60+ Quotes & Messages for a Grandmother Who Passed Away

Download Article

Healing words to mourn the loss of your grandma & honor her memory

Co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Short “Rest in Peace” Messages

|

“Missing You” Messages

|

Heartfelt Quotes

|

Tributes

|

Poems

|

Coping with the Loss of Your Grandmother

|

What to Say to Someone Who Lost a Loved One

Losing your grandmother is a devastating experience, and it can be difficult to put your feelings into words. However, sharing a few well-chosen words can bring you comfort and keep her memory alive. In this article, we’ve put together a list of quotes, messages, and poems to remember your grandmother and celebrate her beautiful legacy. We also spoke with clinical therapist Rebecca Tenzer for advice on how to cope with grief and overcome the loss of a close relative.

Top Heartfelt Sayings for a Grandmother Who Passed

Your love was the foundation of our family. Rest easy, grandmother.
Your smile and laughter lit up our lives. We’ll miss you forever, grams.
What an amazing life my grandma lived. May her soul find eternal peace.
Grams, I hope you’re looking down and smiling. I’ll carry you in my heart forever.
Heaven gained an angel, but I lost a piece of my heart. I miss you so much, grandma.
Every day, I’ll honor your legacy of love and kindness. Thank you for everything, nana.
I long for the comfort of your hugs and the joy of your laughter. Wishing you were here.

Section 1 of 7:

Short “Rest in Peace” Messages

Download Article

Share your sincere desire for your grandmother to rest in peace. According to Tenzer, “there is no right or wrong way to grieve a loved one and no instruction manual for the journey.” However, accepting your emotions and remembering the moments you shared with your grandmother can help you cope with grief.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Write a sweet and reflective message to acknowledge your grandmother’s passing and commemorate the beautiful life she lived.
- Your love was the foundation of our family. Rest easy, grandma.
- What an amazing life my grandma lived. May her soul find eternal peace.
- Grams, I hope you’re looking down and smiling. I’ll carry you in my heart forever.
- Thank you for teaching me how to love and respect myself, grams. Rest in peace.
- Grandma, you were my safe haven and my shoulder to cry on. I’ll cherish you forever.
- Your love and kindness made the world a brighter place. Heaven is lucky to have you.
- Grandmother, you were a force of nature with a heart of gold. May you find eternal rest.
- Although you’re no longer here, your love will always light my way. Till we meet again, nana.
- It’s our turn to shine your light on the world so you can rest in peace. Love you forever, grams.
- Every day, I’ll honor your legacy of love and kindness. Thank you for everything, grandma.
- You were my rock, my comfort, and my greatest supporter, grandma. I’ll honor you every day.
- Thank you for a lifetime of love and memories, nana. Your spirit remains in our hearts forever.
- Our family lost a matriarch, but heaven gained an angel. May you rest in peace, grandma.

Section 2 of 7:

“Missing You” Messages from Grandchildren

Download Article

Stress how much you miss your grandma with a meaningful message. Whether you’re holding a memorial service or writing something in a condolences card, you can mention things you miss most about your grandmother to express your love and affection. Feel free to recall your favorite memories together or explain how you’re handling her absence. Then, end your message by sharing how you plan to keep her memory alive.
- Your smile and laughter lit up our lives. We’ll miss you forever, grams.
- I miss you more than all the stars in the sky. You’re forever in my heart, granny.
- Heaven gained an angel, but I lost a piece of my heart. I miss you so much, grandma.
- Your warmth and wisdom shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll miss you every day.
- I long for the comfort of your hugs and the joy of your laughter. Wishing you were here with us, grams.
- I miss your hugs, your stories, and the way you always made me smile. Love you forever, grandma.
- Even though you’re in heaven, I still feel your spirit every day. Missing you endlessly, sweet grandmother.
- Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and wish you were here. Your love is irreplaceable, grandma.
- Every corner of my heart misses you, grandma. You’ll always be my biggest supporter and my greatest inspiration.
- I would give anything for one last cuddle or conversation with you, nana. I miss you more than words can describe.
- My world feels emptier without you, but the memories of your love and kindness keep me going. I miss you every day, nana.
- I know it was your time to go, but not having you here makes me sadder than you’ll ever know. I miss you so much, grams.
- When I miss you, I close my eyes and try to remember what it feels like to be in your arms. I wish I could hug you one last time.

