how to write a biography of your mother

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Dona Marina, also called Malintzin, or La Malinche (1496-1529) was an American Indian originating from the Nahua (Aztec) ancestry. Malinche played a very important role during the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish. She was believed to be a princess of the Aztec language (Nahuatl) speaking tribe and was sold as a slave in her youth to the coastal traders because of the family politics.

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The journey to being enterprising is not easy. It involves a lot of effort from the entrepreneur (Justin). This report focuses on two entrepreneurs in the same industry. It investigates their background of each of the entrepreneurs so as to be able to determine the success factors in their life. Besides, it gives a comparison and a contrast of these entrepreneurs and above all the obstacles that they had to overcome before achieving their success.

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Writing A Biography About Your Mother

Writing a biography about your mother is a great way to honor her life and share her accomplishments with the world. It can be a daunting task, however, as you may feel overwhelmed trying to capture her life in words. When writing your mother’s biography, the most important thing is to remember that your focus should be on the facts rather than the emotions. Begin by gathering information about her life, such as the date and place of her birth, her education, her career, her hobbies, her travels, and her relationships. Then, use that information to create a timeline of her life. Once you have the facts, you can craft the biography. Start by introducing your mother and her life in an engaging way. Then, give the reader a glimpse into her life, her personality, and her impact on the world. Finally, conclude by summing up her life and her legacy. Writing a biography about your mother is a great way to celebrate and remember her life.

Gathering Information

Writing a biography about your mother can be an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. It can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to gathering information. While it may be difficult to ask your mother direct questions about her life, there are many ways to gain insight into her life and experiences. Taking the time to research family documents, interview family members, and explore her past can help you gain a deeper understanding of your mother’s life.

Start by gathering any information you may already know about your mother’s life, such as her place of birth, early childhood memories, and education history. You can also research your mother’s family tree, which may give you clues about her ancestors and any interesting stories that may be connected to them. Interviewing family members who knew your mother is another great way to gain insight into her life. Ask questions about her childhood, her hobbies, and her favorite memories.

Finally, look for any documents, photos, or other mementos that may provide further information about her life. Exploring your mother’s past will help you gain a better understanding of her life, allowing you to write a meaningful and accurate biography.

Crafting an Outline

Creating a biography about your mother is a special way to honor her life. To ensure that her story is told in the best way possible, it is important to create an outline that allows you to organize all of your information in a logical way. By crafting an outline for your biography, you can ensure that your mother’s story is told in a meaningful and effective manner.

Before beginning to write, it is important to research and gather all the facts and information about your mother’s life. This can include interviews with family members, research into her childhood, and any other relevant information. Consider the most important aspects of your mother’s life that you want to focus on, such as her career, relationships, or accomplishments. Once you have a full understanding of your mother’s story, you can begin to craft an outline.

Start by making a list of the main points you want to include. Once you have outlined the main points, you can begin to flesh out the details. Think about the details that will help to bring your mother’s story to life and include relevant quotes, stories, and anecdotes. Additionally, consider the structure of the biography and decide on a timeline or other logical order for the points. Once the outline is finished, you can begin to fill in the details and write the actual biography.

Crafting an outline for a biography about your mother will help to ensure that her story is told in an organized and meaningful manner. With the right research and a thoughtfully crafted outline, you can create a biography that honors your mother’s life.

Writing the Introduction

When it comes to writing a biography about your mother, the introduction is perhaps the most important part of the entire piece. It should capture the essence of your mother’s life and draw the reader in. It should provide an overview of her life and prepare the reader for the rest of the story.

When writing the introduction, it’s important to include key elements such as her name, date of birth, and the most important details about her life. Depending on the length of the biography, it may be necessary to include her personal life as well, such as her job, family, and any hobbies she had.

It’s also important to provide a timeline of her life, as this will allow the reader to follow her life story more easily. Additionally, an introduction should provide the reader with a sense of who your mother was and the impact she had on the world.

Finally, it’s important to write an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and compels them to read the rest of the biography. A great introduction should be concise, informative, and engaging in order to provide the reader with a brief overview of your mother’s life and draw them in for the rest of the story.

Capturing Her Life Story

Writing a biography about your mother is not an easy task. It requires a certain level of research, creativity, and patience. It is an opportunity to capture her life story, and tell it to the world in an engaging and informative way. When writing a biography about your mother, it is important to consider her life in its entirety. This includes her family history, her childhood, her education, her career, her hobbies and interests, and her relationships. It is also important to consider the different themes that have been present in her life and how they have impacted her life choices. Additionally, it is important to include meaningful anecdotes and stories that provide insight into her personality and her views on life. Finally, it is important to make sure that the story is told in an accurate and respectful manner that honors her life and legacy. Writing a biography about your mother is an important task that requires a great deal of time and effort. It is an opportunity to capture her life story and tell it to the world with clarity, accuracy, and respect.

Honoring Her Legacy

Having a mother is an extraordinary gift and writing a biography about her is a fantastic way to honor her legacy. Capturing the details of her life in a written form is a great way to cherish her memory and learn more about her. It can also be a meaningful way to remind friends and family of her life and all that she has done.

Writing a biography about your mother may seem like a daunting task. However, it can be made easier by breaking down the process into small, manageable steps. Begin by gathering information from family members, friends, and other sources. It is important to ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Taking notes along the way is also a great way to ensure that all details are recorded.

Next, it is important to organize the information into a timeline. This should include the dates of her birth and death, as well as other important events in her life. Additionally, it is important to include information about her hobbies, passions, and achievements.

Once the biography is written, it is important to edit it carefully. This is the time to ensure that the writing is cohesive and flows naturally. Additionally, it is a good idea to consult with other family members to make sure that the biography is accurate and complete.

Writing a biography about your mother is a wonderful way to honor her legacy and share her life with generations to come. By following the steps outlined above, it is possible to capture the beauty of her life in a written form.

Editing and Finalizing the Biography

Editing and finalizing a biography about your mother is the crucial last step in the process of capturing her life story for future generations to enjoy. It is the time to ensure that the facts are correct and the narrative is cohesive and compelling. It is also the time to ensure that the biography is optimized for search engines and formatted correctly for readers.

When editing a biography, it is important to read through the entire document multiple times to spot any errors. This includes typos, punctuation issues, incorrect facts, and anything else that needs to be corrected or improved. As you read, it is also important to ensure that the tone and style of the writing is consistent throughout, and that the narrative flows naturally.

Once the biography is edited, it is time to finalize it. This involves formatting the document correctly for readers, ensuring that the text is engaging and SEO friendly, and that the content is optimized for search engines. This means adding relevant keywords and phrases, using the right headings and subheadings, and linking to other resources.

Editing and finalizing a biography about your mother is an important and rewarding task. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a lasting legacy that your family can cherish for years to come.

FAQs About the Writing A Biography About Your Mother

Q: What information do I need to include in a biography about my mother? A: When writing a biography about your mother, it is important to include information about her life, including her childhood, education, career, interests, hobbies and any other information you can gather. Additionally, it’s important to include any stories or memories that you have of her that you would like to share.

Q: How long should a biography about my mother be? A: The length of a biography about your mother will vary depending on the amount of information and stories you have to share. Generally, a biography should be at least a few pages long, but could be longer depending on the depth of information you wish to include.

Q: How can I ensure that my biography is accurate? A: To ensure accuracy in your biography, it is important to use reliable sources of information. You can speak with family and friends of your mother or research public records. Additionally, if you are including stories or memories, it is important to make sure they are accurate and verifiable.

Writing a biography about your mother can be a rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about her life and to understand her better. You get to piece together the story of her life and share it with others. It is also a great way to honor and remember her. Writing a biography about your mother is a gift that will last for generations.

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Writing women's history one mother at a time... since 2004.

Write Her Story

How to write your mothers' story.

You do not have to submit a story to our Archive in order to write about your mother. But we would love it if you did.

You do not need to tell anyone you are writing about your mother. But later on you may wish to share.

Why Write Your Mother’s Story?

• to engage your creativity
• to honour your mother
• to lay her memory to rest
• to chronicle her life into stories you can share
• to remind yourself/your mother how feisty/loving/fearless/gracious/funny she is/was
• to separate her experiences and perspectives from your own
• to bring to light the truth of what happened
• to document the times she lived in and the choices she made
• to acknowledge the legacy she gave you through her thoughts, words and deeds

Why Share her Story?

• it initiates and enriches family discussions
• it’s a great team building exercise
• if you don’t share your mother’s story we won’t have any stories about women and we will have to watch car chases in movies forever and ever

The Mother Taboo is strong. Many people hold an unconscious but powerful fear that if they say anything about their mothers, she and everyone in their family will suffer great shame. The result of this has been that throughout history women have led secret lives: undocumented, unrecognized, undervalued.

It has also resulted in many people realizing they never knew their mothers, never bothered to ask, or remember the details of her life. Without examination these women remain shadow figures whose only value is determined by how good they were at mothering.

We will never know the history of women until we start talking about our mothers. Some women were bad mothers, but lovely people. Some women got lost in their own lives. Some women were heroic without validation. All of these lives deserve to be acknowledged and remembered. Unlike in our mothers’ time, we no longer have an oral tradition: today, if stories do not get written down, they will be lost.

All stories contained in our Archive follow a single recipe – the facts of one woman’s life from beginning to end (or the present) where the writer is just a footnote. As narrow as you might find this recipe, there are many ways a story can be told within it (browse the Archive to see) and we have found the benefits outweigh any feeling of restriction.

• Write your mother’s story – where she was born, to whom, and what happened next – in less than 2000 words. The facts, ma’am, just the facts.
• Put in all the names and dates you can remember.
• Try to follow the sequence of events that happened in her life, the milestones, what she thought of them, and the choices she made.
• Remember: keep the spotlight on mom. This is not a story about you, or dad, or the town, or the times. If you describe an event, what did mom think about it? What was she doing there?
• We found it best to go fast, just splat everything you remember on the page, and then hone it to under 2000 words (that’s about 4 pages).
• Remember: this is not the definitive statement on your mother. It does not need to be perfect, well rounded or objective. This is your story of her.
• After you’ve finished your first draft, if you discover there are things you don’t know, ask someone. This assignment is a great excuse to ask questions you never knew needed to be answered. Or you can write your questions into your story. However be respectful of your voice, your perspective.
• Respect the word count: it forces you to consider what’s most important. (If you submit your story to the Archive and it’s more than 2000 words we will send it back).

Once you’ve finished your story to the best of your ability, read it to someone – a friend, your family, your group.

If you need to write your story again, go ahead.

If you like your story and want to submit it to our Archive, go to Submissions .

If this feels too daunting or you need more encouragement, check out the questions and writing prompts in Writing Women’s History or one of our workshops.

All you need to write your mother’s story is the assignment and a deadline. You have 2 weeks to write.  Go.

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Writing My Mother’s Memoir: So Who Is She Really?

Denis’ mom is the one standing in center back.

If you are like me, you know many details of your mother’s—or father’s—life. But there may be many vague relationships between this event and that event, between causes and effects. In other words, your parent’s life may end up seeming a mishmash of dates and facts and impressions and none of them blending very well together.

Being a person who has always been interested in family history, I considered myself aware of my mother’s and my father’s lives. Having worked with people to write memoirs, I wanted to be sure that I was not caught, as so many people have been, with not getting my parents’ story while the story was still available—which it wasn’t in my father’s case as he was deceased.

I begin to write

In 2009, I began to focus on interviewing my mother. Every few weeks (she lived in a different city), I would visit with her and get in a half hour interview. Since my mother was not primarily interested in preserving her life story (it was my interest), she was not committed to a beginning-to-end interview process. What I ended up doing was simply asking her questions—often in a conversation. Once back home, I would write down her answers to my questions.

My mother did not always sense that I was interviewing her for her memoir. Every once in a while however, I specifically had to inquire, “When was the date that you did this or you did that?” or “Which came first: this event or that?” In those moments, she became aware that I was continuing to write her memoir.

Tweet: My mom asked, “Why are you writing my memoir? Who will want to read it?”http://bit.ly/1dyT1Ju

She also might say, “How in the world are you going to find enough information to fill the pages of a book, even a small book?”

Since I was also working full-time at my company  Memoir Network, writing my mother’s book fit in around the edges of books that I was editing, coaching, ghostwriting. and teaching. In short, it fit around my income production. This process is not unlike how most people will write either their own memoir or the memoir of a loved one.

The memoir continues to grow

Over the next four years, I interviewed my mother and wrote text. When my mother gave up her apartment and moved into an assisted-living facility, I knew the leisurely pace at which I had been writing had to change. I applied myself to completing the memoir and set a time for finishing. I had wanted to get to a later point in her life as the ending.

However my mother’s ability to contribute to the story was diminishing. She had less of a grasp on specific details, on dates, on who was there and who did what when. I opted for a different end point than I had anticipated, one that was closer to the time of the text that I had already written. This proved to be a good closing point even if it was disappointing to three of my siblings whose birth did not make it into the memoir. (I mentioned them in an afterword.)

What did I get from writing my mother’s story?

I got acceptance of her life, a sense of who she was, and that who she was was just fine.

Tweet: Writing my mother’s memoir gave me the opportunity to get to know her in an intimate way. http://bit.ly/1dyT1Ju

Writing my mother’s memoir gave me the opportunity to get to know her in an intimate way that I had not had the opportunity to before. Her past had been vague; the setting of her life not at all clear; the sequencing of events haphazard at best.

There were a few occasions in my mother’s life when her response was a hero’s response, when she rose to the needs of an occasion that was difficult to live. She conducted herself well in those circumstances. That is a hero’s response. But the bulk of my mother’s life was yoeman’s work, pick and shovel work. It consisted of making a home, going to work, raising children and so forth. It was day-after-day work. Now this may be hero’s work of a certain kind but it turned out that it was a rather humdrum and ordinary sort of work. In a way, my mother’s life helped me to understand and to accept my own yeoman’s work.

Finally, the hard copy was finished and I showed it to my mother.

Tweet: When she saw the memoir, she said “How in the world did you ever find enough to say about me to fill so many pages?” http://bit.ly/1dyT1Ju

As I wrote her life, one task that was important to me was to fit her life into a cultural, social, and historical context.

Large parts of the 208-page book have to do with her time, with cultural or historical events. For instance, there was a flood in her city in 1936. Briefly I wrote about that flood. There were developments in the political life of her city that affected her. I also dealt with these on occasion. There were historical contexts that made for why she lived where she lived.

