When you’re writing a sympathy card, it can an incredibly difficult and emotional experience.
You’re trying to be mindful in how you comfort someone who’s in mourning, and convey just the right words to show that you care and see them.
But you also don’t want to say something that will make their time of grief a lot harder.
Thankfully though, there are so many ways to thoughtfully show empathy and offer support, and these sympathy card messages will help you find just the right words.
They’re a kind way you can be there for someone who’s grieving from loss.
And if you decide to use any of these condolence message ideas, then I would definitely suggest altering them to make them more personal to you.
It’s always best to have your sympathy note be something you’re actually thinking and feeling for the person lost and the person who is going through a loss.
What to Write in a Sympathy Card
Certified Grief & Loss Specialist, Detola Amure, says that when writing messages of sympathy, what you say can have such a big impact. “When writing a sympathy card, it’s important to remember that your words can bring comfort and understanding during such a difficult time. A heartfelt message can help those grieving feel supported and less alone in their pain.
Here are a few tips to help you express your condolences thoughtfully:
- Express Your Sympathy: A simple, sincere expression of sympathy can offer comfort. Phrases like “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “My heart goes out to you” can express your condolences effectively.
- Share a Personal Memory: If you knew the person who passed, sharing a fond memory can offer some comfort. Mention a specific memory or a quality or characteristic you admired about them.
- Keep It Simple: If you’re unsure what to write, a generic card with a heartfelt message like “Thinking of you” or “With deepest sympathy” can be a thoughtful gesture. A heartfelt message is often more impactful than flowery language.
- Avoid Clichés: While well-intentioned, clichés like “Time heals all wounds” or “They’re in a better place” may not provide the emotional support needed during grief. Instead, focus on offering genuine condolences and expressing your sympathy.
Remember the thoughtful thing to do when writing a sympathy card is to express your sincere condolences and support during difficult times.”
Sympathy Card Messages from a Licensed Grief and Loss Specialist
Here are some very helpful ideas for your sympathy card from licensed grief and loss specialist, Stella Agwor:
- “I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that I’m here to support you in whatever way you need—whether it’s listening, sitting in silence, or helping out practically. You’re not alone.”
- “I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through right now, but I want you to know that I am here, thinking of you, and holding you close in my heart.”
- “Your loved one will always be remembered for [mention a meaningful memory or quality]. I am here for you, ready to listen and share stories whenever you feel up to it.”
- “I wish I had the right words to ease your pain, but please know that my heart breaks alongside yours. I’m just a call away, any time, day or night.”
- “I’m so sorry you have to endure this grief. Please don’t feel you have to go through it alone. I am here to walk with you through this difficult time.”
- “I will never forget the joy your loved one brought into the lives of those around them. Their impact was profound, and they will be sorely missed. I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers.”
- “My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Please remember that grieving has no timeline, and it’s perfectly okay to feel whatever you are feeling. I’m here whenever you need to talk or lean on someone.”
- “I am so sorry for the immense loss you are enduring. I don’t have the right words, but I hope you feel surrounded by love and the warmth of those who care deeply about you.”
- “Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace as you navigate this difficult journey. Your grief is real, and your love for [loved one’s name] will always matter. I’m holding space for you.”
- “There are no words to take away the pain of losing someone you love so dearly, but I want you to know that I am here, sending love, strength, and prayers your way.”
- “Please accept my heartfelt condolences. The bond you shared with [loved one’s name] was so special. Their light will continue to shine through the stories and memories you keep close to your heart.”
- “I know this is an incredibly hard time, and I’d love to support you in any way I can. If you’d like, I can handle some household chores or drive you to appointments.”
- “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help at home or someone to talk to. I’d be happy to take care of practical things, like picking up the kids from school or dropping off a hot meal.”
- “I’d like to bring you some groceries or a few prepared meals this week. Please let me know when would be a good time to drop them off.”
- “Would it be okay if I came over this weekend to help with household tasks or anything else you might need? I’d love to make things a bit easier for you during this time.”
Short Sympathy Card Messages
- “Thinking of you and sending love during this very difficult time.”
- “I’m wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.”
- “Please know that I’m here for you whenever you need me.”
- “I’m going to be holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.”
- “I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m here for you if you need to talk.”
- “My heart goes out to you and your whole family.”
- “My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this loss.”
- “I am so sorry for what you’re through this. I’m here if you need a listening ear.”
Sympathy Card Messages for a Family Member
- “Our family really feels the absence of ___ deeply, but we know that his/her love will always be our strength.”
- “Thinking of all the joy ___ brought to our family; he/she will always be in our hearts and minds.”
- “Family will always mean forever, and we’ll hold onto every beautiful memory we shared with ___.”
- “Even in this time of sadness, we feel so grateful for ___’s presence in our lives.”
