How to Write a Condolence Note or a Sympathy Note
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How to Write a Sympathy Note
According to research by Hallmark, Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually. There are a variety of different sympathy cards available for many different types of losses.
People frequently to not entirely understanding the importance of sending a sympathy note until they have lost a loved one and personally feel the benefits of receiving condolence notes from friends and family following the death of a loved one.
Let's take a look at when and how to write a condolence note.
(If you are interested in How to Write a Condolence Letter or How to Write a Sympathy Card see the related lenses.)
Image Source: © Kirsti A. Dyer. Some Rights Reserved.
Contents at a Glance
- Background Information Worth Knowing About Condolence Notes
- How Do You Send Condolences?
- Why Write a Sympathy or Condolence Note?
Background Information Worth Knowing About Condolence Notes
There may be times and circumstances when you prefer expressing your sympathy in a short note or selecting and sending a beautiful card to send with a hand written note instead of a writing out a longer formal condolence letter.In these situations you can write a brief personal note on commercial condolence card or insert a brief hand-written note into a hand-crafted card.
When sending a sympathy card, I like to make a special card or take care in selecting a card with a soothing image.
My mother selects one of the photographs she has taken and sends one of her beautiful hand-made photograph cards as her own a personal touch to a condolence note.
Image Source: Modified From Dan Shirley's roseRY 1 and Sophie's Blank Card. Royalty Free Use.
How Do You Send Condolences?
You've just heard that someone you know has lost a loved one and you know that you need to respond.
Why Write a Sympathy or Condolence Note?
A Sympathy or Condolence Note is a simple way to let someone know you care after the death of a loved one.
A Condolence or Sympathy Note can become a treasured memento of your friendship and support during a difficult and challenging time.
Send a Meaningful Gift to a Grieving Person
The Condolence Note is a Touching Gift
Bereaved people say that condolence notes or sympathy letters from friends and family are some of their most meaningful mementos of a difficult time. These notes and letters become tangible reminder that can be held and touched, of friends and family who cared about their loved one and about them.The bereaved person may re-read the letters of condolence over again days, weeks or years after the loss any time they want to feel the support.
Re-reading the condolence notes is a way to re-experience the loving thoughts and tender memories written by caring friends during a time of great sorrow.
Image Source:
Simon Grossi. Dad is Reading. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
In Sympathy Correspondence Cards in the Amazon Spotlight
In Sympathy Correspondence Cards - Ivory
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
You can express sympathy with pre-printed elegant raised lettering
10 cards and envelopes per box
Cards are 6-1/2" x 4-1/2"
Condolence Note or Condolence Letter - Which one should I Send?
Letters of condolence are longer, more formal, often hand-written expressions of sympathy. They should be sent within two weeks of hearing the news.
Condolence Note
Condolence or Sympathy Cards are often used when people want to express their sympathy in a shorter form or as a card.
People often include brief personal notes on a commercial condolence card. The Sympathy card is a way of sending your sympathies in a timely manner. The Condolence card can be sent off immediately upon hearing the news, and then ideally followed up with a letter in a few weeks.
Source: Zunin and Zunin. The Art of Condolence. Available on Amazon.
Reasons to Write a Condolence Note
- Condolence notes are reminders that the loved one had people who cared for and love him or her.
- Condolence notes show your concern and that you care.
- Condolence notes help with the grieving process and the healing process.
- Condolence notes may become treasured mementos that are passed down through the family.
- In the business world a condolence note is a way of telling someone that they matter as a human being.
Treasured Memories

A collection of sympathy cards and note that were saved by the recipient as mementos of the death of a loved one and support of dear friends.
Image Source: Treasured Memories. MTrain14. Sympathy. Used with permission.
The Importance of Sympathy Cards as Keepsakes
- Beyond First Impressions: Sympathy cards
- Jennifer shares her thoughts on keeping and re-reading old Sympathy cards in her Beyond First Impressions blog.
Parts of a Condolence Letter or a Note
Zunin and Zunin, authors of The Art of Condolence reviewed thousands of letters to determine how condolence letters are typically organized.
They identified seven key components to include when writing a condolence letter. These components include:
- 1. Acknowledge the loss and the name of the deceased.