Section 3 of 7:

Heartfelt Quotes to Remember Your Grandmother

Download Article

Share a famous quote about loss or grief to bring you comfort. If you’re struggling to put your thoughts into words, turn to an author, celebrity, or public figure for help. Their quotes can comfort you during this difficult time and capture the depth of what you’re feeling. Here are some meaningful quotes to help you honor your grandmother’s memory:
- “Love has no age, no limit, and no death.”—John Galsworthy
- "The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." —Irving Berlin
- “You were the love that made all the others irrelevant.” —Rupi Kaur
- “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” —Emily Dickinson
- “Love is how often you stay alive, even after you are gone.” —Mitch Albom
- “Heaven is a place nearby, so there's no need to say goodbye.” —Lene Marlin
- “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.” —Terri Guillemets
- “May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.” —Julie Hébert
- “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you... I could walk in my own garden forever.” —Alfred Tennyson
- “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” —Mahatma Gandhi
- "They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies." —William Penn
- “I'll remember you. When I've forgotten all the rest. You to me were true. You to me were the best.” —Bob Dylan
- “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” —Helen Keller
- “If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.” —James O’Barr
- “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” —Renee Wood
- “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” —Maya Angelou
- “You are gone, but thank you for all these soft, sweet things you left behind. In my home, in my head, in my heart.” —Nikita Gill
- “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” —Eskimo Proverb
- “She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.” —Ariana Dancu
- “It is the capacity to feel consuming grief and pain and despair that also allows me to embrace love and joy and beauty with my whole heart. I must let it all in.” —Anna White

Section 4 of 7:

Thoughtful Tributes to Honor Her Memory

Download Article

Write a meaningful tribute to honor your grandma’s life and legacy. Reflect on your grandmother’s personality, values, and the impact she had on others. Highlight what made her so special, and share any fond memories or lessons she taught you. As long as you speak from the heart, you can craft a genuine and personal tribute for your grandmother!
- My grandma left us with a lifetime of love and lessons. She was a shining example of warmth, kindness, and integrity for my family, and her legacy will live on in all of us.
- My grandmother touched the lives of so many with her love, kindness, and compassion. Being her grandchild is the greatest honor of my life, and I hope to be more and more like her as I grow up.
- If my grandmother cared about you, you knew it. She was fiercely loyal, loving, and protective of the people she loved, whether you were a friend or family member. How fortunate we are to have known her.
- What can you say about a woman who always made you smile and held all the love in the universe in the palm of her hand? My nana was my rock and my biggest supporter, and I feel so lucky to have been her grandchild.
- My granny always put family first. She could be tough at times, since she never sugarcoated things, but her advice and encouragement gave us the strength to weather any storm. This brings me comfort and joy, even in her absence.
- When I reflect on all the things my grandma overcame during her lifetime, I am in awe of her strength and kindness. She experienced so much hardship, but was still so loving, patient, and understanding. I will make sure she lives on in me.
- To have been loved by my grandma is to know how it feels to be loved for who you are, while also being held to the highest standard by someone who is confident that you can achieve anything in life. She made me into the person I am today, and I forever indebted to her.
- No one could cook like my nana. She made the meanest lasagna every Sunday, and let me take a few sips of wine when my parents weren’t looking. Aside from her culinary skills, though, she was also the best listener and guide. She supported me when no one else did, and gave me advice that got me to where I am today. I am forever grateful for the time we spent together.
EXPERT TIP

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist
Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist

Think about the memories that stand out the most, and the feelings or thoughts that are attached to [them]. Visions, places, sounds and smells that bring you joy. Reflect on what you think is the most important thing to know about the person who is no longer with you.

