Death, being one of the biggest events in a person’s life, brings along with it a list of important matters to handle. For some families, this includes getting an obituary ready. Obituaries notify people—friends, relatives, acquaintances—of a loved one’s passing. Information such as the date of death, address of the wake, funeral details, and/or a tribute to the deceased can be included in obituaries.
Digital versus print obituaries in Singapore: what’s the difference?
In the past, when technology was not as prevalent and accessible as it is now, obituaries were published in newspapers like The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Berita Harian, and Tamil Murasu. Today, people have the added option of publishing obituaries online.
Since digital obituaries generally cost less, offer ease of reference, and can be easily stored on devices for keepsake, it’s becoming the preferred choice for more and more families. But don’t forget to consider the demographics of your guests. Are there many in your loved one’s social circle who are elderly folks without access to smart devices? Will they miss out on being informed of the passing? Many seniors still look to traditional media, including newspapers, for information. As a result, print obituaries might be a useful avenue to spread the news quickly among the older generation.
Different obituary services to consider in Singapore
There are quite a number of platforms that make publishing obituaries a fuss-free experience. All you need to do is upload a portrait of the deceased and key in the relevant details to create a digital obituary instantly. One such platform is Obits.sg, which allows you to publish not only digital obituaries, but also print versions in major local newspapers.
For clients of Direct Funeral Services, we also provide an obituary service with our compliments. Obituaries we create are made available for viewing on our website. Friends and family from anywhere in the world can also leave condolence messages and precious photos on the obituary pages. It’s our way of lessening the load of grieving families who have placed their trust in us.
How to write an obituary
For some families, writing a short tribute to the deceased is a way to help them heal as they reminisce about the good times.
While obituaries can be straightforward announcements, they can also feature a paragraph or a short story about the deceased. When writing the tribute, take the time to reflect on your loved one’s most significant qualities, what they were fondly known for, or how they have impacted those around them. Keeping it simple and sincere is key.
Those who are more literary-inclined can even consider penning a poem dedicated to their departed loved ones. There really is no limit to what can be included in an obituary, as long as it honours the memory of the deceased.
We are here to guide you on all things funeral related. For assistance, please email us at info@directfuneral.com.sg or call our 24-hour helpline at +65 6555 1115.