- “We will always carry ___’s love forward and cherish every moment he/she was with us.”
- “Holding close every memory of ___, knowing he/she will always be a part of us.”
Sympathy Card Messages for Acquaintances
- “I’m so sorry for you loss. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time and praying for moments of peace.”
- “My sincere condolences for your loss. I hope that comfort finds you in this challenging time.”
- “My heart really goes out to you. I hope that you find support in the days ahead.
- “I know that words are inadequate, but please know that I am thinking of you and your loved one.”
- “Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through.”
Words of Comfort for the Loss of a Mother or Father
- “My heart really aches for you as you face this horrible loss. Your mother/father was always an incredible person. I hope that you will always feel the love they had for you.
- I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. If you need someone to talk to or just listen, know that I will always be here for you.
- Words cannot describe how sad I am for the loss of your father/mother. I will be here to support you during this time if you ever need it.
- Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time right now. I know what it’s like to lose a parent, so please feel free to reach out if you ever want someone to talk to about it.
- “Losing a parent is one of life’s hardest experiences. Please know that you’re not alone, and I’m here for you.”
- “Sending you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I hope that the love your mother/father had for you gives you comfort during this time. “
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Grandparent
- “Sending you all my sympathy. Your grandparent’s kindness and love touched so many lives, including mine.”
- “I hope that you find comfort in all of the love your grandparent left behind and in the many lives they brightened.”
- “Your grandmother/grandfather was an incredible person, and their memory will always live on through the joy they brought to everyone who knew them.”
- “Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you remember your grandparent. I could never forget the incredible person they were.
- “Wishing you comfort as you reflect on a lifetime of memories with your grandparent. Their legacy was always one of love.”
- “Your grandparent’s love and wisdom have really shaped who you are to this day. May those memories be a source of strength for you.”
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Brother or Sister
- “I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your sibling. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Also if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.”
- “Thinking of you and wishing you strength during this very hard time. Your sibling’s memory will forever be a part of who you are.”
- “Losing a brother/sister is a heartache like no other. I am here for you and will be holding you close in my thoughts.”
- “Holding you in my heart as you mourn your brother/sister. They will always be missed but never forgotten.”
- “Your brother/sister was always an amazing person to everyone, including myself. I am so sorry that you ever had to mourn their loss. I will be keeping you in my prayers.”
- “Though your sibling is no longer here, the love you shared remains. I hope that their love for you carries you through this difficult time.”
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Husband or Wife
- “My heart goes out to you; your spouse’s love really was such a beautiful gift. I will be praying for you in this difficult time.
- “I’m so sorry for the loss of your spouse. I hope that the love you shared is a source of strength and comfort in the days ahead.”
- “Thinking of you as you navigate this unimaginable loss. Please feel free to reach out whenever you want. I’m here for you.
- “I hope that the cherished memories of your spouse bring you peace and warmth, even in this time of sorrow.”
- “Your spouse’s kindness and love left a lasting impact on all who knew them. It was a privilege to even know him/her. I will be keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time.”
- “Wishing you comfort as you remember your beautiful husband/wife. Their presence in your life really was incredible and unforgettable.”
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Son or Daughter
- “There are no words for such a loss. My heart aches with you for the loss of your son/daughter, and I’m here whenever you need support.”
- “Please know that I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Your child’s memory will live on in the love they left behind.”
- “I can’t begin to imagine your pain you’re feeling, but I’m here for you. Your child was a beautiful soul who will never be forgotten.”
- “I am so sorry for your loss; your child touched so many lives in such meaningful ways. Also know that I and so many others are here for you during this very difficult time.
- “I am so deeply sorry. May the love you shared with your child be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead.”
- “There is no loss greater than that of a child. I’m holding you in my heart and sending you all my love. And if you ever need someone to just be there for you, I’m here.”
Words of Sympathy for the Loss of a Grown Child
- “Your child was such an incredible person. I can’t even begin to tell you how much they meant to everyone. I am praying for you and your entire family during this difficult time.”
- “I know that words won’t make this time less difficult, but I want you to know how deeply sad I am for you and your family. And if you need anyone to talk to, I will always be here for you.”
- “I and so many others are in mourning for the loss of your dear child. I will be keeping you in my prayers as you navigate the coming days. “
- “My deepest sympathies. Your child was truly remarkable, and their memory will always be cherished by everyone who knew them.”
- “Your child was a wonderful person, and their absence is deeply felt. I hope that their memory will forever be a source of warmth and solace.”
- “I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your son/daughter touched many lives, and their memory will remain in the hearts of everyone they met.”
Condolences for Miscarriage or Infant Loss
- “My heart really breaks for you during this painful time. Your little one was loved deeply and will always hold a special place in your heart.”
