80+ Condolence Message Examples (Short, Heartfelt & For Cards)

Few of us write condolence messages often, so it is natural to feel unsure when the moment comes. Seeing condolence message examples makes the task easier: you can borrow a sentence, adapt it to your relationship and send it with confidence. Below are over 80 condolence message examples for cards, letters, texts and emails, grouped by who you are writing to, with simple advice on how to shape your own words.

How a good condolence message is built

Most comforting notes follow the same gentle pattern. You do not need all of it every time, but it helps to know the parts.

1. Acknowledge the loss. “I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father.”
2. Share a quality or memory. “He was always generous with his time.”
3. Offer comfort or support. “I am thinking of you and your family.”
4. Close warmly. “With deepest sympathy,” or “Thinking of you.”

Keep the whole message to two to five sentences for a card, and slightly longer for a letter.

Short condolence message examples

Short messages suit a card, a text or a quick note when words are hard to find.

• Please accept my deepest condolences.
• Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
• With heartfelt sympathy on your loss.
• I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
• Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
• My sincere condolences to you and your family.
• May the memory of your loved one bring you peace.
• Sending you strength and care.
• I am here for you, today and always.
• Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
• With deepest sympathy and warm wishes.
• Rest in peace. You are in our thoughts.

Condolence message examples for a friend

A friend wants to feel your presence more than your polish. Speak plainly and affectionately.

• I am so sorry about your loss. You have been such a good friend to me, and I want to be one to you now.
• I cannot take away the pain, but I can sit with you in it. Call me any time.
• Your mother raised a wonderful person. I am sorry she is gone.
• I am thinking of you constantly. Please tell me how I can help.
• I will be there on Saturday with food, a listening ear and no agenda.
• Whatever you feel today is okay. I am not going anywhere.
• I am so sorry. I loved hearing how you talked about your dad, and I loved how much he loved you.
• You are surrounded by people who care, and I am one of them.
• I will keep checking in, even after everyone else has gone back to normal.
• No need to answer this. I only want you to know that I care.

Condolence message examples for a family member

Within a family, you share the loss. These examples recognise that.

• We have lost someone precious, and we will carry them with us together.
• I am so sorry. Let us lean on each other and remember all that they gave us.
• Their kindness lives on in each of us. I am thinking of you.
• I know how close you were. My heart is heavy for you.
• Whenever you want to talk, or not talk, I am just a phone call away.
• We will keep telling their stories so that nothing is forgotten.
• Thank you for caring for them so lovingly. I am proud of you.
• The family is stronger because of them. Let us hold each other close.
• I will help with anything that needs doing. Please just ask.
• Their example of patience and goodness will guide us for years.

Condolence message examples for a coworker or boss

At work, stay warm and professional. Give the person freedom to take time away.

• Please accept my sincere condolences. Take whatever time you need.
• On behalf of the team, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
• We are thinking of you and your family. Your work is in good hands.
• I was sorry to hear of your loss. Do not worry about deadlines.
• Please know we are here to support you, in any way that helps.
• My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We look forward to seeing you when you are ready.
• Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
• I know your father meant a great deal to you. I am so sorry.
• Everyone in the office sends their warmest sympathy.
• If there is anything I can do to lighten your workload, please say so.

Condolence message examples for a parent who lost a child

This is among the hardest notes to write. Keep it short, tender and free of explanations.

• There are no words for your loss. I am so sorry, and I am here.
• Your child was so loved, and so were you. I am holding you both in my heart.
• I will say their name and remember them with you always.
• I cannot imagine your pain. Please let us carry some of it with you.
• Their smile is something we will never forget. I am so sorry.
• We are here for you, today and in all the days to come.
• Their short life brought so much joy. I am grateful to have known them.
• Please be gentle with yourselves. There is no right way to grieve.

Condolence message examples for a spouse who lost a partner

Honour the marriage and the character of the person who has passed.

• Your husband was a man of honour and warmth. I am so sorry for your loss.
• The way your wife cared for your family was an example to all of us. My deepest sympathy.
• Your marriage was built on patience and loyalty. That love remains.
• Thank you for sharing your life with such a lovely person. I am thinking of you.
• Their kindness will live on in your family. We are here for you.
• I know how deep your bond was. My heart goes out to you.
• Please let me help with the house, the children or whatever feels heavy.
• May their memory bring you strength in the days ahead.

