Losing your sister leaves an emptiness that words struggle to fill. And writing her obituary is a challenging task, especially when grief is so raw. We’re here to help.

These obituary examples for a sister can guide you through this difficult task. This guide provides 12 thoughtful examples along with a simple template and practical advice to help you honor your sister's unique story.

Do you have questions about planning cremation services? Not sure where to start? Our team at After is here to guide you through each step with care, clarity, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Simple Template For Your Sister's Obituary

Use this template as a starting point, then personalize it with specific details that capture your sister's spirit:

[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/unexpectedly/after a brief illness] on [date].

Born [date] in [city] to [parents' names], [first name] was [brief description: "a devoted mother and teacher" / "a free spirit who loved adventure" / "the heart of our family"].

[One to three paragraphs about her life: education, career, hobbies, personality, what made her special. Include specific memories or characteristics that were uniquely hers.]

[First name] is survived by [list of family members]. She was preceded in passing by [names, if applicable].

A [funeral service/memorial service/celebration of life] will be held [date] at [time] at [location]. [Additional service details or instructions, such as dress code or whether it's private.]

In lieu of flowers, [memorial donations information or "the family requests privacy during this time"].

Tips for using this template:

• Replace bracketed sections with your sister's specific information.
• Add or remove paragraphs based on what feels right.
• Include one or two specific memories or anecdotes that show her personality.
• Mention her relationship to you if it feels appropriate ("my sister and best friend").
• Use her nickname if that's how people knew her.

How To Write An Obituary For Your Sister: Step-By-Step

Writing an obituary for your sister requires balancing factual information with the personal connection you shared. Here's how to approach it:

Gather Essential Information

Before you start writing, collect these details:

• Full legal name (including maiden name if applicable)
• Birth date and place
• Date and place of passing
• Age at time of passing
• Names of parents (including whether they're living or passed)
• Spouse or partner's name
• Children's names
• Siblings' names (including yourself)
• Grandchildren, if applicable
• Education background
• Career information
• Hobbies and interests

Start With The Basic Announcement

Begin with a clear opening sentence that includes her name, age, city of residence, and date of passing.

Examples:

• "Jennifer Marie Rodriguez, 58, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025."
• "Amanda Lynn Parker, 32, passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2025."

You can optionally include cause of death ("after a brief illness," "following a courageous battle with cancer"), but this is entirely your choice based on family preference.

Tell Her Life Story Chronologically

Move through her life in a logical order: birth and childhood, education, career, marriage and family, later years. Focus on achievements and moments that mattered most.

Include:

• Where she grew up
• Schools she attended and degrees earned
• Career highlights and how long she worked
• When and whom she married
• Children she raised
• Volunteer work or community involvement

Show Her Personality

This is where your sister's obituary becomes unique. Move beyond facts to capture who she really was.

Add details like:

• Her infectious laugh that filled every room
• The way she made the best chocolate chip cookies
• Her terrible jokes that somehow always made you smile
• Her collection of vintage records
• How she volunteered at the animal shelter every Saturday
• Her legendary Thanksgiving dinners

These specific, concrete details create a vivid picture that generic phrases like "she was kind and loving" never can.

Acknowledge Your Relationship

In a sister's obituary, it's appropriate to acknowledge the special bond you shared—if you want to.

You might write:

• "Rebecca was not only my sister but my best friend and confidant."
• "As my older sister, Margaret guided me through every important decision."
• "Twin sisters share a connection beyond words, and Lauren understood me in ways no one else could."

List Surviving Family Members

Start with "She is survived by..." and list immediate family members. The traditional order is:

1. Spouse or partner
2. Children (and their spouses)
3. Grandchildren
4. Parents
5. Siblings (including yourself)
6. Other significant family members

If family members passed before her, note this: "She was preceded in passing by her husband Robert and her parents John and Mary Williams."

Include Service Information

Provide clear details about memorial services:

• Type of service (funeral, memorial service, celebration of life)
• Date and time
• Location with full address
• Whether it's open to the public or private
• Any special instructions (dress code, what to bring)
• Reception information if applicable

Add Memorial Donation Information

If the family prefers donations instead of flowers, include:

• The specific charity or organization
• Why it was meaningful to your sister
• How to make donations (website or address)

Example: "In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, an organization close to Jennifer's heart during her battle with cancer."

Write Multiple Drafts

Your first draft doesn't need to be perfect. Write everything you want to include, then:

1. Set it aside for a few hours or overnight.
2. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
3. Cut unnecessary words while keeping meaningful details.
4. Check all factual information (dates, name spellings, locations).
5. Ask family members to review for accuracy and completeness.

Keep It Authentic

The best obituary examples for a sister all share one quality: they feel authentic. Don't worry about sounding formal or profound. Write the way you'd talk about your sister to someone who has never met her.

