6 Obituary Templates and Examples for a Child
Writing a kid’s obituary can feel like an impossible task as it can feel like you’re unable to condense the meaning of their life into just a few short paragraphs. If you’re tasked with writing a child’s obituary and aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. This article can help you understand the general format of an obituary for a child, give you insight on what to include, and provide you with some examples.
How to write an obituary for a child
Writing an obituary for a child is a deeply emotional and sensitive task, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about where to begin. Here are some guidelines to help you capture the essence of your child’s life and express your love and memories.
- Start with basic information: Include basic details like the child’s full name, date of birth, and date of passing. If the family prefers, you may want to include a nickname or any endearing names they were known by.
- Describe their personality and interests: Even a short life can hold so many unique qualities and interests. Share details that capture the child’s personality—how they laughed, their favorite things, or what made them special.
- Mention the impact they had on others: Describe how the child touched the lives of family members, friends, or even teachers. Children bring out special qualities in people, so share those moments if it feels right.
- Include surviving family members: List close family members, such as parents, siblings, and grandparents, who were special to the child and remain to cherish their memory.
- Offer details about the memorial service: Provide information about the funeral, memorial, or any remembrance event planned. If there’s a special request, such as wearing bright colors or bringing a particular item in the child’s honor, you can mention it here.
- Acknowledge the family's grief: Express the family's grief openly, as this can bring comfort to those who read the obituary and may also share in their sorrow.
Child obituary examples
Child obituary template and example
Due to the young age of children, an obituary written about them generally focuses on their personality and their hobbies. Children often have tons of hobbies and passions that they’re excited about, even from very young ages. It’s important to describe their personality, interests and what kind of person they were when writing an obituary for a child.
Child obituary template
Use this template((full_name)) passed away on ((date_of_death)) at the age of ((age)), following [cause of death].
((first_name)) was born in [place of birth] on ((date_of_birth)) to parents, [names of parents]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was a [one or two attributes] child, always [common activities that demonstrate personality]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) proudly stated that ((subject_pronoun)) wanted to be a [career of choice] when ((subject_pronoun)) grew up. ((first_name)) also loved [other favorite activities].
After ((first_name)) was…[describe how they dealt with their illness, if applicable].
((first_name))’s memory will forever be cherished by [list of family members and other important life figures].
Child obituary example
Edgar Fernandez passed away on February 23, 2018 at the age of 9, following a 2-year battle with brain cancer.
Edgar was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 1, 2008 to parents, Jessica and Juan Fernandez. He was an active and inquisitive child, always wanting to understand how things worked and occasionally getting in minor trouble for taking household items apart and trying to put them back together. He proudly stated that he wanted to be an inventor when he grew up. Edgar also loved baseball and spent many afternoon playing games with his friends.
After Edgar was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016, he rarely lost his spirit. Even when confined to a hospital bed for extended periods, he excitedly watched baseball games and talked about them with parents and medical team.
Edgar’s memory will forever be cherished by his parents, Jessica and Juan and his grandparents, Javier and Maria Fernandez and Martha and Bill Atkins, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Child obituary template and example template 2 - unexpected death
Child obituary template template 2 - unexpected death
Use this template((full_name)) passed away unexpectedly on ((date_of_death)) at the age of [age], after [cause of death].
Born to [names of parents] on [date], [first name] was [descriptor] as a baby. When ((subject_pronoun)) was [age], ((subject_pronoun)) immediately became obsessed with [passion/hobby]. Some of [first name]’s favorite activities were [list of activities].
Our family was not expecting the loss of [first name] or for their life to be cut so short so soon. We are devastated by this loss and will feel the absence of [first name] forever. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was the [sweetest/kindest/most loving/etc.] soul and a joy to be around. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) will be forever missed.
((first_name)) will always be remembered by [list of surviving family members].
Child obituary example template 2 - unexpected death
Oakley Lee Hayes passed away unexpectedly on April 3rd at the age of 8, after injuries sustained after a hiking accident.
Born to Rhonda & Parker Hayes on November 16th, 2013, Oakley was a handful as a baby. When she was 4, she immediately became obsessed with bugs and critters. Some of Oakley’s favorite activities were hiking, feeding the chickens, and tending to the farm with her father.
Our family was not expecting the loss of Oakley or for their life to be cut so short so soon. We are devastated by this loss and will feel the absence of Oakley forever. She was the most loving and most curious soul and a joy to be around. She will be forever missed.
Oakley will always be remembered by her grandparents, Semmi & Chris, her parents, Rhonda & Parker, her brother, Trevor, and her dog, Hunter.
Child obituary template and example template 3
Child obituary template template 3
Use this templateOur family regretfully announces the unexpected passing of [full name], who left this earth on [date] due to [cause of death]. Born on ((date_of_birth)), [first name] was a [description of child as an infant].
((possessive_pronoun_capitalized)) teachers described [first name] as [description] and ((subject_pronoun)) was loved by ((possessive_pronoun)) friends for ((possessive_pronoun)) [description of attitude]. Our [son/daughter]’s life was cut short, but the impression ((subject_pronoun)) left on the lives of others will never be forgotten.
((first_name)) will live in the memories of [list of family members] forever and will be missed more than words could ever describe.
Child obituary example template 3
Our family regretfully announces the unexpected passing of Lehua Mau Kealoha, who left this earth on December 18th due to meningitis. Born on February 20th, 2014, Lehua was a boisterous boy.
