Obituary

An obituary usually includes the name of the deceased, family relations (for example, “my beloved spouse”, “our beloved father” etc.), profession or title, place and date of birth, and place and date of death. An obituary often includes a verse from the Bible or a hymn, a poem or other quotation related to the deceased.

Since this announcement also serves as an invitation to the funeral ceremony and reception, their times and places should be stated clearly. If the funeral is only for the immediate family, an obituary can be published after the ceremony to thank people for their condolences.

Flags at half-mast

On the day of the death, a flag will be flown at half-mast for the whole day outside the deceased’s home. On the day of the funeral, the flag is at half-mast until the end of the funeral service but can also be flown at half-mast or full-mast for the whole day. If the funeral coincides with an official flag-flying day, the flag will be flown full-mast after the ceremony.

Prayers in the local church

Prayers will be read for the deceased and the bereaved at the weekly services in the parish church. This will take place either on the Sunday following the funeral or as soon as the parish has been informed about the death. It is customary for the family to attend this service. You should confirm the correct time and place with your local parish.

Social media

Facebook recommends that the family of the deceased report the death of a user to Facebook and send a death certificate. The account can then be memorialised or removed if the family so wishes.