Many details having to do with our ethnicity, details that distinguished her adaptation to American life from that of members of other groups, found their way into the book. My mother’s bigger picture was one that was familiar to me and it was not difficult to place her life in that larger context.

Tweet: Whether you are writing your own memoir or somebody else’s I urge you not to put the task off. http://bit.ly/1dyT1Ju

Go ahead and commit to writing. The benefits are well worth the effort that you will have to expend.

===========

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I believe in some ways all of our mothers were heroes. My mother passed many years ago and her story will go untold. There is a part of me that grieves that and wishes I had the opportunity to learn and understand her more. Our mothers will always be our mothers and I am sure yours was very special. Thank you for sharing your process with us. I have a friend in hospice who is not visited by her daughter (and consequently her grandchildren). When she was losing her ability to speak I was shocked that no one wanted to hear what she had to say. She is a wise and wonderful spirit. From what I see in the facility she lives at, there are many, many mothers whose families don’t realize the value of their words. Hopefully, you will inspire someone (or several someones) to go and listen to their wisdom and stories.

You reminded me of my feelings when my mom was intubated and couldn’t speak anymore. I thought about the times in the past I wished she would stop fussing, and now her fussing would have been music to my ears.

Dear Linda,

In the time between when I sent Flora my guest post about writing my mother’s memoir and now, my dear mother has passed away at 93, almost 94. Her end was rather quick and for that we need to be grateful, but it did catch us unaware even if we knew that the end, given that she was 93 and in assisted living, could not be distant.

The staff shared with my family how my mother was the most visited person on the floor. They remarked how she had a flow of guest, how there were always flowers in bloom in her room, how we were always checking in with the staff about her care. For us, all of this was what we expected of ourselves—I supposed what our mother raised us to be.

One staffer told my brother, “Your family does so much for your mother.” He replied, “Well, I think we’re still thousands of soggy diapers and hundreds of sick crying nights in arrears. It’s not something we’ll ever catch up on.”

Your story of elders being abandoned is all too frequent.

I am so pleased to have written my mother’s story. It is very comforting to me

You have honored your mother in many ways. She was truly blessed to have you complete her memoir, and be surrounded by loved ones as she made her transition.

I’m happy that writing her story brings you comfort. It also encourages the rest of us who are considering writing our own memoirs.

Thank you again for sharing it with us.

Thanks for sharing the process of writing your mother’s memoir. I hope it will encourage those who still can hear their mother’s voice to ask questions and listen more.

Dear Gladys,

I second your encouragement.

While I wrote my mother’s memoir in the first person because she spoke it to me and I read every word to her for her approval, it is possible to write the story in the third person if a parent is not present to participate.

Have you written the memoir of one of your parents?

I’m hoping that this Denis’ message is heeded by others who have considered writing memoirs. I’m happy you chimed in to underscore this important task.

Denis: I am sorry for your loss and am sending prayers for you, your mother, and everyone involved. I am also so pleased to hear how your family came together for her. She was clearly a remarkable and well-loved woman.

When I finished clearing out my mother’s house after her death, I *had* to write her story. I discovered too many objects that held funny memories for me to keep them secret. I thought others whose parents encountered obstacles would be inspired by a strong woman who faced the tough times and partied on.

Thanks to sharing your experience with what moved you to write your mom’s story. I discovered we uncover many memories when go through a loved ones belongings after they passed. I had this experience when my son died this year. Your mom’s life was amazing.

Greetings, I am writing the story of my mother’s life. She was a tap dancer in New York in the 1930’s. She worked with Ed Wynn, Al Jolson and many others. I believe it will be self published and/or Kindle published. I wonder if I should write it in third person. What do you think?

Hi Patricia, there is no one right answer. If your book is based on interviewing your mother, like Denis Ledoux did, then writing is first person in appropriate. If, however, you’re writing it based on your memories and research, third person seems to be the preferred approach. If you belong to writers groups online and off, you can ask this question to see what they recommend. Best wishes for your book’s success. The topic certainly has widespread interest.

Dear Ms. Flora,

Thank you so much for your prompt answer. I had started in the second person tense, a familiar tone, but then realized that third person was probably the best one to narrate a story. Mother was somewhat well known in the 1930’s and I have found MANY newspaper clippings from that era as well as some beautiful photographs. I think this will make a good book as soon as I am able to gather all the research materials. Thank you again for the advice.

Sincerely, Patricia

Patricia, How wonderful that you have access to first-hand information on your mother. I urge you to be steadfast in writing your book. Many people have great stories to share but never get them done. Remember that writing your first draft is critical. Get your thoughts down without editing as you go. Once you’ve finished the rough draft you can begin the editing and then bring in a professional editor to polish it. Have you decided to seek an agent or do you plan to publish it yourself. Keep up the good work.

Flora, yes I am finding so much on mother. The newspapers.com website has given me so much in the way of pictures and articles. I am searching for her dance teacher and her connections with theater. I am following Mother’s life through about 1942 when she joined the Army, and after that her life with me. As for publishing, I was thinking maybe self- or on Kindle. Not sure. I have heard that most publishers will not take new authors.

Patricia, many people choose self-publishing because it’s the fastest way to get published. While it’s true that major publishers take very few new authors, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I recommend that you subscribe to a few other newsletters/blogs to learn what your options are in the industry. Google these folks==>Amy Collins, Judith Briles, Jane Friedman, Hugh Howey, Joel Friedlander and join groups like IndiesUnlimited.com, https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/ , http://thecreativepenn.com , http://creativindie.com These will help you get up to speed on the industry as you continue to gather research. Learning about the publishing industry is part of your research too.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My mother, a great woman recently died at 64. I wish i started her Memoir when she was alive, but i didn’t know she was going to die. i want to write her memoir now, before the memories fade from people’s mind. The experience you shared will be so helpful.

Hi Chioma, I’m delighted that the post is helpful. Best wishes in getting your memoir written.

Is there some way I can find some information on how to fill out chapters, and how much research on related areas I should do. For instance, if I am writing about my mother’s tap dancing career, shall I write an entire chapter on tap, which is related to her indirectly?

There is no place to turn to for the information you seek. Usually this discernment is work done with an editor or coach. I would say that a chapter deals with one action, one event or one grouping of energy. Your mother’s tap dancing career may have enough drama in it to warrant a chapter and then it might really be part of a series of quests she undertook. I would write it out and only then ask about whether it is sufficient for a chapter. This is the part of writing that is the art part. Good luck.

Thank you-some very good points. I am going to need a mentor. Does anyone here know where I can find one, and what they would charge?

I’d be happy to help point you in the right direction. Contact me and tell me if you’re interested in publishing your book or you just want to leave your story behind for your family. In either case, prices vary. Visit my site, florabrown.com, to see the courses I offer.

Dear Denis I want to embark on writing about my mother’s extraordinary life but also to include myself in the latter years. Do I write in the first or third person? Is a memoir a story? is it like a biography? sorry to bother you but I would be grateful for an answer ..thank you

Contact Denis on his website at https://thememoirnetwork.com/

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How to Write Your Parents’ Life Story in 3 Steps

Have you ever wondered what your parents dreamed about as kids?  

Imagine you grab a book that describes the story of your life long before you were born. The words introduce you to a decade in which you didn’t yet exist, and the paragraphs move you to places where you’ve probably never been.

And you can’t put it down, because the principal characters of that breathtaking story are your parents.

As you read, you discover who they were before they met, how they grew up, and how their lives had the fortunate twist of crossing their paths. In a nonfiction book that describes your parents’ life, you can preserve those invaluable memories and connect, over and over, with your loved ones.

Writing your story and preserving your heritage not only offers benefits for your mental health , but it's also an excellent way to strengthen your relationship with your family and an admirable gesture to honor your parents.

But how do you get started?  Writing your parents’ life story from scratch is a big task, but you can make it manageable by following three simple steps.

Photo credit: Pixabay

1. Start a Five-Sense Conversation

The first step is to gather all the interesting stories of your parents’ lives. The research phase can be easy for you, but it might overwhelm your parents. Sit with them and listen carefully to their story. Enjoy that pleasant conversation — it’s not an interrogation! As they talk, hand them photo albums, old letters, or objects with sentimental value to prompt their memories.  

As you talk, focus on having a  five-sense conversation .  Your goal isn’t just to know the facts about dates and places. You also want to awaken emotions that were asleep in a hidden memory. To do that, the storytellers must work with their senses to access the best of their memories and speak from their hearts. In that way, you capture their authentic voices when it’s time to type those words on the computer.

To touch on the five senses, ask for details about what things looked like — colors, textures, shape and size. If there’s a song they love, play it, and maybe even dance or sing together. If there’s a meal your parents enjoyed as kids, try to cook that meal with them. Spend time with them and enjoy the process together, doing all you can to gather rich details about sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. 

Photo credit: Burst

Don’t be afraid to ask about everything that intrigues you. Invite your parents to talk about their dreams and downfalls, their struggles and efforts, their progress and their mistakes. Ask them which crisis made them grow, the happiest moments of their life together, and what advice they would offer to the future generations of your family — or the world.

If there are gaps in their stories, you can call on other relatives or family friends for additional information. Those supporting characters in the story can offer another perspective or a more detailed description of an anecdote.

To get more detailed information on how to prepare to interview your loved ones, check out this guideline published by the library of UCLA. 

2. Record the Interviews

It’s important to keep proof of those stories, so don’t forget to record your interviews. This will allow you to check back as you write to make sure your details are accurate. Recording will also free you from the burden of note taking so you can concentrate while they speak and enjoy a more natural conversation. In addition to preserving facts for your book, you’ll also have a treasured keepsake that captures the tone and timbre of their voice for posterity — an incredible gift for future generations.

During the interview, there are three things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure your electronic device is completely charged and has enough storage space before the conversation starts. Once the interview begins, activate the voice recorder and place it near the storytellers. It’s a good idea to do a test first, to make sure their voices are clear.
• Listen and observe your parents as they speak. Let them talk as long as they want, and try not to interrupt them — sometimes tangents turn out to be the best anecdotes! Pay attention to how their emotions bloom as they tell about a specific moment of their past.  
• Have a pad and a pen handy, but be careful not to overuse it or let it become a distraction. Write all the questions you have, and take notes of decisive citations and revealing thoughts. 

Your smartphone provides the easiest way to record your interviews.   Voice Memos  is the best recording app for iOS users — just touch the bright red button and let it record. If you have an Android device, download Easy Voice Recorder .

If you can’t meet in person, you can record your interview on your favorite video calling app. Zoom, Skype and Google Meet all offer ways to record your call. 

3. Digitize Photos and Documents

To help bring your parents’ stories to life, you’ll want to include photos in your book. Seeing your parents in their youth will complete the portrait you paint of them as full, interesting people. 

Photo credit: Getty Images

To round out the book, collect photographs, letters and documents such as birth certificates or diplomas. There are several free, downloadable apps that make scanning and editing these images easy: 

• PhotoScan  is one of the best ways to digitize old photographs for both iOS and Android users. It also allows you to back up scans with Google Photos for sharing.
• Photomyne is also free, and you can upgrade to premium features that let you scan multiple images in just one snapshot. It's free to download for both iOS and Android.
• Genius Scan and CamScanner are useful for scanning text documents. The apps automatically crop images and allow you to share them as PDF or JPG files.

Digitizing photos and documents is a great way to preserve them for posterity, and it makes it possible to insert images into your story as you write.

StoryTerrace Can Help 

Crafting a book from scratch is a thrilling project, but it can be overwhelming. If you've thought about creating that book but are having trouble getting started, StoryTerrace can help you transform that idea into a hardcover non-fiction book  with our experienced team of editors, writers and designers. 

StoryTerrace  takes on the hard work of book production so you can relax. One of our 600 writers and journalists  will interview your loved ones and turn their words into clear, compelling prose. With our specialized Bookmaker platform, you can easily add photos to the book. When all is ready to print, you’ll receive a beautiful hardback book worthy of passing down to future generations.

If you’re worried about not having the time or the skill to do your parents’ story justice, we’re here for you! StoryTerrace makes it possible to capture your parents’ stories in a professional book that you’ll be proud to share.

To learn more about our hardback books and writing process, contact StoryTerrace today .  You can also   subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss out on helpful writing advice. 

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How to Outline a Biography

Last Updated: July 4, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 51,189 times.

Writing a biography can seem daunting, as you are trying to explore the entirety of someone's life on the page. The key to writing a good biography is outlining it before you dive in. A strong, detailed outline will work through key events chronologically. To outline a biography, start by discussing early life and childhood. Then, go into adulthood and current life, or later life and death if the person is no longer alive.

Discussing Early Life and Childhood

• For example, you may write, “RuPaul Andre Charles, born November 17, 1960 in San Diego, California.”

• For example, you may write, “RuPaul's mother, Ernestine Charles, was from Louisiana. RuPaul's father was Irving Charles. They divorced in 1967.”

• For example, you may write, “RuPaul grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his sister when he was 15.”

• For example, you may write, “At 15 years old, RuPaul attended a performing arts school in Atlanta. After he graduated, he focused on his budding stage career, opting not to attend college.”

• For example, you may write about the person's experience with abuse at the hands of a parent. Or you may mention that the person struggled with a learning disability in middle school that would go undiagnosed until later in their life.

Outlining Adulthood

• For example, you may write, “Martha Graham went to Brown University from 1967-1981, majoring in dance. She worked under famous dancers and choreographers in the performance industry at Brown. She graduated with honors.”

• For example, you may write, “Martha Graham met choreographer Dash Nam in a dance class at Brown. They became romantic and professional partners, collaborating on a number of early performances. Nam would later play a major role in Graham's performing company in New York City.”

• For example, you may write, “Martha Graham worked as a bartender while at Brown to support herself. She then created performances for a small stipend until she was able to open her own performing company in 1987 with the help of Dash Nam.”

• For example, you may write, “Martha Graham was rejected from several major dance companies and was unemployed for several years. In frustration, Graham decided to open her own dance company and studio, using funds from friends and colleagues. It later became the premier dance company in America.”

Detailing Current Life and Impact

• For example, you may write, “RuPaul currently resides on a ranch in Wyoming with his partner of twenty years, Australian painter George LeBar. He continues to produce several successful television shows and is a continued advocate for the LGBTQ community.”

• For example, you may write, “In her later life, Graham fell into a depression and battled alcohol addiction. She died in 1991 at the age of 96 from pneumonia. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Northern New Mexico.”