2. Express your sympathy.
3. Note special qualities of the deceased.
4. Include a memory of the deceased.
5. Remind the bereaved of their personal strengths or special qualities.
6. Offer help, but make sure it is a specific offer.
7. End the letter with a thoughtful word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy e.g. "You are in my thoughts and prayers."
In contrast, Zunin and Zunin recommend when writing a condolence note that the writer focus on just four of the seven components of a condolence letter. When writing the shorter, condolence note just focus on the four main parts of the letter:
- 1. Acknowledge the loss and the name of the deceased.
2. Express your sympathy.
3. Note special qualities of the deceased.
7. End the letter with a thoughtful word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy e.g. "You are in my thoughts and prayers." ("Sincerely," "love," or "fondly," may not be the best choices.)
The Art of Condolence in the Amazon Spotlight
The Art of Condolence: What to Write, What to Say, What to Do at a Time of Loss
Amazon Price: $13.29 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
A classic book about how to write Condolence letters.
This is one of the grief books that I have in my own personal collection.
Ways to Close a Sympathy Card or Letter
"Sincerely," "love," or "fondly," may be acceptable for other closings for other types of correspondences, but are generally not the best choices for sympathy notes or condolence letters.
Here are some other possibilities:
I'm praying for you
You are in my thoughts
With Deepest Sympathy
My sincere sympathy
With Heartfelt Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
He/She will never be forgotten
The memory of him/her will always be in our hearts
Thinking of you
Thinking of you during this difficult time
May God's Grace strengthen you
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort
My affectionate respects to you and yours.
Our love is with you always.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
You know you have my deepest sympathy and my love and friendship always.
My heart and my tears are with you.
We share in your grief and send you our love.
We offer our affectionate sympathy and many beautiful memories.
My thoughts are with you now, and I send you my deepest sympathy.
We all join in sending you our heartfelt love.
A Lens on How to Write a Condolence Letter
More information and resources on writing a condolence letter visit the companion lens on How to Write a Condolence Letter.-
How to Write a Condolence Letter
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Finding the right words to write a condolence letter or sympathy note may be challenging, yet the benefits can be immeasurable. A well-written, heart-felt condolence letter is a show of your support and sympathy for the person grieving the death of a...
More Articles on Writing a Condolence Note or Letter
- Writing a Condolence Card: How to Write a Sympathy Card or Condolence Note for a Loss Survivor
- Handwritten Sympathy Notes and Condolence Cards are a very important of the grieving and healing processes for those who have lost a loved one.
- Writing a Condolence Letter: How to Write a Sympathy Letter or Condolence Letter for a Loss
- Sending your condolences or sympathies in a letter following a death is a very old tradition that is still very beneficial for the person who has lost a loved one.
Create Your Own Sympathy Card
Creating something is a good way of coping with a loss. I find being able to do something creative with my hands during a difficult time can help me cope with the situation. Making your own card to send is also a good way of conveying a personal touch when delivering your sympathy.With a few photographs, some stamps and some blank cards, you can easily create your own sympathy card or condolence note.
Image Source: Modified from Sophie's Blank Card. Royalty Free Use.
How to Make a Condolence Card
I Will Remember You as an Amazon MP3 Download
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Sympathy Stamps Help to Create Your Own Sympathy Cards
Flower Sympathy Wood Mounted Rubber Stamp
With Deepest Sympathy
Janlynn with Sympathy Rubber Stamp-with Sympathy
With Sympathy
THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY Rubber Stamp InkaDinkaDo
Thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy
Create Your Own Sympathy Card from Amazon
A Beautiful Handmade Sympathy Card.

Image Source: Michael Cook. Handmade Sympathy Card. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. This beautiful card is made by his wife Cindy.
Condolence Cards and Sympathy Cards on Amazon
Books about Writing a Condolence Note
Create a Sympathy Card Using Tea Bag Folding
An Amazing lens featuring the paper craft of Tea Bag Folding.-
Tea Bag Folding and Pattern Instructions
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Tea bag folding is a paper folding craft developed in Europe. It is similar to origami folding. You use all the basic origami folds such as the boat, the water bomb or the square base. It is as absorbing as origami because your output can be endless....
A Handmade Tea Bag Card

Image Source: Paper Facets. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
Examples of Sympathy & Condolence Cards
Examples of Condolence and Sympathy Cards
The different condolence notes and sympathy cards may give you ideas or can be used as starting points as you begin to write your own cards.
