Sympathy Notes: What to Write in a Condolence Card

Knowing what to say after a loss is hard. A sympathy note does not need to be long or eloquent — what matters is letting the person know you are thinking of them. A handwritten note, more than a message, is something they can keep and re-read.

Choose a simple condolence, a template for sharing a memory, or one offering practical help, and keep the page style quiet and gentle.

OccasionMessage template

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Click in the note where you want the text, then pick a message to insert it.

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Text size100%

Line spacing1.45

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Transparent background (Image only) — removes the paper and the style's decorations; your text, elements and signature stay.

Print as a folded card

A 2-page PDF: a cover on the front and your note inside. Print double-sided (flip on short edge), then fold in half.

Cover text

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One note per person (batch)

Write [Name] in your note where the name goes, then list the names below — one per line (up to 50).

Your note has no [Name] yet — add it where each name should appear.

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0 words · Fits on the note

How to write a sympathy & condolence note

Use the name of the person who died.
Share a short memory if you have one — families treasure these.
Make a specific offer of help rather than "let me know if you need anything".
Avoid phrases that explain the loss, such as "everything happens for a reason".
Choose Calm lavender, Classic ivory or Pure white.

What to write in a sympathy card

Loss of a mother

“I am so sorry about your mum. She was kind to everyone she met, and I will always remember her warm welcome.”

Loss of a father

“I am deeply sorry for the loss of your father. Holding you and your family in my thoughts.”

Loss of a husband or wife

“There are no words for a loss like this. I am here for you — for a meal, an errand or just to listen.”

For a coworker

“I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please take all the time you need; we are thinking of you.”

For your boss

“Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you and your family.”

When you did not know the person

“I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the chance to meet your grandfather, but I know how much he meant to you.”

Loss of a pet

“I am so sorry about Bruno. He was such a loyal friend, and he was lucky to have you.”

Short condolence

“With deepest sympathy. Thinking of you during this difficult time.”

Short sympathy & condolence messages

With deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you and your family.
Holding you close in my thoughts.
So sorry for your loss.
Sending love and strength.

Copy any of these onto the note above, then make it personal with a name or a shared memory.

Sympathy & condolence note templates

Each of these is available as a template in the editor above — pick it from the Message template menu and edit it on the page.

Simple condolence

Dear [Name], I am so sorry for the loss of [Name]. Please know that I am thinking of you and holding you close in my thoughts. With deepest sympathy, [Your Name]

Sharing a memory

Dear [Name], I was so saddened to hear about [Name]. I will always remember [a short memory]. They will be dearly missed. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. With love and sympathy, [Your Name]

Offering help

Dear [Name], There are no words that can ease a loss like this. I just want you to know I am here — for a meal, an errand, or simply to listen. With heartfelt sympathy, [Your Name]

When to send a sympathy note

As soon as you hear of the loss. If time has passed, a note is still welcome — grief continues long after the funeral.

How to make your note

Pick a message template, then click the page and replace the [bracketed] words.
Format any words with bold, underline, size, colour or alignment using the bar above the page.
Choose a page style, page size and handwriting font in the Style tab.
Open Add elements to place decorations — drag to move, drag the corner to resize, × to delete.
Download your note as a PDF, image or Word file.

Write your sympathy & condolence note

Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a sympathy card?

Say you are sorry for their loss, use the person's name, share a memory if you have one, and offer support.

What is a short condolence message?

"I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know that I am thinking of you."

What should you not say in a sympathy note?

Avoid "I know how you feel", "they are in a better place" (unless you know it fits their beliefs) and "at least…" statements.

Is it too late to send a sympathy note?

No. A note weeks or months later reminds the person they are not forgotten.

Can I send a sympathy note to a colleague?

Yes. Keep it simple: "I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you and your family."

Which page style suits a sympathy note?

Calm lavender with a single lily, or a plain Classic ivory page.

More handwritten notes

Each occasion has its own message templates, page styles and decorations.