How to Write an In Memoriam: Examples for Yearbooks, Programs, and Social Media

You have a week before the yearbook goes to print, two paragraphs to fill, and nothing useful in your head. Or the church newsletter editor asked for something by Friday. In both cases, what you need is an in memoriam: a short written tribute that honors a person's memory without the logistics of an obituary or the length of a eulogy.

An in memoriam is one to three short paragraphs that captures who someone was and why they mattered — no service details, no survivor list. For a yearbook, center it on one page with a photo. For a newsletter or church bulletin, two to four sentences is usually right. For social media, lead with the tribute and keep any practical details secondary.

The phrase is Latin for "in memory of." You will see it on dedication pages, in annual memorial sections of organizations, and increasingly in digital spaces. This guide covers the most common formats with examples and fill-in templates for each.

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How an In Memoriam Differs from an Obituary or Eulogy

An in memoriam does not need to include funeral arrangements, survivors, or cause of death. It focuses entirely on the person — who they were, what they contributed, and why they are remembered.

For guidance on the other formats, see how to write an obituary or how to write a eulogy.

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In Memoriam for a Yearbook

A yearbook in memoriam page is one of the most specific and emotionally careful formats. It is typically used when a student, teacher, coach, or staff member dies during the school year. The page usually appears at the front or back of the yearbook.

What to include

• The person's name and dates (birth year and year of death, or full dates)
• Their role at the school (grade, sport, club, subject taught)
• A few sentences about who they were and what they meant to the community
• An optional short quote from a classmate, teacher, or family member
• A photo if the family has approved its use

Format

Keep it simple and centered. Most yearbook in memoriam pages are one page with a large photo, the name and dates, and two to four short paragraphs. White space is your friend — this is not the place for dense text.

Example: Student

In Memory of

Sarah Chen September 12, 2008 – October 3, 2025

Sarah was a junior who brought warmth and energy to every corner of our school. As captain of the swim team and a dedicated member of the debate club, she showed up fully for everything she loved. Her laugh was impossible to miss in a crowded hallway, and her kindness was the kind that made people feel seen.

She is deeply missed by the students, teachers, and coaches who had the privilege of knowing her.

Example: Teacher or Staff Member

In Memory of

Mr. David Okafor 1971 – 2025

Mr. Okafor taught AP History at Jefferson High School for 19 years. He had a gift for making the past feel immediate and important, and his classroom was always full of students who had returned just to talk. He coached the mock trial team to four regional championships and was trusted by generations of students who needed someone in their corner.

He is remembered with deep respect and gratitude by the students and colleagues whose lives he shaped.

Fill-in template

In Memory of

[Full Name]
[Birth year or date] – [Year or date of passing]

[Name] was a [grade/role] who [what they were known for].
[One sentence about their personality or what made them stand out].
[One sentence about their involvement or impact].

[He/She/They] is deeply missed by [the school community / students and teachers /
coaches and classmates who knew them].

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In Memoriam for a Church Bulletin or Program

Church bulletins, order-of-service programs, and faith community newsletters often include in memoriam notices for members who have recently died or on the anniversary of their passing. These tend to be short — one brief paragraph — and focus on faith, community, and service.

Example

In Memoriam

Robert J. Hayes (1942–2026)

A faithful member of this congregation for more than 40 years, Robert served as a deacon, sang in the choir every Sunday, and was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. His steady presence and quiet faith were a gift to this community. He is remembered with love by all who worshipped alongside him.

Fill-in template

In Memoriam

[Full Name] ([Birth year]–[Year of passing])

A [role or description] for [length of involvement], [Name] [what they did or contributed].
[One sentence about their character or how they were known]. [He/She/They] is remembered
with [love / gratitude / deep respect] by those who [knew / worshipped alongside / worked with] them.

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In Memoriam for a Newsletter or Professional Publication

Alumni newsletters, professional association publications, trade journals, and organizational newsletters often include brief in memoriam notices for members who have died. The tone here is more formal than a personal tribute — clear, respectful, and focused on professional contribution.

Example: Alumni newsletter

It is with sadness that we note the passing of Dr. Margaret Fielding, Class of 1978. Dr. Fielding spent 30 years as a professor of environmental science at the University of Oregon, where she influenced generations of students and co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed papers on coastal ecosystems. She was a tireless advocate for environmental education and a proud alumna who remained connected to this community throughout her career. She will be greatly missed.

Example: Professional association

James T. Marchetti (1959–2026) was a longtime member of the American Institute of Architects and a principal at Marchetti & Associates for 28 years. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to sustainable design, Jim shaped the built environment of his city in ways that will outlast him. The association extends its deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.