This has the list of the different examples. To find the type you are interested in just click on the link.
A Condolence Note for a Death
Writing and Sending a Condolence Card or Note
These days, writing letters and cards seems to be a long lost skill. When it comes to the death of a friend, particularly the sudden death of a friend it is important to send condolences for a couple of reasons.Sending a Condolence Card or Note is a meaningful, heart-felt way of letting someone who has experienced a loss know you are thinking of them in their time of sorrow.
Sending a Sympathy Card is particularly important for the family, long after the death. These notes and letters become tangible reminders of the caring you displayed during their time of loss. These tangible reminders can be held and touched and shared as proof of friends and family who cared about their loved one and about them.
Image Source: Sympathy Card. Available on Amazon.
A Condolence Note for a Sudden Death
Writing Condolence Notes after a Sudden Death
A sudden death occurs without any forewarning; it is unanticipated. A traumatic death, in addition to being sudden, can also be violent, mutilating or destructive.The sudden death can be random and/or preventable or may involve many deaths.
A sudden, accidental, unexpected or traumatic death shatters the world as we know it. It is often a loss that does not make any sense. In an instance the lives of the survivors are changed forever.
Sending your support and sympathies to shaken survivors of a sudden death becomes very beneficial in the healing process.
Source: Dan Mitchell. Old Wreck. Royalty Free Use.
Example of a Condolence Note for a Sudden Death
- Acknowledge the loss.
Example:
Dear ___________
I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Jeff's sudden death. - Express your sympathy.
Example:
My thoughts are with you, your children and your family during this difficult time. I am still in a state of shock from the news. - Note special qualities of the deceased.
Example:
I remember Jeff's calmness, level headedness and dry sense of humor. I also remember how supportive he was to all of us during those crazy times. I will miss him. - End with a thoughtful word, quote or phrase.
Example:
I think of Jeff when I hear Josh Groban's Lyrics "To Where You Are"- Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Holding you in my thoughts.
Your signature ____________
Sympathy Card by Lynn Harrison Video
More Information on Lynn Harrison
- Lynn Harrison's Web site - Toronto Singer/Songwriter
- Toronto singer-songwriter Lynn Harrison celebrates the beauty and meaning of everyday life in songs that are notable for their sophisticated melodies, deep insights, and uncommon warmth and charm.
A Condolence Note for a Military Death
Example of a Condolence Note/Letter for a Military Death
- Acknowledge the loss.
Example:
Dear ___________
On behalf of the Battalion # (Squadron #, the Ship, Regiment #) ________, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you upon the death of your husband, __________. - Express your sympathy.
Example:
I extend my condolences to you and your family. - Note special qualities of the deceased.
Example:
During ________'s many years of service in the ________, he distinguished himself among his co-workers and supervisors with his pleasant, enthusiastic manner and continuing high-quality performance.
He was a valued member of our Battalion (Squadron, the Ship, Regiment) and you can be justly proud of his contributions.
His friends and co-workers remember him with respect and admiration and he will be missed by all. - End with a thoughtful word, quote or phrase.
(The Military may be one of the few places where the fairly formal closure "Sincerely" is used.)
Example:
I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.
Sincerely,
Your signature ____________
Good Grief Cards in the Amazon Spotlight
Good Grief Cards: Support Group in a Box
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
These Good Grief Cards are helpful for anyone coping with a loss.
They combine thoughtful insights on grief from real people with suggestions to help during the grieving process.
More Articles on Writing Sympathy Notes after a Sudden Death
- Expressing sympathy: Cards, gifts, and their importance
- A Helium article on "How to Comfort a Friend After the Death of Someone Close" by Jeanne Dininni that includes suggestions for coping with a sudden death.
- Sample of Condolence Letter
- A sample document of a condolence letter from the First Army website.
- Guidelines for Writing Letters of Condolence
- From the Counseling Center at Keene State College, an article on Writing Condolence letters that includes a section on sudden death.
- How to Express Sympathy to a Grieving Friend
- How to Express Sympathy to a Grieving Friend. At some point, we all know someone who have to deal with the death of a loved one. We are often lost for words and is unsure how to help the person through this difficult time.
