Heartfelt Condolence Messages
Send a simple, heartfelt condolence message for any situation. If someone you know is experiencing a loss, licensed clinical psychologist, consultant, and speaker Vernita Marsh, PhD, suggests reaching out over text, email, or phone call to express your condolences. “‘I’m thinking of you, you’re in my thoughts at this time, or you’re in my prayers’…These kinds of things are very useful,” she explains. Here are some example messages to copy and paste, or to use as inspiration if you want to write your own: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I know there’s nothing I can say to ease your pain right now, but just know I’m here for you, no matter what. Sending you peace, healing, and comfort during this difficult time. [Their loved one’s name] was a wonderful person who will be so deeply missed. We were so devastated to hear about [their loved one’s name’s] passing. From our family to yours, please accept our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences. My heart aches for you and your family at this challenging time. Please let me know if there’s anything at all that I can do to help. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but just know I’m always here for you, no matter what. Sending you so much love. My deepest condolences to you and your family on this devastating loss. You’re in my thoughts, and I’m here to help in any way I possibly can. Words can’t express how sorry I am about your loss. If there’s anything I can do to support you through this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to ask. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family as you navigate this challenging time. [Their loved one’s name] was a truly special person who will never be forgotten. My heart is broken for you and your family, and I’m so sorry you’re going through this right now. Please know I’m always here to help, no matter the hour. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time, and I’m here to support you all in any way you might need. Sending you so much love and comfort as you and your family navigate this devastating loss. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you all. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of [their loved one’s name], who was a truly unique and one-of-a-kind person. I’ll hold them in my heart forever. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family as you celebrate the life of your loved one. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Praying for you and your family at this trying time. Please accept my sincerest condolences, and let me know if there’s anything at all I can do to help. Meet the wikiHow Experts Vernita Marsh, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience who specializes in grief counseling. Joseph Phillips, MSW, is a clinical therapist and social worker with experience treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, is a clinical therapist and adjunct professor with over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in mental health. Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, is a therapist with over a decade of experience, as well as the founder and CEO of Peaceful Living Counseling and Professional Services in Philadelphia, PA & Hockessin, DE.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Parent
Offer your thoughtful condolences after the loss of a parent. Losing a parent is an incredibly difficult experience, no matter your age. If you know someone who is coping with the loss of their mother or father, a heartfelt, sincere message can go a long way. For example: I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved [father/mother]. [He/she] was an incredible person, and I’m so honored to have known [him/her]. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your [father/mother]. I never got the chance to meet [him/her], but [he/she] must have been a truly special person to raise someone as wonderful as you. Your [dad/mom] seemed like such a kind, genuine person, and I’m so sorry for this devastating loss. I’m here to support you in whatever way you need. My sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your [dad/mom]. [His/her] kind heart and hilarious sense of humor will be so deeply missed. I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your [father/mother]. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this tough time. Praying for you and your family as you navigate the loss of your [dad/mom]. [He/she] was a one-of-a-kind person who will live on in all our hearts forever. I’m so deeply sorry about your [mom/dad’s] passing. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now, but I want you to know I’m here for you, no matter what. My deepest condolences for the loss of your wonderful [dad/mom]. May [his/her] memory be a comfort to you at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Your [mom/dad] was a blessing to everyone who knew [him/her], and I feel so lucky to have spent time with [him/her]. Sending all my love your way at this difficult time. Your [father/mother] was an amazing person, and I have such fond memories of all the times we shared. Even though I didn’t get the chance to meet your [dad/mom], I feel like I got to know [him/her] through your wonderful stories, and [he/she] sounded like a truly wonderful person. Words can’t describe how sorry I am about this devastating loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your [dad/mom]. [He/she] was such a kind person, and I feel so lucky that we met. You and your family are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Your [mom/dad] seemed like a truly special person, and I know [he/she] will be so deeply missed. I was so sorry to hear about your [mom/dad]. I know you must be going through a lot right now, but if you need anything at all, I’m always here for you. Wishing you peace, healing, and comfort as you navigate the loss of your [mother/father]. [He/she] was an incredibly inspiring person who changed many people’s lives for the better (mine included). I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Partner or Spouse
