Condolence Messages: 45 Kind Things to Say
What to say when someone dies — 45 condolence messages for a friend, a coworker, the loss of a mother or father, religious and short messages for a text or card.
There are no perfect words when someone is grieving — and they are not expecting any. A condolence message only has to say two things: I am sorry, and I am thinking of you.
Short is fine. A single honest sentence means more than a paragraph of borrowed phrases. If you knew the person who died, one small memory of them is the most comforting thing you can add.
Below are 45 condolence messages grouped by who you are writing to, from a text to a close friend to a card signed by the whole office.
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45 condolence messages
Pick one that sounds like you and add the person’s name. Short is okay.
For a friend
- I am so sorry. I am here for you — today, next week and whenever you need me.
- There are no words. Just know I love you and I am thinking of you constantly.
- I am heartbroken for you. Let me bring dinner this week — no need to reply.
- [Name] was one of a kind. I feel lucky I got to know them through you.
- Sending you all my love. Lean on me as much as you need to.
- I cannot imagine how much you are hurting. I am only a call away, day or night.
For a coworker
- I am so sorry for your loss. Please take all the time you need — we have things covered here.
- Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
- We are all so sorry to hear about your [relationship]. Sending our deepest sympathy.
- Please do not worry about work right now. We are thinking of you.
- With heartfelt condolences from all of us at [team/company].
- I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can take off your plate, just say the word.
For a boss or manager
- Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your [relationship].
- I was so sorry to hear your news. The team is thinking of you and your family.
- With deepest sympathy. Please take whatever time you need.
- I am sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
For the loss of a mother
- I am so sorry about your mom. She raised someone wonderful, and I see her in you.
- Your mother’s kindness touched so many people. Thinking of you today.
- Losing a mom is losing a piece of home. I am holding you close.
- I will always remember your mother’s [laugh / cooking / warmth]. Sending love.
For the loss of a father
- I am so sorry about your dad. He was so proud of you.
- Your father was a good man, and he will be deeply missed.
- Thinking of you as you say goodbye to your dad. I am here for you.
- I will never forget your dad’s [stories / jokes / generosity]. Sending my love.
Religious condolence messages
- May God give you strength and peace in the days ahead.
- Praying for you and your family. May [name] rest in eternal peace.
- May the Lord comfort you and hold you close.
- “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Praying for you.
- May their memory be a blessing.
For a family
- Our hearts go out to your whole family. We are so sorry.
- Thinking of all of you as you remember [name]. With love and sympathy.
- We are holding your family in our hearts during this sad time.
- With deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones.
Short condolence messages
- So sorry for your loss.
- Thinking of you.
- Holding you in my heart.
- With deepest sympathy.
- Sending love and strength.
- Here for you, always.
- Gone, but never forgotten.
- With heartfelt condolences.
Belated condolences
- I just heard about [name], and I am so sorry I did not reach out sooner. I am thinking of you.
- I know it has been a few weeks, but I wanted you to know I have not stopped thinking about you.
- I am sorry this is late. Grief does not end after the funeral, and neither does my support.
- I only just learned of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
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What to say in a condolence message
- 1A simple acknowledgement: “I am so sorry for your loss.”
- 2The name of the person who died — grieving people want to hear it.
- 3One memory or quality of theirs, if you knew them.
- 4That you are thinking of them, without expecting a reply.
- 5A specific offer of help (a meal, a ride, covering a shift) instead of “let me know if you need anything.”
One thing to skip: Avoid “everything happens for a reason,” “they are in a better place” (unless you know they share that belief) and comparing their loss to your own. Do not ask how the person died.
The difference one specific line makes
Same sentiment, two ways of saying it in a condolence message.
Most people write
“Sorry for your loss.”
Write this instead
“I am so sorry about your mom. I will always remember how she greeted everyone at the door like they were family. Thinking of you — I will drop dinner off on Thursday.”
Why it works: It names her, shares a real memory and makes a concrete offer — three things that genuinely help.
Three ways to open a condolence message
The first line is the hard part. Steal one of these and fill in the brackets.
“I was so sorry to hear about [name].”
“There are no words, but I wanted you to know I am thinking of you.”
“I am holding you close in my thoughts today.”
Condolence message templates
Start from one of these and make it yours — they open straight into the editor.
Gentle Comfort
“There are no words that can take away the pain of losing someone you love...”
Use this template →Printable condolence messages letter template
Two ways to print it. Fill in the blanks and the page itself becomes the letter, or take the prompt sheet and write your own version by hand.
Print it, fill the blanks in pen, and give it as it is — no copying out.
Free PDF, A4 — no email address, no account, no watermark.
🕯️ Condolence Messages letter
Write in the blanks. The small words under each line tell you what to reach for — cross out any line that does not fit.
Dear name,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your relationship, name of the person who died.
I will always remember memory or quality.
Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
I would like to specific offer of help — I will check in with you on day.
With deepest sympathy, your name
shareloveletters.com — free letter templates. Write it online and they open a sealed envelope with their name on it.
Need a different one? Browse all free printable letter templates.
How it arrives
Write it
Edit a template, pick a theme, add photos or a song.
Share a private link
Password-protect it, or set the date it unlocks.
They open an envelope
Sealed, with their name on it, opening into your condolence message.
Questions people ask
What is a short condolence message?
“I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.” or “Holding you in my heart today.” Short messages are completely appropriate — especially by text.
What do you say to a coworker who lost a loved one?
Keep it simple and sincere: “I am so sorry about your father. Please take all the time you need — we have everything covered here.” Offering practical work support is often the kindest thing.
What is the difference between condolence and sympathy?
Condolence is the expression of sorrow you offer to someone grieving; sympathy is the feeling. In practice the words are used interchangeably — a condolence message and a sympathy message are the same thing.
Is it okay to send condolences by text?
Yes, especially if that is how you normally talk. A text is a good first message; a card or letter afterwards is a lovely follow-up.
What should I write in a sympathy card from the office?
Sign with a short line each: “Thinking of you and your family,” “With deepest sympathy,” or “We are here for you.” See the coworker messages above.
Other occasions
Need words to borrow? Browse our 700+ quote library or read our letter-writing guides.
Ready to write your condolence message?
If you want to say more than fits in a card, write a condolence letter and send it privately — they can open it when they are ready.
Start your condolence message