Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through.
Amid grief, it can be hard to find the right words to express your gratitude to those who have offered their condolences and support.
A simple “thank you” may not feel like enough to convey the depth of your appreciation.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide with 20 sample messages to help you thank people for their condolences in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect words to include in a eulogy, a heartfelt text message, or a thoughtful email, you’ll find inspiration here.
How to Thank People for Condolences
Below are 20 sample messages to express your gratitude for the condolences you’ve received:
1. Brief but Heartfelt
Thank you so much for your condolences and kindness during this difficult time. Your support means more to me and my family than you could know.
Commentary: This message is short and to the point but still conveys sincere gratitude. It’s suitable for acknowledging condolences from acquaintances or distant relatives.
2. Appreciating Specific Support
I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the beautiful flower arrangement you sent and for attending the funeral service. Having you there brought me great comfort in a time of sorrow. Your friendship and support mean the world to me.
Commentary: This message specifically mentions how the person showed their support, making it more personal and meaningful. It’s appropriate for close friends or family members who went out of their way to offer comfort.
3. Acknowledging Shared Memories
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your cherished memories of [loved one’s name]. It brings me joy to know that [he/she] touched so many lives in such a positive way. I am grateful for your friendship and the love you’ve shown our family.
Commentary: Acknowledging shared memories is a beautiful way to honor the life of the deceased and to connect with others who are also grieving. This type of message is fitting for those who know the loved one well.
4. Gratitude for Ongoing Support
Your unwavering support during this challenging time has been a true blessing. From your heartfelt condolences to the nourishing meals you’ve provided, your kindness has not gone unnoticed. I am eternally grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for being there for me every step of the way.
Commentary: This message expresses gratitude for ongoing support, not just initial condolences. It’s suitable for thanking someone who has consistently been there for you throughout the grieving process, such as a close friend or neighbor.
5. Simple Text Message
Your condolences mean more than you know. Thank you for your support and understanding. ❤️
Commentary: This brief text message is a simple but effective way to acknowledge condolences, particularly from those who may not expect a formal response. The emojis add a personal touch.
6. Appreciation for Kind Words
Your kind words have brought comfort to my heavy heart. Thank you for taking the time to reach out and express your condolences. Knowing that others are thinking of me and my family during this difficult time is truly a blessing.
Commentary: This message is suitable for thanking someone who has sent a thoughtful card or email expressing their condolences. It conveys gratitude for their effort to reach out and offer comforting words.
7. Recognizing the Power of Prayer
Thank you for keeping me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. The power of prayer is a source of strength and comfort during this time of loss. Your condolences and spiritual support are deeply appreciated.
Commentary: For those with a strong faith, acknowledging the power of prayer can be a meaningful way to thank people for their condolences. This message is appropriate for fellow members of your religious community.
8. Gratitude for a Listening Ear
I cannot express how much your presence and listening ear have meant to me during this difficult time. Thank you for your condolences and for creating a safe space for me to share my grief. Your friendship is a true gift.
Commentary: Sometimes, the most valuable support comes in the form of a listening ear. This message thanks the recipient for being there to listen without judgment, making it suitable for close friends or family members.
9. Acknowledging the Difficulty of Loss
Losing [loved one’s name] has been incredibly difficult, but the outpouring of love and support from friends like you has helped me navigate this painful journey. Your condolences are a reminder that I am not alone in my grief. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.
Commentary: This message acknowledges the difficulty of the loss while expressing gratitude for the support received. It’s appropriate to thank friends who have been understanding and supportive throughout the grieving process.
10. Appreciation for Attending the Service
Thank you for taking the time to attend [loved one’s name]’s funeral service. Seeing your face and feeling your support in person brought me great comfort during a trying time. Your presence was a testament to the impact [he/she] had on your life, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Commentary: Attending a funeral service is a significant way to show support for the bereaved. This message expresses appreciation for the effort made to be there in person, making it suitable for thanking those who traveled to attend the service.
