40 Thoughtful Condolence Messages to Send to Family or Friends

Also, remember to send your sympathy card within the first couple of weeks. However, if you miss that opportunity, it’s never too late. In fact, it might have a positive impact on the grieving recipient who may feel like everyone has moved on while they’re still grappling with their loss.

65 Thoughtful Messages to Write in Your Sympathy Card

These sympathy card messages will show empathy while offering support.

“Life After Loss” provides you with helpful ways to cope with tragedy and loss. From advice on dealing with impossible pain to suggestions for finding incredible power, we share expert tips from grief counselors and emotionally focused therapists that will assist you through the grieving process, step by step. Whether you’re looking for self-care tips or ways to comfort a loved one, this series will help bring about comfort and closure.

Sympathy card messages for a friend

1. Thinking of you as you celebrate ___’s beautiful life. He/she will live on in your heart.
2. I know I can’t make your pain go away, but I want you to know I’m here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with, or anything else you may need.
3. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
4. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember someone who was so close to you.
5. We’re so very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
6. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear friend. I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
7. You and ___ were the ultimate duo. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Sympathy card messages for a colleague

1. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
2. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.
3. ___ touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I got the chance to know him/her as both a colleague and a friend.
4. Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing okay.
5. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time — and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready.
6. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of ___. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time.
7. We’re saddened to hear about the passing of ___. We share in your sorrow.
8. Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of ___. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.

Sympathy card messages for acquaintances

1. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
2. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
3. Thinking of you in these difficult times.
4. I’m so sorry to hear about ___. I know how much his/her smile brightened your day. I’m here if you want to talk.
5. We’re sorry to hear about the passing of ___. Sending love.

Condolence messages for the loss of a parent

1. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother/father was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together.
2. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother/father. Her/his love and guidance will forever be a part of you, and her/his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her/him.
3. I can’t find the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Your mother/father’s legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire us all. Please know that I’m here for you during this difficult time.
4. Losing a parent is an unimaginable pain. Please remember that you’re not alone in your grief. Lean on the love and support of friends and family as you navigate through this difficult journey.
5. I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your mother/father. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together, and may her/his memory bring you peace.
6. During this time of loss, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother/father’s spirit will forever shine through you, and her/his love will continue to guide your path.
7. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your mother/father’s legacy will live on through the love and wisdom she/he passed on to you. May you find strength in her/his memory.
8. The loss of a parent leaves a void that words cannot fill. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and may you find comfort in the arms of those who care about you.
9. I am holding you close in my thoughts as you navigate through this painful time. Your mother/father’s presence will always be felt, and her/his love will continue to surround you.
10. My heart aches for you and your family during this time of loss. Your mother/father’s life was a true blessing, and her/his memory will forever be a source of inspiration.

Condolence messages for the loss of a sibling

1. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved brother/sister. His/her presence brought light and joy into many lives. During this difficult time, please know that my thoughts are with you.
2. My heart aches for you as you navigate through the pain of losing your brother/sister. His/her memory will forever be cherished, and his/her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him/her.
3. I can’t begin to understand the pain you’re feeling, but please know that I’m here for you. Your brother/sister’s kindness and love will forever be remembered.
4. Losing a brother/sister is an unimaginable loss. May you find strength in the shared memories, and may his/her spirit guide you through the challenging days ahead.
5. During this time of grief, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Your brother/sister’s legacy of laughter and love will always be a part of you.
6. I offer my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your dear brother/sister. His/her impact on your life, and the lives of others, is a testament to the beautiful soul he/she was.
7. I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your brother/sister. Please know that I’m here to offer support, a listening ear, and a shoulder to lean on.
8. Your brother/sister’s memory will forever live on in the stories, laughter, and love you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.
9. Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Your brother/sister’s spirit will always shine through you, and his/her memory will be a source of strength.
10. Losing a sibling is a heartache that words cannot heal. I offer my sincere condolences, and I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you.