His teachers described Lehua as curious and hilarious and he was loved by his friends for his clever jokes and sense of humor. Our son’s life was cut short, but the impression he left on the lives of others will never be forgotten.
Lehua will live in the memories of Keanu, Kalani, Makana, and Kapua forever and will be missed more than words could ever describe.
Child obituary template and example template 4
Child obituary template template 4
Use this templateWe are devastated to announce the unexpected passing of our [son/daughter], [full name]. ((first_name)) passed away on [date], surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) loved ones after a [description of cause of death]. This loss is completely unexpected and our family is absolutely devastated and unprepared.
((first_name)) was, without a doubt, the most [kind/loving/sweet] child this world could ask for. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was passionate about [hobby], an expert at [hobby], and an aspiring [career choice]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) made an impression on the lives of all those around ((object_pronoun)). Even when [first name] was angry or sad, ((subject_pronoun)) never let it last long or infringe on ((possessive_pronoun)) love for others.
((first_name)), we will never forget you and we will always love you. We hope to be reunited with you one day. Love, [list of family members].
Child obituary example template 4
We are devastated to announce the unexpected passing of our son, Omer Keshet. Omer passed away on August 19th, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief battle with pneumonia. This loss is completely unexpected and our family is absolutely devastated and unprepared.
Omer was, without a doubt, the most loving child this world could ask for. He was passionate about animals, an expert at fishing, and an aspiring musician. He made an impression on the lives of all those around him. Even when Omer was angry or sad, he never let it last long or infringe on his love for others.
Omer, we will never forget you and we will always love you. We hope to be reunited with you one day. Love, Tom, Shalev, Moran, Adi, Yarden, Affe, Ofra, and Noga.
Child obituary template and example template 5
Child obituary template template 5
Use this templateWe are immensely saddened to announce that our [daughter/son] passed away after a [cause of death]. ((full_name)), born on [date], was a gifted, bright, and unique soul that left us too soon. This loss is completely unexpected and our family mourns ((possessive_pronoun)) passing greatly.
((full_name)) was [kind/sweet/courageous/loving/adventurous/hilarious] and [adjective]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) enjoyed [list of hobbies]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was absolutely in love with [list passion or hobby], frequently letting us know that when ((subject_pronoun)) grew up, ((subject_pronoun)) was going to be a [career].
((first_name)) had a large group of friends and family who loved ((object_pronoun)) unconditionally, including: [list surviving family members and friends].
Services will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to [organization], an organization that [describe organization’s mission].
Child obituary example template 5
We are immensely saddened to announce that our son passed away after a car accident. Antonius Gimmel, born on October 3rd, 2014, was a gifted, bright, and unique soul that left us too soon. This loss is completely unexpected and our family mourns his passing greatly.
Antonius Luciano Gimmel was adventurous and gentle. He enjoyed soccer, bugs, trucks, chalk, cookies, and hide and seek. He was absolutely in love with building things, frequently letting us know that when he grew up, he was going to be a builder.
Antonius had a large group of friends and family who loved him unconditionally, including a loving mother, father, and brother.
Services will be held at New Baptist Parish on October 9th at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Breads and Loaves, an organization that helps feed families in need.
Child obituary template and example 6
Child obituary template 6
((full_name)) was born on ((date_of_birth)) to ((possessive_pronoun)) adoring parents, [parents’ names]. An [adventurer/joker/handful/artist] from the very beginning, it was clear that [first name]’s interests were in [list interest]. When ((subject_pronoun)) entered [grade], ((possessive_pronoun)) teachers took to describing ((object_pronoun)) as [list of descriptions]. ((possessive_pronoun_capitalized)) favorite hobbies were [list hobbies]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) spent a lot of time at [place] with [list of people], a group he grew to love spending time with.
Even though [first name] was taken from us much too soon, ((subject_pronoun)) was able to teach us so much in such a short amount of time, namely [lesson]. ((first_name)) is survived by a loving group of friends, family, teachers, and classmates, including: [list surviving people].
Services will be held privately. Please consider making a donation to [organization] as they [describe organization’s mission].
Child obituary example 6
Daniel Takeda was born on May 4th to his adoring parents, Keiko and Bryant. A joker from the very beginning, it was clear that Daniel’s interests were in making others laugh. When he entered Grade 6, his teachers took to describing him as silly, outgoing, and funny. His favorite hobbies were arts and crafts, soccer, and kickball. He spent a lot of time at Terryson Community Center with his cherished friends, a group he grew to love spending time with.
Even though Daniel was taken from us much too soon, he was able to teach us so much in such a short amount of time, namely to always look on the bright side. Daniel is survived by a loving group of friends, family, teachers, and classmates, including loving parents, siblings, and grandparents.
Services will be held privately. Please consider making a donation to Terryson Community Center as they provided our family and many others with endless activites, fun, and happiness.
It can help to read through recent child obituaries and other obituary examples as well for ideas on how to format the obituary you’re writing. When looking through other examples, consider the structure of the obituary, what kind of content they’re including, and what commonalities apply across the examples you’re looking at.
If you've experienced the loss of a child and are seeking a place to share their obituary, consider creating a memorial website with Ever Loved. Ever Loved memorial websites provide a heartfelt space to post your child’s obituary, share stories, gather donations, post event details, and honor their legacy —all at no cost.
