How to Write Sympathy Cards

The loss of a family member or friend is a sad, emotional and often stressful time. Those who are closest to the person who died often feel like they are alone in their grief. For those people, receiving sympathy cards can be comforting and can be seen as a tribute to the person who passed away that they will cherish for years to come. Write a concise and thoughtful note to the deceased's loved ones.

Things You'll Need

• Sympathy card and envelope
• Address of the home of the loved one or the funeral home who is handling the burial arrangements.
• Postage

Instructions

1. Find out the names and address of the deceased's family members, if you were friends with the deceased. Send it to the entire family, such as "The Smith Family," if you don't know each of their names. If your friend has lost a loved one, address the sympathy card to your friend.

2. Pick a sympathy card with a verse or passage that conveys the message that you want to send.

3. Hand-write your condolences, including a phrase such as "I am so sorry for your loss." If you knew the deceased, include a short personal statement in your note about how you felt about him. If you didn't know him well, but do know the family or person you're sending the sympathy card to, then express your sympathy.

4. If you are making a donation to a charity in the deceased's name, let the family know.

5. Always include your return address with your name written legibly on the envelope. The person, or family, who receives your sympathy card will often want to write a thank-you note to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Never substitute an email for a handwritten sympathy card.

References

• Comfort and Grace: How to Write a Sympathy Card -- Words of Sympathy