When you’ve suffered a loss, the condolences, flowers, and warm thoughts sent by family and friends can be a big help in dealing with your grief. Once you’re feeling up to it, sending sympathy thank you notes is a nice way of acknowledging the support.

Unlike other thank you cards, you don’t need to worry about when you send them. It’s certainly nice to get them out within a month or two, but no one will fault you if your grieving process requires a longer resting period. 

You also don't have to write a lot. A few words that possibly express the incredibly difficult emotions you're feeling can make a huge difference, reminding your loved one that you know they were thinking of you.

If you need help with how to write a sympathy thank you note, Simply Noted can generate real handwritten notes on attractive thank you cards using our automated handwriting machines. Just send us your mailing list and type up what you’d like to say, and we’ll take care of the rest.

When crafting your sympathy thank you messages, remember to keep them short, sweet, and heartfelt. Three sentences at a maximum are all you need. Here are some examples to get you started. 

Thanking Someone For Attending the Funeral

This is probably the most common sort of thank you note you’ll send. Thanking them for their presence will mean a lot to them and can help you in your grieving process.

Dear Susan,

It was so very nice to see you at my Aunt Judy’s funeral. My entire family thought the story you shared was really lovely. Just a few lines in and we were already crying. We're glad you could make it to the funeral home. You're such a thoughtful friend, and your presence meant more to me than you could possibly know.  

Love always, 

Henry

Thanking Someone For Flowers

Sending flowers is a fairly common gesture, and you’ll likely find yourself sending a number of sympathy thank you notes with this sentiment in mind.

Dear Michael,

I can’t properly express my gratitude for your lovely gift. I know if my grandmother could have seen the lovely flowers you sent she would have been extremely touched by their beauty. It's certainly such a distance that we understand you couldn't join us for the funeral. Your flowers and sympathy note were a lovely stand-in. I know she was grateful to have you in her life, as am I. 

With gratitude, 

Daphne

Sending Thanks for a Donation

It’s also common for mourners to send a monetary donation to a charity that meant something to the deceased. Here’s an example of a message you might send in this situation.

Dear Mr. Hopkins,

We’re truly grateful that you helped us honor the memory of our Uncle James with your generous donation to the Make a Wish Foundation. James was devoted to their mission, and your gift helps his efforts live on. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and the kind words you included in your card meant a lot to us. You were a true friend and we know you miss James as much as we do.

Immense thanks, 

Robert

Saying Thanks for Food and Meals

For loved ones that send meals to help get you through the early days of your grief, here is an example of an appropriate thank you message.

Dear Hank and Linda,

Thank you so much for sending our family the lasagna and salad the day after the funeral. It's a difficult and busy time, and we barely have the focus to feed ourselves. Your thoughtful donation of food was delicious, and it was really nice to have one less thing to worry about. 

With love, 

Hannah, Joe, and Billy

Sending Thanks for a Sympathy Card

You’ll get a number of sympathy cards. Following up with a thank you note is a nice way to let the sender know you got the message.

Dear Margaret,

The last few weeks have been difficult, but your beautiful card helped shed a little bit of happiness. My other family members also thank you. Your sentiment and loving memories were sincerely appreciated and helped us through our tough time. Thanks so much for your thoughts.

Love, 

Steve and Nancy

Thanking Someone for Speaking at the Funeral

Sometimes a friend or family member gets tapped to read a meaningful passage, sing something inspirational, or simply share their thoughts about the deceased. This can be emotionally taxing, so it's good to thank your loved ones for bringing such beauty to an otherwise difficult time. 

Dear Danita, 

 It was really lovely of you to speak on behalf of Bill's father. Your warm words helped illustrate what a special person he was. Our whole family was touched by the wonderful things you said. Your closing line was particularly meaningful, and I totally understand now what my father meant to your family. It's a challenging time, certainly, but your words helped make the future just a little bit brighter. 

 Love,  

 Bill and Lucinda

Saying Thanks to Your Funeral Celebrant

The right celebrant, whether religious or secular, can make the difference between an average funeral service and one that really brings the decedent's memory to life. If your minister, rabbi, or other celebrant did a great job, consider thanking them for the time and energy they spent. 

 Dear Fr. Jenkins, 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your participation in my mother's funeral last Saturday. You really did a wonderful job of celebrating her life. My Mom was a very special person, and it was touching that you took the time to get to know who she was before leading the service. Thanks for your dedication and warm words. 

 With kind regards,  

 Steve Fisher

Thanking Someone for Attending a Remote Service

During the pandemic, remote services using software like Zoom became common. Today, many funeral homes are offering remote connections as an add-on to standard in-person services. Not only can this be a safer option still, it also allows distant people to attend the service where they wouldn't have been able to previously. Be sure to thank them just as readily as people that attended the live funeral. 

Dear Samuel, 

 We're so happy you were able to join us remotely for Larry's mother's funeral. Through the magic of technology, you were able to be here with us during this sad time even though you're hundreds of miles away. It really meant a lot that you would take time out of your day to share a few moments in Brenda's memory. Thanks for your time and thoughtfulness. 

 Love,  

 The Benson Family

SYMPATHY THANK YOU QUOTES TO USE ANYWHERE

If you're still having difficulty knowing what to write in a thank you card for a funeral or closing a sympathy card, try including an inspirational quote. Sometimes using someone else's words is more effective than your own. Here are a few of our favorites.

• To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. — Thomas Campbell
• He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.  — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  
• Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.  — Emily Dickinson
  
• When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. — Unknown
  
• They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies. — William Penn
  

Don’t overtax yourself. We can help get your thank-yous mailed. Our automated handwriting machines use real ballpoint pens, so your thank you notes will feel authentic. Let Simply Noted help you in your time of grief.