Sympathy note examples for a card

Cards give a little more room. Pair a line of comfort with a line of memory.

• I will always remember her warm laugh and open door. Thinking of you.
• He was a man of few words but great kindness. I am deeply sorry.
• Her gentle wisdom helped me more than she ever knew. With sympathy.
• Our family will always be grateful for his generosity. Holding you close.
• Wishing you peace and gentle days ahead as you remember a life well lived.
• May the love you shared be your comfort now.
• Remembering a truly good person with respect and affection.
• With love and condolences from all of us.

Condolence text and email examples

Messages on a screen should be brief, clear and low-pressure.

• Just heard the sad news. I am so sorry. Thinking of you and your family.
• I'm here if you want to talk, or if you would rather not. No need to reply.
• Sending love and strength today. I will call you soon.
• I am sorry for your loss. Can I bring dinner tomorrow?
• Subject: With sympathy. Dear Hassan, I was very sad to hear about your father. Please accept my condolences.
• Thinking of you. Let me know if I can help with anything at all.

Condolence message examples for a loss after illness

When the person suffered for a long time, acknowledge the care that was given and the relief of rest without making claims about why it happened.

• I know how tirelessly you cared for him. I am sorry he is gone, and I admire your devotion.
• After so many hard months, I hope you can now rest too. Thinking of you.
• Her patience through her illness was a lesson to everyone. I am sorry for your loss.
• You gave so much love during these difficult days. Please look after yourself now.
• I am sorry for your loss. May the memories of better days comfort you.
• Thank you for being so devoted. He was lucky to have you.

Condolence message examples for a sudden loss

Keep these simple and calm, since people in shock cannot take in long messages.

• I am stunned and so sorry. Please know we are here, whatever you need.
• There is nothing I can say to make this easier, but I will be beside you.
• We are heartbroken by this news. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
• Please do not worry about anything. We will take care of meals and errands.
• Take one day at a time. We are just a phone call away.
• So sorry for the unexpected loss. We are keeping you close in our thoughts.

Condolence message examples for an older relative

• He lived a long life full of integrity. We are sorry to lose him, and grateful for all he gave.
• Her wisdom and generosity touched generations. Thinking of your family with deep respect.
• A life of such honesty and kindness is something to be proud of. My sincere condolences.
• He will be remembered for his steady care for everyone around him.

Three full sample notes

Here are three complete notes you can use as templates.

Sample 1: handwritten card to a friend

Dear Maryam, I was heartbroken to hear about your mother. She was one of the kindest women I have ever met, and I will always remember how she made everyone feel welcome. I am thinking of you and your family, and I will bring dinner on Friday. With love, Zainab.

Sample 2: email to a colleague

Dear Omar, I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy and take all the time you need. Everything here is covered. Thinking of you and your family. Warm regards, Layla.

Sample 3: note to a grieving parent

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ali, we are so sorry about your son. He was a gentle, respectful boy, and he brought joy to everyone who knew him. We are thinking of you and are here if you need anything at all. Sincerely, the Hussain family.

What to avoid in a condolence message

1. Do not use clichés that minimise the loss, such as “at least” or “it was meant to be.”
2. Do not talk about yourself or compare your own losses.
3. Do not ask how the person died.
4. Do not promise “I’m always here” unless you mean it. Offer something you can do.
5. Do not pressure them to reply or to feel better.

If you want ideas for different relationships, see our deepest condolences to you and your family and how to inform someone of a death in writing.

Frequently asked questions

What should I write in a condolence message?

Acknowledge the loss, mention a quality or memory of the person, offer support and close warmly. Two to five sentences are enough for most cards.

How long should a condolence message be?

Short is fine. Many of the best notes are only two or three sentences. Longer letters suit close relatives and friends.

Can I send a condolence message by text?

Yes. Texts are fine for sharing quick sympathy, especially if you are far away. Follow it with a card or call later if you can.

How soon should I send a condolence message?

Send it within the first week if you can, but late is far better than never. A thoughtful note after the funeral often means a lot, since support fades quickly.

Closing thoughts

There is no flawless condolence message, only a sincere one. Choose the example closest to your relationship, adjust a few words and send it. For more, visit our Kind Words collection or read a short condolence message for the loss of a father.