Condolence messages for the loss of a spouse

1. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband/wife. His/her love and presence brought so much light into your life, and the lives of others. Please know that I am here for you during this difficult time.
2. During this time of profound sorrow, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Your husband/wife’s memory will forever live on in your heart, and in the cherished moments you shared.
3. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re feeling, but I’m here to support you in any way I can. Your husband/wife’s love was a gift to all who knew him/her.
4. My heart aches for you as you navigate this unimaginable loss. Your husband/wife’s impact on your life is immeasurable, and his/her memory will continue to shine brightly.
5. Please accept my deepest condolences on your husband/wife’s passing. His/her love and companionship were a beautiful chapter in your life’s story.
6. Losing a spouse is an indescribable loss. May you find comfort in the shared memories, and may ___‘s love continue to guide you in the days ahead.
7. Your husband/wife’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you find your way through this difficult journey.
8. I offer my heartfelt sympathies during this incredibly challenging time. Your husband/wife’s memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration.
9. The loss of a spouse leaves a void that words cannot fill. Please remember that I am here to support you, listen, and share in your grief.
10. Your husband/wife’s presence in your life was a true blessing. His/her memory will forever be a part of your story, and his/her love will continue to comfort you.

Condolence messages for the loss of a son or daughter

1. There are no words that can express the depth of sorrow I feel for your loss. Your precious son/daughter’s memory will forever remain in our hearts.
2. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved son/daughter. His/her light touched so many lives, and his/her memory will continue to shine.
3. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child. My heart aches for you, and I hope you find strength in the love and support surrounding you.
4. The loss of a child is a pain that words cannot heal. I offer my heartfelt condolences and hope that the cherished moments you shared will bring you some comfort.
5. During this time of profound grief, please know that you are not alone. Your son/daughter’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him/her.
6. I can’t find the words to convey how sorry I am for your loss. Your son/daughter’s memory will forever be a reminder of the love and joy he/she brought into the world.
7. My heart breaks for you as you navigate through this unimaginable sorrow. Your son/daughter’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered.
8. The loss of your precious son/daughter is a loss felt by all who knew him/her. May the love and memories you shared bring you some measure of comfort during this difficult time.
9. I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved son/daughter. His/her time with us was too short, but his/her impact was immeasurable.
10. During this time of grief, may you find solace in the love and memories you shared with your son/daughter. His/her spirit lives on in the lives he/she touched.

Nicole DiGiose

Nicole DiGiose is a lifestyle writer who serves as an editor and writer for 1-800-Flowers. Previously, she’s been published in Electronic Products, EE Times, Chilled Magazine, and local newspapers based in her hometown.

40 Thoughtful Condolence Messages to Send to Family or Friends

Let these notes be a source of comfort for those mourning.

Writing a sympathy card is never a welcomed task. Finding the right words to express condolences to a person who’s lost someone can be a challenging and emotional experience. You want to acknowledge their loss and grief, but also don’t want to say the wrong thing. It can be especially difficult if you didn’t know the deceased personally.

For help finding the right words, we’ve rounded up some thoughtful messages to write inside a sympathy card, note or letter for someone dealing with the death of a loved one. These messages will show the bereaved how much you care while remaining respectful and supportive.

Whether it’s a friend coping with the sudden loss of a spouse or a colleague whose mom recently passed, sharing your heartfelt sympathy lets them know that they’re not alone and that you’re thinking of them.

“Handwritten notes are one of the most personal forms of communication,” says Tanea Smith, owner of She’s Got Papers, an online stationery boutique. “The recipient may forget the day you called or visited but your card is a keepsake. It will be kept and reread. In the days after a funeral the family is bombarded with guests and comfort. In the weeks, months and years following the tangible items will remain.”

While these messages are intended to spark ideas and serve as inspiration, you should always be authentic and include a personal memory or anecdote, if possible.

“Reminders of that funny moment at the family gathering, the first time you met the deceased, milestones you may have shared, or something that was unique to the deceased are all things you want to share,” says Smith. Just be sure to avoid writing things that could be upsetting or misinterpreted.

“Never write, ‘They’re in a better place and there’s no more pain,’” says Smith. “While you may feel this way, any phrase that brings attention to the death can produce more grief and sadness. You want your words to do the opposite, not highlighting the death but celebrating the life.”

