Losing someone in the family is hard, especially if you know that he/she is about to die. It is even sadder if you need to tell relatives who live far away about the news. A less painful way to do this is by sending them a death announcement

letter.

A death announcement letter is a personal letter telling the sad news about a family member who passed away. It is easily written since you don’t have to pick up the phone and bring yourself to tears every time you say it. Usually, long distance relatives are informed in this way.

Writing a death announcement letter of a family member should be personal, unlike in an obituary. You need to give the basic information like when your family member died, what is the cause of his death, and where and when will the funeral services be held to let the recipient know.

You may also ask him to rush and go to the mortuary or send funeral donations if he cannot come. The tone of the letter must be entirely solemn; otherwise your relative will be angry at you for being impassive.

Here is a sample of a personal death announcement letter.

SAMPLE

November 25, 2010

Paul Jones
1234 Narrow Road
Rainbow, PA 10987

Laura Jones-Smith
2345 Antioch Drive
Queens, NY 02345

Dear Laura,

I am sad to tell you that our grandfather Theodore passed away yesterday at 9:00 this morning, November 25. He ended his battle peacefully with liver cancer. One month ago, we celebrated our grandmother Rosita’s birthday, and he said farewell to us. Two days ago, he was breathing very hard and so we brought him to the nearest hospital. He said his final words to us and he died peacefully.

His funeral will take place at St. John the Baptist Church in Warrensburg, PA his hometown. He is scheduled to be cremated at Cedar Funeral Homes near Rainbow. I have attached a map to let you know where you must go.

Please make it on time as soon as you can.

I hope someday, we can talk about lighter things about our own lives. If you want to ask more information about the funeral, don’t hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,
Paul Jones