This article was co-authored by Joseph Phillips and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Joseph Phillips, MSW is a Clinical Therapist and Social Worker at Transformative Growth Counseling, which is based in Illinois and Florida. He specializes in relationship and attachment therapy and treats anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. He earned a Master of Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and he completed his clinical internship with Transformative Growth Counseling. Joseph is also certified in disaster and collective trauma counseling.
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When someone has lost a loved one, it can be hard to know the right thing to say. How could words possibly make a difference in a time of such grief? But sending a sympathy card with a genuine, heartfelt message will help the grieving person feel cared for and loved, providing a little comfort in a time of great sorrow. Read below for compassionate and empathetic guidance on composing a thoughtful sympathy card note for a friend, family member, colleague, or other grieving person in your life.
How to Close a Sympathy Card
- “Sincerely”
- “With love,”
- “Wishing you peace,”
- “You’re in my/our thoughts,”
- “With heartfelt sympathy,”
- “Sending you our warmest regards and deepest condolences,”
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Choose a designated sympathy card from the store, or use a blank card with an appropriate picture. Alternatively, you can write your note on nice stationery.Thanks
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Consider sending a gift like flowers along with your sympathy card.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.acknowledgements.net/wordsofsympathy.htm
- ↑ https://joinhandshake.com/blog/students/sympathy-condolence-message-templates/
- ↑ https://obituarieshelp.org/words_condolence_letters_neighbor.html
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/culture/sympathy-card-messages
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/culture/sympathy-card-messages
- ↑ https://www.today.com/life/inspiration/condolence-messages-rcna45288
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/culture/sympathy-card-messages
- ↑ https://www.today.com/life/inspiration/condolence-messages-rcna45288
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/culture/sympathy-card-messages
- ↑ https://paradepets.com/pet-news/what-to-write-in-pet-sympathy-card
- ↑ https://together.stjude.org/en-us/for-families/bereavement/writing-a-condolence-letter.html
- ↑ https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/what-to-write-in-a-sympathy-card/
- ↑ https://americanhospice.org/grieving-children/writing-a-condolence-note-to-a-grieving-child-or-adolescent/
- ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/g32179146/sympathy-quotes/
- ↑ https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/what-to-write-in-a-sympathy-card/
- ↑ https://everplans.com/articles/when-is-the-right-time-to-offer-condolences
- ↑ https://americanhospice.org/grieving-children/writing-a-condolence-note-to-a-grieving-child-or-adolescent/
- ↑ https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/kjv/kjv-idx?type=DIV2&byte=4393272
- ↑ https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/wp20090201/Why-Do-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Not-Use-Images-in-Their-Worship/
- ↑ https://together.stjude.org/en-us/for-families/bereavement/writing-a-condolence-letter.html
- ↑ https://www.sympathymessageideas.com/sympathy-card-etiquette/
About This Article
When you're signing a sympathy card, address the card with "Dear," followed by the name of the person to whom you're writing. Then, let them know that you are sad to hear about the passing of their loved one. If you didn't know the person well, keep the card brief and use heartfelt phrasing, like "You're in my thoughts during this hard time" and "please accept my condolences." Remember to only offer help if you're willing to follow up with the offer. Finally, end your note by writing "love" if you're close to the person, or a more general sentiment, like "with deepest sympathy," if you aren't as close. Keep reading for tips on following proper etiquette for offering your condolences.
Reader Success Stories
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"Helped me decide not to write a note in an online obituary company. I don't have a physical address to send a card to. Says within to write an online note, I ought to send a card in regular mail."..." more