What is an online memorial page, and who is it for?
TL;DR
An online memorial page is a small website made in memory of someone who has died. It usually holds their life story, photos, the details of the funeral or memorial service, and a guestbook where family and friends can share memories and condolences. Unlike a newspaper notice, it stays online, and people can come back to it for years.
An online memorial page is a small website made in memory of someone who has died. It usually holds their life story, photos, the details of the funeral or memorial service, and a guestbook where family and friends can share memories and condolences. Unlike a newspaper notice, it stays online, and people can come back to it for years.
Why families make one
One place for everything. Instead of sending service details, photos and updates to dozens of people separately, the family shares one link.
For people far away. Relatives abroad and old friends who can't come to the funeral can still read the story, see the photos and leave a message.
Memories from others. Friends and colleagues often know stories the family has never heard. A guestbook collects them in one place.
It lasts. A newspaper notice is read for a day. A memorial page can be visited on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.
What usually goes on the page
- the person's full name, photo and dates
- a life story, from a few paragraphs to a few pages
- a gallery of photos from different times in their life
- funeral or memorial service details, while they're relevant
- a guestbook for messages, and sometimes a way to light a virtual candle
Who makes it?
Usually a close family member: a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a grandchild. Sometimes a friend makes it as a gift to the family. It doesn't have to be done in the first days. Many memorial pages are made weeks or months later, or for someone who died long ago.
Public or private?
Most memorial pages can be found by anyone with the link. Some families share the link only with relatives; others post it on social media. Think about what the person would have wanted, and don't publish anything private, such as a home address.
Does it cost money?
Some services are free, some charge once, and some charge every year. Before you choose, check what happens if you stop paying. A memorial page should stay online for good, so look for a service that keeps the free version up permanently.
Vibitely's In Memory of is free to create and share, with the story, candles and guestbook, and the free page is kept for good. The full version, with photos and a few photo restorations, is a one-time payment. You can also give it its own address, like marythompson.com.
Getting started
You don't need everything at once. Start with a name, the dates, a photo and a few sentences. Family members can add memories in the guestbook, and you can add to the story over time. Our guide on how to write an obituary may help with the first words.