long/brave struggle/battle or
suddenly
Age
Some people are proud of their age and wish to mention this, just as some people don’t like to advertise their age.
How do we mention family and friends?
Names can be placed in order of seniority or in order of priority. Deceased relatives can be referred to as the late Joanne Smith or John Smith (Dec).
Ideas
Loved, beloved, dearly loved, much loved, loving, precious, adored, treasured, cherished, respected....
Dear friend, sincere life long friend, companion, partner....
Wife/ husband, sister/ brother (step), daughter/son/infant/baby, grandmother/father, nana/papa or any nick-name they were know by.
Inclusive terms may be used when deciding not to print everyone’s names eg: “Much loved Nana of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.” or “Loved by all the family/nieces/nephews.”
Funeral details
Here are some options for introducing the funeral service e.g.
A service to celebrate the life of…….
A funeral service for…..will be held in
We will gather to farewell ….. will be held in
A Requiem Mass to celebrate the life of…..
A rosary will be recited for …..
It is important to state the date, time, and full title and address of the venue for the service.
Where there is to be a private service it is usual to insert "in accordance with ...’s wishes a private service has been held."
Special thanks
You may wish to thank a special doctor, nurse, resthome or hospice. e.g.
"We would like to thank The Mary Potter Hospice for their loving care of Bob.”
In lieu of flowers
Can read -
"In lieu of flowers donations to the …… would be appreciated and may be left at the service."
"No flowers by request."
"Cut flowers only please."
Messages
We are more than happy to receive messages on behalf of the family as this avoids placing your address in the paper. If you would like us to receive messages on your behalf, address the letter to The Smith Family, C/-PO Box 50-347, Porirua 5240.
An unique phrase or words
You may also wish to place a phrase or words that was unique to your family member.