Whilst we can’t promise that sympathy messages will help alleviate your family member or friend’s pain, we can offer some guidance on how to effectively express your love and support in this time of loss.
5 tips on how to structure a sympathy card message
1) Express your condolences
Begin your message by expressing heartfelt sympathy for the receiver’s loss. Don’t feel that you must skirt around the fact that a loved one has died; often, directly addressing the loss will help your close friend or family member process their grief. A simple line such as “I’m sorry for your loss”, “I’m really sorry to hear about [insert name here’s] death” or “please accept my condolences at this difficult time” would suffice.
2) Share a treasured memory
If you knew the deceased personally, we highly recommend sharing a heartfelt memory or story you experienced during your time together. Mentioning how that person touched your life will help the receiver find comfort and reassure them that their loved one’s legacy will live on. A good example would be: “I will always remember [insert name here’s] great sense of humour. We had some great times together during that family holiday to France.”
3) Offer to help with a task
Use this opportunity to let the receiver know you are here to support them during this dark time. However, “let me know if I can do anything to help” is a bit too generic, and many people who are grieving may struggle to reach out for the fear of being a burden.
In our ‘what to say when someone dies’ blog, we highlight the importance of making your message specific and offering to help with a particular task or chore. For example, you could say “I will pop over and bring a home cooked meal this weekend”.
4) Include a religious sentiment
If the receiver and the deceased share a religious belief, it may be a good idea to include a religious message or verse within your sympathy card message. This can bring comfort to the receiver in knowing that a spiritual higher power is looking down on their loved one. A religious sentiment such as “may you find moments of peace and comfort in knowing that [insert name here] is now with God in heaven” could be included.
If you aren’t sure about the receiver’s religious beliefs, however, this would be best avoided.
5) End with final words of sympathy
You may be wondering how to sign off a sympathy card. You should aim to end your condolence message with a final positive reflection of sympathy. Avoid using standard closing statements such as “sincerely” or “love”, and instead plant the seed of hopefulness for the future. A simple phrase such as “you are in my thoughts at this difficult time” or “I am sending you all my love” will show the receiver that you care during their darkest moments.
5 example sympathy card messages
- “Thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your [insert relation here]. [She/he] will be sorely missed and I will always remember the good times we had together. Sending you all my love during this difficult time.”
- “Please accept my condolences on the passing of your [insert relation here]. [She/he] was such a kind person and [her/his] memory will continue to live on. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.”
- “I am so sorry for your loss. Your [insert relation here] was a very special person to me and I will always remember [insert personal memory here]. With deepest sympathy, [insert your name here].”
- “Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about the passing of your [insert relation here]. Please know that I am here to help support you through this challenging time. I would be happy to help you with [insert chore here] this week. Sending you my sincere condolences.”
- “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your [insert relation here]. [She/he] was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of many. You and your family are in my thoughts and I am here to support you in any way I can. My heartfelt condolences to you all.”
Friendly funeral directors you can rely on
Alexander Burn can help honour your loved one with dignity and respect. We are here to help through every stage of the funeral planning process, including offering 24/7 advice and support in times of sorrow. We even offer a range of eco-friendly funeral options, including natural burials and direct cremations. Contact one of our branches today to discuss our competitive funeral packages in Cheltenham, Bishop’s Cleeve, Tewkesbury and Winchcombe.