If she had a quirky sense of humor, let that show. If she were deeply spiritual, mention her faith. If she loved terrible puns, include one. The obituary should sound like her, not like everyone else's.

What To Include (and What To Skip)

Use this checklist to make sure you cover the essentials and know what you can leave out when writing your sister’s obituary.

Always include:

• Full name with nickname in quotes if she used one
• Birth and passing dates
• City of residence
• Immediate family members
• At least one personal detail that shows her personality
• Service information

Consider including:

• Cause of death (family preference varies)
• Education and career highlights
• Hobbies and passions
• Volunteer work
• Specific memories or anecdotes
• Favorite quotes or sayings
• Her impact on others

You can skip:

• Extensive medical details
• Family conflicts or estrangements
• Financial information
• Anything that doesn't honor her memory

12 Obituary Examples for Your Sister

These examples show different approaches to honoring your sister's memory. Each captures a unique relationship and personality type.

lease note: These obituary examples for a sister are entirely fictional and created for guidance purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or passed, is purely coincidental.

1. Traditional Format For An Older Sister

Jennifer Marie Rodriguez, 58, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by family. Born September 3, 1966, in Tucson to Miguel and Rosa Rodriguez, Jennifer was the eldest of three children and embraced that role with grace throughout her life.

She graduated from Arizona State University in 1988 with a degree in elementary education and taught third grade for 30 years at Desert Vista Elementary. Her classroom was a second home where hundreds of students learned not just reading and math, but kindness and resilience.

Jennifer married David Chen in 1992, and together they raised two daughters while building a life filled with Sunday dinners, backyard barbecues, and annual camping trips to the Grand Canyon. 

She loved gardening, made the best tamales every Christmas, and could always make you laugh even on your worst days.

Jennifer is survived by her husband David, daughters Emma and Sofia, siblings Carlos and Maria, and four grandchildren who called her "Abuela J."

A funeral mass will be celebrated March 22 at St. Mary's Church at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phoenix Teachers Fund in Jennifer's memory.

2. Younger Sister Gone Too Soon

Amanda "Mandy" Lynn Parker, 32, passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2025, leaving her family heartbroken. Born July 19, 1992, in Portland, Oregon, Mandy was the baby of the family and brought joy wherever she went.

She graduated from Portland State University with a degree in graphic design and worked as a freelance artist, creating vibrant murals throughout the city.

Mandy had an infectious laugh, a passion for rescue animals (she fostered 23 dogs in five years), and an ability to find beauty in everyday moments. She was learning to play guitar, made terrible puns, and never missed our weekly coffee dates.

Though her time was far too short, the love she gave and the art she created will remain with us always.

Mandy is survived by her parents Robert and Susan Parker, siblings Jessica and Michael, and her beloved rescue dog, Charlie.

A celebration of life will be held February 20 at 3 p.m. at Laurelhurst Park. Please wear bright colors—Mandy hated black. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Humane Society.

3. Sister Who Was A Best Friend

Rebecca "Becca" Anne Walsh, 45, my sister and my best friend, passed away January 30, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born March 12, 1979, in Sacramento, California, Becca and I were only eighteen months apart in age but a lifetime close in friendship. 

We shared everything—a bedroom for fifteen years, clothes we "borrowed" without asking, secrets no one else knew, and dreams we built together.

Becca worked as a pediatric nurse at Children's Hospital, where families knew her for her gentle touch and ability to calm even the most frightened child. She loved hiking, trying new restaurants, and hosting game nights that lasted until 2 a.m.

She was my first phone call for every big decision, my partner in mischief, and the person who knew exactly what I was thinking with just a look.

Becca is survived by her sister (me, Sarah Walsh), her partner Alex Thompson, her parents James and Linda Walsh, and countless friends who became family.

A memorial service will be held February 10 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Community Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Children's Hospital Sacramento, where Becca gave so much of her heart.

4. Sister With A Long Battle

Catherine "Cathy" Rose Martinez, 52, completed her courageous journey with cancer on December 15, 2024, at home with family by her side.

Born April 8, 1972, in Denver, Colorado, Cathy faced her diagnosis four years ago with remarkable strength and grace. Even through the hardest treatments, she never lost her sense of humor or her determination to live fully.

Cathy worked as a high school English teacher for 25 years, inspiring students to love literature and think critically. She was passionate about poetry, volunteered at the literacy center, and organized an annual book drive that collected thousands of volumes for underserved schools.

During her illness, Cathy started a blog sharing her journey with unflinching honesty and hope, touching thousands of readers she never met.

She is survived by her husband Paul Martinez, children Noah and Grace, siblings Daniel and myself (Maria Lopez), and a community forever changed by her courage.

A memorial service will be held on December 28 at Mountain View Chapel at 11 a.m. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Denver Literacy Project.

