Writing a condolence message is never an easy task. It can be difficult to find the right words to say that will help you express your sympathy during a friend or family member’s time of need. However, sending your condolences signals to an individual or loved one that you care about them and acknowledge or share the pain they’re experiencing. We’ve provided a thoughtful selection of condolence messages and quotes below to help you write a meaningful and heartfelt message in your sympathy card or memorial gifts.
Jump to a specific section below:
- How to Write a Condolence Message
- Condolence Message Examples
- Short Condolence Message Examples
- Condolence Quotes
How to Write a Condolence Message
When you’re sending a sympathy card, your main focus should be to send your condolences to the recipient. Condolence gifts and messages are an expression of sympathy for the recipient who is grieving and are necessary when you’re deciding on what to write in a sympathy card. Avoid writing extra long messages as the recipient is likely to receive many sympathy cards. Follow these four steps to show your sentiment:
- Tell the recipient you are sorry for their loss.
- Extend your condolences.
- Share a memory about the deceased (optional). If you have a close relationship with the deceased, you can share a memory to comfort the recipient and let them know how much the deceased meant to you as well.
- Use a quote, bible verse, or religious saying (optional). End your card with a quote or religious saying that will help the recipient reflect.
- Offer support or assistance – and then follow through.
Condolence Messages
Writing a sympathy card is often an emotional and intimidating experience. It can be challenging to find the right words to offer support, comfort, and empathy. We know how important it is to lend a piece of your heart and pay your respects, while being thoughtful, mindful, and open with your condolences. Find meaningful condolence messages and examples below that you can use to complete your photo memorial card.
- I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now, but I want you to know that we are just a phone call away. My heartfelt condolences.
- Our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your _________. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time.
- May fond memories of your ________ bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
- I/We am/are truly sorry to hear of the loss of (Name). Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and hasten the journey of his/her soul to Heaven.
- Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we/I feel for the passing of (Name), but please accept our/my condolences and we/I will be sure to include him/her in our daily prayers.
- We are sorry for your loss. (Name), was such a great person, (He/She) will live on in our memories forever. My heartfelt condolences.
- Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for the passing of your ________. Please accept my condolences.
- It was with great sadness that we learned of (Name)’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope that in a small way they help through these trying times.
- In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones.
- I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My condolences.
- I am honored and blessed to have known your ________. He/she was truly a blessing in my life and I will miss him/her. My condolences.
- Now, the angels rejoice as a good soul has finally made its way home! My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
- Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. My heartfelt condolences.
- Words, however kind, can’t mend your heartache, but those who care for you share your grief and wish you comfort and peace of mind. My condolences.
Short Condolence Messages
If you don’t have a close relationship with the recipient, you can use a short condolence message in your sympathy card to express your sentiment. You can pair 2-3 short messages together to craft your note and let the recipient know that you are sorry for their pain and that their healing process is on your mind.
- A thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family.
- Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
- Heartfelt thoughts go out to you in this time of sorrow.
- I will be thinking of you in this moment of pain.
- I am thinking about you and sending love.
- I’m always there in your hour of need. May his/her soul rest in peace.
- May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
- May the passage of time heal your grief.
- Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
- Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
- Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
- Sharing in your sorrow. With love and friendship.
- Someone so special can never be forgotten.
- Thinking of you during this difficult time.
- Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.
- Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss.
Condolence Quotes
You can also use a condolence quote to offer the recipient thoughtful words that will help them reflect on the life of the person they’ve lost. Quotes can initiate deep thought or offer a new perspective on what it means to lose a loved one. Our words can’t take away the pain of losing a loved one, but they can go a long way toward helping a grieving person feel loved and supported.
- “When the heart grieves over what is has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.” -Sufi
- “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller
- “Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
- “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
- “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again” -Maya Angelou
- “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” -Gandhi
- “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” -Kahlil Gibran
- “They say love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” -William Penn
- “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” -John Taylor
- “No matter how prepared you think you are for death of a loved one, it still comes as a shock, and it still hurts very deeply.” -Billy Graham
- “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.” -Terri Guillemets
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for more inspiration on what to write in your sympathy card, choose from our list of thoughtful sympathy quotes to finish your card. During such an emotional time period in a grieving individual or family’s life, your kind and heartfelt condolences can be a simple beacon of light. We hope our tips help you relax, write, and share your heartfelt caring with someone who is going through a time of grief.
