Obituary Examples for a Sister
Short and longer obituary samples helping you write with warmth and clarity.
Writing an obituary can feel daunting when emotions are still raw. These obituary examples for a sister offer gentle guidance — showing how short and longer samples can express love, gratitude, and a sense of who they were.
Each sample obituary is written with care to help you share their story clearly and sincerely. Whether you’re preparing a short notice or a fuller tribute, you’ll find inspiration here to help you write with warmth, balance, and a personal touch.
Short Obituary Examples for a Sister
These short obituary samples for a sister are simple, clear, and heartfelt — ideal for printed notices, funeral programs, or online announcements.
💬 If you’d like a little more step-by-step help before exploring the samples, our guide on how to write an obituary offers practical advice and structure to help you begin.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 1 – Traditional and Factual
Sarah Jane Thompson, aged 42, passed away peacefully on 9 February 2024, surrounded by her family.
A beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Sarah was known for her kindness, loyalty, and dedication to her work as a teacher.
She loved reading, hiking, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Mark’s Church on 16 February 2024 at 11 a.m. Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to the British Heart Foundation.
Her warmth and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 2 – Personal and Warm
My beautiful sister, Rebecca “Becky” Holmes, passed away on 5 May 2024 at the age of 37.
Becky filled every room with laughter and music.
She loved baking, travel, and late-night chats with family and friends. Her heart was as big as her smile.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Becky’s life at Oakwood Chapel on 12 May 2024 at noon.
Please wear her favourite colour — blue — in her honour.
She taught us to find joy in the small things, and her spirit will live on in all of us.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 3 – Faith-Based and Uplifting
Grace Chukwu, aged 45, went home to be with the Lord on 21 January 2024.
A cherished daughter, sister, and friend, Grace lived a life of faith, service, and love.
She was a devoted member of her church choir and volunteered regularly in her community.
She is survived by her parents, siblings, and many friends who will miss her warmth and generosity.
A home-going service will be held at Faith Chapel on 28 January 2024 at 11 a.m.
Her kindness and strong faith continue to inspire all who knew her.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 4 – Modern and Reflective
Emily “Em” Carter, aged 39, passed away unexpectedly on 17 June 2024.
Emily was creative, thoughtful, and deeply loved by her family and friends.
She worked as a graphic designer, enjoyed photography, and found beauty in the everyday.
Her laughter, honesty, and compassion made her a constant source of comfort to others.
A memorial service will be held at Riverside Hall on 23 June 2024 at 3 p.m. to celebrate her life.
Her light and love will be remembered always.
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Longer Obituary Examples for a Sister
These longer obituary samples for a sister offer more space to share her story — capturing her character, milestones, and the love she brought to those around her.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 1 – Traditional Full Version
Elizabeth “Liz” Howard, aged 48, passed away peacefully on 2 February 2024, surrounded by family.
A devoted sister, daughter, and friend, Liz was known for her generosity, wisdom, and sense of humour.
She worked as a midwife for over twenty years, supporting countless families with compassion and care.
Born in Bristol, Liz loved gardening, music, and summer holidays by the sea. She made every person she met feel seen and valued.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Peter’s Church on 9 February 2024 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Meadow View Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to Macmillan Cancer Support in her memory.
Liz’s laughter and love will remain a lasting comfort to her family and everyone blessed to know her.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 2 – Heartfelt and Family Focussed
Our dear sister, Laura May Brown, passed away on 25 April 2024, aged 36.
Laura was a sister, daughter, and friend who lived with warmth, creativity, and heart.
She loved painting, gardening, and helping others see the beauty in simple things.
She was always the first to lend a hand, share a joke, or listen without judgment. Her kindness made ordinary days feel special.
A celebration of Laura’s life will be held at Rosewood Chapel on 2 May 2024 at noon. Guests are encouraged to share stories that reflect her humour and love.
Laura’s family will remember her laughter, strength, and boundless generosity — the gifts she gave so freely to others.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 3 – Faith and Community Inspired
Blessing Adeyemi, aged 41, went to be with the Lord on 11 October 2024.
A devoted sister, aunt, and friend, Blessing lived a life guided by faith, service, and compassion. She was an active member of New Hope Church, where she led the women’s fellowship and organised visits to comfort the sick and elderly. Her kindness and humility made her a source of strength to everyone she met.
Blessing enjoyed singing hymns, cooking for family gatherings, and sharing words of encouragement. She believed that faith was something to be lived through daily acts of love.
A home-going service will be held at New Hope Church on 18 October 2024 at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Greenfield.
Her family gives heartfelt thanks for the love, prayers, and support shown by so many.
Blessing’s legacy of faith, generosity, and devotion will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 4 – Reflective Life Story
Isabella “Izzy” Martin, aged 34, passed away peacefully on 22 November 2024.
Izzy was a beloved sister, daughter, and friend whose creativity and empathy left a lasting mark. She worked as a writer and loved turning her thoughts into stories that made others feel less alone.
She found joy in travel, photography, and long talks over tea. Friends remember her curiosity about people, her love of language, and her ability to see beauty in life’s small details.
She was endlessly encouraging — the first to send a thoughtful message, celebrate a success, or remind you to keep going when things were hard.
A memorial service will be held at The Old Hall on 29 November 2024 at 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to bring stories and photos to share.
Izzy’s gentle nature, warmth, and bright spirit will remain in the hearts of all who loved her — a lasting reminder of how deeply she cared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in an obituary for my sister?
Include her full name, age, date of passing, close family members, and a few lines that reflect her personality — what she loved, how she cared, and what she’ll be remembered for. You can also add service details and any preferred charities for donations.
How long should an obituary for a sister be?
Short newspaper notices are typically 80–120 words, while longer versions for online or printed tributes are 150–300 words. There’s no fixed rule — focus on sincerity and what best represents her life and spirit.
What’s the difference between an obituary and a eulogy or funeral speech?
An obituary is a written announcement sharing key life details and service information. A eulogy or funeral speech is spoken at a service and usually includes stories and reflections. Both play an important role in honouring her memory.
Should I mention how my sister passed away?
That’s a personal choice. Some families prefer to keep it private, while others share the cause to honour her courage or raise awareness. If you include it, keep the wording brief and gentle — for example, “passed away peacefully after a long illness.”
Can I use these obituary examples as they are?
Yes — you’re welcome to use them directly or personalise them with her name, hobbies, or service details. A few personal touches make the obituary feel truly yours and a reflection of who she was.
Where can I publish or share an obituary for my sister?
You can share it in a local newspaper, through a funeral home, or on an online memorial site. Many families also include it in the order of service or frame it beside a photo as a keepsake.
How can I write when emotions feel too strong?
Start with the basics — her name, age, and family — then add one or two sentences about her character or what you’ll miss most. Writing in small steps helps. If it’s too hard, ask a relative to help shape your words. Gentle honesty is enough.
🕯️ When You’re Ready to Say More, We Can Help
After the obituary comes a harder task — finding the right words to say goodbye at a service.
We can shape a first draft from your memories, ready for you to personalise — or offer gentle guidance on what you’ve already written, so your tribute feels true to you.
Giving you space to grieve, be with loved ones, and focus on arrangements.