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Our guide to crafting a compassionate Sympathy Card message

It can feel almost impossible to find the right words to express your sympathy, grief and sadness of the life that has sadly been lost. We want to provide a helping hand through all of life’s moments, this guide aims to make just one thing easier in this challenging time. 

Find the sympathy card design that expresses your love and care from our sympathy range.

Meaningful Quotes

Sometimes the best words to say are someone else’s. Choosing a line from a poem, song, or book can give a powerful message that is personal to you and that reflects the life that has sadly been lost.

  • “So on this meaningful morn, we mourn and we mend. Like light, we can’t be broken, even when we bend.” – Amanda C Gorman

  • “Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch” – Jack Thorne.

  • “Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.” -Dorothy Ferguson

  • “Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” – Robert Louis Stevenson.

  • “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr Seuss.

  • “The world gives you so much pain and here you are making gold of it” – Rupi Kaur.

  • “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again” – Maya Angelou.

  • “Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone.” – Rodgers and Hammerstein.

  • “Do not ignore the pain. Give it purpose. Use it.” – Amanda C Gorman

Short Messages

At times, keeping your message in a sympathy card short and respectful is all that is needed. These are some appropriate options if you were not close with the person who has passed or you are writing your condolences for funeral flowers for a late coworker etc.

  • “Sharing in your sadness as you remember XX.”

  • “Thinking of you all as you celebrate XX’s life.”

  • “Holding you in my thoughts and prayers at this challenging time.”

  • “Remembering the wonderful XX and wishing you comfort.”

  • “With deepest sympathy as you remember XX.”

  • “It was a pleasure to work alongside XX for so long. A great colleague and a great man. May he rest in peace.”

  • “I heard of XX’s passing and wanted to share my sincerest condolences.”

  • “May peace and comfort find you at this difficult time.”

Celebrating Their Life

Someone’s passing allows a time of reflection on that person’s life, achievements and impact on the world. It can be a great comfort to the family left behind to hear the positive effect their loved one had on you and the great times you had together. 

  • “What an amazing person and what a life that touched so many. I feel so lucky that I had the pleasure to know XX.”

  • “XX was a bright light to everyone they knew. They were kind-hearted, generous and talented. A life that will not be forgotten.”

  • ‘I’ll remember XX for their incredible sense of humor and beaming smile. They were always great with a story.”

  • “The joy and happiness XX one brought into our lives will never be forgotten.”

Offering Help

The death of a loved one can leave us at a bit of a loss, and those who were close to them may feel hopeless and overwhelmed. Including a message of help rather than simply saying sorry for your loss can be another way to show your respects to those departed and your care to those left behind.

  • “We know you must be hurting, please know we are here to help whenever you need it.”

  • “This must be a difficult and demanding time for you all. We are keeping you in our thoughts, and let us know what we can do to help. From walking the dogs to picking up your laundry, we are here.”

  • “I’m sorry I can’t take away your pain, but I can lend a listening ear and shoulder to lean on whenever you want to talk.”

  • “It is so important for you to have time to yourself to mourn and reflect. Let us know when we can take the kids off your hands, even if just for an hour.”

  • “Whatever we can do, we are here for you. You are not alone through this time.”

The Loss Of A Wife Or Husband

The loss of a spouse leaves the widower with not only immediate grief but an adjustment in how their life operates day to day. Show your support, reflect on their relationship, and let them know they are not alone. 

Wife

  • “No one can fully understand the pain you are going through at this horrible time. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your wife.”

  • “You and XX were true soulmates, her passing is heartbreaking to one and all. Sending you love and strength at this time.”

  • “It was an honour to know your wife and be able to call her a friend. I can’t imagine how you are feeling, but please know she was proud and in love with you always.”

  • “The world was a better place with your wife in it. I’m sending my most heartfelt condolences.”

Husband

  • “I can’t comprehend the loss of someone so important like your husband. But his life won’t be forgotten, and his memories will live on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you.”‘

  • “I was saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. He was a kind gentleman and will never be replaced.”

  • “Your husband will be sorely missed. It was an absolute honor to have known him.”

  • “Your husband was a great man, and we were all lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing him.”

  • “I will never forget the look on your husband’s face on your wedding day. May the memories you made and the power of his love provide you with comfort in this impossible time.”

The Loss Of A Parent

Losing a Mother or Father figure at any age is difficult. They are formative in our lives and are a critical support throughout every stage and milestone, so it is important to pay attention to this special relationship when writing a sympathy card.

Mother

  • “A Mother is with us always. First in her lifetime and then forever in our memory.”

  • “Moms are special, and yours was truly one-of-a-kind. I’m sorry for your loss, and I will forever remember what an amazing person your mother was.”

  • “My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Wishing you comfort and strength during this time.”

  • “I cannot begin to imagine the pain you feel at the loss of your mother. The irreplaceable woman who brought you into the world and loved you unconditionally throughout your life. Her memory will forever live on.”

  • “Your mother’s kindness, compassion and charity was truly outstanding. May we all live everyday to be a little more like her.”

Father

  • “We are sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was an inspiration to many, and we were honored to know him.”

  • “I didn’t know your father well, but he must have been an amazing person to raise someone as incredible as you.”

  • Your dad’s amazing qualities live on in you. He will be hugely missed and never forgotten.”

  • “Your dad will forever remain in our hearts and memories.”

  • “Your father was always so proud of you and loved you so much. May his memory always be your guiding light.”

Signing Off Your Sympathy Card

The final aspect is how to close out your message. When signing a sympathy card, maintain that sense of support, love and respect you have created through your message. 

  • “With deepest sympathy.”

  • “All my love.”

  • “Please accept my condolences.”

  • “With caring thoughts.”

  • “We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”

Let’s spread kindness in this moment and more by signing up to TouchNote today.

TouchNote / August 2021
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