What is the Difference Between an Obituary and a Eulogy?

By Michael Socfield 29-05-2025 6

An obituary and a eulogy both highlight positive things about the deceased’s life and are commemorative. Though both are published death notices, an obituary and eulogy differ. An obituary is a written notice meant to be read by a wide range of people, whereas the eulogy tends to be personal, focused on close friends and family.

Obituaries are typically published shortly after death, while eulogies are given at the final service. An obituary is usually written by a family member or the funeral staff, whereas a eulogy is delivered by a close relative, friend, or clergy member. Understanding such differences provides more insight into what each does and how they act in the role of remembrance in community memorials like Shawnee Oklahoma obituaries.

How is an Obituary Different from a Eulogy?

Here are the main differences between an obituary and a eulogy:

Factor	Obituary	Eulogy
Purpose	An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s death. Its primary purpose is to let the public know that a person has died and to give the public details about the deceased's life, family, and funeral or memorial service. It is frequently disseminated in newspapers, online outlets, or funeral home websites.	A eulogy is a speech delivered in homage at a funeral or memorial service to a person who has died. It describes the person's personality, values, life events, and relationships. But while an obituary is informative, a eulogy is more personal and emotional.
Format	An obituary is a written statement that summarizes the deceased person's details (age, name, date of death, survivors, and service information). It may also contain a brief biography and occasionally a photograph. It is only published in written form.	A eulogy is a prepared speech, often presented orally by a family member or a close friend, or by a member of the clergy. It may be prepared in advance, but is intended to be spoken as part of a service. A descriptive eulogy enables the speaker to tell stories and express personal thoughts.
Audience	The general public, such as those who didn't know the deceased personally but are interested in knowing the person has passed (e.g., old colleagues, acquaintances, or distant relatives).	A eulogy is generally presented only to those attending the funeral or memorial service. They are typically friends, family members, and others who bonded with the deceased. The eulogy is personally addressed to the mourners.
Tone	Most obituaries are neutral, respectful, and factual. They can have a few emotional lines, but focus on conveying information clearly and professionally.	Eulogies tend to be heartfelt and reflective. They can be full of love, sadness, thankfulness, and admiration. The speaker can also tell stories, jokes, or share quotes to highlight the deceased’s spirit and the legacy they left behind.
Timing	Obituaries are published soon after confirmation of death. The intent is to give the public time to attend the funeral or express condolences. Timing is critical in making funeral plans and notifying the community.	A eulogy is a speech or writing praising the deceased that will likely be read at the funeral or memorial service, after the obituary has been published. It's an integral element of the ceremony, offering a sense of solace and remembrance to mourners.
Content	An obituary includes important information, like the individual's complete name, date and place of birth, date of death, cause of death (if the family wishes to disclose it), names of the surviving next of kin, and information about the funeral service. It might also include a summary of the individual’s accomplishments or interests.	The eulogy provides the most detailed, narrative account of the person’s life. You might share personal stories, lessons from their life, or how they affected others. It allows for a description of the person beyond mere facts.
Who Delivers It?	The obituary is usually composed with the funeral home's assistance and submitted to the newspaper by the family. The tone is generally more formal and polished for publication.	The eulogy is generally delivered by someone close to the deceased, such as a spouse, child, sibling, or close friend. The eulogy can be intensely personal and practiced before the ceremony to depict the speaker's true feelings.

Conclusion

Obituaries and eulogies are key to celebrating the life of a loved one who has passed away. They serve different functions; the obituary is informs, while the eulogy reflects personally. Obituaries are written and more formal, while eulogies are verbal and emotional. An obituary is written for a wide audience, but eulogies are for those closest to the deceased.

The tone, timing, and content are also widely different; obituaries are informational and brief, while eulogies are personal and descriptive. Obituaries are generally composed by funeral homes or family members, but someone with a deep personal connection with the deceased delivers eulogies. Knowing these differences between Shawnee, Oklahoma, obituaries and eulogies allows you to understand their particular roles in the grief journey.

Tags : Funeral or memorial service Differences between an obituary and a eulogy

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