How to Announce a Death: Traditional and Non-traditional

As providers of cremation services in Willits, CA., we know the stress families endure when a loved one passes. Not only do they have to make arrangements and secure their loved one’s property, but they also have to notify people of the death. This can often be the most difficult part as the pain is so new and knowing how to properly inform others can be tricky. 

Many people are most familiar with writing an obituary and having it published in the local newspaper, but in today’s digital world, there are many other options as well. So what should you do? Should you still publish it in the paper as well as digitally? If you only publish it digitally, where does that happen and how? Today we are going to talk about the traditional ways of notifying people about a death as well as some of the more non-traditional. 

Traditional Ways of Announcing a Death 

Writing an obituary and having it published is the most common and traditional way of announcing a death. This has been done for hundreds of years, and even though print isn’t quite as popular as it once was in this digital age, it is still a viable and effective easy to announce the passing. 

Another way to announce the passing of a loved one is my phone. While this can take a little while longer, calling and informing people personally about the death is also appropriate. This can be done by several family members so that that burden is divided and not all on one person’s shoulders. 

Non-Traditional Ways to Announce a Death 

In this age, there are several non-traditional outlets where you can announce the passing. One of the biggest ones is on social media. Most people have at least a Facebook account with many people having several other accounts such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn just to name a few. 

Announcing their passing on these social media platforms may seem impersonal but it can actually be very effective in being able to inform many friends and family at one time as well as allowing them to inform others such as coworkers, acquaintances, extended family, etc. This can take some of the burden off of the grieving family and let others spread the news on their media channels. 

Should You Choose Traditional or Non-Traditional? 

When deciding on how you should announce the passing, consider the person. If they were a younger adult who was always on social media, that might be the best place to announce the passing. However, if your 80-year old aunt passed away who didn’t even own a computer, the newspaper would most likely be more appropriate as that is where her friends would see the news. 

Also, know that you do not have to do one or the other. For example, you could have an obituary printed in the local paper and then also copy and paste that same obituary in a social media post. 

If you need more information about how to announce a death or cremation services in Willits, CA., give us a call or drop by anytime as we are always here to help.