• You can also include your own opinions about the person's overall life. You may include a short section on the impact the person had, or continues to have, on you.
• For example, you may write about how the person influenced a generation of artists or how the person impacted the way we view technology in the 21st century.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://www.apsu.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/Biography-Outline.pdf
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/

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Writing women’s history: Why you need to write your mother’s story

Marilyn Norry on writing women’s history, starting with your mother

It never occurred to me to write my mother’s story until I met Marilyn and attended one of her workshops on how to do just that. It was an enlightening experience, and in our conversation below, Marilyn shares a recipe to help you write your mother’s story.

Marilyn Norry is a Vancouver-based actor, playwright, and author of a new book,  Writing Women’s History: starting with your mother.  She is on a mission to empower each of us to write our mother’s story—about her life as a woman of her times, not just as a mother.

This might sound a little daunting; it was for me, but Marilyn makes it easy to get started, and her origin story made me see my mother’s story in a whole new light.

It all began in 2004 when Marilyn was at a wedding listening to a friend tell a story when her friend said, “To know what I mean, you have to know my mother’s story” and proceeded to tell the details of her mother’s life (born here, moved there, did this, did that) in about 5 minutes.

Marilyn found this story fascinating, and, even though she thought her mother’s life ordinary in comparison, told her friend the story of her mother’s life back, just the facts. Her friend was enchanted. A few days later Marilyn asked her women actor friends to send her the story of their mother’s life in 2000 words or less.

It became clear that regardless whether these women thought their own mothers ordinary, they did in fact lead extraordinary lives, and collectively their stories portray the history of 20th-century women, a history not recorded anywhere else.

The group started having meetings to read their stories to one another and compare experiences. Writing that simple story had been an exercise of both high anxiety and great liberation.  Sharing them with friends was another experience again.

The stories collected for the project inspired the creation of numerous projects:  MyMothersStory.org an online archive, writing workshops, anthologies: My Mother’s Story:The Originals (2012) and My Mother’s Story: North Vancouver (2012), radio and film documentaries, plays, and a nascent social movement, telling women’s history…one mother at a time.

Writing Women’s History: starting with your mother is available on Amazon

In conversation with Marilyn Norry

I caught up with Marilyn recently to ask what she has learned since the inception of My Mother’s Story (MMS). Here’s our conversation.

Can you tell me why you created My Mother’s Story? 

I was searching for stories of women. I felt there had to be more than the derivative characters I was auditioning for and reading in scripts and seeing on the screen. What I found was a fog of silence that prevents most people from even seeing notable aspects of women’s lives.

It’s easy for all of us to diminish the importance of women, as if half the human race doesn’t want to call attention to themselves. We downplay; we discredit; we devalue women’s lives. We all do this. For many of us, this is especially true of the stories around our mothers. We say she was nothing special, average, just a mom.

For people wanting to write memoir or biography, this fog around women’s lives makes their stories dull. Through this project, I’ve discovered many people now understand storytelling better through watching movies than reading books. Using techniques that come from writing movies and plays, they’re able to see their mothers and all women as human beings and the fog dissipates. They are able to write the stories they grew up on, the stories of their families and see them as unique and extraordinary.

Writing about your mother in this way contributes to a collective history where women are seen as well as heard. It’s about uncovering all the great stories we have within us so we can better appreciate what has shaped us – as individuals, as communities, and as the human race. It’s time to fill in the holes in our human tapestry and who best to do it than you? Who best to inspire you than your mother? We will never know the history of women until we start talking about our mothers.

Why should we write My Mother’s Story?

We are all storytellers but many people believe sit’s someone else’s job to write them down. They feel overwhelmed at the thought of writing, not knowing how to organize the swirling thoughts and emotions, the unhealed trauma of their family life into a coherent story. I say stop thinking of your life story like a book and see it as a movie. Not what you think is going on inside someone’s head, not looking at your analysis, your issues, but just what happened. That’s a story. And in this project, it’s not about you.

It’s an overlooked but useful step in individuation to make peace with who your mother actually was.Beyond honouring or praising or continuing to hate her, you will find peace when you understand her, adult to adult. As writer Mitch Albom says, her stories are where yours begin. And we need to do it because women’s history needs to be recorded. And, you’ll discover, if you write her story, you can write anything.

Yes, there are therapeutic values that will come from this but this is not therapy. We are artists creating a work of art: we are writing the story of a life.

I love that you draw upon your cinematic and theatrical background to teach us how to tell a story. Can you share your recipe?

Write your mother’s story in less than 2000 words. The facts, ma’am, just the facts, and keep yourself out of the story as much as possible. You are just one fact in her story. We call this story a “character arc” —a device used in scriptwriting to track a character’s emotional and narrative journey from beginning to end. There will be “plot points” that are most important in your mother’s life, such as her hopes and dreams, first love, graduation, adventures, marriage, and so on.

I found that exercise so illuminating. I realised I did not know a lot of details about my mother’s life before I was born, so I called her up and interviewed her— twice. I wrote up her story in time for Mother’s Day and read it to her over the phone and she thought it was pretty good. The experience has certainly helped me understand her better as her own person, just like you say.

At your book launch, you asked the audience “What did you feel at the suggestion to write your mother’s story? Delight? Fear? Outrage? Did you think what a wonderful idea for someone else?” Why do you think there is so much emotion about telling MMS?

We all have a hesitation to truly tell the story of what our mother lived through. As far as I can tell this is common all over the world. I believe it’s linked to the silence around women’s lives. Could it be we believe we have no voice just as our mother had no voice? That we can only stay safe by staying silent? As babies, we believe our survival depends on not making mom mad and some people hold on to this fear of abandonment even if their mother died 40 years ago. There’s also the fear that writing her story will involve looking at unexamined grief and resentments which can be painful. Memories often hold on to the emotions that were there at the time of the event. They dissipate in writing but few believe me when I tell them this until they really get into it.

What have you learned since you started My Mother’s Story in 2004?

Everyone has a mother and every mother has a story. Transcendence comes when these stores are shared. We experience how we’re all so different and yet so much alike. Here I found great theatre, those moments and events you hope to capture in a script, in a show, but rarely achieve. Living, authentic, heart-based stories. People don’t realize the power of the stories they grew up on.

Many people today want to write memoir or biography but it’s hard. Thoughts and feelings swirl around. How do we distinguish what’s important? What’s necessary? What’s clutter? Great literature has not helped these writers find their way. Great writers make it all look easy. They can have themes jumping back and forth in time; their meanderings are interesting and insightful.

Regular writers are rarely so clever. In movies the action has to be simple, the story contained. The strong structure of the writing recipe we use holds people to the facts of a story told in chronological order. This constantly brings writers back to their story as they organize their memories.

You describe Writing Women’s History: starting with your mother  as a history lesson, a meditation journal, a project, a challenge, a manifesto, a call to action, and an archive. What is it your hope for the book? It sounds like you want to create a movement. Can you say more about that?

I hope that through this exercise people get some sense of the larger tapestry of humanity we all live in. It is so huge, so varied and contains all the good and bad, our best and worst, and the only way we can know this is by telling our stories. Especially the stories of women that haven’t been told.

Here’s one thing: The stories of our families are the most important stories of our lives. They are what made us, they are the beginning of how we have defined who we are. Here’s another thing: At this time of human history we need to record what was because our present and our future are all changing so fast. But here’s the problem: we write down facts, birthdates, marriages, deaths); but we tell stories (car trips, washing dishes, after one drink too many).

What would it take to write down the stories we know: where your mother was born, what her parents were like, how she met your father? Writing about your mother in this way contributes to a collective history where women are seen as well as heard.We can’t rely on these being saved only through oral tradition anymore. We have to write down the stories in order for them to be saved, in order for the future to know who we were.

My hope is that people realize that this exercise is an empathy builder, a community healer, a voice builder, a shame-shatterer, and the start of many meaningful conversations.

Well, I think you are on your way, Marilyn. Your book was snapped up by everyone, at your book launch — including past workshop participants. Some of us bought extra copies to give to family members and friends, a testament to the power of writing your mother’s story.

Now it’s your turn

Are you up for the challenge of writing your mother’s story in 2000 words? Marilyn’s phenomenal workbook is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process of writing the story of your mother’s life. Along the way you will be asked a series of questions for reflection and illumination, given tips for overcoming writer’s block, provided with story prompts, and a template for crafting your story.

Get started now and read your story to your mother on Mother’s Day. (If she has passed on, read it to at least one other person close to you.)

My advice is to learn with friends. Hearing friends tell their mother’s stories motivated me to tell my own. Plus, it created a great bonding experience. Enjoy your learning journey

Buy Writing Women’s History: starting with your mother on Amazon

You are invited to post your mother’s story in the archive at www.mymothersstory.org where they are saved for present reading and future generations.

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• Writing biographies

How to Collect and Record Memories

Writing family biographies in just 7 easy steps, let’s start with all your concerns about writing biographies:.

• “I don’t have time to do this.”
• “I’m not a writer.”
• “I’m not creative. My brain doesn’t work this way.”
• “I don’t know where to begin.”
• “No one wants to read my memories.”
• “Nobody cares about our family stories.”
• “This is going to be sooo hard.”

Sorry to be blunt, but these are pretty weak excuses … Collecting and recording your family stories and biographies does not require one bit of professional writing skills, creativity, publishing know-how, or any other special skills.

Anyone, and everyone, can and should do this!

The only requirement to record and preserve family stories and biographies is that you passionately care about your family..

Do you love them? Do you want to show them that love? Do you want future generations of your family to understand who they came from and what was important to the family?

That’s what we thought.

You’re doing this. Let’s get started !

7 easy steps to collect, record, and preserve your stories.

Here are the seven easy steps you’ll follow to collect, record, and preserve your family stories and biographies. Each step has free resources and tools to help keep you moving.

Step 1: Collect stories and memories

Step 2: collect photographs, step 3: collect other artifacts, step 4: write an outline.

Step 5: Arrange stories and images

Step 6: Pick a format

Step 7: Print and enjoy!

This can be one of the most time-consuming, but enjoyable steps of your family memories or biography project – collecting the stories! There are many ways to do this:

• Write down your own life memories
• Write down your favorite family stories
• Write down your memories about a specific family member
• Interview a family member about his/her life and memories
• Interview several family members about a loved one who has passed away
• Interview many family members about a beloved (and still living) family member

Collect as many memories and stories as you can. You’ll edit and prioritize later. Right now you just want to get them typed into your computer! When you’re writing your own memories, start with our 200+ interview questions to get you started. If you don’t have a computer or aren’t fond of typing, you can write your memories on paper and sweet talk a friend or family member into typing them.

Another option is speaking your memories into a recording device, like your smartphone or a small voice recorder. You can transcribe your notes or pay for a transcription service. It’s well worth the $1/minute fee many of them charge. Go to the Resources page for recommendations on voice recording apps and transcription services.

Nothing complements your heartfelt memories and beloved family stories like good photographs of the people and places in them. Unlike collecting memories and stories, too many photographs can quickly send you down a rabbit hole and stall your project.

Don’t go for quantity, go for quality photos. List the most prominent people mentioned in your memories and stories and look for a few relevant, high-quality photographs for each. It’s nice to have a mix of old and current photos. Now list some of the major events and places in your stories and memories. If you have sharp, high-quality photographs of these exact places or events, add them to your photo pile.

Once you have your photos, you’ll need to scan printed photos so you have digital versions of them. It’s likely any current photos will already be digital files. Head over to the Resources page for tips on how to scan photos.

There’s no need to dig deeper and search for related artifacts, but some people like to include them. What are artifacts? An artifact is a printed item that relates to the people, places, or events in your stories.

Common artifacts include:

• Newspaper articles
• Pictures, paintings, or other artwork
• Handwritten or typed letters, cards, notes, stories, inscriptions, etc.
• Event programs, ticket stubs, autographs
• Official documents, like licenses, diplomas, etc.
• Maps, brochures, travel guides, itineraries
• Anything else interesting you find!

Like photographs, hunting for artifacts can quickly eat up time and delay your project. If you find them and they’re relevant to your story, awesome! But don’t worry if you can’t find them, or don’t want to. These artifacts can always be collected in an envelope and kept with your memory book.

If you find artifacts that you want to use in your memory book, you will need to scan them and create digital files. Look at the Resources page for recommendations on how to scan artifacts.

You’ve now collected everything for your memory or biography book. Good job! The hardest part is now finished. The rest of your project will go more quickly. Read some inspirational biographies to get started. There’s one key tip to remember at this stage: don’t overthink it.

Keep your memory or biography project outline simple and straightforward. There are a couple of ways to write your memory or biography book outline:

• Chronologically – This can be an easy, no-nonsense way to organize your stories: put them in the order they occurred.
• Life stages – Instead of trying to determine what years each story occurred, just group them together by major life stages: childhood, adolescence, young adult, career, retirement, etc.
• Major events – Similar to life stages, this approach will group your memories and stories by significant life events, like birthdays, school years, weddings/anniversaries, births, deaths, vacations, career/jobs, military service, etc.
• Family members – Thinking about your readers (your family members) one of the nicest ways to organize your memories are by them! You could have a chapter for each family member, or group them by generation, like parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth.
• Random – For all you free spirits out there, this style is for you! This approach is less about organizing by topic, and more about creating many chapters of random, unrelated but interesting stories.

Step 5: Arrange your stories and images

Now it’s time to arrange your stories into one document. Your outline will be a good starting place, but you might decide there’s a better way to organize them. Don’t be afraid to change it and try different approaches. Your goal is simply to make it easy and enjoyable to read. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

When you’re finished, you’ll have a big document with a lot of text. Nobody, not even your loving family who is interested in these stories, wants to read page after page of text. It’s time to make your stories more reader-friendly.

Depending on how you organize your biography or memory book, there are different writer’s tricks you can add to really make your stories shine. Consider adding:

• Headlines and subheads: Write a headline and subhead for each section or story. This lets the reader quickly scan and understand what they’ll learn.
• Pull quotes: These are super interesting quotations you want to emphasize and draw attention to. For now, just highlight, underline or bold the quotes or sentences you might want to emphasize.
• Sidebars/information in a box: Sometimes you have an interesting tidbit about a place or event that doesn’t quite fit into your story. Turn these facts or historical research into a sidebar. Again, don’t worry about the design, just find and label paragraphs that would make good sidebars.
• More paragraphs: If you’re looking at your document and there is a wall of text with no paragraph breaks, you need to add some. Don’t worry about grammar rules – this is about making your text easier to read.
• Space between stories: Add more white space between stories or sections in your book.
• Lists: A great way to quickly educate and entertain a reader is by turning big blocks of text into a list. Look for paragraphs that could become a list of bullet points.

