If your loved one was a part of a religious community, it's a good idea to locate and get in touch with their clergyperson as soon as possible. They can give you guidance and support at this difficult time. If you don't know what house of worship they attended, contact ones in the area or ask your funeral home for help.

Finding a loved one’s religious clergy

Once your loved one's closest friends and immediate family are told, you will have to begin sharing the sad news with the larger community of people who knew and loved them. Some might be obvious, like extended family and circles of friends, while others, like daily caregivers, clergypeople, and employers, also need to be told quickly. It's a good idea to delegate some of this taxing list of calls.

Notifying your loved one’s wider circle

Informing family and friends of your loved one’s passing may be one of the hardest tasks you will ever have to do. Shock, guilt, and anger are some of the many emotions that can arise during these difficult conversations. Remember to take things slow, lead with compassion, and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

Telling family and friends the sad news

Informing family and friends of your loved one’s passing may be one of the hardest tasks you will ever have to do. Shock, guilt, and anger are some of the many emotions that can arise during these difficult conversations. From face-to-face conversations to posting to social media to everything in between, there are a few different options when delivering the sad news to the people in your loved one's circles.

How to inform people about a loved one’s death

Notifying your loved one's circles of friends, acquaintances, and contacts about your their death can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Publishing a death notice or obituary in the newspaper or online is an efficient way to share the sad news, and saves you time and energy in the long run. The two  quite similar, but there are some key differences between them.

The difference between an obituary and a death notice

Sharing news about a sudden, unexpected, or traumatic death

5 things great obituary writers do

5 things to remember before sharing news of a family member’s death

Sharing news of a death in writing 

Personal Belongings

The House

Property & Assets

Applying for Benefits

Managing Accounts

Taxes

Bills & Debt

Searching for Documents

Informing Others

The Will

The Funeral

Probate

Immediate Arrangements

Identity Theft Prevention

Grief & Grieving

Informing family and friends of your loved one’s passing may be one of the hardest and most difficult tasks you will ever have to do. Remember to take things slow, lead with compassion, and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

From face-to-face conversations to posting to social media to everything in between, there are a few different options when delivering the sad news.  

Once your loved one’s closest friends and immediate family are told, you will have to begin sharing the sad news with the larger community of people who knew and loved them. And it’s a good idea to delegate some of this taxing list of calls.

If your loved one was a part of a religious community, it’s a good idea to locate and get in touch with their clergyperson as soon as possible. They can give you guidance and support at this difficult time.

Informing Others

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