5. Sister Who Loved Adventure

Samantha "Sam" Jo Bennett, 38, embarked on her final adventure March 3, 2025. Born November 22, 1986, in Seattle, Washington, Sam lived life at full throttle.

She backpacked through 47 countries, learned to scuba dive in Thailand, ran with the bulls in Spain (against all our advice), and convinced me to jump out of a perfectly good airplane for her 35th birthday.

Sam worked as a travel photographer, and her images appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and on walls of homes across the world. But her greatest talent was making strangers feel like family and finding joy in the unexpected.

She taught me that life is meant to be lived boldly, that the best stories come from taking chances, and that saying "yes" opens doors you never knew existed.

Sam is survived by her parents John and Patricia Bennett, siblings myself (Kevin Bennett) and Lindsay Reed, and friends scattered across six continents who will miss her fierce spirit.

A celebration of Sam's life will be held March 20 at Golden Gardens Park at sunset. Bring a story, a photo, or something that reminds you of adventure. In her memory, please donate to the Global Wildlife Conservation Fund.

6. Eldest Sister Who Raised You

Margaret "Maggie" Ann Sullivan, 67, the sister who raised me, passed away on February 12, 2025. Born May 15, 1957, in Boston, Massachusetts, Maggie became a second mother to me after our mom passed when I was eight.

She was only nineteen but somehow managed to work full-time, put herself through nursing school, and make sure I never missed a soccer game or school event.

Maggie taught me to tie my shoes, helped with homework, attended every parent-teacher conference, and walked me down the aisle at my wedding. She never complained about the childhood she gave up to raise me.

She worked as an ER nurse for 40 years and spent her rare free time volunteering at the community food bank and tending her rose garden.

Maggie is survived by her sister (me, Ellen Murphy), her husband Thomas Sullivan, nieces Rachel and Kate, and a nephew who owes her everything.

A funeral service will be held February 19 at St. Patrick's Cathedral at 10 a.m. Donations may be made to the Greater Boston Food Bank in Maggie's name.

7. Creative Sister

Julia Marie Foster, 41, whose art brought color to our world, passed away January 18, 2025. Born August 7, 1983, in Austin, Texas, Julia saw beauty everywhere. In morning light, cracked sidewalks, and rainy Tuesdays.

She earned her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a sculptor and installation artist. Her work appeared in galleries from New York to Los Angeles, but Julia was just as happy teaching art classes to kids at the local community center every Saturday morning.

She painted our childhood bedroom ceiling with stars when I was afraid of the dark, turned her tiny apartment into a jungle of plants, and 

believed deeply that art could change the world.

Julia is survived by her parents Richard and Anne Foster, her sister (me, Hannah Foster), her partner Morgan Lee, and an artistic community forever inspired by her vision.

A memorial exhibition of Julia's work will be held February 5 at the Austin Contemporary Art Center. In lieu of flowers, please support the Austin Youth Arts Program, where Julia taught and believed every child deserved to create.

8. Sister With Special Needs

Emily Grace Thompson, 35, whose pure heart and infectious joy touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025.

Born December 3, 1989, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Emily lived with Down syndrome and taught us more about love, patience, and happiness than we ever taught her.

She worked at Sunshine Bakery, where customers came as much for her warm hugs as for the cookies. Emily loved Disney movies (she watched The Little Mermaid 347 times—yes, we counted), dancing, and making friendship bracelets for everyone she met.

Emily had an uncanny ability to sense when someone needed kindness. She never met a stranger, never held a grudge, and found reasons to celebrate every single day.

She is survived by her parents, David and Carol Thompson, siblings, myself (Ryan Thompson) and Ashley Weber, and a community that loved her unconditionally.

A celebration of Emily's life will be held on March 18 at Community Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Please wear purple—her favorite color. Donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

9. Military Sister

Major Sarah Elizabeth Brooks, 44, who served her country with honor, passed away on February 25, 2025. 

Born June 18, 1980, in San Diego, California, Sarah joined the Army at 22 and built a distinguished 20-year career. She served three tours overseas and received numerous commendations for her leadership and dedication.

But to us, she just our sister. The one who sent care packages from halfway around the world, who video-called from military bases to read bedtime stories to her nieces, and who somehow made everyone feel safe even when she was in danger.

Sarah was tough, funny, fiercely protective of those she loved, and impossibly brave. After retiring last year, she worked with veterans' organizations helping others transition to civilian life.

She is survived by her parents William and Janet Brooks, siblings Daniel and myself (Christina Ramirez), and nieces Emma and Sophia who adored their "Aunt SarBear."

A military funeral with full honors will be held March 5 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

10. Sister Who Was An Educator

Dr. Patricia Lynn Anderson, 56, who dedicated her life to education, passed away January 5, 2025.

Born September 14, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, Patricia earned her doctorate in education from Northwestern University and spent 30 years working to improve public schools in underserved communities.

