Sympathy Thank You Notes
Sample Letters of Sympathy

Sympathy Thank You There are 2 sides of a sympathy note:

1) Writing a sympathy note to someone who is grieving, and
2) Thanking someone for their sympathy.

Here are some examples of what to say in both cases.

1) Writing a Sympathy Note

Writing a sympathy note confounds the most talented writer. Maybe the reason is that there's nothing you can say that will help. You want to be comforting, warm, and meaningful but instead everything sounds stiff, formal, and cliche.

But don't put too pressure on yourself to say just the right thing. Try to put yourself in this person's place. Would you be dissecting each word offered to you? Probably not. Most likely you'd think of the person who was writing to you, and note that they were thinking of you. That's what counts at a time like that.

Here are some samples of wording for sympathy notes. Remember, the most important part of the note is your name at the bottom; that it's you who cares.

On a small card, such as one sent with flowers:

• We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
• Thinking of you at this difficult time.
• You're in our thoughts.
• We're so very sorry to hear about Margaret. Please know we're thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
• "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome." Isaac Asimov

2) The Sympathy Thank You:
How to thank people for flowers or gifts received in sympathy

Some people ask: Do I need to write a thank you note after a funeral? If you have lost someone and received gifts from others, do you have to write sympathy thank you notes?

Again, put yourself in the other person's shoes. I for one would not expect a thank you from a grieving person. However, writing a sympathy thank you may make you feel more in control and connected with people. And you'll be reminded of everyone's support. Try not to get overwhelmed; it can be brief.

Here are some notes one can send in thanks for flowers, gifts, or attending funeral or memorial services.

Dear Charleen,

Your presence at Chad's memorial service was greatly appreciated. It meant a great deal to us to see you there. Thank you.

Sincerely,
The Family of ______________

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Dear Henry,

Thank you for the baked goods. It was comforting to have some delicious treats nearby. Everyone enjoyed them. We appreciate the thought.

Sincerely,
The Family of ______________

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Dear Friends/Family,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the thoughtful gifts you sent. The flowers and plants truly brighten the room and lift my mood.

I know Sam would appreciate your kind gestures. He spoke often of his friendships with his many co-workers; I know you all meant a great deal to him. Many of you expressed such beautiful sentiments that I have no trouble seeing why Sam enjoyed his work so much. Being surrounded by people like you was a large part of why Sam liked to go to work each day.

Thank you all so much for your kind words, your generous gifts, and most of all, for your friendship with Sam. Knowing you will miss him too makes my burden a bit easier to bear.

Sincere Regards,

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Dear Tina,

Thank you for helping me during this difficult time. Your watching the kids made things much easier for me while I was making arrangements, and for the kids as well.

Thanks also for your generosity in remembering my mother. The flowers are absolutely beautiful.

Sincerely,

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Dear Dawn and Ray,

Thank you for your sympathy and support. It meant a great deal to us.

Sincerely,
The Family of ______________

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Dear Eva and Will,

Your kindness and sympathy at this time are more appreciated than any words can ever express.

Sincerely,
The Family of ______________

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Dear ___________,

It's during a time like this that we learn how much our friends really mean to us. We so appreciate your sympathy and kindness.

Many thanks,
The family of ______________________

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