Here is a Partial Excerpt from “50 Ways to Offer Condolences to Family, Friends, and Colleagues by Cassie Barthuly

Writing condolences is a difficult thing to do. You’re acknowledging a tragic loss and trying to give sympathy. Sometimes you are trying to work through your own grief and still make time for someone else’s.

They’re often hard to write because you don’t know what to say. Nothing you write will make it better. Indeed, if you write the wrong thing ,you’ll make it worse. How are you supposed to respond to those kind of stakes.

1. Send a sympathy card to a family member (and friends).
2. To a family member may be easier. You can include touching memories of these deceased and how they changed your life. You can do all this because you know the deceased and who you are writing to.
3. Offers of help – Comfort food
4. Deliver them flowers.
5. Care package.
6. Offer a prayer.
7. Tactful financial gifts would be great if the primary breadwinner is the deceased.

Condolence Messages for Family

Comforting family members is hard, especially when you are grieving too. These options may help you brainstorm ideas of your own.

1. I can’t imagine the pain you are coping with during this tragic time in your life. I am so sorry you are dealing with this loss right now. You are in my heart, and thoughts and prayers are with you.
2. I don’t have the words to express how sorry I am to hear about your loss. I’m shocked and saddened that you are going through this unimaginable pain. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I am here to listen whenever you need it.
3. I’m so sorry to hear about your loved one’s recent death. Please let me do something to help you during this hard time. I’d love to bring over a meal or watch your children for a few nights.

Condolences Messages to Friends

1. I am so sorry to hear about your loved one’s recent passing. Though I never met her, I know you loved her and had a great relationship. Keeping you in my prayers.
2. I’m keeping you in my thoughts during this tragic time. I’m so sorry to hear about their death.
3. I can’t express how sorry I am to hear about your mother’s death. I know you were very close, and I am so sorry you are going through this pain. Please call me if you need anything.
4. I’m so heartbroken that you’re going through this pain right now. Please accept my condolences during this sorrowful time.
5. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my sympathies. I’m lucky I got to meet your grandfather, but I am so sad he is gone. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers right now.
6. I hope you feel comforted by great memories during this tragic season. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies during this time.
7. I heard about your recent loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies about their passing. Know that i am keeping you in my thoughts during this very tragic time.
8. I wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathies for the death of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you right now. I am so sorry for your loss.
9. I heard about your loved one’s recent death. This must be a very difficult time for you, and I am sorry for your loss. I’m keeping you on my mind.
10. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the death of your relative. I’m thinking of you during this difficult tragic time.

Condolence Messages for Colleagues 

1. I’m so sorry to hear about your recent loss and that you’re going through this pain.Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers these days.
2. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for the different emotions you may be experiencing right now. You’re in my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.
3. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I was so sad to hear about the recent loss of a loved one.
4. I heard about your heartbreaking loss. Please accept my sympathies, and know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
5. Please accept my sincere condolences for your recent loss. I’m thinking of you during this difficult, heartbreaking time.
6. Please accept my genuine sympathies. I am so sorry you have to cope with this awful loss.
7. I hope you have many great, comforting memories to sustain you right now. I was heartbroken to hear about your loss. Please accept my sincere sympathies.

 

 

I suggest you google this article and read it in full, as there are suggestions for writing condolences for your boss and for clients. It will be a benefit to read it in full.

Thank you,

Laura