How To Write A Condolence Letter or Sympathy Note

Most at times, we find ourselves stuck for what to say when someone dies or when a friend loses a loved one. A condolence letter or note expressing your sympathy can provide a great source of comfort to someone grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a simple gesture that lets them know that they’re in your thoughts.

A letter of condolence should pay tribute to the life of the deceased and provide support to the bereaved when they need it most; they may even save the letter and read it again in years to come. So when writing, try to write a few simple words to show that you’re thinking of them and their loved one and had a positive impact on the lives of others.

How to Write a Condolence Letter

To write an effective letter of condolence, follow the guide below.

1. Write the Letter by Hand

Writing the letter by hand is a lot more personal than if you were to type it or buy a sympathy card from a shop, though you may wish to buy a card and put the letter inside. The letter can be addressed to a single bereaved person or to the family as a whole.

2. Keep it Short and Simple

You don’t have to write a long letter, as long as it is sincere. We all worry about saying the wrong thing and making the bereaved even more upset, but showing that you care in just a few simple words is better than saying nothing at all.

Put yourself in the shoes of the person who is grieving and think about what you would like to hear in the same situation. Whilst you cannot take away a person’s pain, they will take comfort knowing that you are thinking of them during such a difficult time.

3. Express your Condolences

Try not to dwell on how the person passed away. Instead, acknowledge the loss and express your condolences in a sincere and heartfelt manner.

Here are just a few examples:

• I want you to know that I am sorry for your loss
• It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of…
• I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of…

4. Share a Memory

Sharing a fond memory of the deceased may bring a few moments of happiness to the bereaved. They may find it helpful to hear new stories about their loved one and that they positively affected the lives of others.

5. Offer your Help and Support

If you are able and willing to offer your help and support in the coming weeks or months, you should include this in the letter. The person is much more likely to take you up on a specific offer of assistance, such as doing a weekly shop; but try not to make promises that you cannot keep.

6. Close the letter with some thoughtful words

When closing the letter, try and think of a few thoughtful words which show your affection and support for the bereaved.

Here are just a few examples:

• My love and thoughts are with you
• With my affection and deepest condolences
• My sincere sympathy