Writing a meaningful obituary can be challenging following the death of a loved one. This sample provides a look at the different elements of an obituary.


Margaret Forrest, 60, died at home Thursday, March 1, 2018, in Los Angeles, after a short illness. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were with her during her final hours. She is survived by her beloved Warren, her husband of 40 years. Her four children, Beth, Jimmy, Roger, and Pam, survive her, all living in Los Angeles. In addition, Margaret passed on with seven children.

Margret was born January 28, 1958, in Los Angeles, the daughter of William Wadsworth and Francine Wadsworth nee Johnson. Margaret was raised in the city. She was the oldest of seven children and is survived by her brothers Franklin, Michael, and William, all of Los Angeles. Her sister Eleanor Wingate (Martin) resides in Portland, Oregon. She was proceeded in death by two sisters, Ruth Ann Williams (Gary) of Casper, Wyoming, and Sarah Wadsworth of Los Angeles.

Margaret married William, her high school boyfriend and first love on June 1, 1975, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newport Beach. The couple went on to attend college together at UCLA. Margaret graduated from college in 1980, with a degree in education. William completed his undergraduate studies and graduated from UCLA Medical School. He maintains a family practice in LA. Margaret taught in several Los Angeles high schools throughout her career, retiring from teaching in 2014. Most of her classroom time was spent teaching various mathematics courses to her students.

In addition to spending time with her children, Margaret’s favorite pastime was riding her horses, Valentine and Chester. Margaret raised and rode horses since she was a young girl. She told friends that she learned to ride before she walked.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 2020 6th Street, Santa Monica on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Christopher Reynolds will officiate. A Rosary will be said with the family on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the Krameria-Leyden Funeral Home, 1900 11th Street, in Santa Monica. Margaret will lie in repose beginning at 3:00 in the afternoon for visitation with family and friends.

Following Mass, a lunch for family and friends will be held in the St. Michaels parish hall. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica. Those attending the burial will process to the cemetery from the church following the luncheon.

Pallbearers are Margaret’s nephews: Steve Williams, Greg Williams, Peter Wingate, Ray Wadsworth, Kerry Forrest, and Paul Wadsworth. Soloist at the service is Margaret’s sister, Eleanor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the California Homeless Project, an organization combating homelessness in the state, care of Fidelity Bank, 5558 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, California, 90038.