She believed every child deserved excellent teachers, safe classrooms, and opportunities to succeed. Patricia wrote three books on education reform, testified before Congress twice, and mentored hundreds of teachers who are now changing lives themselves.

But she was also the sister who helped me with algebra homework every night for a year, who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and who showed up at every important moment in my life.

Patricia is survived by her husband Michael Anderson, children Alexandra and Benjamin, siblings myself (Robert Dixon) and Jennifer Lee, and countless students whose lives she transformed.

A memorial service will be held January 15 at University Chapel at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chicago Education Fund, which Patricia helped establish.

11. Sister Who Struggled

Michelle Anne Davis, 39, who battled addiction with courage but ultimately lost the fight, passed away on December 2, 2024.

Born March 25, 1985, in Portland, Maine, Michelle was so much more than her addiction. She was an incredible artist, a devoted aunt, and the sister who could make me laugh harder than anyone else.

She fought hard to get well, completing treatment multiple times and having periods of beautiful sobriety where we glimpsed the Michelle we knew was still there. Her illness doesn't define her memory or diminish the love we have for her.

Michelle is survived by her daughter Lily (age 8), her parents Mark and Susan Davis, siblings myself (Jennifer Wilson) and Christopher Davis, and a family that will always remember her at her best.

A private family service will be held. For those struggling with addiction, please reach out to the Maine Recovery Connection at 1-800-558-4673. In Michelle's memory, donations may be made to the Portland Recovery Center.

12. Twin Sister

Lauren Ashley Mitchell, my twin sister and other half, passed away February 14, 2025, at age 43. 

Born together on May 6, 1981, in Nashville, Tennessee, Lauren and I shared everything: A birthday, a face (to everyone's confusion), a room for eighteen years, and a connection that went deeper than words.

We had our own language as toddlers, knew what the other was thinking without speaking, and called each other at the exact same moment more times than we can count. When she hurt, I hurt. When she laughed, I laughed.

Lauren was a speech therapist who helped children find their voices. She loved running (she finished five marathons), trying new recipes (most were edible), and spontaneous road trips.

She made me braver, kept all my secrets, and understood me in ways no one else ever could. Life without her feels impossible, but I carry her with me in everything I do.

Lauren is survived by her twin sister (me, Amy Mitchell Parker), her husband Jason Mitchell, sons Tyler and Evan, and parents Robert and Diane Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held February 22 at Riverside Chapel at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation.

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Where To Create and Design Your Sister's Obituary

Beyond writing the words, you'll need to format and publish your sister's obituary. These platforms help you create a polished, visually appealing tribute.

For Newspaper Publication

Most newspapers now accept obituary submissions through their websites. Contact your local paper directly for their specific requirements, word count limits, photo specifications, pricing, and deadlines. Newspapers typically charge by the line or word count, so shorter obituaries cost less.

Legacy.com

Legacy.com partners with over 1,500 newspapers nationwide and handles the submission process for you. You can write your obituary on their platform, choose which newspapers should publish it, and pay online.

They also create a permanent online memorial page that accepts condolences and allows you to share photos and videos.

Canva

Canva offers hundreds of obituary and memorial templates you can customize for both print and digital use. Search for "obituary," "funeral program," or "memorial card" to find professionally designed templates.

You can adjust colors, fonts, and layouts, add photos, and download high-resolution PDFs for printing. Canva's free version includes plenty of options, though premium templates require a subscription.

Adobe Express

Adobe Express (adobe.com/express) provides elegant templates specifically for funeral programs and memorial cards that include space for obituaries. Their templates tend toward more sophisticated, design-forward aesthetics.

The drag-and-drop editor makes customization simple even if you're not a designer. Many templates are free, with premium options available.

Template.net

Template.net offers downloadable obituary templates in Word, Google Docs, and PDF formats. These tend toward more traditional layouts suitable for printing or newspaper submission.

Many templates are free, though some require a small fee. You can download, customize in Word or Google Docs, and print at home or take to a professional printer.

Honoring Your Sister's Memory

Writing an obituary for your sister is one of the hardest tasks grief asks of you. These obituary examples for a sister provide structure and inspiration, but the most meaningful tribute will be the one that comes from your heart.

Take your time with this. Write about the sister you knew: the one who made you laugh, who knew your secrets, who shaped who you became. Let her personality shine through every word.

During this difficult time, you deserve support that extends beyond writing an obituary. After provides simple, transparent direct cremation services starting at $995, with no hidden fees and no pressure.

Our dedicated Care Specialists handle the practical details so you can focus on honoring your sister's memory and supporting your family. We're available 24/7 because grief doesn't follow business hours. We also have various obituary services for you.

Whether you need immediate assistance or want to plan ahead, our team is here to answer your questions and provide the dignified care your sister deserves.

You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.