Section 5 of 7:

Touching Poems to Keep Her Spirit Alive

Download Article

Recite a poem about losing a loved one to help you grieve. If you’re attending a memorial or celebration of life, you might be asked to share some words about your grandmother. Poems about loss and mourning can help you articulate your grief, plus provide comfort to you and your family. Here are some beautiful poems to read aloud or write in a card:
- “Warm summer sun,
  Shine kindly here,
  Warm southern wind,
  Blow softly here.
  Green sod above,
  Lie light, lie light.
  Good night, dear heart,
  Good night, good night.”
  —Walt Whitman, “Warm Summer Sun”
- “It would never be goodbye,
  For I have left my heart with you,
  So don't you ever cry.
  The love that's deep within me,
  Shall reach you from the stars,
  You'll feel it from the heavens,
  And it will heal the scars.”
  —Unknown, “If I Should Go Tomorrow”
- “Those we love remain with us
  for love itself lives on,
  and cherished memories never fade
  because a loved one’s gone.
  Those we love can never
  be more than a thought apart,
  far as long as there is memory,
  they’ll live on in the heart.” —Unknown, “Love Lives On”
- “When loved ones have to part
  To help us feel were with them still
  And soothe a grieving heart
  They span the years and warm our lives
  Preserving ties that bind
  Our memories build a special bridge
  And bring us peace of mind.”
  —Emily Mathews, “Our Memories Build a Special Bridge”
- “What though the radiance which was once so bright
  Be now forever taken from my sight,
  Though nothing can bring back the hour
  Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
  We will grieve not, rather find
  Strength in what remains behind.”
  —William Wordsworth, “Intimations of Immortality”
- “I try and cope the best I can
  But I'm missing you so much
  If I could only see you
  And once more feel your touch.
  Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me
  Don't worry I'll be fine
  But now and then I swear I feel
  Your hand slip into mine.”
  —Joyce Grenfell, “You’ve Just Walked on Ahead of Me”
- “You can shed tears that she is gone
  Or you can smile because she has lived
  You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
  Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
  Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
  Or you can be full of the love that you shared”
  —David Harkins, “She Is Gone”
- “She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain,
  she’s in the air you breathe
  with every breath you take.
  She sings a song of hope and cheer,
  there’s no more pain, no more fear.
  You’ll see her in the clouds above,
  hear her whisper words of love,
  you’ll be together before long,
  until then, listen for her song.”
  —Christy Ann Martine, “She’s in the Sun, the Wind, the Rain”
- “During your journey on your final flight home.
  White wings will carry you and you will be flown.
  To the pearly gates of Heaven, where they will usher you in.
  To the feet of your Lord, your Saviour, and your friend.
  He will hold you in his arms and the angels will sing.
  As another one of His children is delivered by white wings.”
  —Julie Johnson, “The White Chariot”

Section 6 of 7:

How to Cope with the Loss of Your Grandmother

Download Article

Acknowledge your emotions and practice self-care to cope with grief. The first step is to allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, guilt, or any other emotion that arises. The grieving process takes time, and it can disrupt your sense of normalcy and emotions. To combat this, prioritize your physical and mental health. You could try journaling, meditating, talking to trusted friends or family members, or writing songs or poems to attend to your emotions.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Remember, it’s okay to want alone time when you’re grieving, but you don’t have to go through the entire process by yourself. There are people in your life who love you and want to support you!
- If grief is interfering with your ability to live your life, Tenzer recommends “seeing a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS) to ensure that you are processing the death of a loved one at your own pace and under the guidance of a qualified clinician.”

Section 7 of 7:

What to Say to Someone Who Just Lost Their Grandmother

Download Article

Express your sorrow for their loss with a sincere condolence. Death is never easy to talk about, but the best way to comfort a grieving person is to acknowledge their loss and express sincere concern for them. Aside from offering condolences, you can ask them if there’s anything you can do for them, such as helping them with chores or errands, or emphasize that they can take all the time that they need to grieve.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m keeping you in my prayers.
- I can’t believe this horrible news. Please know that I’m always here for you.
- I just heard that your grandmother died. I’m so sorry you are going through this.
- I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time,
- My heart is broken for you and your family, and I am sending you so much love and support.
- I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandma was such an incredible person, and I know how much she meant to you.
- I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandma. Take all the time you need to grieve and be with your loved ones right now.
- I’m devastated to hear about your grandma’s passing. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your family right now.
- Losing someone is never easy, and I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. If you’d ever like to talk, I’m always here to listen.
- I can’t pretend to understand what you’re experiencing right now, but I’m here to support you however I can. I care about you so much, and I’m so sorry you’re going through this.