Condolence Messages by Situation

It can be hard to find the right words when someone dies. We collected kind condolence messages you can use right away. This page sorts them by situation. Find words for a friend, a parent, a coworker, or a formal note.

For a Friend

Your words can help a lot when a friend is grieving. These messages are warm and personal.

• I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now, but I want you to know that I am just a phone call away. My heartfelt condolences.
• In this tough time in your life, may our friendship, sympathy, and heartfelt condolences bring you comfort.
• Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me. You are not alone, and I am here for you.
• We lost a great person, but the universe received a new beautiful star. My condolences to you and your family.
• Remembering your wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May they rest in peace.

For the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent hurts deeply. These messages are for when a mother or father dies.

For the Loss of a Father

• Your father will be terribly missed. He was loved by all of us and will be cherished in our memories forever. Our condolences.
• Despite the loss of the physical presence of your father, we know that he is watching over you.
• I will never forget his kindness. May he rest in peace, and may your family find the strength to bear this great pain.
• My condolences on the passing of your father. You and your family are in my heart and mind.

For the Loss of a Mother

• A mother is the most precious being on earth. Nothing can fill the void created by her loss. My heart goes out to you.
• I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you.
• May fond memories of your mother bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
• Your mother was a great woman. She will be truly missed and will always be remembered.

For a Sibling

Losing a sibling can feel like losing part of your own story. These messages honor the bond you shared.

• I don't have words for what the loss of [name] means to you both. Please know that they are remembered with so much love.
• Siblings are the people who know your stories. I am so sorry that yours has to carry on without him.
• My heart aches with yours. [Name] was lucky to have you, and I know that love does not end.
• I remember the three of you together, laughing at something only you understood. Thank you for those memories.
• May you find comfort in the shared memories, and strength in each other through this very difficult time.

For a Spouse or Partner

When a husband, wife, or partner dies, the loss is huge. These messages honor the life you shared. They do not try to make it sound small.

• There is no comfort for a loss this deep. I am so sorry, and I want you to know that you do not have to carry this alone.
• [Name] was lucky to have you, and you were lucky to have each other. That kind of love does not come along twice.
• Thinking of you and the life you two built together. My heart goes out to you and your family.
• I cannot imagine losing the person you shared your life with. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
• Take all the time you need. There is no right way to grieve, and no schedule you have to keep.

For a Coworker or Colleague

At work, keep your words sincere and respectful.

• We are all so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
• Words cannot express our sorrow. The office won't be the same without them. They will be missed.
• Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences.
• We are deeply saddened by this news. Please know that your colleagues are here to support you.

For a Formal Note or Official Condolence

Use these for a business contact, a distant relative, or a formal written note. Keep your tone calm and respectful.

• Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of [name]. My thoughts are with you and your family.
• I was very sorry to learn of the death of [name]. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
• On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.
• We were saddened to hear of the passing of [name]. Thank you for the many years of your service with us.
• Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

For an Unexpected or Tragic Loss

A sudden death can leave you speechless. These messages show you are sorry and offer support.

• I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news. Please know I am thinking of you.
• We are deeply pained, and words are of no help in expressing the sorrow we feel at this moment. Sincere condolences.
• No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. Take comfort in knowing that so many people are here for you.
• Words fall short of expressing my sorrow. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

What to Write in a Condolence Card

A condolence card is small. Two or three short lines are enough. These messages are short enough to fit.

• "Thinking of you with so much love today."
• "With our deepest sympathy. You and your family are in our hearts."
• "In loving memory of [name]. Rest in peace."
• "Sent with love and remembrance. Holding you close."
• "So sorry for your loss. Please know we are here for you."
• "May you find comfort in the days ahead. With love."

Religious & Faith-Based Messages

Use these if faith brings you comfort. They use religious words about God and heaven.

• May God give you the peace that you seek. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
• I pray that our Lord brings you and your family much-needed peace during this sad time.
• May the love and mercy of our Lord be bestowed upon you and your family during this unfortunate time. My most sincere condolences.
• When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven who watches over us.
• May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
• I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May their soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father.

What Not to Say in a Condolence Message

A few phrases can hurt, even when you do not mean them to. Try to avoid these.

• "They're in a better place." It can feel like you are telling someone how to feel about their own loss.
• "I know exactly how you feel." Unless you have lost someone too, you do not. "I can't imagine what you're going through" works far better.
• "Everything happens for a reason." Grief rarely feels like it has a reason, and this usually ends the conversation.
• "You'll be over it soon." Grief does not follow a schedule, and this is not the time to set one.
• "At least..." Any sentence starting with "at least" makes the loss sound like a trade-off.
• "Let me know if you need anything." Replace it with a real offer and a date.

Our guide to writing a condolence message goes into this in more detail. It also covers what to say if you never met the person who died.

How to Write and Personalize Your Own Message

Using one of our messages is a good start. Making it your own is even better. Here is a simple plan:

1. Say the news is sad: Start with a plain note of sorrow. (e.g., "I was so sorry to hear about...")
2. Share a good memory: If you knew the person, share one short, kind memory. (e.g., "I'll always remember how kind they were.")
3. Offer real help: Instead of "Let me know if you need anything," name something you can do. (e.g., "I can bring meals next week.")

Explore Our Other Guides

Need something else? Try these:

• New to this? Start with our step-by-step guide to writing a condolence message.
• For shorter messages perfect for texts, see our short condolence messages.
• To find inspiring words about grief and healing, browse our collection of sympathy quotes.