Do not start with “the family regrets to announce . . .”
Instead, start with the deceased’s name and make the obituary about them.

Do not reference the deceased back to the obituary author(s)
For example, avoid saying “Mom” or “Dad.” Instead, write about the deceased in the third person, as an individual.

Do not say “after a courageous struggle . . .”
Think about other ways to say this that do not sound like a cliché. Honor the deceased’s fight with their illness by describing it accurately and sensitively. How did they themselves describe this period of their life?

Do not exclude the life
Describe more than just the final period of life and the death. Do not just thank those who helped with the care during the illness and dying and (if written afterwards) to those who helped at the funeral. Instead, think of thanking those who helped during the lifetime.

Do not use abbreviations that could be unfamiliar

Do not say “in lieu of flowers…”
Instead, simply state your requests for memorial donations. As well, consider ways that are more creative.

Do not forget to proofread, and proofread again