When you think of writing a meaningful obituary for a loved one who has died, adding light-hearted stories or details may not occur to you. Yet more families in El Cerrito , Oakland , Berkeley and beyond are featuring funny, optimistic, and even playful content in an attempt to express what their loved one meant to them.

At Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, our knowledgeable and experienced staff is here to help you find the words you want to say. Some of the families we work with request a traditional obituary: a notice of death, a story of life, a family record, a request for memorial donations, a source of information about a funeral service, and a thank you to special people, institutions, or groups who helped along the way.

Others, though, want something different. In addition to providing information, they want to match the tone of the obituary to their loved one’s personality. Even more, families realize that this may be the only article ever written about a person and the only record of existence that remains centuries later.

While it might seem counterintuitive to include humor or good cheer during a time of sadness, an uplifting story or amusing detail can help in the healing process though inspiring conversation. If your loved one was a jokester, you could feature their favorite sayings or include a quote that will bring a smile. Does your family have an oft-told story that perfectly highlights your loved one’s idiosyncrasies? Sharing it will surely leave everyone with a cherished memory.

Of course, it goes without saying that you must take great care when including a bit of comic relief in an obituary. Everyone deals with grief differently and the last thing you want to do is offend or upset someone close to you. That said, selecting a story that adds light-heartedness in a compassionate way can add a personal touch when it’s needed most.

Our staff does want to offer the reminder that it’s wise to ask one or more family members to review the obituary before publication to be sure it’s clear and appropriate. There are times when grief can cloud judgement and you want to have confidence that what you wrote will be interpreted accurately now and in years to come.

As we face restrictions due to COVID-19, our online obituaries have become an even more significant way to offer condolences. You can leave a message for visitors on the page to read, order flowers and gifts for the family, make a charitable donation, and even light a virtual candle to honor the person who died.

Connecting with loves ones after a death is crucial to the grieving process. Turn to us for advice and guidance anytime. We’re always here to answer questions and describe how we can help during your time of need.