Show your support for someone who lost a partner. It’s devastating to lose a partner or spouse, so this person will likely need a lot of care and support, especially if they have children. When you reach out to offer your heartfelt condolences, clinical therapist and adjunct professor Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, recommends offering some practical support, too. “Consider sending a meal over [...] offer to pick up their children from school, or see if they’d like to come over and just sit on your couch to get out of the house,” she suggests. Thinking of you at this difficult time. If you need anything at all, whether that be a home-cooked meal, someone to drive the kids to school, or a shoulder to cry on, I am always here for you. Sending all my love and comfort your way as you navigate this devastating loss. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here for you and your family, no matter what. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Your partner was a wonderful person who made the world a better, brighter place. I’m here to help in any way I can at this difficult time. Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. Your [husband/wife] was such a joy to be around, and [he/she] will be so deeply missed. I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved [husband/wife]. I’m here to support you and your family in whatever way you need, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. My deepest condolences to you and your family at this unimaginable time. I never got to meet your partner, but I feel like I got to know them through your beautiful stories, and they seemed like such a special person. I’m so sorry for the loss of your [husband/wife]. You shared a one-of-a-kind love, and it was such an honor to behold. If there’s anything at all I can do to help at this tough time, whether that be talking things through, running errands for you, or watching the kids, I’m always here for you. May the memory of your partner bring you comfort during this challenging time. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m here for you, whatever you may need. My thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate this unimaginable loss. Just know I’m always here to help and support you all, no matter the hour. Sending peace, comfort, and healing to you and your beautiful family at this difficult time. [Their husband/wife’s name] was a truly wonderful person, and I feel so lucky to have known [him/her]. You and your family are in my prayers at this unimaginable time. I’m here to support you all in whatever way you might need—just say the word, and I’m there. Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. May the memory of your wonderful [husband/wife/partner] bring you comfort at this difficult time. It was such an honor to know your [husband/wife]. [He/she] was such a thoughtful, kind, and supportive person. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, and if there’s anything at all I can do to support you through this difficult time, please let me know.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Child
Send one of these sincere, heartfelt messages after the loss of a child. The loss of a son or daughter is an unimaginable experience, so it’s essential to offer your condolences with the utmost care and sensitivity. If you’re not sure what to say, just let them know how sorry you are for the loss, and that you’re there for them if they want to talk. “It’s best to be a listener, as opposed to a speaker, to ensure that you’re not saying anything offensive, while also letting them know that you want to help them through the process,” Tenzer says. There aren’t sufficient words to express how sorry I am about this unimaginable loss. Your [son/daughter] was such a light, and [he/she] will remain in our hearts forever. My heart aches for you and your family at this devastating time. Your [son/daughter] was such a blessing to the world, and [he/she] will be so deeply missed. Words can’t express how sorry I am about the loss of your precious [son/daughter]. You’re in my thoughts at this unimaginable time, and I’m here to support you and your family in any way I can. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved [son/daughter]. [He/she] was such a blessing to everyone who knew [him/her], and I carry [him/her] with me in my heart forever. I’m so deeply sorry for this unimaginable loss. Your [son/daughter] was such a wonderful person who brought joy wherever [he/she] went, and I feel so honored to have known [him/her]. There aren’t enough words to express how sorry I am about the loss of your [son/daughter]. I know there’s nothing I can say to ease your pain, but I just wanted to let you know I’m here to support you and your family in any way I possibly can. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I never got the chance to meet your [son/daughter], but I feel like I got to know [him/her] through your wonderful stories, and [he/she] seemed like a truly incredible person. I was so devastated to hear about the passing of your beloved [son/daughter]. [He/she] was such a bright light in the world, and I’ll cherish my memories of [him/her] forever. If there’s anything I can do to help you and your family at this tough time, please don’t hesitate to ask. There are no words to describe the loss of a child. All I can say is that I’m so deeply sorry for your loss, and I’m here to support you in whatever way you might need. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You and your family are in my thoughts at this devastating time. Your [son/daughter] was an absolute joy to be around, and I feel so honored to have known [him/her]. Words can’t describe how sorry I am about this unimaginable loss. If there’s anything I can do to support you and your family at this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Sibling
Support someone after the loss of a sibling. Siblings are often the very first best friends any of us have, and losing one is an incredibly difficult experience. To support someone through this devastating loss, try sending them one of these thoughtful condolence messages: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved [brother/sister]. [He/she] was such a wonderful person, and I feel so lucky to have spent time with [him/her]. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your [brother/sister]. Based on the amazing stories you told about [him/her], [he/she] seemed like a truly incredible person. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. I never got a chance to meet your [brother/sister], but I feel like I got to know [him/her] through all your wonderful stories. I’m so deeply sorry about this devastating loss, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. Sending all my love to you and your family at this difficult time. Your [brother/sister] was such a kind, genuine, hilarious person, and [he/she] will be so deeply missed. My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved [brother/sister]. May your memories of [him/her] bring you peace and comfort at this unimaginable time. I’m so sorry about the loss of your [brother/sister]. [He/she] was an absolute joy to be around, and I feel so honored to have known [him/her]. I’m always here to support you and your family, whatever you might need. Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your [sister/brother]. [He/she] was a truly inspiring person who touched so many lives, mine included. I’ll cherish my memories with [him/her] forever. I was so devastated to hear about the loss of your [brother/sister]. [He/she] was a deeply kind person, a fiercely supportive friend, and an all-around inspiration to all who knew [him/her]. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You and your family are in my prayers at this unimaginable time. Your [brother/sister] seemed like such a wonderful person, and I know [he/she] will be so deeply missed. I’m here for you, no matter what. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved [brother/sister]. [He/she] was truly a force of nature, and I feel so lucky to have spent time with [him/her]. Sending so much love and healing energy your way. The world has lost a truly special person. Your [brother/sister] was such a light, and [he/she] changed so many people’s lives for the better (mine included). My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of an Extended Family Member
Let them know they’re in your thoughts with a heartfelt messages. If someone you know lost a grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, or cousin, a message of support is sure to bring them comfort. Here are some examples of what to say: I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your grandfather. He seemed like such a wonderful man, and I know he’ll be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved grandmother. I feel so lucky to have known such an amazing woman, and I’ll carry my memories of her with me forever. Sending so much love your way. I’m so deeply sorry about the loss of your uncle. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time, and I’m here to support you in any way you might need. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your aunt. She sounded like a truly special person. If there’s anything at all I can do to help you through this tough time, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m so sorry about the passing of your cousin. You and your family are in my prayers at this tough time, and I’m here to support you all in whatever way you may need. I was so sorry to hear about your cousin’s passing. I never got to meet [him/her], but I feel like I grew to know [him/her] through your amazing stories. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. You and your family are in my thoughts as you navigate the loss of your beloved grandmother. She was such a special woman, and I feel so honored to have known her. My heartfelt condolences to you all. During this time of grief, may you and your family find comfort and peace in your memories of your wonderful grandfather. He was such an inspiring man, and I feel lucky that I got to spend time with him. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your [uncle]. I never got the chance to meet him, but he sounded like a truly special man. May your memories of him bring you comfort at this difficult time. I’m so sorry about your aunt’s passing. She was a wonderful woman who brought so much joy wherever she went, and she’ll be so deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your cousin. [He/she] seemed like such a kind, genuine person, and I know [he/she] will be truly missed. You’re in my thoughts at this tough time. Sending so much love and healing energy your way as you navigate the loss of your [uncle/aunt]. [He/she] was such a wonderful person, and I’ll always cherish my memories of [him/her]. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Friend
Share your sympathies for someone who lost a friend. Close friends are like chosen family, so the loss of one can be incredibly devastating. If you know someone who lost a cherished friend, consider sending one of these heartfelt condolence messages to show your support: My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear friend. [He/she] was so kind, genuine, and thoughtful, and I’m so glad I got the chance to meet [him/her]. If there’s anything I can do to help you through this tough time, please don’t hesitate to ask. I was so devastated to hear about the passing of your friend. I know how close the two of you were, and [he/she] sounded like a truly special person. Sending so much love your way. I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now, but I wanted to let you know I’m here to support you through this in any way I can. Losing someone so close is devastating, and there aren’t sufficient words to express how deeply sorry I am. I’m here for you if you want to talk, no matter the hour. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. [Friend’s name] seemed like such an amazing person and friend, and I know [he/she] will be missed. Thinking of you and sending all my love. I just heard about your friend’s passing, and I just wanted to reach out to say I’m so sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all, whether that be someone to talk to, run errands for you, or just distract you from everything, I’m here for you. My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved friend. The two of you were like peas in a pod, and it was such an honor to witness your bond and your friendship. May your memories of [him/her] bring you comfort at this difficult time. Sending you peace, comfort, and healing as you navigate this devastating loss. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here for you. There aren’t enough words to describe how sorry I am. I never got to meet your friend, but I feel like I got to know [him/her] through your wonderful stories, and [he/she] seemed like a truly special person. Praying for healing for you at this difficult time. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dear friend. I know how close you all were to [him/her], and I’m so deeply sorry you’re going through this right now. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your friend. [He/she] sounded like such an incredible person, and I know [he/she] will be missed. Sending you all my love, and I’m here for you if you ever want to talk. I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. I know how close you two were, and I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. If there’s anything at all I can do to support you through this, I’m always here for you.
