How to Let Others Know Someone Has Died

Death notification

Death notification is never easy. However, it must happen and happen in a timely manner.

Direct communication

Direct communication is the best approach for death notification. It is expedient and allows people to take action, such as attending a funeral service.

• Social networking: With the popularity of sites like Facebook, word spreads quickly.
• Address book: Some decedents will leave an address book – printed or digital – which can be used to contact people.
• Word of mouth: You can take ask specific people to contact whoever they think would like to be notified.
• Distribution websites: There web sites that will distribute death care notifications on your behalf. However, you will need to supply contact information. Some people may not appreciate having their personal information divulged.

Obituary

Posting an obituary is passive communication. It may not be seen in time for a service or at all.

• With the popularity of social networking sites, you can post a death notice to your current network.
• If you have access to the decedent’s social network accounts, you can post a death notice there as well.
• Websites have been created to post obituaries and allow people to respond. However, people would need to be checking the websites on a regular basis.
• All newspapers will an obituary. Be aware of the declining readership of printed media. When printed media has a website, obituaries may not be posted automatically. Note that an obituary does not double as a probate announcement.

Notes

• If the deceased was employed, it is important to notify the employer so that necessary paperwork can be processed (termination, benefits, etc.).
• Be prepared to handle offers of help upon notification. This is a good way to distribute the work and allow people to contribute.