Sympathy & Condolence Letter
Most people say nothing after a death because they are frightened of saying the wrong thing. Saying nothing is the wrong thing. Almost anything warm and specific is better than silence.
You are not trying to fix anything. You are telling a grieving person that the one they lost mattered and was noticed.
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What to say in a sympathy letter
- 1Name the person who died, and use their name.
- 2A specific memory of them, however small — grieving people are hungry for these.
- 3Something you admired about them that the family may not know.
- 4A concrete offer of help with a date attached.
One thing to skip: Avoid "they are in a better place" and "at least". Avoid asking the bereaved to reach out — they will not. Offer something specific instead.
Sympathy letter 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 →How it arrives
Write it
Pick a template, change the words, choose a theme. Add photos and a bouquet if you like.
Share a private link
Only people with the link can read it. Add a password, or schedule the date it opens.
They open an envelope
A sealed envelope with their name on it, which opens into your letter.
Questions people ask
What do you write in a sympathy letter?
Use the person's name, share one specific memory of them, say what you admired, and make one concrete offer of help. Do not try to explain or soften the loss.
Is a letter better than a card?
Usually, yes. Bereaved families often keep letters that contain memories of the person, because those memories are new to them.
Other occasions
Need words to borrow? Browse our 700+ quote library or read our letter-writing guides.
Ready to write it?
It takes a few minutes and costs nothing. They will keep it far longer than that.
Start your sympathy letter