A Condolence Note for the Death of a Child
Writing a Condolence Note for the Death of a Child or Baby
The death of a child, no matter what age, is always a difficult loss for parents to bear. Since many parents see children as an extension of themself, the death of a child is the death of hopes and dreams for the future.The death of a child disrupts the natural order of thing in which grandparents die before parents and parents die before their children.
- The way that a child has died affects the type of grief that the parent experiences. Parents may grieve very differently over the death of a stillbirth, a baby, a sudden unexpected death or a prolonged illness.
- Guilt and anger are especially pronounced emotions following the death of a child.
- Parents are likely to go through the "What if's" and "If only's."
- A child's death is a challenge to every marriage.
- The father's grief may be hidden, downplayed or ignored.
- Siblings and grandparents also mourn the death of the child, in addition to the parents.
- Families often struggle to make sense of the death of a child.
Example of a Condolences for the Death of a Baby
- Acknowledge the loss.
Dear __________,
I was saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your baby.
I know you have been excitedly planning for her arrival which is making the day you say "Hello" be the same as the day that you say "Good-bye," be even more difficult. - Express your sympathy.
I am thinking about you during this difficult time and sending my heartfelt sympathy. - Note special qualities of the deceased or the bereaved.
I have seen you handle challenges in the past and wish you the strength to make it through this difficult period. - End with a thoughtful word or phrase.
Holding you in my thoughts,
Your signature ____________
Dear Parents in the Amazon Spotlight
Dear Parents: Letters to Bereaved Parents
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
A collection of letters to bereaved parents written by bereaved parents from the Centering Corporation, well-known leaders in the bereavement field.
This is a helpful gift for newly bereaved families.
Example Condolence Note for the Death of a Child
- Acknowledge the loss and name the deceased.
Dear ______,
We are so saddened by the news of your dear son ________ death. - Express your sympathy.
We wish we could find words to ease your pain.
Losing a child is one of the saddest life challenges and words that can give you true comfort are difficult to find. - Remind the bereaved of their personal strengths.
Do know that we are thinking of you during this time of loss. - End with a word or phrase or sympathy.
You have our sincere condolences and sympathy.
In sympathy,
(Your Signature) __________
Sympathy Card Sets Available on Amazon
More Articles on How to Write a Sympathy Note
- How to Write a Sympathy Note
- Cronin & Company offer helpful advice on How to Write a Sympathy Note.
- How to Write a Sympathy Note
- Very basic suggestion on How to Write a Sympathy Note from Real Simple Magazine.
- Composing Letters of Condolence
- An article on Composing Condolence Notes from the Counseling Center at Western Washington University.
- How to write a note of condolence
- Finding the right words to comfort someone over a personal loss is an important way to offer sympathy and condolences.
- How to Write a Sympathy Note - Today's Christian
- To encourage Christians to live out their faith by providing inspiring models and clear teaching in convenient digest format.
- Words of Sympathy - How to Write a Sympathy Card
- An article from Comfort and Grace in a section on Words of Sympathy on how to write a sympathy card or note.
- WikiAnswers - How do you write a sympathy note
- Manners and Etiquette question is answered on "How do you write a sympathy note?"
- How do I Write a Sympathy Note?
- Brief and Straightforward Guide: How do I Write a Sympathy Note?
- How to write a sympathy card
- When someone loses a loved one, the simple, thoughtful gesture of writing a sympathy card or condolence letter can bring great comfort to the bereaved. Read our simple guide and discover what to write, as well as what not to write.
A Lens on How to Write a Sympathy Card
More information, resources and examples on writing a Sympathy Card.-
How to Write a Sympathy Card
-
Sending your sympathy following the death of a loved one or a major loss is still best done by sending a hand-written card, a note or a letter. It is estimated that Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually for many different types o...
Sympathy Cards in the Amazon Spotlight
Sympathy Cards - Willow, box of 10 cards and envelopes
Amazon Price: $10.90 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
These Sympathy cards have the simple message "With Sympathy" with a green weeping willow tree on a ivory card.
The cards are blank on the inside and measure 7 X 5 inches.
Sold as a box of 10 cards & matching envelopes.
A Condolence Note Written by a Child
Letting Your Child Create a Condolence Card
When there is a loss, children feel that loss as well. Having the child or children make a card can be a helpful activity for the child.Some of the most heartfelt notes are written by children, because kids are so open and honest. Children are able to express very powerful sentiments in simple words and simple pictures that may be more meaningful than the most elaborate store-bought card.