Now it’s time to match up photos and artifacts to your stories. No need to insert your digital images into your document. Instead, list the photo or artifact file names you want to use at the start of the corresponding story. This makes the design process much easier and faster.

Check out our story template in the Resources section for an example of how to set up your document.

Step 6: Pick a format for your project

It’s time to decide how you want to finish this biography or memory book project. You’ve put a lot of work and effort into these memories and family stories, and they deserve a high-quality finish! There are so many do-it-yourself publishing companies that make it easy and affordable to design and print hardcover copies of your biography or memory book. See our top recommendations for book printers in the Resources section.

Here are a few options and the general cost of each:

• Basically free: Design the book yourself, print it at home, and preserve your hard work in a nice binder or folder.
• Inexpensive: Design the book yourself, print it at a local copy shop, and have them add a clear or vinyl front cover, coil bind, or other finishing options.
• Moderately expensive: Use an online printing service to design and print a soft- or hard-cover book.
• More expensive: Hire a company like Circa Legacy to edit, design, and print your biography or memory book for you.

Step 7: Print your project

Hip hip hooray!!!! You did it! You’ve created an amazing gift for yourself, you family, and future generations. You should be so proud of yourself! All that’s left is to print multiple copies of your beautiful biography or memory book and present it to your family members.

This is no regular gift. You poured your heart and soul into this. Don’t just shyly slide it over to them at the end of a family dinner. Put it in a box or nice envelope. Wrap it. Include a little note about why this was an important project for you and what you hope they will get out of it. And then, you can give it to them.

Have a friend or family member who wants to write an autobiography or memory book but doesn’t know where to start? Take a look at our Products page for fun and easy do-it-yourself story kits to help them get started.

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How To Write About Your Mother

Terry mcdonell: “i did not set out to write about irma.”.

Mother’s Day was never a real holiday to my mother—more about marketing than raising me. No white carnations or special dinners for her. But that my memoir about her, Irma: The Education of a Mother’s Son , was published just before this Mother’s Day would make her smile. Likewise, that I have written about her at all.

I did not set out to write about Irma. The working title of my new book was Trouble in Mind , and it was going to be about how it was for me as a little boy and how what I learned breaking rules as a kid defined me as an adult. After several clunky drafts, I saw that the stories and details that had stayed with me over my years were hackneyed—retreaded like old tires with too many miles. In other words, I sounded like everybody else, with the same old media stories.

It was discouraging until I saw that the most compelling person on my pages was not me, but Irma. That simple long-time-coming but immediately obvious observation allowed me to start over, not like Irma starting over as the 25-year-old widow of a navy pilot with a 4-month-old son, but in my own way to reckon with how our lives had played out. I thought about how, when I was bored, she would tell me to use my imagination. She had been serious. But I wasn’t making anything up, rather taking generalized memory, like driving across the country when I was 5, and then letting my mind run until I suddenly saw Irma smiling, with a bright scarf around her neck, talking a highway patrolman out of a speeding ticket.

Almost immediately the annoying writer’s compulsion to talk endlessly about his or herself started slipping away until I was no longer a student of my own history, rather a son finding his way to fifty thousand words about the most important person in his life. I looked for ways my ideas about Irma might make it to the page, the sacred page where I learned to think as I had learned to read, with wonder, the way Irma had taught me.

Thinking is just selective memory anyway. Put two things together that have never been together before, and the world is changed: chaos theory. Memory works that way too. No story is told just once, but it is never exactly the same story. That was all I needed to know, except certain memories seemed to be searching me out. I knew the brain handles positive and negative information differently, in different hemispheres; troubling info, what most people don’t want to think about, takes more time to process, which means more thinking, and bad events are harder to forget and wear off more slowly, some never. But you can bury them. I was aware. Piece of cake.

That was when I let go. The past would always be there, but to remember everything—madness. Better to sort the scraps of memory—snapshots, really, of the long strangeness of Irma’s life opening slowly like a good film until details came back to me in flashes. I think everyone has similar moments, when remembering something their mother did or said illuminates her. Maybe nothing is precise and none of the little pieces fit together but you can’t help seeing more if you think a little harder. In a very strange way, you can see yourself too—from a distance that surprises you. In my case the way Irma would drive with her elbow out the window when it was hot.

My memory built on itself with small truths. Irma had always said it was admirable to want to learn what she called the “whole wide world,” but you should try to know some small truths too. Remembering that I thought of a barefoot and pregnant girl I had seen in Mexico. Almost a child, really. She was sweeping a dirt yard next to a gas station in Chihuahua, where many of the migrant children Irma taught to read were from.

Associations like that can be bridges over great gaps of time. I think Irma wanted me to grow up to be the kind of serious man who knew something about the world and could stand up and tell people what he thought without showing off. The kind of a man who stood up for people, especially women. The kind of man that liked women. I knew from the beginning that men liked Irma, although I had only vague ideas what that meant at the time, or what it ever meant to her. Her attitude seemed to be that men and women were just different and that was not good or bad. They did not have to understand each other to get along—and that was sexy.

When I was in junior high school, Irma told me if I liked girls, they would like me back. It was a two-way street according to Irma, and manners were part of that, but those manners were supposed to make me feel good about myself, too. I think now that was how Irma passed me a version of her evolving feminism which allowed me to embrace strong women who reminded me of her in ways I did not quite recognize.

Soon enough, I was drawn to women others found difficult. They were more interesting simply by not going along, sometimes busting me for not paying attention or showing off. Like Irma, in a way, but, of course, not. I became was aware that women not letting me off the hook for this or that might be good for me, might be helping me  evolve , in the argot of the day.

Irma seldom talked about her boyfriends except sometimes after they were gone, when a name would come up and she would roll her eyes that she did not know what she had been thinking. What I saw, though, was that she liked them all, although she certainly did not need them. Everyone said Irma was the prettiest mom, but I remembered one time back in Duluth when I was very young, and Irma was talking on the phone.

We were dressed up to go out and I was standing next to her, waiting in my little bow tie, and Irma was telling her girlfriend, Sis, that it was never good to be too pretty. Where did that memory come from? The thing was, though, I had always known there was something wrong, even if it was complicated by details I had somehow missed only to remember now.

I imagined my unconscious dragging out such details like lost gloves that needed to be paired or thrown away. If I was going to write about Irma, I needed to shake all the trees and look closely at whatever fell out. Shake the trees? Old gloves? I winced at the tropes. I would write simply about Irma, not a mission statement, something humble to be read in a single sitting about how, before I could remember anything else, I remembered Irma teaching him the names of things, the trees and birds and insects of the Santa Clara Valley. That was her alchemy, and somehow it had given me confidence that I could live in a real world.

After I had started working at what Irma never called my career, we had a new dynamic, a kind of code. Nothing was ever wrong in our lives. No complaints from either of us. When we talked on the phone about people we had known in Burbank or Campbell there was no judgment. I was aware of this as a turn in our relationship, a way to create a better past in the face of regret. But it was on me because regret was never Irma’s style. She was teaching by example. I didn’t have to criticize anyone.

I am not sure what Irma would make of Irma . She would not have objected, but that does not mean she would not have had her own thoughts, which she would probably keep to herself.  Maybe she would remember asking me what I was writing besides journalism. Like what? I had wondered. “Like the writers you like,” Irma said. Impossible, I thought, but was grateful. She was encouraging me. Irma would never judge.

_______________________

Terry McDonell’s Irma: The Education of a Mother’s Son was recently published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins. 

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• Professional Eulogy Writing Service
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Professional Eulogy Writing

Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, short eulogy examples for mother: celebrating a life well-lived.

• March 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Short Eulogy For Mother Example 1

Creating personal memorials for guiding lights, shaping a story of enduring bond and sanctified honor, lives touched, hearts moved: client reflections, what is the purpose of a eulogy, how do i begin writing a eulogy for my mother, what should be the tone of a eulogy, how do i structure a eulogy, what length should a short eulogy be, can i include humor in the eulogy, how can i make the eulogy more personal, can i include quotes or poems in the eulogy, what if i become too emotional while delivering the eulogy, can i mention the cause of death in the eulogy, how do i conclude the eulogy, can i encourage others to share their memories during the eulogy, what are some common themes to explore in a eulogy for a mother, can i talk about her shortcomings in the eulogy, how do i handle conflicting emotions while writing a eulogy, can i share personal anecdotes in the eulogy, how can i honor her memory beyond the eulogy, how do i deal with writer's block while crafting the eulogy, can i write a eulogy if we had a complicated relationship, what are some resources for finding more eulogy examples, short eulogy for mother example 2, short eulogy for mother example 3, short eulogy for mother example 4, short eulogy for mother example 5, short eulogy for mother example 6, short eulogy example for a beloved mother 7, eulogy assistant: illuminating the path of remembrance, short eulogy for mother frequently asked questions.

Losing a mother is one of life's greatest challenges. A mother is often the heart of a family, a source of love and support that shapes our lives in countless ways. When it comes time to say goodbye, it can be difficult to find the words to express all that she meant to us. However, with the help of Eulogy Assistant , crafting a short eulogy that captures her spirit can be made easier.

To help you get started, we've put together some short eulogy examples that celebrate a mother's life and legacy.

Life is a beautiful journey, a vibrant tapestry of moments woven with threads of love, joy, and profound connections. As we gather here today to remember a remarkable woman, my mother, we recognize the profound impact she has had on our lives.

She was a beacon of light, guiding us through the darkest storms with her unwavering strength and boundless love. Her laughter was the melody that played in our home, a tune that echoed with warmth, kindness, and the promise of unconditional love.

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My mother was a nurturer, always there with a comforting word, a healing touch, or a plate of your favorite meal just when you needed it. Her hands were never idle; they were either crafting, cooking, or holding ours, reassuring us that we were loved beyond measure.

She embraced life with a zest that was contagious. Her spirit danced with the winds, and she taught us to find beauty in the simplest of things. A walk in the park, a blooming flower, or a radiant sunset - she found joy in the everyday wonders of life.

As we say our goodbyes today, let us remember her not with tears but with smiles, knowing that she lives on in each one of us. Through the lessons she imparted, the love she shared, and the memories we created together, her spirit will forever be a guiding star in our lives.

In the vast garden of life, my mother was the rarest of flowers, blossoming with grace, beauty, and an essence that could light up the darkest corners of the earth. As we gather here to honor her memory, let us remember the incredible woman she was, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

She was a woman of resilience, facing life's challenges with a steadfast determination and a heart full of love. Her wisdom was a guiding force, leading us through life's intricate paths with a gentle yet firm hand.

My mother had the ability to turn a house into a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her generosity flowed like a river, touching the lives of everyone she met.

Her love for us was as deep as the ocean, as constant as the northern star, and as nurturing as the earth itself. She was our confidant, our greatest supporter, and our most cherished friend.

As we bid farewell to this incredible woman, let us carry her spirit with us, nurturing the seeds of love, compassion, and kindness she planted in our hearts. Let us honor her memory by living our lives with the same grace, love, and warmth that she embodied every day of her beautiful journey on this earth.

Today, as we gather to remember a woman of exceptional grace and kindness, my mother, we are reminded of the countless precious moments we were privileged to share with her. A woman of substance, her life was a testament to the power of love, empathy, and resilience.

She was a pillar of strength, a sanctuary of warmth and love, where we could always find comfort and understanding. Her nurturing nature was a beacon of light, guiding us through life's challenges with a grace that was nothing short of inspirational.

My mother had the rare ability to see the best in everyone, nurturing our dreams and encouraging us to reach for the stars. She believed in the goodness of people, and her faith in humanity was a lesson in optimism and hope.

Her smile was our sunshine, brightening our days with its radiant glow. Her love was our anchor, grounding us with its unwavering strength and depth. She was our rock, our safe haven, and the beautiful melody that will forever play in our hearts.

As we bid her a loving farewell, let us remember the love she showered upon us, the wisdom she imparted, and the beautiful moments we shared. She leaves behind a legacy of love, a legacy that will continue to bloom in the garden of our hearts, nurturing us with its beauty and grace for generations to come.

"Mom, you were my rock. You were always there to lift me up when I fell, and to guide me when I felt lost. You taught me the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the beauty of a life well-lived. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that your love will continue to guide me as I move forward without you."

"Mom, you were the light of my life. Your smile could brighten even the darkest of days, and your love knew no bounds. You were my biggest cheerleader, my confidante, and my best friend. You lived life with grace and dignity, and you left the world a better place for having been in it."

"Mom, you were an angel on earth. Your kindness and compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew you. You taught me to see the good in people, to cherish every moment, and to never take a single day for granted. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved you, and you will always be missed."

These short eulogy examples are just a starting point. Use them as inspiration to craft a eulogy that truly reflects your mother's unique spirit and legacy. With Eulogy Assistant by your side, you can be confident that your words will honor her memory and bring comfort to those who loved her.

As we gather here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, my mother, it's hard to find the words that could encapsulate her spirit, her warmth, and the profound impact she had on those who were fortunate enough to know her. In her modest, unassuming way, she touched many lives with her kindness, resilience, and a quiet strength that was as reliable as the sunrise.

My mother lived a life that could easily fill a book with stories of love, hardship, and triumph. Born in a small town she often fondly recalled, she was the epitome of grace and perseverance. Growing up during times of change and challenge, she learned the value of hard work, education, and the importance of family above all else. From her early days, it was evident that she would be not just the heart, but the spine of our family.

She wasn't just a homemaker; she was a home builder—from the aroma of her baking that enveloped you as you entered the house, to the soft, kind words she always had ready when you were feeling down. She created a home that was a sanctuary of love and a foundation of support for everyone in her life. She had a gift for listening, a patience for understanding, and an immense capacity for forgiving.

There are countless memories that come flooding back, each one a testament to her gentle, loving nature. I remember her hands, always busy—repairing a seam, planting a seed, or soothing a fevered brow. They were the hands that clapped the loudest at our successes and wiped away the tears in our defeats. Those hands were a symbol of love in action, always putting others before herself.

Even during times of her own struggles and ailments, she was stoic, often comforting those who came to comfort her. Her compassion knew no bounds. It spread beyond the confines of our family, touching our friends, neighbors, and the community. She taught Sunday school for many years, instilling lessons of faith and morality not through strict words, but through her actions and the way she led her life. She was a mentor and a confidant to many—someone who could be relied upon when guidance was most needed.