Shirley Enebrad, an author and certified grief recovery specialist agrees. “Never make it about you and your experience with loss,” she says. “Focus on the griever and his or her feelings. Absolutely never say, “I know how you feel.” Additionally, it’s always best not to ask how you can help. “Do not ask them to contact you if they need anything,” Enebrad says. “Tell them you will follow up in a few weeks to offer your services to go shopping, clean their windows, sweep their garage, cook them a meal or something tangible.”

Also, remember to send your sympathy card within the first couple of weeks. However, if you miss that opportunity, it’s never too late. In fact, it might have a positive impact on the grieving recipient who may feel like everyone has moved on while they’re still grappling with their loss.

“We’re all going to leave our mark on the hearts of those who knew us when we exit this world,” says Smith. “Sending a sympathy card is an opportunity to celebrate someone’s life while lifting the spirits of their loved one at the same time.”

Ideas for Writing Condolence Messages to a Friend

• “I know there are no words that can ease your pain. Just know that I’ll always be here for you no matter what.”
• “Thinking of you during this difficult time.”
• “Sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time.”
• “You’re not alone. I’m here to be a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to anything that you may want to share.”
• “My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear friend. I know how much she meant to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.”
• “I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you’re feeling. I am praying for your peace and comfort.”
• “Losing someone so close is so hard. I will be here to support you at any time and any hour. Sending you so much love.
• “I know that grief comes in waves. That’s why I intend to be with you throughout this difficult journey.”
• “Be kind and gentle with yourself. Take your time and know that you have my full support.”
• “I recall how much time you two spent together. You were virtually inseparable. May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this heartbreaking time.”

Ideas for Writing Condolence Messages to a Colleague

• “Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved.”
• “May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.”
• “I am sharing in your sadness as you remember your loved one.”
• “Praying for you during this difficult time. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”
• “Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.”
• “Words cannot express how saddened we are to learn of your loss. Please take your time. We are all here for you.”
• “My heartfelt sympathy to you and yours at this sad time.”
• “Please accept my sincere condolences.”
• “My heart breaks for you. I’m here to listen to any stories you may want to share about your loved one.”

Ideas for Writing Condolence Messages to Someone Who Lost a Mom or Dad

• “I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your mom, but I’m sure she was a special person because she raised an amazing human being: you@ Wishing you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time.”
• “Your dad’s amazing personality lives on through you. Sending you love during this difficult time.”
• “There is no one in this world like your mother. She was a special person, and she will always be with you.”
• “Your mother will forever remain in our hearts and memories.”
• “Your father was such an inspiration in my life —I’ll never forget the valuable lessons he taught me.”
• “Nothing I can say will take away the pain you’re experiencing. Just want you to know that I care about you, and I share in your sadness.”
• “May you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that your father raised an amazing person.”
• “A mother’s love is eternal. Hold on to that infinite love and let it be your guiding light.”
• “I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have with your dad. He will be forever missed.”
• “From what I’ve heard, your mother was a phenomenal woman. What good memories you must have. Lean on them to remind you of the joy she brought into your life”
• “I’m a firm believer that when we lose someone close to us, like a father, they continue to live on through us and give us unbelievable strength. They’re so connected to us that they become a part of us.”

Ideas for Writing Condolence Messages to Someone Who Lost a Husband or Wife

• “Love never dies. Your wife’s love for you is everlasting.”
• “Your husband was such a wonderful man. He was also an outstanding partner who will live in our hearts and memories forever.”
• “No words can express how sorry I am for the loss of your wife. I didn’t know her personally, but I know how much you loved her, and I am here for you.”
• “I know your husband must’ve been an amazing man because you always beamed with pride whenever you spoke of him. Sending you an abundance of love.”
• “It was such a privilege and honor to work with your wife. She was an incredibly smart and thoughtful woman. May her memory live on forever.”
• “I’ll always admire the love shared between you and your husband. You shared a one-of-kind bond that can never be broken.”
• “I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved partner. You complemented each other like no other couple I know. May your precious memories bring you comfort.”
• “I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of your dear wife. She was always so thoughtful and kind. She will truly be missed.”
• “Your partner was such a special person. They will live in my heart forever.”
• “Someone who shared so much life with you will always be a part of you. Bonds like yours are forever.”

Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she’s not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.