Storytelling Eulogy Template

[Title: Remembering (Name): Stories of a Life Well-Lived]

Opening

Hello everyone. I'm [Your Name], [relationship to the deceased]. Thank you all for coming today to celebrate the life of [Name]. When I think about [Name], what comes to mind isn't just dates and achievements, but the stories – those moments that revealed who [he/she] truly was. Today, I'd like to share some of these stories with you, because I believe they capture the essence of the [person/father/mother/friend] we all loved so dearly.

The Defining Story

There's one story that I think perfectly captures who [Name] was at [his/her] core. [Tell a detailed story that illustrates a fundamental aspect of their character – their kindness, humor, resilience, etc. Include sensory details, exact words they said if you remember them, and how this moment made you feel]. This story has always stayed with me because it shows [Name]'s [key quality] so perfectly. It wasn't just what [he/she] did, but how [he/she] made people feel – [describe the impact].

Stories of Relationship

As [relationship – e.g., a parent, spouse, friend], [Name] had a way of [describe something special about how they related to people]. I remember [share a specific memory that illustrates their approach to relationships]. Many of you here today have your own stories of how [Name] [supported/listened to/made you laugh/taught] you. [You might mention a few brief examples that others have shared, if appropriate]. [Name] showed love through [describe their love language or typical ways they expressed care]. [Share another brief anecdote that demonstrates this].

A Story of Passion

If you knew [Name], you knew about [his/her] passion for [hobby/interest/cause]. [Tell a story about this passion that reveals something about their character]. What always struck me about [Name]'s approach to [this interest] was [observation about what this revealed about them as a person]. [He/She] would often say, "[quote something they typically said about this interest]." This passion for [interest] showed [his/her] [quality – e.g., dedication, creativity, compassion] that extended into every area of [his/her] life.

A Story of Challenge

Life wasn't always easy for [Name], and I think it's important to remember how [he/she] faced challenges. [Share a story about a difficult time and how they responded]. What I learned from watching [Name] during this time was [lesson or insight]. [He/She] showed remarkable [quality – e.g., courage, resilience, grace] in the face of adversity. [If appropriate, you might connect this to broader life lessons they embodied or taught].

A Lighthearted Memory

Not everything about [Name] was serious, of course. [He/She] had a wonderful sense of [humor/joy/mischief]. [Share a funny or lighthearted story that might bring smiles or gentle laughter]. I can still hear [him/her] [laughing/saying/doing] [specific detail that brings this memory to life]. It was so quintessentially [Name].

The Legacy Story

As I reflect on all these stories, I realize that [Name]'s legacy isn't just in [material accomplishments] but in how [he/she] [changed/influenced/touched] the lives around [him/her]. [Share a final story that illustrates their lasting impact on you or others]. This is the story I'll carry forward – the story of how [Name] [taught me/showed me/gave me] [important lesson or gift].

Closing

The writer Joan Didion once said, "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." The stories of [Name] will continue to live in all of us. Each time we [specific action – e.g., laugh at a certain joke, cook their favorite recipe, visit a place they loved], we'll be adding new chapters to [his/her] story. I invite all of you to keep sharing your stories of [Name] with each other in the days and years to come. In this way, [he/she] will continue to be present in our lives, continuing to [inspire/teach/comfort] us even now. Thank you for listening, and thank you, [Name], for all the beautiful stories you gave us. We love you, and we will remember.