My mother also had an incredible love for nature and found joy in the simple things—a hummingbird by the window, the bloom of a rose, or the changing leaves in fall. She often spoke of the interconnectedness of life and taught us to respect and nurture the environment long before it became a global concern. She took pride in her garden and could often be found tending to it with the same love and attention she dedicated to her family.

No eulogy for my mother would be complete without mentioning her wit and humor. She had an uncanny ability to lighten any room with her presence. Her laugh was infectious, and her sense of humor had the power to diffuse even the tensest situations. She was the quintessential matriarch, her kitchen table a place for not just food, but rounds of laughter, heated debates, and, most importantly, the sharing of lives.

It feels impossible to sum up such a vibrant, complex life in these few words. The truth is, my mother lives on in each one of us—her children, her grandchildren, her friends. Her values and wisdom continue to guide us. The love she shared forms the cornerstone of our family. She has left us a legacy not of material wealth, but of richness in character and spirit that is worth more than anything money could buy.

I stand before you today with a heart full of sorrow but also with profound gratitude for having been blessed with a mother like her. Her journey through this life has ended, but her essence, her teachings, and her unconditional love endure. My mother often said, ‘Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.’

So today, rather than saying goodbye, let us say thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices, the smiles, the warmth, and the unwavering love. We celebrate you, not just for what you’ve done or what you’ve given us, but for who you were—a truly exceptional mother and human being. May her soul find the peace she so richly deserves, and may we all strive to keep her spirit alive within us. We love you, now and forever.

In the silent spaces of remembrance for a guiding light in your life, the act of distilling deep respect and treasured memories into words can be as delicate as capturing the dance of fireflies on a summer night. Eulogy Assistant stands by your side during this heartfelt process, weaving together a tribute that is rich with adoration and authentic emotion, turning cherished moments into an enduring homage.

Our adept team, proficient in the delicate craft of sympathetic eulogy creation, pledges to support you in composing a eulogy that echoes the soft strength and lasting impression of your spiritual beacon. Eulogy Assistant extends beyond mere service; we offer a companionship steeped in compassion and insight, devoted to commemorating a life of profound spiritual significance.

At Eulogy Assistant , we deeply value the co-creative process of developing a eulogy that touches the soul. In concert with your recollections and emotions, we draw upon our proficiency to construct a homage that venerates with authenticity and fosters profound emotional bonds.

Our approach is rooted in genuine conversation and a shared creative pursuit. Your firsthand reflections and perceptions are essential in piecing together a story that accurately embodies the footprint left by your spiritual mentor. This path goes beyond narrating life events; it’s about encapsulating the core of their spiritual teachings and the magnitude of their influence.

Jointly, our goal is to create a narrative that truthfully reflects your spiritual guide – a eulogy that surmounts the usual accolades, brimming with esteem, personal ties, and genuine feeling. Our combined efforts result in a eulogy that is a beautifully woven mosaic of language, mirroring the profound admiration and love your spiritual guide has instilled.

The heart of our offerings shines through in the heartfelt testimonials from those we have been privileged to support. These earnest accounts of thankfulness and acknowledgment from people who have called on us are the purest endorsements of our devotion.

Commemorating my spiritual guide was daunting, yet Eulogy Assistant became my pillar of reliable encouragement, aiding me in realizing a eulogy that fittingly celebrated their guidance and enlightenment," Rachel shares with heartfelt thanks.

Michael reminisces, "During my period of grief, the empathetic and skillful backing from Eulogy Assistant was a consoling ally. With their help, I composed a eulogy that was not just composed of words, but embodied a poignant and cherished homage to my spiritual mentor."

These narratives emphasize our commitment to constructing eulogies that transcend mere formality—they are honest manifestations of esteem, tribute, and perpetual remembrance. We are honored to accompany you on this path, acknowledging the distinctive paths of those who have deeply touched our souls, and creating eulogies that serve as lasting salutes to their spiritual wisdom.

Embark with us in forging narratives that are intimately personal, reverential, and truly indicative of the spiritual luminaries who have enlightened our paths.

A eulogy serves to honor the deceased person's life, celebrating their achievements, virtues, and the significant impact they had on the lives of others. It is a heartfelt tribute that provides comfort and solace to the grieving family and friends.

To start writing a eulogy for your mother, begin by jotting down fond memories, anecdotes, and the virtues that defined her. You can also talk to family members and friends to gather more insights and stories about her. This will form a rich tapestry of her life, helping you craft a fitting tribute.

While the tone of a eulogy can vary depending on the personality of the deceased and the preferences of the family, it is generally recommended to maintain a balance between reverence and celebration. It should reflect the love, respect, and admiration you have for your mother.

A eulogy typically starts with an introduction, followed by a chronological or thematic exploration of the person's life, including their childhood, adulthood, career, and personal anecdotes. It concludes with a closing statement that encapsulates the person's legacy and the void they leave behind.

A short eulogy is generally around 5-7 minutes long, which translates to about 500-700 words. However, it is essential to focus more on the content and the message rather than strictly adhering to a word limit.

Absolutely. If your mother had a great sense of humor, incorporating light-hearted anecdotes or funny memories can make the eulogy more personal and reflective of her personality. However, ensure that the humor is appropriate and respectful.

To make the eulogy more personal, include specific memories, stories, or qualities that were unique to your mother. You can also mention the little things that made her special, her favorite sayings, hobbies, or the traditions she held dear.

Yes, including quotes or poems that resonate with your mother's personality or philosophy can be a touching addition to the eulogy. It can also help convey your feelings more eloquently.

It's completely natural to become emotional while delivering a eulogy. If you feel that you might get too overwhelmed, you can ask someone to be on standby to take over if necessary. Remember, showing emotion is a sign of love and not a weakness.

Mentioning the cause of death is a personal choice and depends on the circumstances. If it's something that defines or significantly impacts the narrative, you might choose to include it. However, it's perfectly fine to focus solely on the life and memories shared.

Conclude the eulogy with a heartfelt farewell, a final tribute, or a personal reflection on her legacy. You can end with a touching quote, a poem, or a simple thank you to encapsulate the love and respect you have for her.

Yes, encouraging others to share their memories can make the service more interactive and comforting. It allows others to pay their tributes and share different perspectives on her life.

Common themes to explore in a eulogy for a mother can include her nurturing nature, the lessons she imparted, her love for her family, her professional accomplishments, and the qualities that made her a remarkable person.

While it's important to paint a realistic picture, a eulogy is not the place to focus on the deceased's shortcomings or negative aspects. It's more about celebrating the positive impact and the loving memories shared.

Handling conflicting emotions can be challenging. It's essential to approach the process with sensitivity and understanding. Focus on the love and the positive moments shared, and seek counseling or support groups if necessary to navigate complex emotions.

Absolutely, sharing personal anecdotes can add a warm, personal touch to the eulogy, helping to paint a vivid picture of your mother's personality and the special moments you shared.

Honoring her memory can extend beyond the eulogy through various means such as setting up a scholarship in her name, planting a tree, or engaging in acts of kindness that resonate with her values and principles.

Dealing with writer's block can be tough, especially during a time of grief. Taking a break, talking to family members for stories, or seeking inspiration from eulogy examples can help overcome writer's block.

Yes, writing a eulogy in such circumstances can be a cathartic process. Focus on the positive aspects and the shared memories, acknowledging the complexity without dwelling on the negative aspects.

There are several online platforms and books that offer eulogy examples to help guide you in crafting a heartfelt tribute. You can refer to websites, forums, and communities dedicated to grief support and memorial planning for resources.

If you're struggling to write a eulogy for your mother, Eulogy Assistant can help.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

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5 Tips on How to Write a Book About Your Mother

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There are all types of mothers in the world, and there are many things that are written about mothers every day. Mothers have inspired everyone from world leaders to the kid down the block. Yet, most of these moms will never have their moment in the sun beyond their immediate circle of family and friends. By learning how to write a book about your mother, you have an opportunity to create something really special that will be a lasing tribute.

Tip One: Decide on a Memoir or Fictional Representation

To begin your journey of writing a book about your mom, you first need to know what type of book you want to write. You can write a memoir, which includes memories and stories about various aspects of your mother’s life.

Or, you can choose to make your mom a fictional character in a book that is inspired by her life story. Both choices will require you to know a lot of background information about your mother. A memoir will probably be more of an emotional experience for you than a fictional account.

Tip Two: Gather the Facts

Okay, now that you know which direction you’re going to take with this book, it’s time to gather lots of facts about mom. Sure, you grew up with her and have lots of memories, but you’re not the only one that she interacts with.

But still, you should start with your own special memories about her. Then you can go about interviewing various family, friends and acquaintances about what they know, or remember about her. You’ll be surprised at the things you don’t know about dear old mom.

If your book is not going to be a surprise gift for your mom, then go ahead and interview her about her life story. She’ll probably be more than happy to sit down with you over your favorite meal and chat about events from the past. Of course, if it is a gift, you can be sneaky and secretly record her memories.

Tip Three: Create an Outline

Even though you’re writing about your own mother, the book still needs to be organized in a way that makes it easy for readers. The easiest way would be to start from the beginning and take it all the way to the present day. Or, you can focus on a very specific time or event in her life, and use that as a basis for the book.

Each chapter will talk about a specific time and place or event.

For example, Chapter One: Running Errands for A Nickel and an Ice Cream Cone

This chapter sets up the story of how a mom often ran errands as a little girl, and had some funny things happen while doing it.

Tip Four: Stay Objective

Because you are so close to the subject of the book, you may at times get overly emotional and drift towards too much sentimental mush. Or, if you have a testy relationship with your mom, too much negativity can cloud a good story.

If you’re going to commit to being the author of your mother’s memoir, then think of yourself as a writer who has been hired to write this book. Your main goal is to write about your mother’s ups and downs in an entertaining and enlightening manner. You can only do this if you can keep your own deep emotions out of it. Save all of those pent up feelings for your own memoir.

Tip Five: Take Your Time

If other people are going to read this book, then take your time to do a good job of covering your mother’s story. If you are a first time author, you’ll quickly discover that writing a book is a step-by-step process that involves putting your thoughts into the right words.

I suggest that when working on the first draft, you just allow the words to flow out of you freely, without much thought about trying to make it perfect. This way, what you really want to say will come out of you a lot easier. You can always go back later and edit what you’ve written.

Source by Donna Monday

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Memorable Eulogy Samples for a Beloved Mother

Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Writing a beautiful eulogy for your mother can take some time and patience, but it is such a special way to honor her life. Using tips and guidelines for writing a eulogy for your mother can help make the process a bit easier to manage.

What Do You Say in a Eulogy for Your Mother?

Short eulogy examples can be used as a template to help you get started, pick a general theme, and figure out what tone works best for your style. Keep in mind if you're not a fan of public speaking, it's a good idea to keep your speech on the shorter side, as emotions may run high on the day of the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. A eulogy should start by introducing yourself and then end with final thoughts about your mom. Fill in the middle with information personalized your mom, her life, and your relationship.

• 100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye

Eulogy for Mother With a Degenerative Illness

If your mother passed away due to a degenerative illness such as dementia or cancer, you may or may not wish to include information about her experience with this illness in your speech. If you would like to include information abut your mother's experience with a degenerative illness, you may mention it briefly after the introduction, or before closing, but be sure not to solely focus on this. Examples include:

• "As many of you know, (insert deceased individual's name) was diagnosed with (insert illness) back in (insert date). Despite this diagnosis, her passion for life and her contagious curiosity was no different. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to us all for living life to the fullest and not letting anything get in her way."
• "(Insert deceased individual's name) kept her diagnosis of (insert name of illness) quite private. She never wanted to burden anyone with feeling like they had to take care of her, especially on her more challenging days. Her selflessness didn't just show up after her diagnosis- she has been this way her whole life, putting others first and wanting to be her family and friends' rock."

Eulogy for Mother With Mental Health Disorder

Similar to a eulogy for a mother who had a degenerative illness, it is up to you to decide whether you'd like to disclose your mother's mental health diagnosis. Be sure if you do include the diagnosis, that it is there for a purpose, not just to mention it. Examples include:

• "As some of you may know, (insert deceased individual's name) had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis). Despite the challenges that this diagnosis created for her, she always persevered and continued to show her family that prioritizing self-care and mental wellbeing are significant aspects of creating a happy life. I will always hear her voice when it's time for me to check in with my own emotional well-being.We honor her memory today and every day."
• "My mom has had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis) for as long as I can remember. Even though this has brought significant challenges her way, she always prioritized taking care of herself so she could be there for her family. Looking back, I am only now beginning to understand just how much she had to overcome to be the mother she was to us."

After mentioning the diagnosis, you can go into a more detailed story that illustrates who your mother was as a person. Personal anecdotes make a eulogy speech that much more meaningful and special.

Religious Eulogy for Mother

If your mother practiced a certain religion, or had a religious saying that was meaningful to her, you can consider adding it to your eulogy speech. You can do so by weaving in the saying or certain beliefs into the overarching theme of your speech. Examples of religious eulogies include:

• "(Insert deceased individual's name) lived her life with a passion for love and acceptance of all people. She often would say (insert religious belief or saying) and she exemplified this by (insert specific example of her doing so). I am so grateful to have had her as such an incredible example of kindness, honesty, and strength."
• "Religion has always been a huge part of (insert deceased individual's name) life. When any of us were experiencing a difficult moment in life, she tended to say, (insert religious saying). Through this saying, she taught us about strength and believing in ourselves."

Eulogy for a Difficult Mother

If you had an estranged or strained relationship with your mother, you will still be able to give a beautiful eulogy speech if you feel comfortable doing so. Try to focus on the positive characteristics of her and/or obstacles that she overcame. While you don't need to delve into the nitty gritty of your relationship, you can still capture positive aspects of her spirit in your words. You can consider saying:

• "While my mother and I didn't have the closest relationship, I always admired her belief in herself and her ability to prioritize her needs. (Insert deceased individual's name) overcame a lot of hardship and poured herself into becoming who she wanted to be. I am grateful for the time we spent together."
• "As many of you are aware of, my mother and I weren't as close as I wished we had been. Although we had our differences, I learned some incredible lessons from her about patience, strength, and respect. (Insert deceased individual's name) experienced many challenges in life and faced them head on with incredible strength and determination."

If you are struggling to come up with positive attributes, you can focus on her life chronologically and mention relationships that were important to her, her accomplishments, her hobbies, and her career.

