Writing an obituary for your mother? Use these 12 examples—and an easy-to-follow template—to celebrate her unique story and the love she shared.
How To Write An Obituary For a Mother
An obituary for your mother is far more than a notice of her passing—it’s a way to shine light on the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the warmth she shared. Below you’ll find a simple fill-in-the-blanks template, followed by a dozen real-life examples capturing different facets of motherhood.
Obituary Template For Mother
Use this as your starting point, then weave in the details that made your mom uniquely her own:
[Full name], age [age], of [city], passed away on [date], [peacefully/after a brief illness], surrounded by [family or friends].
Born [birthdate] in [birthplace], she [career, passions, community roles].
She is survived by [children, spouse, grandchildren, siblings]; preceded in death by [name(s)].
[Personal reflection: her generosity, favorite hobby, how she impacted others].
A service celebrating her life will be held at [location] on [date/time]. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to [charity].
12 Beautiful Obituary Samples For a Mother
1. The Lifelong Teacher
Patricia “Patty” Reynolds, 72, of Santa Barbara, passed July 10, 2024. Born March 5, 1952, in San Diego, she spent forty years nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher. Patty is survived by daughter Anna, son Mark, and five grandchildren who adored her storytelling. A memorial on July 25 at Trinity Church will honor her joyful spirit.
2. The Stepmom Who Became “Mom”
Linda Morales, 65, of Oakland, died June 15, 2024, after a short illness. Thrust into our family as a stepmother, she quickly won our hearts with Sunday dinners and endless encouragement. Survived by stepsons David and Joshua, her private family gathering on June 30 will be as warm and welcoming as she was.
3. The Career Mom & Mentor
Angela Chen, 58, of San Francisco, passed May 20, 2024. A brilliant software engineer and devoted single mom, she balanced tough deadlines with bedtime stories. Daughter Mia and son Lucas carry forward her blend of strength and creativity. Join her service June 10 at TechHall Auditorium.
4. The Mother Gone Too Soon
Maria Lopez, 44, of Los Angeles, died April 1, 2024, in a tragic car accident. A devoted mom to toddlers Sofia and Mateo, she filled parks with laughter and lullabies at dawn. Survived by husband Carlos and their children, all are invited April 15 at Echo Park to celebrate her loving legacy.
5. The New Mom
Jessica “Jess” Parker, 29, of Sacramento, passed March 12, 2024, after a sudden illness. New mother to baby Oliver, she balanced diapers with design mock-ups—always with a smile. Oliver and her parents, Susan and Mike, invite you March 25 at Family Park for a celebration of her short but bright life.
6. The Brave Fighter
Helen Thompson, 62, of San Diego, lost her battle with cancer February 28, 2024. Even on hard days, her laughter filled every room and her courage inspired all who knew her. Survived by children Rachel and Ben, donations to the Cancer Support Network honor her fight. Service March 10 at St. John’s Church.
7. The Matriarch & Grandmother
Barbara “Barb” Nguyen, 70, of San Jose, passed January 5, 2024. As both mother to three and grandmother to four, her family reunions—complete with dumplings she hand-folded—were legendary. Survived by children Linda, Paul, and Kevin, her garden service January 20 at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will bloom with the love she planted.
8. The Foster Mom with a Big Heart
Diane Miller, 55, of Fresno, died December 10, 2023. Over two decades, she opened her home to dozens of foster children, offering stability and love. Survived by daughter Elena and the many “kids” she raised, a community celebration December 30 at the Community Center will echo with gratitude.
9. The Artist Mother
Karen Brooks, 48, of Berkeley, passed November 18, 2023. A painter whose colorful murals brightened city walls, she also taught her own three children to see the wonder in every brushstroke. Survived by Anna, Max, and Zoe, her gallery tribute December 5 at City Art Hall will unveil one final mural in her honor.
10. The Faith-Filled Mother
Janet “Jan” Reid, 66, of Marin County, passed October 22, 2023. As a deacon at St. Mary’s, she led Sunday school, comforted the grieving, and baked communion bread with love. Survived by son Peter and daughter Laura, her funeral Mass November 2 at St. Mary’s Chapel will celebrate her unwavering faith.
11. The Nature Lover
Eleanor “Ellie” Stevens, 60, of Pasadena, died September 30, 2023. An avid hiker and birdwatcher, she taught her kids to identify every local songbird. Survived by Hannah and Jared, her memorial hike October 15 at Eaton Canyon will follow the path she loved most.
12. The Family’s Guiding Light
Margaret “Maggie” O’Connor, 80, of San Rafael, passed August 5, 2023. As family matriarch, she hosted every milestone—graduations, weddings, new babies—and chronicled them in photo albums that brimmed with love. Survived by five children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, her home gathering on August 20 will be a testament to her legacy.
Each of these examples shows that the small details—her passions, her roles, her trademark laugh—bring an obituary to life. Use what resonates most, add your own cherished memories, and create a tribute that truly honors your mother’s unique story.
See also:
12 Obituary Examples for a Father
12 Obituary Examples for a Brother
12 Obituary Examples for a Sister
See also: How to Find Out If Someone Died With An Obituary or What Is An Obituary, Who Writes It & How Do They Work?