Condolence Messages to Send to a Coworker
Offer your sincere and professional condolences to a coworker. It’s a good idea to reach out to a coworker, colleague, or business client if they’ve recently experienced a loss, but Phillips recommends finding a balance between sincerity and professionalism. According to Phillips, it’s about “acknowledging that person’s loss and showing that you sympathize with them, but maybe not expressing as much emotional vulnerability.” Here are some examples: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss. You’re in my thoughts at this difficult time, and I’m here to help in any way I can. I’m so sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this tough time, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. I just heard about [their loved one’s name’s] passing, and I just wanted to say how sorry I am. If there’s anything I can do to help you through this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I was so saddened to hear about your loss. [Their loved one’s name] seemed like such a kind, genuine person, and I know [he/she] will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sending you lots of healing energy at this tough time. You and your family are in my thoughts, and I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your loss. If there’s anything at all I can do to help at this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts, and if there’s anything I can do to support you all, please let me know. Thinking of you at this tough time, and sending lots of healing energy your way. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Wishing you strength, healing, and peace as you navigate this difficult time. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss, and if there’s anything I can do to support you right now, please let me know. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting [their loved one’s name], but they seemed like a truly wonderful person. You and your family are in my thoughts at this difficult time. The whole team was heartbroken to hear about your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and if there’s anything we can do to help you and your family, please don’t hesitate to ask. On behalf of the whole team, we’d like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We’re deeply sorry for your loss, and we’re all here to support you in any way we can.
Tips for Writing Condolence Messages
Share a meaningful memory about the person who has passed. “I think a part of mourning is having memories, and good memories can help someone move through the stages of grief,” explains Phillips. Don’t try to fabricate or exaggerate a memory if you didn’t meet or spend a lot of time with the person who passed, but if you were close to them, consider sharing a sweet memory about them in your condolence letter.
Let the grieving person know you’re there to support them in any way. Marsh notes that a lot of people struggle with knowing what to say when someone passes away, but one of the things that you can always say is, “What can I do to help? How can I be of service or assistance to you in this critical time?” According to Marsh, this help can be anything, including holding their hand, providing food, checking in on them, or hanging out with them to distract them from their grief. Don’t be offended if they don’t take you up on your offers to hang out—remember, this period is about supporting them in whatever way they prefer. “Respect their decision if they decline, without being too pushy,” Tenzer says. In these situations, “The best thing you can do is to give the person space and let them know that you are available for whatever they need.”
Consider mailing them a comforting gift if you can’t see them in person. If you live far away from the grieving person, therapist Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, recommends sending flowers or a care package, along with a handwritten card. This lets them know that you’re there to support them, even if you can’t physically be there.
Take their preferences into account when deciding how to communicate. “A phone call is probably preferred, but it all depends on the person. Some people certainly would prefer text,” Marsh explains. So, “be it a phone call, a text, or card, [it’s] really about knowing that person.” For example, if you know this person generally prefers to communicate over texts because phone calls make them anxious, it’s best to send your condolences over text. On the flip side, if this person has expressed that they think texting is impersonal, you’ll probably want to call them to offer your condolences verbally. If you're not sure what to do, consider sending a text first and mentioning that you’d like to schedule a time to talk on the phone or meet up in person when they’re feeling up to it. This shows them that you care, while also giving them time and space to grieve.
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