What is the primary purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to provide a life history and details about a deceased person. Obituaries serve as a tribute that captures significant milestones, achievements, and personal anecdotes about the individual's life, offering a narrative that reflects their character and contributions. This information not only helps inform the community of the person's passing but also allows friends, family, and acquaintances to remember and celebrate the deceased's life through the shared memories presented in the obituary. It often includes essential details such as the person's name, age, date of death, surviving family members, and information about the funeral arrangements, but the central goal is to recount the story of the individual's life.