Writing Sympathy Notes and Expressing Condolences
Writing a sympathy message is something that many of us have a hard time with, mainly because we don’t want to say the wrong thing. We’re not used to expressing condolences, but even if you’re not sure what to write, just saying something simple and heartfelt will go a long way.
The Basics of Condolence Notes
Length doesn’t really matter. Sincerity does.
Perhaps share a memory or a common experience that you will always remember fondly.
If you didn’t know the person well, a simple straightforward sentiment is ideal.
Religion can play a part in a sympathy note, but only if you are certain it was a part of the deceased’s life.
A great way to comfort somebody is to express your appreciation or admiration for the person who has passed.
Things to Avoid Saying
“I know how you feel” – Everybody processes grief differently.
“He (She) was so young” – Can magnify the tragedy and suffering.
“This happened for a reason” – This can often sound flippant and condescending.
“Sorry for your loss” – Too brusque and impersonal.
Suggestions for Writing Words of Comfort
- “In memory of a wonderful man.”
- “With all my Love during this difficult time.
- “We are so sorry for your loss.”
- “I’m going to miss her, too.”
- “I hope you understand how much love surrounds you at a time like this.”
- “We all share your sadness as you remember your wonderful father.”
- “Sending prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.”
- “I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.”
- “Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort.”
- “Thinking of you all in this difficult time.”
- “We are missing Anne along with you. With heartfelt sympathy,”
- “Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort.”
- “From our family to yours, our deepest sympathies.”
- “Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.”
- May this serve as a living tribute to {her/his} memory.
- Who left this world a better place.
- To a life well lived.
- ‘til we meet again, my friend.
- Your memory will live on as this tree blossoms and grows.
- Praying for your strength and resilience. Please know you are not alone.We are so sorry for your loss.
- A living tribute to a beautiful soul.
- Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this time.
- Sharing in your sadness as you remember [name].
- Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
- With deepest sympathy as you remember [name].
- My thoughts are with you and your family.
- Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort.
- Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, and held so dear.
- The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.
- In celebration of a life so beautifully lived. Your vibrant memory lives on in gentle spirit with the earth.
- May the roots of this tree spread strong and grow deep, just as his love did for every soul he touched.
- Gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
- Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember a friend who was so close to you
- Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
- Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.
- What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him.
- What a good and generous man your father was. He will be missed.
- Your mama was an amazing lady, and I feel privileged to have known her.
- Celebrating the life of a good man and mourning his passing with you.
- Your daughter touched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know her as both a colleague and a cherished friend.
- Your mother blessed so many people with her faith and kindness. Praying that you’ll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her, too.
- Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure
- We hope this heartfelt gift lifts your spirits and brightens your day and reminds you that you are in the thoughts of those who care.
- “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
- Always in our minds, forever in our hearts.
- You have left our lives, but you will never leave our hearts.
- May your beautiful memories provide you comfort during this difficult time.
- She/He was always the light that shined bright. May this tree serve as a living tribute to her/his memory.
- “What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him.”
- “What a good and generous man your father was. I thought his funeral service was a wonderful tribute to him and all he has done for our community. He will be missed.”
- “Your granddad believed in uplifting everyone in his circle. I was one of those people. And I am so honored to have known him.”
- “Your mama was an amazing lady, and I feel privileged to have known her. I know you will miss her deeply. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
- “Celebrating the life of a good man and mourning his passing with you.”
- “Your daughter touched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know her as both a colleague and a cherished friend.”
- “Your mother blessed so many people with her faith and kindness. Praying that you’ll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her, too.”
A list of "standard" condolences is listed below as well.
Just as this tree grows, so will the memories of [Name] live on in our hearts, flourishing with time.
Like a tree, [Name]'s love will continue to grow, providing strength and shelter to all who remember them.
In the quiet growth of this tree, may you find peace, knowing that [Name]'s spirit lives on in nature's embrace.
This tree stands as a living tribute to [Name], reminding us of their deep roots in our lives and the beauty they brought.
May this tree be a symbol of hope and renewal, a testament to the life and legacy of [Name].
As this tree grows, may it reflect the strength, grace, and beauty of [Name]'s life, forever rooted in our hearts.
With each passing season, may this tree remind you of the love, strength, and legacy that [Name] leaves behind.
Just as this tree will provide shade and shelter, may the memories of [Name] offer comfort and peace to you.
In the life of this tree, may you find solace, knowing that [Name]'s memory is planted deeply within all of us.
As this tree stands tall and strong, may it remind you that [Name]'s love is ever-present and unyielding.
In the quiet rustling of a tree's leaves, may you hear the echoes of [Name]'s love.
Just as this tree grows year by year, so too will [Name]'s memory live on in our hearts, becoming ever more cherished.
Like a tree deeply rooted in the earth, may [Name]'s memory remain rooted in your life, growing stronger over time.
This tree is planted in honor of [Name], a living symbol of their strength, wisdom, and enduring spirit.
May the growth of this tree remind you of the beauty [Name] brought to the world, and how their legacy will continue to thrive.
With the planting of this tree, we honor [Name]'s life, a reminder that their spirit will forever be alive in the world.
As this tree grows and blossoms, may it serve as a lasting tribute to [Name]'s life, providing peace, comfort, and shelter to all who need it.
May this tree grow strong and tall, a living reminder of the steadfast love [Name] shared with us.
May this tree grow strong, standing as a reminder of [Name]'s life and the love that continues to flourish in their memory.
As this tree reaches toward the sky, may it symbolize the eternal impact of [Name]'s presence in our lives.
Planted in remembrance, this tree honors [Name]'s life, a lasting tribute to their strength and beauty.
As this tree grows, may it reflect the quiet strength and steady love that [Name] brought to those around them.
Just as trees stand through the seasons, may the memory of [Name] bring you peace, strength, and enduring comfort.
Like the roots of this tree, [Name]'s legacy runs deep, grounding us in love and cherished memories.
In the shade of this tree, may you find solace, knowing that [Name]'s spirit lives on in every leaf and on every breeze.
This tree is a symbol of life, strength, and renewal—just as [Name] nurtured love and life in all those they touched.
As this tree blossoms, may it serve as a living testament to [Name]'s kindness, strength, and resilience.
May this tree grow strong and true, just as [Name]'s memory will continue to blossom in the hearts of those who loved them.
In the shelter of this tree, may you find peace and comfort, knowing that [Name]'s spirit continues to thrive in your heart.
Like the steadfast branches of this tree, may your memories of [Name] bring you comfort and strength in the years to come.
May this tree be a symbol of hope, growing with the love and memories that [Name] leaves behind.
With every season, this tree will stand as a tribute to [Name]'s enduring spirit, a quiet reminder of love’s power to heal.
Like this tree, may your memories of [Name] be rooted deeply, growing stronger and more cherished with each passing day.
This tree stands as a symbol of [Name]'s legacy—a living, growing reminder of the joy and strength they brought into the world.
In the branches of this tree, may you find a reflection of [Name]'s love, reaching out to offer comfort, shade and solace.
As the seasons change, may this tree remind you that love, like nature, endures and grows even in the most challenging times.
With the planting of this tree, we celebrate [Name]'s life—a life that will continue to inspire growth, hope, and beauty.