Eulogy From a Son or Daughter

A eulogy written by a mother's son or daughter can be such a special tribute. An example of a eulogy from a son or daughter:

• "(Insert deceased individual's name) was the kindest, most loving person I've ever known. She mothered everyone, so much so that friends would often call her mom. She took this as a compliment and never shied away from being there for others who needed support in one way or another. As her (daughter or son), I feel like I grew up with the most incredible role model who taught me to always be myself and to always push myself to learn more. I will miss her smile, her laugh, her sage advice, and her bubbly personality. I know all of us will miss her famous chocolate cake. Thank you again for being her today to honor her memory. She loved all of you and her memory will live on in all of us."

Eulogy for a Mother-in-Law

Examples of speeches for a mother-in-law include:

• "There's a misconception that your in-laws are going to be trouble. That couldn't be further from the truth when it came to (insert deceased individual's name). She welcomed me with open arms and I grew fond of her extremely early on in our relationship. We ended up bonding over our love of animals and would spend our time hiking with our dogs and volunteering at local shelters together. While I don't feel ready to say goodbye, I know how lucky I am to have known her for the limited amount of time that I did. I miss her and so wish I got the privilege of spending more time with her."
• "(Insert deceased individual's name) was a kind, free-spirited individual who loved to sing, dance, and cook amazing meals. She had a passion for many things, but most of all she had a passion for being a mom. I've watched her for the last several years be the most incredible mom to her children and when I came into the picture, she made an effort to make me feel welcome in her family right away. I have learned so many lessons from her about following your dreams and loving with all of your heart. I will miss her incredible presence and feel honored to be a part of her family."

Eulogy for a Step Mom

Eulogy examples for a step mom include:

• "While we weren't technically related, I always felt like (insert deceased individual's name) was an incredible mother figure for me and my siblings. She was kind, soft-spoken, and had a deep love of reading. She loved to sit around and chat with us, always curious about not only our days, but our hopes and dreams. She was my guiding light through challenging moments and I will forever miss her gentle spirit."
• "(Insert deceased individual's name) didn't come into my life until I was an adult, but I'm so happy she did. She was an incredible person who made a tremendous effort to get to know our family and seemed to fit in perfectly. She always made us laugh and was quick to offer support during difficult times. Her love of music was contagious, and she was constantly composing the most beautiful songs. I will miss her every day, but I feel so lucky to have had time with her."

How to Write a Eulogy for Your Mother

Writing a eulogy can feel like an overwhelming task for some individuals and can feel even more difficult during the process of grieving. Before you begin writing the tribute for your mother , pick a time when you feel motivated to write, instead of forcing yourself to do so when you aren't feeling up to it. Keep in mind that you can ask for help writing the eulogy from friends, family members, as well as the funeral director if you get stuck.

What Should Be Included in Your Mom's Eulogy?

Eulogies will vary based on a number of factors. In general, information in the eulogy should include mentioning your mother's close friends and family, her personality, her impact on your life, and special milestones. You can also add in a meaningful anecdote or special poem to honor your mom , too.

Coping With Grief When Writing

While writing and giving the eulogy speech may help a bit with closure, the grieving process is incredibly unique and complex. Whether you had an amazing relationship with your mom, an estranged one, or a complicated one, grief can still show up and may continue to do so for months to years after the passing. Find healthy ways to cope with your grief and reach out for help immediately if you are struggling with acts of daily living and/or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.

How Do I Write a Tribute to My Mother?

Writing a eulogy is a beautiful way to honor your mother at her funeral. Take your time as you write the eulogy and know that whatever you say in your speech will be enough.

How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay About My Mother

Writing about someone close to you, such as your mother, can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. One of the best ways to structure your writing is to use the 5-paragraph essay format.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of writing a 5-paragraph essay about your mother, with detailed examples and lists to help you along the way.

Introduction

The introduction is your chance to hook your reader and provide a preview of what’s to come in your essay. Here are some tips for crafting a strong opening paragraph about mother :

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs your reader’s attention. For example, you could begin with a quote about mothers or an anecdote that illustrates your relationship with your mom.
• Provide some background information about your mother, such as her name, age, occupation, and any other relevant details to your essay.
• Explain why you’ve chosen to write about your mother and what makes her so unique to you. This will help your reader understand the significance of your essay.
• Finally, give a brief overview of the structure of your essay. Tell your reader what they can expect to learn from your writing and how you’ll be organizing your thoughts.

The First Paragraph

The first body paragraph of your essay should introduce your topic (your mother) and provide a thesis statement that ties your focus/theme to your mother’s significance in your life. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Start with a sentence introducing your mother and explaining why she is important to you. For example, you could say, “My mother is the most important person in my life because she has always been there for me, no matter what.”
• Provide some background information about your mother, such as her age, occupation, and any other relevant details.
• Explain the focus/theme of your essay. This could be anything from your mother’s resilience in adversity to her impact on your personal growth and development.
• Finally, provide a clear and concise thesis statement that ties your focus/theme to your mother’s significance in your life. For example, your thesis statement could be, “My mother’s unwavering support has been the driving force behind my success.”

The Second Paragraph

The second paragraph of your essay should provide examples and anecdotes that support the focus/theme you introduced in the first paragraph. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by introducing the specific example or anecdote you’ll be sharing. For instance, you could say, “One of the best examples of my mother’s support came when I was struggling in school.”
• Share the details of the example or anecdote. This could include specific conversations with your mother, her actions to support you, or challenges you overcame together.
• Analyze the impact of your mother’s actions on your life. How did her support make a difference for you? What did you learn from the experience? How did it strengthen your relationship with your mother?
• Tie your analysis back to your thesis statement. Make it clear how this example or anecdote supports your focus/theme and your overall argument.

The Third Paragraph

The third paragraph of your essay should continue to explore the impact of your mother’s actions on your life. Here are some tips for writing this section:

• Start by introducing a new example or anecdote that supports your focus/theme. For instance, you could talk about how your mother helped you through a difficult time.
• Provide details about the example or anecdote, just as you did in the previous paragraph.
• Analyze the impact of your mother’s actions on your life. What did you learn from this experience? How did it shape who you are today?
• Again, tie your analysis back to your thesis statement. Make it clear how this example or anecdote supports your overall argument.

The Fourth Paragraph

The fourth paragraph of your essay should provide a counterargument or opposing viewpoint. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by acknowledging that there may be other perspectives on your mother’s impact on your life. For example, you could say something like “While my mother has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my life, I know that not everyone has had the same experience.”
• Introduce a counterargument or opposing viewpoint. This could be something like “Some people might argue that a mother’s impact on her child is overstated and that other factors, such as genetics or upbringing, are more important.”
• Analyze the counterargument or opposing viewpoint. Explain why you disagree with this perspective and provide evidence to support your argument. This could include personal anecdotes, statistics, or expert opinions.
• Finally, tie your analysis back to your thesis statement. Make it clear how your counterargument supports your overall argument and reinforces the importance of your mother’s impact on your life.

The Fifth Paragraph

Your essay’s fifth and final paragraph should summarize your main points and provide a conclusion. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by summarizing the key points you’ve made in your essay. Remind your reader of your focus/theme, thesis statement, and the examples and anecdotes you’ve shared.
• Provide a final analysis of your mother’s impact on your life. Explain why she is so important to you and what you’ve learned from your experiences with her.
• End with a firm conclusion. This could be a call to action, a personal reflection, or a final thought that ties everything together. For example, you could end with something like, “My mother will always be my role model and inspiration. I hope I can be as supportive and loving as she has always been to me someday.”

Example essay about my mother

My mother is the most important person in my life. She has been there for me through thick and thin, always supporting and encouraging me to be the best I can be. Her unwavering love and dedication have been a constant source of strength for me, and I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me. Firstly, my mother is the epitome of selflessness. She always puts the needs of others before her own, and she never complains about it. Whether it is cooking my favorite meal or staying up all night to help me with my homework, she never hesitates to go the extra mile to ensure I am happy and well taken care of. My mother is sage and insightful. She has a wealth of life experience and a deep understanding of human nature, and she has always been there to offer me sage advice whenever I need it. Her words of wisdom have helped me navigate many difficult situations and have given me the tools to face any challenge that comes my way. I believe that my mother is the embodiment of hard work and perseverance. She has always been a role model for me when it comes to putting in the effort to achieve one’s goals. Watching her work tirelessly day in and day out to provide for our family has taught me the value of hard work and the importance of never giving up. Also, my mother has a great sense of humor and an infectious zest for life. Even in the most challenging of times, she always finds a way to make me laugh and to see the bright side of things. Her positive attitude and sunny disposition have taught me the importance of looking on the bright side and never giving up hope. In conclusion, my mother is the most amazing person that I know. Her selflessness, wisdom, hard work, and sense of humor have impacted my life immeasurable, and I am so grateful for everything she has done for me. I hope that one day I can be half the person that she is, and that I can make her as proud of me as I am of her.

Example 2: A Portrait of Strength and Love: My Mother

In the tapestry of my life, there is one thread that shines brighter than all others – the unwavering presence of my mother. She is not just a figure in my life; she is the cornerstone, the guiding light, and the epitome of love and strength. In this essay, I aim to paint a vivid portrait of the woman who has shaped me into who I am today. Body: My mother’s love knows no bounds. It is a force of nature, gentle yet unyielding, like the steady flow of a river that nourishes all in its path. From the moment I came into this world, she cradled me in her arms, her touch a soothing balm that could heal any wound, physical or emotional. Her love is not confined to mere words; it is expressed through her actions, through the countless sacrifices she has made for our family. One of the most remarkable traits of my mother is her boundless strength. She has weathered storms that would have broken lesser souls, yet she emerged from the tempest stronger than ever. I have seen her face adversity with grace and courage, never once faltering in her resolve. She is the backbone of our family, the one we turn to in times of need, knowing that her strength will carry us through even the darkest of days. But my mother is not just a beacon of strength; she is also a source of wisdom and guidance. Her words are infused with a depth of knowledge that can only come from a life well-lived. Whenever I am faced with a difficult decision or grappling with uncertainty, I know that I can turn to her for counsel, and she will always steer me in the right direction. Despite the many roles she juggles – mother, wife, daughter, friend – my mother always finds time to nurture her passions and pursue her dreams. Whether it’s tending to her garden, losing herself in a good book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, she reminds me of the importance of self-care and staying true to oneself. Conclusion: In the tapestry of my life, my mother is the brightest thread, the one that adds color and meaning to the fabric of my existence. She is my rock, my confidante, and my greatest source of inspiration. As I navigate the journey of life, I am grateful to have her by my side, guiding me with her love, wisdom, and unwavering strength. My mother is not just a woman; she is a force of nature, and I am blessed to call her mine.

Final remarks

In conclusion, writing a 5-paragraph essay about your mother can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. By following the structure outlined in this guide, you can organize your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.

Remember to introduce your mother, explain your focus/theme, provide examples and anecdotes, and tie everything back to your thesis statement.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling essay about the most important woman in your life.

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Need help writing the obituary?

Get three obituaries within minutes using an obituary generator, then make any final edits to make it perfect. Click here to view the examples.

How to Write an Obituary for a Mother

December 22, 2023

Mothers are a beacon of unconditional love, the linchpin that keeps the family together, and a pillar of strength. Writing an obituary for a mother can feel like a daunting task, especially during a time of grief. However, it can also be a cathartic experience that honors her life and legacy.

Understanding an Obituary's Role

An obituary is more than just an announcement of a loved one’s passing. It's a tribute, a commemoration, a loving snapshot of a life well-lived. It encapsulates a person’s journey, achievements, relationships, and impact on those around them.

Navigating Emotions while Writing a Mother's Obituary

Confronting the emotions attached to the loss of a mother can be overwhelming. Writing about her death can stir up feelings, from sadness to nostalgia. However, it's crucial to remember that it's okay to feel, pause, reflect, and cry. Allow these emotions to guide you as you craft a heartfelt tribute.

Gathering Information: The Foundation of an Obituary

Collecting key details about your mother's life.

Documenting your mother's life requires assembling a mosaic of information. Her dates of birth and death, hometown, education, career, passions, and milestones are the pieces of the puzzle that will help you paint a vivid portrait of her life.

Sourcing Anecdotes and Memories from Family and Friends

Every person is a tapestry of stories. To bring your mother's obituary to life, reach out to family members and friends for anecdotes, memories, and personal stories that encapsulate her spirit and character. These narratives add a deeper dimension, enriching the obituary with a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences.

Structuring Your Mother's Obituary

The opening: communicating the loss.

The opening of the obituary is the delicate task of sharing the sad news. A poignant introduction includes your mother's full name, age, date, and place of passing, composed in a manner that respects the gravity of the loss.

Crafting an Opening Statement that Honors Your Mother

The opening statement is a preamble to your mother's life story, setting the tone for the narrative. It could mention her enduring qualities, cherished roles, or a summary of her life's ethos.

Detailing Her Personal and Professional Life

The heart of the obituary lies in chronicling your mother's life journey. This section is a walk through her personal and professional milestones, her endeavors, and achievements, intricately woven into a narrative that celebrates her life.

Highlighting Key Achievements and Impact

Your mother's impact in her personal and professional spheres is a vital part of her life story. Documenting her key achievements, contributions, and the lives she touched amplifies the significance of her journey.

Adding Personal Touches: Memories, Hobbies, and Favorite Sayings

Incorporating your mother's hobbies, favorite sayings, or unforgettable memories can add a deeply personal touch to the obituary. These details offer a glimpse into her personality, making the narrative more relatable and human.

Revealing Her Character through Stories and Achievements

Peppering the obituary with stories of her kindness, courage, or resilience can illuminate her character. These narratives and her achievements create a multifaceted portrayal of your mother that resonates with readers.

Listing Family Members and Their Relationship to Your Mother

An obituary often includes a list of surviving family members and those who predeceased her. This section portrays the circle of love and relationships central to your mother's life.

Expressing Family's Shared Loss and Love

Expressing the collective grief of the family can be a therapeutic exercise. This collective sentiment underscores the depth of your mother's impact and the love that endures beyond her life.

Sharing Funeral or Memorial Service Information

The closing of the obituary typically includes information about the funeral or memorial service. This information invites those who knew your mother to celebrate her life and say their goodbyes.

Including Any Final Words or Sentiments

The closing can also feature any final sentiments or wishes, such as thanking the medical staff for their care or a favorite quote that encapsulates your mother's philosophy.

Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Mother's Obituary

Striking a balance between public and private information.