Fill-in template

It is with [sadness / deep regret] that we note the passing of [Full Name], [role or
connection to the organization]. [Name] [professional summary in one or two sentences].
[He/She/They] [legacy statement: what they contributed, what will persist].
[Optional: condolences line]. [He/She/They] will be greatly missed.

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In Memoriam for Social Media

Social media in memoriam posts are more personal than the formats above. They are usually written by a family member or close friend and speak directly from the heart. The goal is not to inform a community — most followers already know — but to publicly mark the loss and honor the person.

Example: On the day of death or shortly after

We lost Dad yesterday. He was 81, and he lived every one of those years fully — as a husband of 54 years, a father who never missed a game, a neighbor who knew everyone on the street, and a man who could fix anything with what was already in the garage. We are heartbroken and so grateful. Rest easy, Pop. 🕯

Example: On the anniversary of death

One year ago today we lost Mom. The house is quieter without her, and we still reach for the phone to call her with good news. She would have had something wise and funny to say about all of it. Miss you every day. In memory of Carol Anne Whitfield (1945–2025).

Example: For a public figure or community member

The [Organization] is heartbroken to share the news that [Name] passed away on [date]. [He/She/They] gave [X] years to this community and left it better than [he/she/they] found it. We are grateful for everything [he/she/they] brought to this work. Our thoughts are with [his/her/their] family.

Tips for social media

• Lead with the tribute, not the logistics. People can ask about services if they need to.
• Use first person for personal posts ("We lost Dad") and third person for organizational posts.
• A single photo is more powerful than several. Choose the one that looks most like the person.
• Keep the link to the memorial page secondary — mention it at the end or in a comment, not as the headline of the post.
• For a full guide on sharing across platforms, see how to share a memorial page on social media.

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In Memoriam for an Annual Tribute or Program Dedication

Some in memoriam notices are not tied to a recent death but to an ongoing remembrance — an annual gala, a scholarship fund, a dedication page in a published work.

Program dedication

This evening is dedicated in loving memory of Eleanor Voss, whose vision and generosity made this organization possible.

Book or publication dedication

In memory of Thomas R. Briggs, who taught us that words matter and that the truth is worth the trouble of finding it.

Annual gala or event tribute

Tonight we pause to remember those members of our community who are no longer with us. We are grateful for what they gave and carry their work forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an in memoriam and an obituary?

An obituary announces the death and includes practical information — service dates, survivors, cause of death (if shared). An in memoriam is a standing tribute with no logistics. It focuses on who the person was and why they are remembered. Obituaries are read once around the time of the death; in memoriam pieces are meant to be preserved and returned to. If you are choosing between an obituary and an online memorial, see online memorial vs obituary.

How long should an in memoriam be?

Most in memoriam notices are one to three short paragraphs. Yearbook pages can be a full page with a photo; newsletter notices are usually two to four sentences. The right length depends on the format and the space available — shorter is usually better.

Who writes the in memoriam for a yearbook?

Usually the yearbook editor, a faculty advisor, or a small group of students working together. If possible, involve people who knew the person well. Family members may want to review the final text before the yearbook goes to print, especially if it includes personal details or a photo.

Can I write an in memoriam for someone who died years ago?

Yes. An in memoriam is appropriate at any time — for recent losses and for anniversaries. Many families write one on the first anniversary of a death, or to mark a milestone like what would have been the person's 70th birthday.

Should an in memoriam have a photo?

In a yearbook or print program, a photo makes the tribute much more impactful. For digital uses — social media, newsletters — a photo is standard. Always get family permission before using a photo in a school or organizational publication.

Is "in memoriam" one word or two?

Two words: in memoriam. It is a Latin phrase and does not need to be italicized in most contexts, though some publications style it that way. As a heading, it is usually capitalized: In Memoriam or In Memory of.

What is the difference between "in memoriam" and "in memory of"?

They mean the same thing. "In memoriam" is the Latin form, often used as a formal heading. "In memory of" is the English equivalent and works well in running text. Either is correct and appropriate.

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Create a Lasting Online Memorial

An in memoriam is a short tribute for a specific context. If you want something families and friends can return to — a page with photos, stories, candles, and a permanent link — an online memorial gives you that space.

Unlike a yearbook page or a newsletter notice, a memorial website can grow over time. Visitors can leave their own messages, and family can add new photos on anniversaries and birthdays.

If you want to create one alongside the in memoriam you are writing, start with a free memorial site — no account needed, live in about 5 minutes.