- “I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you’re not alone in your grief; I am here for you whenever you need support or a listening ear.”
- “Sending you love and prayers right now. Even though they were with us for a short time, your baby’s presence was such a precious gift.”
- “No words can express the sorrow I feel for you. Please know that you’re surrounded by love and support during this difficult time.”
- “Please accept my deepest condolences. Your baby may have only been here for a moment, but they are loved for a lifetime.”
- “I am so incredibly sorry for the loss you’ve experienced. I will be praying for you and please do not hesitate to reach out at any time.”
Sympathy Messages for Extended Family Losses
- “I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much your [aunt/uncle/cousin/etc.] meant to you and the love you shared. I hope that their memory bring you comfort.”
- “Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. Your [relative’s] kindness and warmth will be appreciated and missed by all.”
- “My heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of your [family member]. Just know that I am here for you if you ever need to talk to someone.
- “Wishing you peace as you navigate this loss. Your [aunt/uncle/cousin/etc.] was a special part of your family, and their memory will always be treasured.”
- “Sending you love and support during this difficult time. Your [relative’s] legacy of kindness and joy lives on in all the lives they touched.”
- “Please accept my deepest condolences. Your [relative’s] presence will always be greatly missed, and if you ever need someone to listen to you, I’m here.
Meaningful Sympathy Messages for a Friend
- “I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your incredible friend. Their presence brought so much joy, and I hope you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you shared.”
- “Your friend, [name], was such a light in this world, and I’m here for you as you grieve this incredible loss.”
- “Losing a friend is beyond difficult. Please know that I am here for you to lean on, share memories with, or just sit in quiet remembrance.”
- “Wishing you strength as you remember your friend’s memory. Their friendship was a true gift, and their impact will never fade.”
- “I am here for you in this time of sorrow. You shared a unique bond with your friend.”
Sympathy Card Messages For a Colleague
- “I hope you are doing ok during this difficult time. Please let me know if you ever want to talk.”
- “I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.”
- “Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. [Name] was more than just a colleague; they were a friend, and their absence will be deeply felt.”
- “Please know that I’m here for you as you go through this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort.”
- “I’m sorry that you are going through this horrible loss. I will be praying and thinking of you in the coming days. “
- “Losing a [friend, colleague, parent, etc.] is one of the hardest things to experience. Know that I will always be here for you if you ever need someone to talk to.”
Condolence Messages for a Sudden or Unexpected Loss
- “I am heartbroken for you in this time of shock and sorrow. Please know that I’m here to support you however you need.”
- “There are no words for such a sudden loss. I’m deeply sorry and holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.”
- “Sending you all my love as you face this difficult time. I hope that you find moments of peace amidst the pain of this unexpected loss.”
- “My heart goes out to you in this unimaginable time. I’m here for you and ready to help in any way you need.”
- “I am so sorry for your loss. This was sudden and heartbreaking, and I hope you feel the support and love of those around you.”
- “Please know you’re not alone in this. I’m here for you, and I’ll be by your side through every step of this painful journey.”
- “I am so sorry for your loss. This was truly unexpected, and I hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply they were loved.”
- “Words cannot begin to express how horrible I feel for you and your loss. I am sending you prayers and please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Condolences for Chronic Illness Losses
- “I’m so sorry for your loss. Your loved one’s strength throughout their illness was inspiring, and their memory will always live on in the hearts of all who knew them.”
- “I’m so sorry for your loss. They fought so bravely, and their resilience was a testament to their love for you and life itself.”
- “Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Your loved one’s strength through their battle touched so many lives, and their memory will always be cherished.”
- “Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn. I hope you can find peace in knowing your loved one is no longer in pain and that their legacy will always endure.”
- “Sending you love and comfort as you mourn the loss of such a remarkable person. Please reach out if ever need me; I will always be here for you.”
- “Wishing you peace as you grieve. Your loved one’s journey was not easy, but they faced it with dignity and strength that really did touch everyone around them.”
- “Thinking of you during this difficult time. Your loved one showed such resilience, and their courage will always be remembered. Please never hesitate to reach out!
Messages of Support for Loss During Holidays
- “I know this season is hard without them. Please know you’re in my heart, and I’m here to help you through this difficult time.”
- “Sending you warmth and comfort this holiday season. May you find moments of peace as you remember your loved one.”
- “The holidays can be especially hard when we’re missing someone. I’m here for you and thinking of you every step of the way.”
- “You’re in my thoughts this holiday season. I know how hard this time can be, and I’m here to support you however you need.”
- “During this season of togetherness, I’m thinking of you and sending all my love. And just know that you are never alone; we’re all here for you.”
- “I know this season is filled with mixed emotions for you. Wishing you comfort and peace as you honor their memory.”
Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.