Obituaries and death notices are key sources of genealogical information, often containing details about family relationships, residence, and life events. These records use both formal and euphemistic language that can vary by time period and publication.
| Term | Definition |
| Age | Age of deceased at time of death. |
| Beloved | Term indicating affection, often used for close family. |
| Bereaved | Family members left behind after death. |
| Burial | Interment of the deceased. |
| Cemetery | Location where the deceased is buried. |
| Chapel Service | Funeral service held in chapel. |
| Condolences | Expressions of sympathy to surviving family. |
| Cremation | Process of reducing remains to ashes. |
| Deceased | Person who has died. |
| Death Notice | Brief announcement of death, often shorter than obituary. |
| Departed | Euphemism indicating death. |
| Funeral | Ceremony honoring the deceased. |
| Funeral Home | Business handling burial arrangements. |
| Funeral Service | Organized ceremony for the deceased. |
| Graveside Service | Ceremony held at burial site. |
| Interment | Burial of the body. |
| In Loving Memory | Phrase honoring the deceased. |
| Late of | Indicates former residence of deceased. |
| Memorial Service | Ceremony without the body present. |
| Mortuary | Facility where bodies are prepared for burial. |
| Obituary | Detailed notice of a person’s life and death. |
| Officiant | Person conducting funeral service. |
| Pallbearer | Person carrying the coffin. |
| Passed Away | Euphemism for death. |
| Predeceased | Indicates someone died before another. |
| Remains | Body of the deceased. |
| Reposed | Euphemism indicating peaceful death. |
| Residence | Place where deceased lived. |
| Service | Funeral or memorial ceremony. |
| Survived By | Lists living relatives. |
| Viewing | Time when people can see the deceased before burial. |
| Wake | Gathering before funeral service. |
| Widow | Woman whose spouse has died. |
| Widower | Man whose spouse has died. |
| Celebration of Life | Alternative memorial service emphasizing life. |
| Final Resting Place | Burial location. |
| Internment (variant of interment) | Burial of remains. |
| Funeral Arrangements | Plans for services and burial. |
| Memorial Contribution | Donation in honor of deceased. |
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