Condolence Message | Writing Tips, Examples & Quotes

It may seem like a small gesture, but a thoughtful and sincere condolence message can mean all the world to someone who’s experienced a loss.

The most common ways to send condolences include sympathy cards, text messages, social media comments, and online tribute walls (special sections of online obituaries where friends and family write comments). To write a heartfelt condolences message, acknowledge the person’s loss, offer support, and share a positive memory.

Writing a condolence message can feel challenging, especially if you’re also grieving the loss. To make the process easier, this article covers how to write a condolence message and includes 45 examples for different situations and audiences.

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will handle the typos so that you can focus on showing your support and expressing your sympathy.

How to write a condolence message

A condolence message can take different forms, from a short text message to a detailed letter or card. While there’s no perfect formula, these are a few ways to reach out to someone during a bereavement.

• Acknowledge the loss: Most condolences messages begin with a version of “I’m sorry for your loss.” You might also acknowledge that the situation is inherently sad and difficult. Consider using adjectives (e.g., “devastating loss” or “profound loss”) to show that you fully understand what the person’s going through.
• Share a memory: If you knew the deceased (or have heard stories about them), mention a favorite memory or a quality that you admire (e.g., “Your stories about making quilts with your Nonna were so inspiring”). If you didn’t know the deceased, consider something like, “I would love to hear more about her sometime.”
• Offer support: If you’re in a position to offer help or a listening ear, include those details in your condolence message. When possible, be specific about how you can help (e.g., “I’d like to drop off dinner for you and your family”).

Short condolence message

A simple and short condolence message is ideal for a group sympathy card or social media comment. Here are a few examples.

• Sending hugs.
• I’m sorry for the loss of your [mom, dad, etc.]
• Sending you love and light.
• Prayers to you and your family.
• May your memories bring you peace.
• My heart is with you, and I’m here for you.
• Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
• Sending you all the love, strength, and comfort.
• My sincerest condolences.
• Sending lots of love your way.

Deepest condolences message

When someone very close to you loses someone, your condolence message should be more effusive and heartfelt, like these examples.

• I’m sending my deepest condolences for your loss. Nothing will make this easier, but you are so loved, and I am here for you always.
• [Name] was such an amazing person, and I hope you and your family find some comfort during this time of mourning.
• No matter how much time we get, it’s always too soon. I wish I could take your pain away. My heart goes out to you and your family.
• [Name] was one of the most joyful and generous people who has ever walked on earth. This is such a sad time, but I know the wonderful memories will help you get through it. Sending lots of big hugs and warm energy your way.
• This loss is devastating, and I’m so very sorry. Everyone who crossed paths with [Name] is a better person for it. May the wonderful memories brighten your days and lift your spirits.

Condolence message to a friend

Friends are extremely important during the grieving process. Condolence messages like these show a close friend or bestie that they’re not alone.

• I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, and I’m holding you close to my heart. Your bond with [Name] continues to inspire me. If you need a shoulder to cry on or help with the arrangements, I’m all yours, night or day.
• I’m thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences, dear friend. This isn’t going to be easy, but I’m here for you.
• Words will never do justice to [Name] or your grief, and I’m so sorry. She/he made such a difference in this world. Thank you for inspiring me with all the wonderful stories over the years.
• My heart goes out to you and your family. [Name] loved you so much. You have all my love and support as you navigate this difficult time.
• Time is a thief, but [Name] taught us all to savor every moment. Sending love to you and your family and here for you, always.

Condolence message to family

Whether you’re mailing a handwritten card or adding a comment to an online obituary, here are some examples of condolences to a whole family. If you’re writing to a family that you don’t know personally, include details about your relationship with the deceased.

• I worked with [Name] for X years and admired her creativity and tenacity. She was a beloved mentor to our team, and we all miss her very much. My condolences to you and your family.
• [Name] and I volunteered together at [Place], and he shared so many wonderful stories about all of you. He was especially proud of your close relationship with one another. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
• We will always remember [Name’s] love, sense of humor, and incredible wit. She was such a beacon of light and a force to be reckoned with. Sending our condolences to you and your family.
• I’m sending all of you my love and support, and I wish we all had more time with [Name]. Each and every one of you brightened his days.
• Dear [Surname] Family, I am so saddened to hear of [Name’s] passing, and I’m sending my deepest condolences. My heart is also flooded with so many wonderful memories. Nothing made him happier than watching you all grow up and take such good care of one another.

