Condolence & Sympathy Message Writer
Not sure what to write in a sympathy card? Tell us who you're writing to and who they lost, and we'll help you find the words: three gentle condolence messages to choose from, a fitting verse, and a short prayer.
Condolence Messages
A condolence message says three things: you're sorry, you remember the one who died, and you're there. Keep it simple. Use their loved one's name if you can, and add one true thing.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm keeping you close in my thoughts.
I was so sorry to hear about [Name]. They will be remembered with so much love, and I'm here for you in the weeks ahead.
I'm so sorry. If there's anything at all I can do, I hope you'll let me.
Writing about a particular loss, such as a mother, a father, a husband or a pet? Our sympathy messages have examples for each, and tips on how to sign the card.
Condolence Message to a Coworker
Keep it kind and simple; you don't need the details. These sympathy messages for a coworker say that you care, and that work can wait.
I was so sorry to hear about your father. Please take all the time you need, and don't worry about anything here. We're all thinking of you.
With deepest sympathy from all of us on the team. We're here for you now, and whenever you're ready to come back.
I'm so sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can take off your plate, just say the word.
Write a message for a coworker ›
Sudden Death Condolence Messages
When a death is sudden, no one had time to prepare. Don't ask what happened. Just say you're sorry, and that you're there.
I'm so shocked and so sorry. I can't imagine what you're feeling right now. Please know I'm here, for anything, at any time.
There's no preparing for a loss like this. I'm thinking of you every hour and holding you close in my heart.
I'm so sorry. I don't have the right words, but I'm here, and I'll keep checking in.
Short Condolence Messages
A short condolence message is often the kindest kind. Any of these fits a card, a text, or the note on flowers:
- My condolences to you and your family.
- So sorry for your loss.
- Thinking of you with love.
- Holding you close in my thoughts.
- [Name] will be so missed.
- With deepest sympathy.
- Sharing in your sadness, and remembering [Name] with you.
- Sending love and comfort your way.
- I'm here for you, today and always.
- Wishing you peace in the days ahead.
Religious Condolence Messages
If they share your faith, a line of prayer or scripture can be a real comfort. Keep it gentle: a promise to pray, not a sermon. For a verse short enough for a card, see our sympathy Bible verses.
Christian Condolence Messages
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying that the God of all comfort holds you close in the days ahead.
Holding you and your family in prayer. May you feel the Lord near you in every quiet moment.
We give thanks for [Name]'s life, and for the love they shared with so many. Praying for comfort and peace for all of you.
Catholic Condolence Messages
You and your family are in my prayers. I'll remember [Name] at Mass this Sunday.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May [Name] rest in peace, and may God comfort you and all who love them.
Praying for you and your family, and lighting a candle for [Name]. With deepest sympathy.
Non-Religious Condolence Messages
Not everyone finds comfort in the language of faith. These say the same love plainly.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you and sending all my love.
[Name] made the world a warmer place. I hope your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Wishing you gentleness and peace in the weeks ahead. I'm here whenever you need me.
Write a non-religious message ›
Condolence Text Messages and Emails
A text is fine when that's how you usually talk, especially as a first word of comfort. Keep it short, and tell them they don't need to reply.
I just heard about your mom. I'm so sorry. No need to reply. I'm thinking of you.
Sending you so much love today. I'm here whenever you want to talk.
I'm so sorry. Could I drop off dinner this week? A yes or no is plenty, and there's no pressure at all.
An email works well for a coworker, a client, or anyone you don't see often:
Dear [Name],
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please take all the time you need, and don't worry about anything here. We have it covered.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
With sincere sympathy,
Write a text message › Write an email ›
A Short Condolence Letter
A handwritten condolence letter means a great deal, especially weeks later, when the cards have stopped coming.
Dear [Name],
I've been thinking of you so much since your mother died. I keep remembering her laugh at your kitchen table, and how she always sent me home with something she had baked.
I know the weeks ahead will be hard. I'd like to bring dinner one evening next week, and I'll call first to see what suits you.
With love and deepest sympathy,
A Prayer for a Grieving Family
If you're praying for a grieving family, or want to write a prayer inside the card, this one is short enough to copy:
Lord, be near this family in their grief. Hold them when the house is quiet and the missing feels too heavy to carry.
Thank You for the one they love and see no longer. We entrust them to Your keeping.
Give this family rest, kind people close by, and, in Your time, peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
A short prayer for a grieving family
God of all comfort, wrap this family in Your love today. Give them strength for each hour and hope for the days ahead. Amen.
For more, see our prayers for grief and comfort, a prayer for a grieving friend, and a prayer for those who mourn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you say to someone who lost a loved one?
Keep it simple and sincere: "I'm so sorry," their loved one's name, and one true thing, like a memory or a way you'll help. "I'm here for you" means more when you follow it with something real, such as a meal or a call next week. You don't need to explain or fix anything. Showing up matters more than perfect words.
Is it okay to send a condolence text message?
Yes, especially as a first word of comfort, or if texting is how you usually talk. Keep it short, and say they don't need to reply. For a coworker or a client, an email or a card fits better. For a close friend, follow your text with a call, a visit, or a card.
Should I mention the person who died by name?
Yes. Many grieving people say that hearing their loved one's name is a gift. If you didn't know them, "your mother" or "your husband" is fine.
Does the writer save what I type?
No. The names and memories you add are used once, to write your messages, and are never stored or published. Every message is a starting point: change any word so it sounds like you.