Writing an obituary requires a delicate balance of sharing information while respecting privacy. Remember, it's okay not to disclose every detail. The focus should be on creating a respectful tribute to your mother.

Maintaining Dignity, Respect, and Accuracy in Your Writing

Ensuring dignity, respect, and accuracy in your writing is paramount. Be mindful of your language and strive to present an honest portrayal of your mother that respects her memory.

Proofreading: Ensuring Your Mother's Obituary Is Perfect

The importance of proofreading in the obituary process.

Proofreading is a critical step in the obituary process. It ensures accuracy, corrects errors, and refines the language, guaranteeing the narrative is a worthy tribute to your mother.

Enlisting Help from Family Members or Friends for a Second Look

Consider seeking assistance from family members or friends for a second look. Fresh eyes can offer valuable insights, corrections, and emotional support.

Publishing the Obituary: Ensuring Your Mother's Story is Told

Deciding on the right publication or platform for your mother's obituary.

Choosing the right platform for your mother's obituary is crucial. Whether a local newspaper or an online memorial site, the chosen medium should reach the people who knew and loved her.

Navigating the Submission Process: Costs, Deadlines, and Guidelines

The submission process can be challenging. Be aware of the costs, deadlines, and guidelines of the chosen publication to ensure a smooth process and that your mother's story is told on time.

Coping with Grief During the Obituary Writing Process

Dealing with emotional challenges while writing.

The journey of writing your mother's obituary is fraught with emotional challenges. It's essential to practice self-care during this time, taking breaks when needed and allowing yourself to grieve.

Using the Writing Process as a Form of Healing and Celebration

Writing your mother's obituary can be a form of healing. It provides a space for reflection, a canvas to celebrate her life, and a path to navigate through the initial stages of grief.

Conclusion: The Healing Power of Writing Your Mother's Obituary

How an obituary honors and continues your mother's legacy.

An obituary is a loving homage to your mother that keeps her spirit alive. It honors her journey and carries forward her legacy, ensuring her life and lessons continue to inspire.

Embracing the Enduring Tribute of an Obituary

Writing your mother's obituary is an enduring tribute, a written testament to her life. As you navigate through grief, embrace this tribute as a part of the healing process, a testament to a love that lives on.

Additional Resources

• How to Write an Obituary in 7 Steps
• 3 Obituary Examples for a Mother
• 2 Free Obituary Templates for a Mother

Notifications

How to write an obituary for a mother.

When it comes to writing obituaries, it can be hard to know where to start. Writing an obituary for your mother can offer its own set of complications. How can you accurately sum up the impact your mother had on you and your family in the form of an obituary? What kind of information should you include? Here's where to start when it comes to how to write an obituary for mothers.

What kind of information should you include in an obituary for a loving mother?

Practically, you want to include the following biographical information in an obituary:

• Parents' Names
• Spouse's Name (if applicable) and Children's Names

Including this information in an obituary is standard and helps serve as a record of the individual's life. Other typical biographical information includes occupation, education, and military service. However, when writing an obituary for a mother, you may want to focus on other aspects of her life that were particularly important to you.

What else should I say about my mother in her obituary?

Your mother was undoubtedly an important figure in your life, and, likely, the lives of others.

Include a brief overview of her life. This can be touching, or it can be strictly factual. Avoid going into too much detail if you want to be mindful of length (which you don't need to be, if you have an Ever Loved obituary ); save that for the funeral service or eulogy.

It can be helpful to begin by including some details about the life of your mother and what her impact was on others. Focusing on the impact that your mother had on her family, friends, and community can help you put together a good story of her life that those she knew can read. This section could also mention any areas where she may have struggled or experienced difficulties during her life. However, it's also important to remember to focus on the positive aspects of your mother's life and what made her unique.

You should weave in her impact, her hobbies, her passions, and her struggles throughout the biographical information you're providing. This can help the obituary read as a story rather than as a statement of just biographical facts.

Here's a brief list of information you can include that's aside from the biographical information:

• Her hobbies, passions, and interests
• Any clubs, organizations, volunteer work she was a part of
• Her values, sayings, or words of wisdom
• Her favorite places to travel, things to eat, meals to make, or things to do
• Her relationship with her family, friends, and community
• Her style as a mother and what you felt made her special as a mother and a person
• Any other aspect of her life or personality that you felt made her special or unique

Important tips when writing an obituary for mothers

Now that you have the content in mind, it's time to start writing the obituary. Before you get started, here are some tips to keep in mind when writing an obituary for a mom:

• Keep the tone in mind.
• Acknowledge special accomplishments outside of motherhood.
• Recognize the importance of her relationship with the family, if you'd like to.
• Recognize the importance of her mothering style and ways, if you'd like to.
• Describe hobbies, passions, and other activities she was passionate about or involved in.
• Be mindful of the length if you need to publish the obituary in a newspaper. (Newspapers charge by the line and many obituaries of even just 4-5 sentences can cost hundreds of dollars. If you have an online obituary on Ever Loved, you don't need to worry about length.)
• Be sure to include important service information if applicable.

Publish an obituary

Sample obituary for mothers

For an example of how to write an obituary for your mother, you can reference the sample below:

Zara Khatri, 82, of Santa Barbara, passed away on March 17th after a brief battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed. Zara was born on February 3rd, 1939 to Ethel and Anton Fedorov in Chicago, IL. After graduating from Chicago East in 1956, Zara went on to study sociology, a subject she was always passionate about, at University of Chicago. After graduation, she landed her first job as a Administrative Data Associate for Kessel & Joy, where she would stay for 18 years. It was also during this time that Zara also found her passion for hiking and swimming after joining a club at work, which she'd continue being involved in until her passing. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Mayan Khatri, and they wed in 1969, going on to have three children, Amy, Maya, and Samir. When Zara had her first child, Samir, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Zara excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of our family, through and through. She was an excellent gift giver, always knew the right thing to say, never missed a special date, and picking the best spots to hike and sightsee. Whether it was supporting Amy through law school or encouraging Mayan to pursue carpentry, she was our constant cheerleader and supporter. Zara was a passionate outdoorswomen and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found scoping out new and untreaded paths on her favorite local hiking spots. Zara was predeceased by her parents, Ethen and Anton, her husband, Mayan, and her sister, Brenda. She is survived by her children, Amy, Maya, and Samir, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family requests that donations be made to Nature Conservancy in lieu of flowers. There will be a celebration of life at 9:30 AM on March 24th at Arroyo Burro Beach.

Here is the template, which you can edit and use as you see fit:

[Full name], [age], of [place of residence], passed away on [date of death] after a [descriptor] battle with [cause of death]. [First name] was born on [date and year of birth] to [parents] in [city of birth]. After graduating from [name of high school] in [high school graduation year], [he/she] went on to study [college major] at [college name]. After graduation, [he/she] landed [his/her] first job as a [job title] for [company] for [years]. In [year they met], [he/she] met [spouse name], and they wed in [marriage year], going on to have [number of children] children, [list of children’s names]. When [name] had [first child], she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. [Name] excelled at propping up [members of her family] and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was [supporting spouse/child] through [difficulty] or [supporting spouse/child] through [passion], she made it her mission to improve the lives of others. [Name] was a passionate [name of personal hobby or craft] and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found in her [location] practicing [hobby]. We will miss her greatly. [First name] was predeceased by [list of family members who have passed away]. [She/He] is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to [location]. There will be a [funeral service/memorial/celebration of life] at [date & time] at [location].

If you’re looking more free obituary templates for mothers, be sure to read this list of obituary templates .

When you’re ready to post an obituary for your mom, publish an obituary for free using Ever Loved. Ever Loved obituaries are entirely free and come with tons of other features, such as the ability to post and collect condolences, start a fundraiser, share event information, and much more. On top of that, you have unlimited space to share your mom’s story with your friends, family, and community.

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Crafting a Heartfelt Mom Eulogy: 7 Essential Tips to Honor Her Memory

Losing a mother is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. Amidst the grief and pain, a heartfelt eulogy for mom offers an opportunity to celebrate her life, share cherished memories, and express our deepest emotions. A well-crafted eulogy not only honors the memory of a beloved mother but also provides comfort and solace to those left behind.

The emotional journey of writing a mom eulogy can be both cathartic and overwhelming. It’s a chance to reflect on the invaluable lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the impact she made on our lives. As you embark on this journey, let these seven essential tips guide you in crafting a beautiful and heartfelt tribute that will touch the hearts of all who hear it.

II. Tip 1: Reflect on Your Favorite Memories with Your Mom

How to choose meaningful moments to share:.

When writing a eulogy for your mother, start by reflecting on the favorite memories you shared with her. These moments may range from significant milestones to small, yet unforgettable experiences. Think about the times when she was there with open arms during your many challenges, or when you would spend time together listening to your favorite song. Focus on those memories that capture her essence and demonstrate the impact she had on your life.

The power of storytelling in a eulogy:

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can make a eulogy for a mother resonate with everyone present at the funeral. By sharing personal anecdotes and experiences, you allow friends and family to connect with your mom’s memory on a deeper level. As you recount these stories, be genuine and speak from the heart – this will not only help you convey your emotions but also make your words relatable to others who may have experienced similar moments with their own parents.

For example, you could talk about the time when your mom taught you how to ride a bike, or when she stayed up late helping you with a school project. These stories will bring your mother’s presence to life, reminding everyone of her love, kindness, and support. So, as you write the eulogy, remember to weave in these cherished memories, allowing your mom’s spirit to shine through and touch the lives of all who hear her story.

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III. Tip 2: Focus on Her Unique Qualities and Life Lessons

Identifying your mother’s strengths and values:.

Each person is unique, and so is every mother. As you craft the eulogy for your mother, take a moment to identify her strengths, values, and qualities that set her apart from others. Think about the traits that made her special, whether it was her unwavering optimism, fierce determination, or nurturing spirit. By focusing on these aspects of her character, you can paint a vivid picture of your mom in the minds of friends and family, allowing them to remember her fondly.

Sharing the wisdom she imparted on you:

A mother’s wisdom is one of the most valuable gifts she can pass down to her children. As you write the eulogy, consider the life lessons your mom taught you, either through her words or her actions. These lessons could be as simple as the importance of kindness and empathy or as profound as the value of perseverance in the face of many challenges.

By sharing these nuggets of wisdom, you not only honor your mother’s memory but also ensure that her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who hear her story. As you recount these teachings, remember that you are not just speaking to a room full of people – you are also expressing gratitude for the presence and support your mom provided throughout your life, right up until her last breath. So, take this opportunity to celebrate her memory and share the invaluable lessons she taught you with the world.

IV. Tip 3: Use Quotes, Poems, or Song Lyrics That Resonate with Her Memory

Finding the right words to express your feelings:.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the perfect words to convey the depth of your emotions when writing a eulogy for your mother. In such cases, you may consider turning to quotes, poems, or song lyrics that resonate with her memory and capture the essence of your feelings. These elements can add depth and meaning to your eulogy, while also providing a connection to your mom’s personality, interests, or beliefs.

For instance, if your mom had a favorite song that you would spend time listening to together, including some of its lyrics in the eulogy could help evoke the emotions and memories associated with those moments. Similarly, if she was an avid reader or had a particular quote that inspired her, incorporating it into the eulogy can serve as a powerful reminder of her values and passions.

How to incorporate these elements seamlessly into the eulogy:

To seamlessly integrate quotes, poems, or song lyrics into your eulogy, ensure that they flow naturally within the narrative and complement the stories or anecdotes you share. One approach could be to use a quote or poem as an opening or closing statement, setting the tone for the eulogy or providing a poignant conclusion.

Alternatively, you could weave these elements throughout the eulogy, using them to accentuate specific points or memories. For example, if you mention how your mom faced many challenges with open arms and unwavering courage, you might include a relevant quote or lyric that embodies this spirit.

Ultimately, the key is to select quotes, poems, or song lyrics that hold personal significance and meaning, allowing them to enhance your eulogy and create a heartfelt tribute to your mother’s memory.

V. Tip 4: Balance Grief with Gratitude and Love

Expressing your sadness while celebrating her life:.

Writing a eulogy for your mother can be an emotional roller coaster, as you navigate the grief of loss while also celebrating her life. It’s essential to strike a balance between expressing your sadness and honoring her memory with gratitude and love. Share stories that highlight your mom’s unique qualities, but also acknowledge the void her passing has left in your life and the lives of others. By doing so, you create a heartfelt and genuine tribute that resonates with friends and family who are also mourning her loss.

The importance of gratitude in a mom eulogy:

Gratitude plays a crucial role in a mom eulogy, as it allows you to express your appreciation for the time you spent together and the many lessons she taught you. Reflect on the moments you shared, whether it was listening to her favorite song, spending time with siblings, or watching her overcome challenges with open arms. Recognize the impact she had on your life, and thank her for the love, support, and guidance she provided up until her last breath.

Few people can truly understand the bond between a mother and her children, but by expressing your gratitude in the eulogy, you invite others to share in the warmth and love that defined your relationship. In doing so, you not only honor your mother’s memory but also inspire those around you to cherish their own parents and loved ones, keeping her spirit alive in the hearts of all who hear her story.

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VI. Tip 5: Keep the Tone Personal and Authentic

Speaking from the heart and staying true to your emotions:.

When writing a eulogy for your mother, it’s essential to speak from the heart and remain genuine in expressing your emotions. Few people can truly understand the depth of your relationship with your mom, but by sharing your feelings openly and honestly, you invite others to empathize with your loss.

As you write the eulogy, stay true to your emotions and allow yourself to be vulnerable. This authenticity will not only make your words more impactful but also help you connect with friends and family who are mourning alongside you.

Avoiding clichés and generic sentiments:

While it may be tempting to rely on clichés or generic phrases when writing a eulogy for a mother, doing so can detract from the personal and heartfelt nature of your tribute. Instead, focus on sharing specific memories, stories, and emotions that are unique to your relationship with your mom.

For instance, rather than simply saying she was a wonderful mother, share a story that illustrates her nurturing spirit or the many challenges she faced with open arms. By providing concrete examples and anecdotes, you paint a vivid picture of your mom’s life and qualities, allowing her memory to live on in the hearts and minds of those present at the funeral.

Remember, the eulogy is your opportunity to celebrate your mother’s life, honor her memory, and express your gratitude for the time you spent together. By keeping the tone personal and authentic, you create a lasting tribute that will resonate with everyone who hears it.

VII. Tip 6: Practice Your Delivery and Stay Composed

Tips for practicing and delivering the eulogy with confidence:.