Condolence message for coworker

Coworkers often share condolences through a group card, a note with a flower arrangement, or a personal instant message. If possible, offer to lighten the person’s workload or reassure them that everything will be fine while they’re out of office, like the examples below.

• I’m so sorry for your loss. Please take all the time you need to be with your loved ones and to heal. We’ll make sure everything here is taken care of.
• My deepest condolences to you and your family. We’ve got everything here covered so you can focus on your family and taking care of yourself.
• I can’t imagine how difficult this time must be for you. Please remember that family always comes first. Take whatever time you need, and let us know how we can help lighten your workload when you return.
• I’m truly sorry you’re going through this. Take all the time you need to be with your family and grieve. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to help you ease back into things at your own pace.
• Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you shared and the support of those around you.

Condolence messages for loss of mother

The loss of a mother is one of life’s most challenging transitions. A condolence message for someone who lost their mom should take that into account. Your condolences will also have more impact if you mention a specific memory.

• I’m wishing you peace and clarity as you navigate this heartbreaking transition. Your mom was one of the most beautiful and thoughtful people I’ve ever met.
• Your relationship with your mother was inspiring, and you made her so proud. You’ll carry her love with you for the rest of your life.
• Moms are magic, and yours left a legacy of infinite love and extraordinary talent. We are all so lucky that she lives on in you.
• Your mom always made everything better, and I know your heart is breaking right now. She was so happy to see you following your dreams and carving out a beautiful life for your children. I’m sending you lots of love and my deepest condolences.
• My heart goes out to you after the loss of your mother. Losing a parent is never easy, and I hope you find comfort in the love and memories you shared. Please take care of yourself and lean on me for anything you need.

Condolence message for loss of father

When someone you know has lost a father, acknowledge the gravity of the loss, mention a fond memory or favorite quality, or remind the grieving person that their dad was proud.

• Your father was a true hero who positively impacted everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.
• Losing a parent is one of the hardest things in life, and my heart is with you.
• Sending you strength and love as you cope with one of the most profound losses a person can go through. Your dad was a true legend.
• I’m honored to have met your father and forever grateful to him for raising my favorite person and my best friend.
• What an incredible person to have raised a daughter like you. He was so proud to be your dad.

Pet condolence message

Condolences are also helpful for people who are grieving the loss of a pet. For example, if someone shares the loss in a social media post, you can add a supportive comment like one of these examples.

• There is no doubt in my mind that [Name] knew how much you loved her and valued her companionship. Fur babies hold such a special place in our hearts.
• I’m so sorry for your loss. She/he was a very lucky and very special kitty/pup.
• You gave him/her such a wonderful life, and he/she will be greatly missed.
• Losing a fur baby is so hard, and I wish I could ease your pain.
• I know this hurts, and I’m so sorry. Your family gave [Name] a beautiful life.

Condolences quotes

Quotes about grief from famous writers can make a condolences message especially meaningful. Here are a few options.

• “The wind is us. It gathers and remembers all our voices, then sends them talking and telling through the leaves and the fields.” —Truman Capote
• “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” —Maya Angelou
• “When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” —Kahlil Gibran
• “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” —Helen Keller
• “From sorrow to sorrow love crosses its islands and establishes roots that are watered by weeping.” —Pablo Neruda
• “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” —Emily Dickinson
• “There is a sacredness in tears. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” —Washington Irvin

Frequently asked questions about condolence messages

How do I send a condolence text message?

It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about how to send a condolence text message. You want your message to be sincere and thoughtful but also concise. Here are a few tips:

• Express your sorrow for the loss.
• Offer support (even if it’s just a simple “I’m here if you need anything”).
• Share a positive memory or something that you admired.

An example of a short condolence text message is:

• “I’m so sorry for your loss, [Name]. I’m thinking of you, and if you need anything, I’m a phone call away. Your grandma was such a special person, and you made her so proud. Peace and love to you and your family.

Writing a condolence message is never fun or easy, but QuillBot’s Paraphraser can make it a little less stressful. It can show you different ways to make your message clear and concise.

Is it condolence or condolences?

Most people use “condolence” (without an “-s”) as a modifier in phrases like “condolence message” or “condolence card.” It’s also correct to say “condolences message.”

The plural form, “condolences,” is more common in the condolence message itself (e.g., “I’m sending you my deepest condolences for your loss”).

When you’re writing a condolence message, QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you avoid errors.