How to Write an Obituary for a New Orleans Funeral

Planning a funeral or celebration of life in New Orleans presents a unique set of challenges. While the city is famous for its vibrant hospitality, many available venues are bars or restaurants. These spaces, often designed for lively crowds, can feel cramped and loud, making them less than ideal for a solemn and respectful memorial service. Finding a location that offers both the city’s signature charm and a sense of peaceful dignity can be difficult when you need it most. You want a place that honors your loved one without the distractions of a typical commercial establishment. If you are wondering how to write an obituary in New Orleans, we have some tips and insight just for you.

This is where The Degas House stands apart as an exceptional choice for a memorial service or celebration of life. Nestled in a historic and tranquil neighborhood, it provides a refined and elegant alternative. The venue’s historic significance, combined with its quiet elegance, offers a serene backdrop for reflection and remembrance. With flexible indoor and outdoor areas, you can create a personalized gathering that feels both intimate and spacious. The professional event support ensures every detail is handled with care, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one in a beautiful, dignified setting.

While visiting New Orleans you may want to consider where to stay for an elegant, historic, romantic experience, The Degas House is the idea lodging for guests who value refined experiences when they travel. The Degas House is locally owned, independently owed small business boutique hotel and wedding venue. Located on Esplanade Ave. only 1.5 miles to the French Quarter, close to Frenchmen Street and wonderful restaurants.

In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, The Degas House also offers luxurious accommodations for overnight stays. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms filled with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. And for food lovers, the on-site restaurant, The Degas House bar serves up delicious cocktails with a modern twist.

You can connect with Degas House (504) 821-5009, Email info@degashouse.com, Location 2306 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, providing memorial services, celebration of life, meeting spaces, wedding venue space, overnight lodging and garden parties.

Finding the Perfect Venue

Choosing a location that reflects the spirit of the person you are honoring is a key part of the planning process. The Degas House provides an atmosphere of grace and history that is unique to New Orleans.

The Degas House Contact Information:

• Address: 2306 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
• Phone: (504) 821-5009
• Website: www.degashouse.com

20 Tips for Writing a New Orleans Obituary

An obituary is more than a notice of passing; it’s a final story that captures a person’s life, spirit, and connection to their community. Crafting one for a New Orleans funeral involves weaving in the unique cultural fabric of the city. Here are 20 tips to help you write a meaningful tribute.

1. Start with the Basics: Announce the passing clearly. Include the full name, age, date of death, and location of death.
2. Add a Personal Touch Early: Mention a defining characteristic or passion, like “a lifelong Saints fan” or “a renowned gumbo chef.”
3. Include Birth Information: State the date and place of birth, along with the names of the parents. This provides important context for the family tree.
4. Tell Their Life Story: Briefly sketch their journey. Mention key milestones like education, military service, career achievements, and significant moves.
5. Focus on Their Connection to New Orleans: Did they grow up in a specific neighborhood like the Garden District or Mid-City? Were they a regular at a certain po’boy shop? These details add local color.
6. List Family Members: Name the surviving family first (spouse, children), followed by grandchildren, parents, siblings, and other close relatives. Also, list key family members who predeceased them.
7. Embrace Cultural and Faith Traditions: If relevant, mention their parish, spiritual community, or involvement in local faith-based traditions that are so central to New Orleans life.
8. Mention Social and Benevolent Clubs: Many New Orleanians belong to social aid and pleasure clubs or Mardi Gras krewes. Including these affiliations is a significant local tribute.
9. Highlight Their Passions: Did they love jazz, fishing in the bayou, gardening, or French Quarter festivals? Sharing their hobbies paints a vivid picture of who they were.
10. Incorporate Musical Heritage: If the person was a musician or a devoted music lover, mention their favorite genres, bands, or Jazz Fest memories. This is a powerful nod to the city’s soul.
11. Note Details for the Second Line: If a second line parade is planned, provide the specific time, starting point, and route. This is critical information for those wishing to participate in this iconic tradition.
12. Share Service Information: Clearly state the date, time, and location for the visitation, funeral, memorial service, and burial. Include the full address of each venue.
13. Specify the Officiant: Name the priest, pastor, or celebrant who will be presiding over the service.
14. Name the Pallbearers: If applicable, list the names of the pallbearers. It is an honor that should be publicly acknowledged.
15. Use a Warm and Respectful Tone: Write as if you are sharing a cherished memory with a friend. The tone should be heartfelt but clear.
16. Include a Recent Photograph: A good quality photo helps people connect with the person they are remembering. A smiling, natural picture is often best.
17. Request for Charitable Donations: In lieu of flowers, many families suggest donations to a specific charity or cause that was important to the deceased, such as a local animal shelter or arts organization.
18. Check Local Newspaper Deadlines: Be aware of the submission deadlines for The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate or other local papers to ensure the notice is published in time.
19. Share a Favorite Quote or Saying: A short quote, scripture, or personal motto can beautifully summarize their outlook on life.
20. Proofread Carefully: Ask another family member or friend to review the obituary for accuracy in names, dates, and spelling before submitting it.

