Can you write the obituary yourself, or do you need a professional?

You can write an obituary entirely by yourself. Newspapers and funeral homes offer templates that make writing easier. The funeral home can also help with wording. A professional is not required, but help is available if you need it.

What symbol is used in an obituary notice?

Traditionally, a cross is used. The Lutheran cross is the most common in Finland. Orthodox crosses, doves, and other symbols are also used. For a secular funeral, a candle or nature image may be used instead of a cross. Newspapers offer several symbol options.

Who is an obituary notice intended for?

The purpose of an obituary is to inform the wider circle of acquaintances and the community about the death. It serves both as an expression of grief and as a practical announcement of the funeral's time and place. The closest family members are notified personally before the newspaper notice.

Writing an Obituary Notice – Guidelines, Examples and Templates

Q: How much does a newspaper obituary cost?

The price of an obituary notice varies by newspaper and size. In Helsingin Sanomat, a notice typically costs €200–500. Regional newspapers are often cheaper, at €100–300. Online notices are often free or very affordable.

Q: Must the obituary be published before the funeral?

Not necessarily. An obituary can be published before the funeral as an invitation, or afterwards as an announcement. If the funeral is private, the notice is often published only afterwards. The timing is the family's own choice.

What is an obituary notice?

An obituary notice is an announcement published in a newspaper or online that informs people of a person's death. It serves two purposes: it expresses the family's grief and communicates the time and place of the funeral to the wider circle of acquaintances.

Writing an obituary can feel difficult in the midst of grief. This guide provides clear instructions, ready-made templates, and examples for different situations, so that composing the notice is as easy as possible.

Structure of an obituary notice

A traditional Finnish obituary notice follows an established structure:

1. Symbol

The top of the notice usually features a symbol:

Cross – Lutheran (most common) or Orthodox
Dove – symbol of peace
Candle – the light of remembrance
Nature image – a secular alternative

2. The deceased's name and years of life

The deceased's full name and years of birth and death. Often in the format:

Maija Liisa Virtanen 1945–2026

If needed, the maiden name can be included in parentheses: née Korhonen.

3. Memorial phrase or Bible verse

A short, touching phrase. Traditionally a Bible verse or poem:

"Your memory lives on in our hearts."
"Quietly the flame of life went out."
"Into the Lord's keeping."
"Remembered with love."

4. Names of the surviving family

The grieving family members are listed in order of closeness:

Spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings

A relationship descriptor may be added after a name: children and their families or close relatives.

5. Funeral details

If the funeral is public:

Funeral service on Friday 28 February 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Helsinki Cathedral. Memorial reception at the parish hall Katariina.

If the funeral is private:

The funeral service will be held in the presence of the family.

6. Other information

In lieu of flowers, a donation (the organisation is named)
Where to send condolence addresses
Special details about the memorial reception

Examples of obituary notices

Traditional obituary – elderly family member

✝

Eino Olavi Mäkinen 1938–2026

Your memory remains in our hearts, warm and bright.

Wife Helvi Children Markku and Riitta with their families Grandchildren

Funeral service on Saturday 1 March 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Tampere Cathedral. Memorial reception at the Amuri parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Finnish Heart Association.

Personal and warm obituary

✝

Anna-Kaisa Järvinen née Lahtinen 1952–2026

You were our light and our shelter. Thank you for everything, dear Mum.

Daughters Sari, Minna, and Johanna with their families Seven grandchildren

Funeral service on Wednesday 5 March 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Kallio Church, Helsinki. Memorial reception following the service in the parish hall.

Formal and understated

✝

Professor emeritus Kari Juhani Salonen 12 April 1941 – 8 February 2026

With gratitude.

The family

The funeral service will be held privately.

Obituary for a young person

🕯

Lauri Matias Korhonen 1998–2026

A light extinguished too soon. We will miss you always.

Mother Tuula and father Pekka Sister Emilia Grandparents, godparent, and friends

Funeral service on Friday 7 March 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in Espoo Cathedral. Memorial reception in the parish hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, we wish for donations to MIELI ry.

Secular funeral – non-religious

🕯

Liisa Helena Nurmi 1960–2026

Your life was like a warm summer's day – full of light and laughter.

Partner Mikko Children Aleksi and Veera

Farewell ceremony on Thursday 6 March 2026 at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Hietaniemi Crematorium.

Memorial reception at Restaurant Meri at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial phrases and text options

Traditional and religious

"Into the Lord's keeping."
"Into God's peace."
"Blessed are the peacemakers."
"The Lord is my shepherd."

Warm and personal

"Your memory lives on in our hearts forever."
"Thank you for all the years we shared."
"Love does not end – it changes form."
"You were everything to us."
"Quietly the flame of life went out, but the light remains."

Nature-themed

"Like a tree that gave its shade – thank you for your shelter."
"You returned to the nature you so loved."
"The stars were lit for you."

Minimalist

"Remembered with love."
"With gratitude."
"With longing."
"At rest."

Publishing an obituary notice

In a newspaper

The main newspapers for obituary notices:

Helsingin Sanomat – national, price €200–500
Aamulehti – Pirkanmaa region
Turun Sanomat – Southwest Finland
Kaleva – Northern Finland
Local newspapers – more affordable, €100–300

The notice is submitted to the newspaper's advertising department by email or online form. Newspapers provide templates and assist with layout. Publication usually takes 1–3 days from the order.

Online

Many newspapers also publish obituary notices online. There are also separate online platforms for obituaries. Online notices reach especially the younger generation and family members living abroad.

Timing

Before the funeral – serves as an invitation, published 3–7 days before
On the day of the funeral – the traditional publication date
After the funeral – especially if the funeral was private

Practical tips

Ask for help. The funeral home or a close friend can help with the wording.
Proofread carefully. Check names, dates, and times.
Keep the text concise. A long notice is not better – clarity is what matters.
Consider the deceased's wishes. If the deceased wished for a particular memorial phrase or symbol, respect that wish.
Decide on the flower policy. "In lieu of flowers, donations to..." is a common and valued practice.

There are also other good practices related to obituary etiquette worth familiarising yourself with.

Writing an Obituary Notice – Guidelines, Examples and Templates | Muistovalkea