Locating an obituary for a specific person can be a valuable way to honor their memory, gather family history, or gain insights into their life story. Whether you're researching a family tree, paying respects, or verifying details for genealogical purposes, finding obituaries online or in physical archives has become easier thanks to numerous resources. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively find an obituary for a specific person.
Why Find an Obituary?
Obituaries serve as meaningful records, often including:
- Personal and family history, such as birth and death dates, locations, and names of relatives.
- Insights into the person's life achievements, interests, and legacy.
- Information on funeral or memorial services, and any requests for charitable donations.
Finding an obituary can be a deeply personal endeavor or a part of broader research. Now, let's go through the steps to locate an obituary effectively.
Step 1: Gather Essential Information
The more details you have about the deceased, the easier it will be to find the correct obituary. Here's a list of key information that can help narrow your search:
- Full Name: Try to have the person's full name, including any middle names or initials.
- Dates: Know the approximate date of death, and if possible, the birth date.
- Location: Obituaries are often published in local newspapers, so knowing the city, county, or state can significantly narrow your search.
- Other Details: Information about relatives, known workplaces, schools, or organizations can help refine your search if the name is common.
Step 2: Use Online Obituary Databases
Several online platforms specialize in obituary records. These databases can offer recent and historical obituaries, though some may charge a fee. Here are some reliable options:
- Legacy.com: One of the most comprehensive databases for obituaries, Legacy.com partners with newspapers nationwide to provide current obituaries and death notices.
- Tributes.com: Another large database, Tributes.com offers a range of obituaries, and you can search by name, location, or date.
- Newspaper Websites: Many newspapers have their own obituary archives online. If you know where the person lived, try checking local newspaper websites directly.
- Ancestry.com: While primarily a genealogy site, Ancestry.com has extensive obituary archives and historical newspapers. Note that this is a subscription service.
- FamilySearch: This free website, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a large collection of historical records, including obituaries.
- GenealogyBank: Known for its extensive archive of U.S. newspapers, GenealogyBank offers obituary searches, though it also requires a subscription.
Step 3: Search Public Records Databases
Public records databases often contain obituary information alongside other death records. Here are a few sites to consider:
- Vital Records Offices: Local government offices hold official death records, which can sometimes lead you to an obituary.
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI): Websites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch offer access to the SSDI, which can confirm the death date and place of residence for U.S. residents.
- National and State Archives: National and state archives often hold older obituaries and newspapers, especially helpful for historical research.
Step 4: Search Newspaper Archives
Newspapers remain one of the best sources for obituary information. If you know where the person lived, look into local newspaper archives. Here's how:
- Google News Archive: Google has digitized many newspapers, making it easy to search by date and location.
- Library of Congress – Chronicling America: This free resource provides access to historical U.S. newspapers.
- Local Libraries: Many libraries offer digital or microfilm archives of local newspapers, sometimes accessible online with a library card.
Step 5: Utilize Genealogy and Historical Websites
Genealogy websites can be incredibly helpful for finding obituaries, especially for older records. Here's how to use them:
- Find a Grave: This site offers grave locations, family links, and, in many cases, an obituary for the deceased.
- BillionGraves: Similar to Find a Grave, this site provides headstone records and burial information, sometimes with obituary details.
- Historical Societies: Local historical societies can be treasure troves of information, often holding unpublished obituaries, family records, and photos.
Step 6: Explore Social Media and Online Memorials
As more families choose digital memorials, social media sites can also be a resource for recent obituaries:
- Facebook: Many families post obituaries on social media, particularly Facebook. Searching for the person's name, along with terms like "obituary" or "in memory," may yield results.
- Memorial Websites: Websites like Ever Loved and Forever Missed allow families to create digital memorial pages, which can include obituary information, photos, and memories.
Step 7: Contact Funeral Homes or Churches Directly
If other methods fail, reaching out directly to the funeral home or church involved can be a good approach. Here are a few tips:
- Funeral Homes: Funeral homes often keep records of obituaries they've published and may be willing to share information upon request.
- Churches: If you know the deceased was a member of a particular congregation, churches sometimes keep obituaries in their archives, especially for long-time members.
Step 8: Verify and Cross-Check Information
Once you find an obituary, verify the details to ensure accuracy. Common names can lead to confusion, so cross-check the obituary's information with what you know about the person's family, location, or career.
Final Thoughts
Finding an obituary for a specific person can be an enlightening experience, providing closure, insights, and a sense of connection. Whether through online databases, social media, or historical archives, there are many paths to explore. By combining these resources, you'll have the best chance of locating a meaningful tribute to the person's life and legacy.
