58 Sympathy Messages for Those Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

We understand how overwhelming it can be to express condolences, so we've taken the time to create thoughtful messages for you.

When someone you know is grieving the death of a loved one, how do you comfort them? You want to reach out, but you don't know how. What do you say at a funeral? What do you write in a sympathy card? 

Finding the words to cheer someone up during one of their worst times feels impossible. Should you send a text? What do you say in a text to comfort someone who lost a loved one? Here are 58 ways you can comfort someone with a sympathy card, in a text message, or at a funeral.

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Spouse

1. Nothing I say can make the loss of your partner any easier, but I am here for you for whatever you need. I am blessed to have known (him/her/them).

2. Everyone around you felt the love you and (spouse) shared. (He/She/They) will never be forgotten. I am deeply sorry for your loss. 

3. (Spouse) and their love for you will live on forever in your heart. I am only a phone call or text away if you ever need anything to get through this difficult time.

4. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through right now. Let me know when I can bring over a meal and some groceries. 

5. I am so lucky to have known (spouse). My heart aches for you. I am here for whatever you need. I have included a gift card for food delivery for you and the kids.

6. I do not have the words to fill the void losing (spouse) has left. I am here for you whether you want to talk this through or need a distraction from grief. Do not hesitate to reach out.

7. Seeing the love you and (spouse) shared for each other has been a blessing. I am deeply saddened by the loss you have suffered. 

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Parent

8. I am so sorry to hear about your (mother/father) 's passing. You remind me so much of (him/her/them). The memories you shared will live on through you.

9. Your (mother/father) meant so much to me. They had a way of brightening a room. I am so sorry for the loss you are suffering. 

10. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. Losing a parent is like losing a part of yourself. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

11. Your (mother/father) will be missed by everyone in the family. (He/She/They) will live on in the skills and life lessons (he/she/they) taught you. 

12. I am so deeply sorry to hear about your (mother/father) 's passing. I shared so many great memories with (him/her/them). My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

13. What a difficult time this must be for you. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

14. Your (mother/father) played such an important role in my life. I can't imagine the void you are feeling. I am here for whatever you need.

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Child

15. I cannot imagine the pain you are in right now. (Child's name) was a beacon of light wherever they went. No words can express how sorry I am for your and your family's loss.

16. We are so sorry to hear of (child's name) passing. This grief must feel so isolating, but I want you to know you are not alone. We are here for you in whatever way you need us.

17. (Child's name) was blessed to have you as parents in (his/her/their) time with us. I am lucky to have known (him/her/them). Please let me express my deepest condolences for your loss.

18. I cannot imagine the grief you must be feeling. I am so blessed to have been a part of (child's name) 's life. What can I do to be there for you?

19. The loss of a child is something no one should have to grieve. I am deeply sorry for what you are going through.

20. (Child's name) touched the hearts of everyone (he/she/they) met. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

21. I am here for you for whatever you need. (Child's name) has left a void in all our hearts. I am so sorry for your loss.

22. (Child's name) is going to be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing (him/her/them). Please accept our sincerest condolences. 

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Friend

23. (Friend's name) was so lucky to have had you as a friend. I am thinking of you as you celebrate the wonderful life they lived.

24. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your close friend. Let's grab dinner sometime, and you can tell me about (him/her/them). I am always willing to lend an ear.

25. The friendship you shared with (friend's name) is one to be admired. I am sorry for the pain and grief you are feeling. You are so lucky to have had each other as friends.

26. I wish I could find the words to comfort you during this difficult time. (Friend's name) was a fantastic person who brought joy to all around (him/her/them).

27. I can't believe (friend's name) is gone so soon. You are not grieving alone. I am so deeply sorry for the loss you have suffered. I am here for you.

28. My heart breaks for the pain you are going through. I am here for you in whatever way you need to mourn (friend's name).

29. (Friend's name) was a beautiful person inside and out. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your cherished friend.

30. My heart grieves for you during this difficult time. Please let me express my sincerest condolences to you and everyone who knew (friend's name).

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Grandparent

31. While I never got to meet your (grandpa/grandma), you are not alone in your grief. I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered. I am sending you the strength to get through this time.

32. Your (grandpa/grandma) has left behind an impressive legacy. We were so lucky to have gotten the chance to meet (him/her/them). I am sending love to you and your family.

33. I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of your (grandpa/grandma). May (he/she/they) live on forever in our memories.

34. Your (grandpa/grandma) gave me so many wonderful memories throughout my childhood. We are thinking of you and your family at this time.