Public speaking can be challenging, especially when delivering a eulogy for your mother at a funeral. To ensure you feel confident and composed during this emotional moment, take the time to practice your speech beforehand. Read through your eulogy several times, focusing on pace, tone, and pronunciation. Consider rehearsing in front of a trusted friend or family member who can provide feedback and support.

Remember that few people expect perfection during such an emotionally charged event. Instead, focus on conveying your message sincerely and authentically, as your words will resonate more deeply with those present.

How to manage your emotions during the eulogy:

Delivering a eulogy for a mother can be an emotional experience, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by sadness, grief, or even anger. To help manage your emotions during the eulogy, consider these strategies:

• Take deep breaths: If you find yourself becoming overly emotional, pause and take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and regain composure.
• Focus on gratitude: Remind yourself of the positive memories and experiences you shared with your mom, and express gratitude for the time you spent together.
• Use notes: Having a written copy of your eulogy can provide a sense of security and help you stay focused during your speech.
• Allow yourself to feel: Remember that it’s okay to show emotion during a eulogy. If tears come, let them flow. Your vulnerability and sincerity will be appreciated by friends and family in attendance.

By taking these steps, you can honor your mother’s memory with grace and composure, ensuring that her spirit lives on through your heartfelt tribute.

VIII. Tip 7: Seek Support from Friends and Family

The benefits of sharing your eulogy draft with others:.

As you write the eulogy for your mother, consider sharing your draft with close friends and family members. These loved ones can provide valuable feedback and encouragement , helping you refine your message and ensure it resonates deeply with those who will hear it at the funeral. Few people know your mother and her impact on your life better than those closest to you, making their input crucial in creating a heartfelt and sincere tribute.

How loved ones can provide valuable feedback and encouragement:

• Clarifying your message: Friends and family can help you hone in on the most essential aspects of your mother’s life and character, ensuring that your eulogy captures her spirit accurately.
• Emotional support: Writing a eulogy for a mother can be an emotional process, and having the support of loved ones can help you navigate this challenging time with open arms.
• Revising content: Those closest to you may have their own memories and anecdotes to share, allowing you to weave a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate your mother’s life in all its complexity.
• Confidence boost: Sharing your eulogy draft with friends and family can help boost your confidence in both your writing and public speaking abilities, making the actual delivery of the eulogy at the funeral a smoother experience.

By seeking support from friends and family, you not only create a more powerful and authentic eulogy for your mother but also strengthen the bonds between those who mourn her loss. Together, you can celebrate her memory, honor her spirit, and express gratitude for the many challenges she faced and overcame during her lifetime.

IX. Example Eulogies: Inspiration for Your Own Mom Eulogy

A selection of touching mom eulogy examples to inspire your writing:.

Example 1: A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Stepmom

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to celebrate the life of my stepmom, Jane, who touched our lives in so many ways. Few people knew just how much she meant to me, but I stand before you today to share my gratitude for the years I spent under her loving care.

Jane faced many challenges in her life, embracing each one with open arms and unwavering strength. She taught me the importance of kindness and empathy, lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

One point I’d like to share is that Jane had an uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel special. Her favorite song, “You’ve Got a Friend,” perfectly encapsulates the warmth and support she provided to friends and family alike. Every time I hear that song, it takes me back to the countless hours we’d spend together singing along, laughing, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I will miss her deeply, but I am grateful for the time we spent together and the love she shared not only with me but also with my siblings and her children. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember her spirit, her kindness, and the impact she had on our world. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will live on through all those whose lives she touched.

Example 2: A Son’ s Remembrance of His Mother

Today, we come together to honor the memory of my mother, Linda, who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. As her son, I have been blessed with countless memories of her love, support, and guidance.

My mother was a beacon of light in our lives, always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and family in need. She faced many challenges throughout her life, but she never lost hope or let them define her. Instead, she channeled her energy into creating a loving home for her children and a welcoming space for all who entered.

One of my fondest memories is of the times we’d gather around the piano as a family, singing our favorite songs and laughing until our sides ached. My mother’s favorite song was “What a Wonderful World,” a tune that perfectly encapsulated her outlook on life. Every time I hear it, I am reminded of her unwavering optimism and her belief in the goodness of people.

As we bid farewell to my mother, let us remember the lessons she taught us and the love she shared with everyone she met. Her spirit and kindness will live on through her children, siblings, and friends, and we are forever grateful for the time we spent with her.

In closing, I’d like to thank each of you for being here today to celebrate my mother’s life and for providing support during this difficult time. We will miss her dearly, but her memory will live on in our hearts, and we will continue to honor her legacy through our actions and the love we share with one another.

X. Conclusion

The significance of crafting a heartfelt mom eulogy cannot be understated, as it serves as a tribute to the love, lessons, and memories shared with your mother. Few people will truly understand the depth of this relationship, but by writing a sincere eulogy, you invite others to share in the warmth and love that defined the bond between you and your mother.

As you embark on this emotional journey, remember to speak from the heart, celebrate your mother’s life, and express gratitude for the time you spent together. Whether writing a eulogy for a mother or stepmom, focus on the many challenges she faced with open arms and the support she provided to friends and family throughout her life.

Take time to reminisce about special moments, such as listening to her favorite song or spending time together with siblings and other loved ones. It is in these precious memories that her spirit will live on, even after her last breath.

Writing a eulogy for your mother may be a daunting task, but know that your words will serve as a testament to her life and the impact she had on the world. As you navigate through this process, remember to seek support from friends and family, and trust that your heartfelt tribute will resonate with all who hear it.

In conclusion, crafting a eulogy for your mother is a profound way to honor her memory and express your love and gratitude. Through your words, you celebrate her life, keep her spirit alive, and provide comfort and support to those who mourn her passing.

How do you start a short eulogy?

To start a short eulogy, begin by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to speak about the person and briefly introduce yourself and your relationship with them. You may also want to share a favorite quote or saying that encapsulates their spirit or an anecdote that highlights their impact on your life. Keep your opening brief, sincere, and heartfelt.

How do you write a meaningful eulogy for your mother?

To write a meaningful eulogy for your mother, follow these steps:

a. Speak from the heart: Share your emotions openly and honestly, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. b. Focus on her qualities: Highlight your mother’s unique characteristics, values, and accomplishments. c. Share personal stories: Include anecdotes and memories that illustrate her impact on your life and the lives of others. d. Celebrate her life: Acknowledge her challenges and successes, and express gratitude for the time you spent together. e. Seek support: Share your draft with close friends and family members who can provide valuable feedback and encouragement. f. Practice your delivery: Rehearse your speech to ensure you feel confident and composed during the actual event.

What is the best closing line for a eulogy?

The best closing line for a eulogy should offer a heartfelt, final tribute to the person, expressing your love and appreciation for their presence in your life. You can also include a quote, poem, or religious verse that holds special meaning to you and the deceased. Some examples include:

a. “May your memory be a blessing, and may you find peace in the next chapter of your journey.”

b. “As we say our final goodbyes, we carry your love and wisdom with us, knowing that your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.”

c. “We will always cherish the time we spent with you, and we’ll honor your memory by living our lives with love, kindness, and compassion, just as you taught us.”

Writing a eulogy during this difficult time is hard. Our professional writers are here to help you capture your loved one’s essence and life beautifully.

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• Loss Of Mother

How to Write a Beautiful Eulogy for a Mother

Updated 12/28/2023

Published 10/28/2019

Erin Coriell, BA in Mass Communication/Media Studies

End-of-life care educator and grief worker

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A eulogy is a speech that praises the life and influence of a person who passed away. These speeches are often the starting point of a funeral ceremony and are meant to make an impact on those in attendance. Writing a eulogy for your mother, however, can feel daunting and overwhelming as you navigate grief and loss.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Tips for writing a eulogy for your mother, short eulogy examples for a mother.

As you sit down and write about the life of the mom you loved, know that it won't be an easy task. It takes courage to face something the grief and move forward through those feelings. But as you begin, you'll eventually find your mother's beautiful story just waiting to be told. Keep reading below for helpful step-by-step instructions for writing a eulogy for your mother.

COVID-19 tip:  If you're hosting a  Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs , make sure to test your audio before the service, so both online and in-person guests can hear your eulogy clearly.

Mothers bring us into the world and it's hard to imagine a life without them. They are with you when you take your first breath. They can help you navigate your life. And often you are with them when they take their last breath. Saying goodbye to your mother is heartbreaking. It can feel like you are alone in your grief. And learning to navigate life without their physical presence can be very difficult.

While you are processing the immediate grief, you may also have to plan the funeral . Don’t let those details fill up all your time. You’ll need to give yourself time to write a eulogy to share. It can feel overwhelming to try and fit a lifetime of memories into 500-1000 words. And the last thing you want to do is rush the process. 

These tips will help guide you as you write a eulogy for your mother:

1. Reflect   

Grab a pen and paper (or computer) and let the memories flow freely. Don't worry about sentence structures or connecting the memories. Just get your thoughts and memories out of your head and onto paper. This exercise is a writing style called stream of consciousness. It can be cathartic. And it will prepare you to write a constructive and impactful eulogy.

Pro tip: Don't worry if the memories seem jumbled at first. You are grieving and it is important to be compassionate with yourself. Let the words flow and trust that it will all come together. 

2. Focus on the positive 

Amid deep grief, it can feel impossible to focus on the positive. During the reflection process, emotions may arise and it might seem like you are stuck in your grief. Trust the process. Allow yourself to reflect on the happy times with your mother. But don’t overlook the difficult times. Make sure you remember your mother as she was. Not perfect, but herself. And find solace in the journey.

A eulogy that encapsulates the dark and light is relatable. It can offer seeds of hope to the living.

3. Celebrate her life

You may feel that your mother left this earth too soon. It might be difficult to consider celebrating during this time. When writing a eulogy, celebrate your mother's life. It's an opportunity to include the special things you loved about your mother. The things that made her shine the most.

What did she do that made her loved ones feel loved? Did she have a special tradition or saying? Talk about it. Allow these words to serve as a celebration of her life.

You could also share her favorite song, piece of poetry, or a quote that she loved. It's important to remember that a eulogy is a celebration of someone. This is your time to express the wonderful thing that made your mother the person she was . 

4. Stay human 

During times of loss, it's common to want to pretend that you are doing okay. For eulogy purposes, you do need to find some composure, but you don't need to have it all together. People respond best to honest and authentic words.

And needing time to work through your grief is important.  If you are sad, or you are struggling with a particular memory, write that. It's okay to let your guard down and show that your mother's impact was great, even in loss.

5. Don’t overthink it 

It's easy to overthink things, especially when strong emotions are at play. Be kind to yourself. Remember that whatever you write will be enough. Try not to overthink the process.

Allow yourself to write from the heart. If you permit yourself to focus on your emotions, you might find the writing will come easier.  If you're having trouble figuring out where to start, check out our guide on how to start a eulogy , or even use some funeral poems about mothers to inspire you.

6. Practice  

Once you complete your eulogy, read it aloud to yourself a few times. And then read it to a loved one or friend. This will help release the immediate grief that may arise when reading it. If you aren't fond of public speaking, these run-throughs are good practice.

And can help you feel more comfortable. It’s important to remember that no one expects a eulogy to be emotionless. Read from the heart and take pauses when you need to. 

7. Stay present

Though writing can often take you into the past, work to stay present. Being present in the eulogy writing process can open your heart. You may find that by staying present, you are experiencing an old memory again.

But this time you are a quiet observer. When you take time to reflect on the present, you realize that your loved ones are always with you. 

If you are struggling with writing the first lines of your mother's eulogy, you are not alone.  Here are some suggestions and prompts to help you get started. 

Eulogy for a mom from a son

Words seem to fail me when I reflect on my mother's life. I am fortunate to be her son and it's an honor to call her my mom. I feel like it would take a lifetime to write all of the beautiful memories I shared with her. I would like to share a few of my favorites with you. I hope they can convey how wonderful of a mother she was. [Write memories] 

Please take a moment to look at the person next to you. You may know the person. Or you might be meeting them for the first time. We all come from different walks of life. The one thing we have in common is that we all cared about [name of mother]. I am grateful to each of you for recognizing my mother as the wonderful woman she was. Thank you for taking the time to be here today.

Eulogy for a mom from a daughter

We rarely express our gratitude for someone. My mom made sure I always knew how much she cared. She reminded me every day how important I was to her. I knew she loved me because she took the time to tell me. My mom was an incredible person. I feel very lucky to have been her daughter. And I want to express my gratitude to her for everything she did for me.

My mother [name] was loved by so many. She always knew how to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved. She treated everyone with kindness and respect. She rarely got mad and when she did, you knew she had a darn good reason! Her outlook on life was inspiring. If you were lucky to spend more than five minutes in her presence, you were forever changed. I am so grateful to have had a mother who embraced each day with optimism. 

Eulogy for a mother-in-law

We all hope to have a mother-in-law who is sincere and thoughtful. [Name] welcomed me into her family with open arms. She always made sure I was comfortable. And that I felt included in the family. It was a joy to know her for the last [insert number] years. I am grateful for the things she taught me and my husband/wife. I will keep her memory alive. 

Today we celebrate a brave woman who raised [enter number] beautiful children. [Name] welcomed me into the family in [year] and it was a great honor to spend time with her. She taught me so many things and we created a lot of memories together. My heart is saddened by this loss, but I am committed to keeping her memory alive. 

Eulogy for a stepmom

It's not always easy coming into a family of [number] children and agreeing to be their stepmom. [Name of step-mom] wore this role proudly. She joined our family without skipping a beat. She was caring and kind. She helped us children grow up to be the adults we are today. I feel very lucky to have had two moms in my lifetime. I will hold [name] close to my heart as I navigate the rest of my days. 

[Name of stepmom] played a crucial role in my upbringing. She cared for my siblings and me. And she always provided us with unconditional love and support. She was a wonderful stepmom and I will remember her always. I would like to share a couple of my favorite memories with you. [Share memories and close by inviting others to share their favorite memories of her]

Crafting a Touching Eulogy for Mom

Writing a eulogy is not easy but with some time and dedication, it can be done. Take some time to reflect on memories you have with her and ways you can demonstrate her influence. Celebrate her life and focus on the good she contributed to the world. Eventually, you'll have a beautiful eulogy your mom would be proud of.

Looking for more ways to memorialize your mother? There are many creative ways to honor her through keepsake projects , keepsake jewelry  or  even creating a custom urn to reflect her unique personality.

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• Funerals & Memorial Services

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