When we got word that my father-in-law had died, I encouraged my daughters to create special sympathy cards for my mother-in-law. The activity gave the girls something to do while we were absorbing the news of the death.
In the process the girls created something tangible, very beautiful and from their hearts that could be given to their grandmother to console her at her time of loss.
Image Source: Vivek Chugh. Child Making a Card. Royalty Free Use.
Children and Get Well Cards
Some of the most heartfelt notes are written by children, because kids are so open and honest. Children are able to express very powerful sentiments in simple ways.Get Well Cards
Notes from youngsters are very special, especially if the recipient is seriously ill. Florence Issacs describes an incidence involving an eight-year-old sending a get well card to his 70-year-old grandfather who had just suffered a heart attack
- Please get well, Grandpa.
Who else will play gin rummy with me?
Who will tell me stories?
I love you, Grandpa.
Source: Isaacs F. Finding the Right Words. Right-Writing.com
Image Source: Sophie. Writing. Royalty Free Use.
Children's Condolence Notes on Flickr
Some of the most heart-felt and honest Condolence Notes are created by children.
Example of Condolence Notes from Children
Dear Austin
I am sorry to hear that your father died. I am so sorry that I want to cry.
He was really a great dad. We had such a great time when he took us fishing. I don't understand why he died.
Will you come back to school soon? I miss playing with you at recess.
Love,
James
***************************************************
From a Child to an Adult
Dear Ms. Tanner,
I am feeling awful about what has happened to your father, Mr. Tanner. Your father had a lot of courage. Here is a poem:
- Roses are red, violets are blue,
I am sorry to hear that awful news,
But do not forget I am thinking
About you and your family too.
Your student
Cindy
Source: Adapted from Zunin and Zunin. The Art of Condolence. Available on Amazon.
Sources to Help Children Write Condolence Notes
- Teaching Children the Art of Correspondence
- This FamilyEducation.com looks at several aspects of teaching correspondence to children including how to write a condolence letter, a love note and RSVPing.
- Finding The Right Words
- One of the few articles about children and condolence notes from best-selling author Florence Isaacs.
- Grateful for Each Breath - Emma writes a condolence note
- From the Julie Unplugged blog, sharing the experience of encouraging her daughter to write a condolence note.
A Condolence Note for the Death of a Pet
Special Considerations on the Death of a Pet
Pet losses are often considered to be a disenfranchised loss; this is a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported. The person who has suffered such a loss may feel that he or she does not have the right to act as if he/she is bereaved.In addition, the death of a pet may trigger old griefs and other old losses, serving as a reminder of previous losses.
Since many people, non-pet owners don't understand the importance of the loss of a pet, the grief that results following the death of a pet may suppressed by the bereaved. Pet owners grieving the loss of a beloved companion pet may feel that others will think they are foolish, mourning the death of an animal.
When sending condolences on the death of a pet, there are a few things that people should consider.
- 1. Use the pet's name.
The animal was very special to your friend and should be named, not referred to as "your dog" or "your cat."
2. Recall the pet.
If possible include one of your own experiences with your friend's pet. Mention one of the animal's positive or lovable traits.
3. Do not talk about getting a new pet.
It takes many people time to get over the death of a pet. The condolence letter is not the place to tell your friend to think about getting another new pet.
Sympathy Card for a Pet Loss on Amazon
Beyond the Rainbow Poem Pet Memorial Keepsake Picture Frame and Pet Loss Sympathy Gift, Warm White with Foil Accent
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
This gift is a heart-felt sympathy card and gift for family or friends who have lost a pet.
It measures 8" x 7" and holds a standard 3 1/2" x 5" photo.
Pet Condolence Cards on Flickr
A collection of Condolence Cards or Sympathy Notes sent following the death of a pet.
Healing the Pain of Pet Loss on Amazon
Healing the Pain of Pet Loss: Letters in Memoriam
Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
A collection of inspiring and heart-wrenching letters written by people who have lost a cherished animal.
The writers describe their feelings and the events surrounding the loss and represent a variety of grief experiences.
A helpful resource for someone who has lost a companion pet.