35. Your (grandpa/grandma) lived such an admirable life. I am lucky to have gotten to know them. I am so sorry for the loss you and your family have suffered. 

36. Your (grandpa/grandma) was such a wonderful person. (He/She/They) will be missed by every person who was lucky enough to have met (him/her/them).

37. Your (grandpa/grandma) lived such a fantastic life. (He/She/They) will live on in the legacy they left you and your family. I am deeply sorry for the sadness and grief you are feeling.

38. I have made many great memories with your (grandpa/grandma). I can't believe they are gone. Please accept my condolences for you and your family.

39. Your (grandpa/grandma) played such an important role in my life. I would not be the person I am today without (him/her/them). I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered. 

Messages for Someone Who Lost a Sibling

40. I can't even begin to express my feelings of grief and pain I feel for you and your family. I am a phone call or text away if you ever need anything.

41. I cannot imagine the grief you must be feeling. (Sibling's name) was so lucky to have you as a (sister/brother). Whenever you need me, I'll stand by your side to comfort you.

42. We were shocked to hear about the loss of your (brother/sister). There are no words to express our condolences. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.

43. Your (brother/sister) was so much like you, spreading joy and love everywhere (he/she/they) went. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. I am here for you whenever you need me.

44. I know how close you were to your (brother/sister). You had such a beautiful relationship. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

45. Your (brother/sister) was someone I always looked up to. They were so lucky to have you as a sibling. I can't believe they are gone so soon. I am sorry for the pain you are suffering.

46. I am so sorry you are suffering the loss of your (brother/sister). Please reach out to me if there is anything I can do to help you through this.

General Condolences Messages

We've prepared messages with empathy and understanding, so you can send your condolences with sincerity and comfort.

To an Acquaintance

47. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your family member.

48. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your close friend. I am thinking of you during this difficult time.

49. I am thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your sibling. Please accept my sincere condolences.

To a Colleague

50. I heard about the sudden passing of your mother. Please take all the time you need to grieve and let me know if you have any work I can help you with.

51. I have heard you talk about your father. He sounded like an amazing person and an important part of your life. I am so sorry for your loss. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

52. Please accept our condolences on the loss of your family member. We are here to help you through this difficult time.

To a Friend

53. I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. Let's get together when you are ready and talk about your loved one. I am here for you.

54. Your mom was such a kind, caring, and compassionate person. She treated me like family. I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered.

55. You have always spoken so highly of your grandfather. I know what a significant loss this is for you. Let me know if I can do anything to help you through your grief.

To a Family Member

56. I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Please let me know if I can babysit for you to give you time to grieve. I am here for whatever you need.

57. We are all thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your friend. Let me know what night I can come and drop off your favorite dinner.

58. I heard about the loss of your loved one. I am so sorry for your loss. I would love to come to help you with chores around the house so you can grieve without the added stress.

What Not to Say in a Sympathy Message

In times of loss, it's important to choose words carefully; here are some phrases to avoid when offering condolences

I know what you are going through.

Even if you have suffered a loss as well, you should not compare your grief to theirs. It can be hard to know what to say to someone who is grieving. You might want to try to sympathize with them. However, telling them you know what they are going through can make it seem like you are trying to bring attention to your grief. It is their time to grieve. This is a phrase to be best avoided.

They lived a long life.

It does not matter how long someone lived. It can often never seem like it was long enough. It is not comforting to know they lived a long life. The grieving person already knows this, and it does not make it better.

They are in a better place.

This is not a phrase you should use, especially if you do not know their religious beliefs. They may not believe in an afterlife. Even if they do, their loved one is no longer with them. Being told they are in a better place could do more harm than good.

Everything happens for a reason.

It can be hard to see a good reason for their loved one dying. It could leave the grieving person with more questions than answers. Telling someone that everything happens for a reason when they are grieving the death of a loved one is not helpful in any way.

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When in doubt, listen to your heart. It’s OK to state that you don’t know what to say to comfort them, but you’re there for them. Sometimes just listening and allowing the grieving person to share can provide much-needed comfort. 

And, don’t forget that the grieving process takes time and a lot of emotional energy. Checking in on your grieving loved one is important, and remembering their loss long after it occurred is a great way to let them know you haven’t forgotten about what they are going through. Most people who lose a loved one feel a sense of isolation within the first year of grieving, the healing process takes time and your acknowledgement of that can go a long way in supporting someone who lost somebody important to them.