What is an obituary?

An obituary is a published notice of a person’s death, typically including information such as the deceased’s name, date of birth, date of death, and details about their life, family, and funeral arrangements. Obituaries serve as an announcement to the community, allowing friends and family to be informed of the death and to pay their respects. They often include reflections on the person’s life, contributions to society, and can serve as a means for a community to celebrate the deceased's legacy.

The other options do not accurately define an obituary. A legal document required for burial pertains to documentation surrounding the burial process itself and does not convey the personal aspect of a life lived. A report detailing funeral expenses focuses on the financial aspects of the funeral, rather than commemorating the individual's life. A summary of funeral service procedures describes the logistics and order of the funeral service, which is fundamentally different from the personal tribute provided in an obituary.