Examples of Sympathy Cards for a Pet Death
Dear Sandy,
Please accept my sympathy on the death of your dear companion, Isis.
I know the big role she played in your life, and I am very sorry that she is no longer with you.
I will be thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your beloved cat.
You are in my thoughts,
Your Signature ____________________
**************************************************
Simple Example - Loss of a Dog
Dear Billy
I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear of the death of your dear dog, Spot. He was such a great friend to you.
I remember seeing the two of you scampering off to play together on many occasion.
This is a difficult and sad time for you. I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you,
Aunt Lucy
Sources:
Lynn Gaertner-Johnston. Writing Condolences for Pets. Business Writing Blog.
Adapted from Zunin and Zunin. The Art of Condolence. Available on Amazon.
Condolence Card for the Loss of a Pet

A sympathy card from their Veterinarian on the loss of a beloved pet.
Image Source: Liz Henry. . Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
Condolence Note for a Pet or Companion Animal
Some of the highlights of article are summarized below.
Source: Feldmann BM. Thoughts on the Condolence Letter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000 Nov 15;217(10):1473-4.
- Genuine, specific, timely emotional support of caregivers at the time of euthanasia helps ease the pain during the grieving process.
- He writes and sends a condolence letter to the entire family within 24 hours of euthanasia.
- Some veterinarians include a brief history or profile of the animal.
- Many include a reminder that death was easy and without suffering.
- Others may wish to send a separate condolence to a child who seems especially affected by the death and loss of their special friend.
Stamps to Make Your Own Pet Condolence Card
Blank Cards for Creating Pet Condolence Cards on Amazon
Resources on Writing Condolences for Pets
- Writing Condolences for Pets
- From Lynn Gaertner-Johnston's Business Writing Blog, an entry on Writing Condolences for Pets.
- Writing a Condolence Note After a Pet Death
- An article from the American Hospice Foundation on how to write a condolence note following the death of a pet.
- Mourning After
- An interview with Christine McNiff with The Cape Cod Times about pet loss.
A Condolence Note for the Workplace
Condolence Notes in the Work Place
Florence Isaacs, author of "Business Notes: Writing Personal Notes that build Professional Relationships" advises that notes in general are a way to acknowledge that people have lives outside of work with families, hopes and dreams.A personal note affirms the bond that you share as people, not only as colleagues. Notes help to expresses friendship. Sending a notes is also a way to recognize the events that are important to everyone.
A condolence note is a way of saying "You matter to me as a human being, not only within the confines of the business world."
Image Source: Sympathy Card. Available on Amazon.
Signing the Condolence Card at Work

Image Source: Signing the Business Card: Dara McG. 365days-day191-The Card. Used with Permission.
Example of a Condolence Note for a Business Colleague or Co-worker
Even if you have never met the deceased, it can be quite meaningful to the bereaved if you are able to recall any special qualities or memories they may have shared with you in the past about their loved one.
Source: Counseling Center. Guidelines for Writing Letters of Condolence. Keene State College.
- Acknowledge the loss.
Dear Helen,
This morning Mr. Moore told us the sad news of your father's sudden death. - Express your sympathy.
Let me first extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. The loss must be very difficult for you as you face these first numbing days of grief. - Note special qualities or recount a memory about the deceased.
Though I never met your, I remember how touched I was when you described the scene as he recited a poem he'd composed for your mother at their fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration last year. His tenderness and humor were both captured in that story, as was your obvious love for him. - Close with a thoughtful word or phrase.
Keep in mind that this office is filled with people who care about you and are thinking about you in your sorrow.
With Heartfelt Condolences
Your Signature _________________
Sympathy Notes in the Amazon Spotlight
Sympathy Note Cards - Antique, Box of 10 cards and envelopes
Amazon Price: $6.90 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
These very basic sympathy cards are great to have for sending business condolences.
The cards measure 5-1/2 X 4-1/4 inches with the words "With Sympathy" printed on the front in dark green ink on premium ivory stock.
A box of 10 cards and matching envelopes.
Signing the Business Condolence Card
In the business setting when a colleague dies or a relative of a coworker dies, the death can affect the entire office. Someone in the office may be designated to send a formal Condolence letter. Others in the office may decide to have everyone sign and send a sympathy card.Signing a sympathy card for someone that you don't know may be difficult. Try and find some comforting words, or generic sympathy closures.