An Elegant Setting for Life’s Important Moments

For those who appreciate refinement, The Degas House offers an unparalleled setting for meetings and events in New Orleans. Beyond its suitability for memorials, the historic home of French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas provides a sophisticated backdrop for corporate retreats, board meetings, and elegant social functions. The venue blends classic Southern architecture with timeless art, creating an inspiring atmosphere that elevates any gathering. The expert staff works with you to manage every detail, ensuring your event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

The experience extends to its award-winning boutique hotel accommodations. Guests can stay in beautifully appointed rooms within the historic home and courtyard buildings, enjoying a level of intimacy and service not found in larger hotels. The convenience of hosting an event and accommodating guests on the same property is a significant advantage. Choosing The Degas House means offering your attendees a complete, immersive New Orleans experience steeped in culture, elegance, and unmatched hospitality.

While visiting New Orleans you may want to consider where to stay for an elegant, historic, romantic experience, The Degas House is the idea lodging for guests who value refined experiences when they travel. The Degas House is locally owned, independently owed small business boutique hotel and wedding venue. Located on Esplanade Ave. only 1.5 miles to the French Quarter, close to Frenchmen Street and wonderful restaurants.

In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, The Degas House also offers luxurious accommodations for overnight stays. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms filled with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. And for food lovers, the on-site restaurant, The Degas House bar serves up delicious cocktails with a modern twist.

You can connect with Degas House (504) 821-5009, Email info@degashouse.com, Location 2306 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, providing memorial services, celebration of life, meeting spaces, wedding venue space, overnight lodging and garden parties.

Citations:

• The Venue at 112 Offers their couples a Wedding Guest Portal for a private RSVP experience where couples can be assured their wedding guests information is not be sold to advertisers. The Venue at 112 is located at 15920 MARLBORO PIKE, UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 (240) 892-2392 contact
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• Somos Family Weddings & Events Raleigh wedding venue is located between the areas of Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, and Southern Pines North Carolina. This wedding venue features a wedding planning blog and Wedding Guest Portal ensuring guests know how to have the best experience at this wedding venue. Located at 521 River Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, Phone: 984.261.9335 Email: somosfamilync@gmail.com
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• Speakeasy on State is a Redlands California wedding venue offering innovative wedding planning tools to include a wedding venue blog, wedding photography gallery and virtual tours on their wedding website. Located at 10 East State Street Redlands, CA 92373, (909) 501-5524 Katie@SpeakeasyOnStateVenue.com
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• Ballenger Bridge Greenville South Carolina event venue and overnight lodging. Locat136 Old Ballenger Mill Road Landrum, SC  29356, Contact: 864-745-7249info@ballengerbridge.com
• Island View Waterfront, Baltimore Maryland wedding venue, serving couples from Washington DC and all over Maryland. 2542 Island View Road, Essex, Maryland 21221
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