Obituaries and Death Notices in Costa Rica: A Complete Guide to Inform and Honor

Obituaries and death notices in Costa Rica are a respectful way to announce the passing of a loved one and share the details of the funeral with family, friends and those close to them. Although today they also circulate on social media, their essence remains the same: to inform, honor and accompany those going through a difficult time.

At La Piedad we accompany this process from the very start, supporting families so they don’t have to worry about additional paperwork. Our team takes care of the writing, design and publication whenever the client requests it.

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a public announcement that informs of a person’s passing. In Costa Rica it can be seen in:

• Newspapers (print or digital)
• Television (such as the obituaries on Canal 7)
• Magazines
• Social media

An obituary usually includes a short biography, the funeral details and, in some cases, a photograph that portrays the loved one in a warm and radiant way. It is also known as a necrology or obituary note, and it can be written by the family or by the funeral home accompanying them.

At La Piedad we take care of this process, so you have nothing extra to worry about. If you need more information, simply get in touch with us.

Why are obituaries written?

Obituaries serve two important purposes:

1. To inform about the passing and the details of the ceremony.
2. To honor the person’s life with a respectful and meaningful message.

In times of grief, it is a way to strengthen the community and allow those who cared for the loved one to say goodbye.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

Although they share the same goal, they are not the same. As we mentioned above, obituaries are generally announcements broadcast on television or published in the obituary section of a newspaper; the word can also refer to the parish register in which the deaths and burials of parishioners are recorded.

Obituary

It is a public announcement, generally longer and published in the media. It can include:

• Biographical details
• Funeral information
• Photograph
• Farewell message

Death notice

Death notices are announcements shared when a person has passed on; they are published in newspapers and on some other pages. A death notice is shorter and more formal. It is usually sent directly to family and friends, or published in a special box in the newspaper. It includes:

• Full name
• Date of passing
• Place and time of the ceremony
• The initials Q.E.P.D or D.E.P (Rest in Peace)
• A short message or prayer

What details or information should an obituary include?

To be clear, respectful and helpful, an obituary can include:

• Basic details of the passing
• A short biography or important achievements
• Family members who have passed and those surviving
• Funeral details (date, time and location)
• A photograph of the loved one

At La Piedad we recommend choosing an image that reflects light, serenity and the essence of the person.

What details or information should a death notice include?

A death notice is more formal and traditional. It normally contains:

• Full name
• Date of passing
• Age
• The initials QEPD or DEP (Rest in Peace)
• Place and time of the funeral
• Who is sending it
• A short prayer or farewell phrase

Types of death notices and obituaries in Costa Rica

• Printed death notices: those published in print newspapers or on notice boards.
• Digital death notices: widely used today in digital media and on social networks.
• Television obituaries: such as those on Canal 7.
• Memorial obituaries: to mark important anniversaries of a passing.
• Metaphorical or premature obituaries: used in artistic works or special announcements.

How much do obituaries cost?

The cost depends on the medium where it is published, the size of the box, whether it includes a photograph and whether an additional digital version is wanted.
Families who prefer to avoid additional paperwork can request funeral packages in which La Piedad includes the obituary and death notice service, along with complete support throughout the process.

You can find more details in our section on funeral packages.

Where can you arrange a death notice service?

The best option is to do it through a funeral home, because:

• It ensures the message is written with respect.
• It includes the design, coordination and submission to the media.
• The family avoids additional paperwork in an emotionally vulnerable moment.

At La Piedad we take care of the entire process, from the writing to the publication.

To inform, honor and accompany

Obituaries and death notices are more than announcements: they are a way to pay a public tribute and allow those who knew the loved one to say goodbye with respect.

If you would like support with this process or information about our funeral packages, our camposantos or our Emotional Support Unit, we are here to accompany you with respect and dignity.