Some helpful suggestions for ways of signing a sympathy card useful for a business setting include:
- With Deepest Sympathy
My sincere sympathy
With Heartfelt Condolences
May God's Grace strengthen you
My sincere respects to you and yours
Business Notes: Writing Personal Notes in the Amazon Spotlight
Business Notes: Writing Personal Notes that build Professional Relationships
Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
Editor and author Florence Isaacs emphasizes the value of handwritten or typed letters and notes in the business world as the bridges between professional relationships.
She skillfully informs the business professional of the importance and influence of notes.
More Resources for Writing Business Condolence Notes and Letters
- Condolences to Business Associate upon Death of a Loved One
- Express your regret over the death but avoid going into the details of the illness or tragedy, its consequences, or how you heard of the incident.
- How To Write A Condolence Note To Clients
- An article on writing condolence notes to clients from the Long Term Clients blog.
- Business Stationery Writing, A Guide to Writing; Sympathy Letters
- Stationery Writing, A Guide to Writing; Sympathy Letter from My Expression.com
Calla Lily Sympathy Enclosure Cards in the Amazon Spotlight
Calla Lily - Sympathy Gift Enclosure Cards (set of 12)
Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 07/04/2009)![]()
12 Enclosure cards with sympathy messages to keep on hand when you need to include a sympathy card.
Size 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches
The History of Sympathy Cards
Greeting cards began as early human attempts to achieve or maintain relationships with others. The sympathy card was created as a way of expressing emotion, concern and support following a death or a loss.Sympathy cards may be more popular in the United States than in other countries, where we are often uncomfortable in expressing condolences or hearing about a loss. Americans lead the use of sympathy notes sending more than 125 million sympathy cards each year.
As a simple gesture of support, sympathy cards provide meaning to both senders and receivers. The sending of sympathy cards links people together and according to Charles Lippy in his article on "Sympathy Cards and the Grief Process," sending a card "reinforces a sense of community and solidarity in the wake of the calamity of death."
Image Source: Carole Nickerson. Old Postcard. Royalty Free Use.
- Sympathy Cards - The Emergence of the sympathy card
- A look at the history of Sympathy Cards from the Encyclopedia of Death and Dying.
- The Arlington Ladies
- An article in The American Spectator about the Arlington Ladies, a group of retired servicewomen themselves or from military families who attend every funeral at Arlington to ensure that no soldier is ever buried with no one in attendance and also to serve the needs of family members.
Closing Thoughts on Writing a Condolence Note
A good condolence note is one that speaks straight from the heart of the writer to the heart of the recipient.When writing a condolence note or sympathy card, use the card as a way of expressing your support, thoughts and feelings rather than worrying about following any script or formula.
You can follow the example of children and...
- Write from the heart. Write what feels right.
Adapted from Davide Guglielmo. Greetings Card. Royalty Free Use.
More Squidoo Lens on Coping with Loss, Grief and Bearevement
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Loss, Grief and Bereavement
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Loss is the disappearance of something cherished, often the death of a person, loss of a relationship, loss of a job or loss of health. Grief is the entire response--mind, body and spirit--to the loss. Bereavement is the often term used when the loss...
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Journey of Hearts - Grief, Loss & Transitions
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Journey of Hearts was launched in the Fall of 1997 as "a Healing Place in CyberSpace." It was the as the first and only physician sponsored website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response. In the fall of 2007 Jo...
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Creative Commons License © 2008-9 Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
The material in this resource book may be copied and reproduced on websites or in newsletters, ezines provided that the Author's Biography information is included with any article.
Longer excerpts from this online resource book may not be copied, duplicated or reproduced for use in a for-profit setting without prior written permission by the author.
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Condolence Notes in the News
News reports about how condolence notes are being used or sent for a variety of situations and tragedies.
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Your place for feedback, comments and suggestions.
paperfacets wrote...
You have raised the bar on the "how to" with this lens. I am gladly adding this to one of my card lenses for my readers. Thank you so much for adding my TBF lens and my how to pic to this superb work of information.
mikazir wrote...
This is very informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing them. You're giving comfort to a lot of people.
MiaBellezza wrote...
This is a wonderful, comforting and informative lens about writing condolence notes, 5* and lensrolled into Estate Executor Duties.
by Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor...
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