How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person

Finding an obituary for a specific person can feel daunting, but it’s often an important step in remembering a loved one. Obituaries provide insights into people’s lives, capturing their achievements, relationships, and memories. Whether searching for personal reasons or genealogical research, these steps can help you find an obituary for a specific person.

 Use Online Obituary Databases

Online obituary databases are a great starting point when you need to find an obituary for a specific person. Websites like Legacy.com, Tributes.com, and Ever Loved have extensive collections of obituaries. To get started, enter the full name, location, and date of death, if available. These databases often include filters to narrow down your search results.

Check Local Newspaper Archives

Local newspapers often publish obituaries, making their archives a valuable resource when trying to find an obituary for a specific person. Many newspapers have digital archives that you can search through. Focus on newspapers from the area where the person lived or passed away. Access to some archives may be free, while others could require a subscription or a library card.  A great place to start looking at local newspapers is local news paper website

Visit Funeral Home Websites

Funeral home websites are another effective way to find an obituary for a specific person. If you know which funeral home managed the arrangements, visit their website to look for an obituary section. Funeral homes typically post recent obituaries, making it easier to find current information.

Search Social Media Platforms

Social media can be a surprisingly useful tool when trying to find an obituary for a specific person. Platforms like Facebook often have memorial pages or posts shared by family and friends. You can search directly for the person’s name or explore community groups that might have shared the obituary.

Explore Genealogy Websites

Genealogy websites like Ancestory.com and Family Search are powerful tools for those looking to find an obituary for a specific person. These platforms offer detailed search options, allowing you to filter results by name, date, and location. While some services require a subscription, they can provide comprehensive information, including historical obituaries.

My personal journey into genealogy research uncovered numerous family connections and stories I hadn’t known before. By building a family tree, I discovered relatives who had also preserved and shared family documents and obituaries.

Use Public Records and Government Resources

Public records can be another avenue to explore when trying to find an obituary for a specific person. Many state and national databases provide access to public records, which may include death records and sometimes obituaries. Resources like the National Archives or state-specific public record websites are particularly useful for older records.

Reach Out to Libraries and Historical Societies

Libraries and historical societies often keep archives of local newspapers and obituaries. When you need to find an obituary for a specific person, especially from a smaller community, these local resources can be invaluable. Contact the library or historical society directly, or visit their websites for guidance on accessing their collections.

Ask Family and Friends

Sometimes, the easiest way to find an obituary for a specific person is by asking family members or friends. They might have kept a copy or know where to locate the obituary. This approach can also provide additional stories and memories beyond what is written in public obituaries.

Consider Online Forums and Community Groups

Online forums and community groups dedicated to genealogy and finding lost relatives can be helpful. Websites like Reddit or specialized forums often have communities willing to assist you in your search to find an obituary for a specific person. Posting a query with available details can lead to useful tips or direct links.

Be Persistent and Patient

Persistence is key when you’re trying to find an obituary for a specific person. The search might take time, especially if the individual has a common name or records are incomplete. Be patient and try different variations of the person’s name, including alternative spellings or nicknames.

Finding an obituary for a specific person can be a rewarding process that helps honor and remember their life. By using these methods and resources, you increase your chances of success. Remember, each step in your search brings you closer to uncovering the legacy of your loved one.

In today’s digital age, finding an obituary for a specific person has become easier than ever. However, it still requires some detective work, especially with limited information. Whether you’re looking to honor a loved one, conduct genealogy research, or piece together your family history, this guide will provide you with effective strategies for locating published obituaries.  This blog was written and researched by the team at Farewellit.  There are plenty of resources at Farewllit, to help plan your own life celebration and even starting writing your own obituary blog.