11. Gratitude for Shared Grief
Your condolences serve as a reminder that I am not alone in my grief. [Loved one’s name] touched so many lives, and it brings me comfort to know that [his/her] memory will live on through the love and stories shared by friends like you. Thank you for your support and for cherishing the time you had with [him/her].
Commentary: Acknowledging shared grief can be a powerful way to connect with others who are also mourning the loss. This message is fitting for thanking friends or family members who were close to the deceased.
12. Short and Sweet Email
Subject: Thank You for Your Condolences
Dear [Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your condolences. Your kind words and support mean more to me than you know.
With heartfelt thanks, [Your Name]
Commentary: This concise email is a simple but effective way to acknowledge condolences from colleagues or acquaintances. It’s suitable when a longer, more personal response may not be necessary.
13. Tribute to the Deceased
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to [loved one’s name]. Your words perfectly captured [his/her] spirit and the joy [he/she] brought to everyone around [him/her]. I am grateful for the love and memories we shared, and for friends like you who continue to honor [his/her] legacy.
Commentary: Thanking someone for a heartfelt tribute to the deceased is a meaningful way to express gratitude while also honoring the life of the loved one. This message is appropriate for thanking those who shared special memories or spoke at the service.
14. Recognizing Generosity
Your generosity during this difficult time has been truly remarkable. From the heartfelt condolences to the generous donation in [loved one’s name]’s memory, your kindness has touched my heart. Thank you for honoring [his/her] life in such a meaningful way.
Commentary: Some people choose to express their condolences through generous acts, such as donating in the deceased’s memory. This message acknowledges that generosity and expresses gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.
15. Finding Comfort in Memories
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of [loved one’s name]. Amid my grief, it brings me comfort to know that [his/her] life had such a positive impact on others. I find solace in the laughter and love that filled the stories you shared. Your condolences and cherished memories are deeply appreciated.
Commentary: Hearing stories and memories of the deceased can be a great source of comfort for the bereaved. This message expresses gratitude for the shared memories and the solace they provide, making it suitable for thanking those who shared heartfelt stories.
16. Profound Impact
Your condolences have had a profound impact on me during this time of sorrow. Knowing that you are thinking of me and holding space for my grief has brought a glimmer of light into the darkness. I am truly grateful for your support and the love you’ve shown.
Commentary: Sometimes, condolences can have a profound effect on the bereaved, providing a sense of comfort and support that helps them navigate their grief. This message acknowledges that impact and expresses deep gratitude.
17. Heartfelt Thanks
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your condolences and unwavering support. Your kindness has been a beacon of hope during this challenging time. I am blessed to have you in my life and grateful for the love you’ve shown me and my family.
Commentary: This message comes straight from the heart, expressing sincere gratitude for the condolences and support received. It’s suitable for thanking close friends or family members who have been a constant source of comfort.
18. Honoring a Life Well-Lived
Thank you for honoring [loved one’s name]’s life with your heartfelt condolences. [He/She] touched so many lives with [his/her] kindness, wisdom, and infectious laughter. As I grieve this profound loss, I find comfort in knowing that [his/her] legacy will live on through the love and memories we shared.
Commentary: Expressing gratitude for condolences while also honoring the life of the deceased can be a meaningful way to acknowledge the impact they had on others. This message is fitting for thanking those who have celebrated the loved one’s life and legacy.
19. Comfort in Community
I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from our community during this difficult time. Your condolences serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our grief. Thank you for being there for me and my family, and for honoring [loved one’s name]’s memory with your kind words and actions.
Commentary: Feeling the support of a community can be incredibly comforting when grieving a loss. This message expresses gratitude for the collective condolences and support received, making it suitable for thanking members of your local community or social group.
20. Forever Grateful
Words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude for your condolences and the love you’ve shown me during this heartbreaking time. Your support has been a lifeline, helping me navigate the complex emotions of grief. Please know that your kindness will forever be etched in my heart. Thank you, from the bottom of my soul.
Commentary: This message conveys profound gratitude for the condolences and support received, acknowledging the significant impact they’ve had on the bereaved. It’s suitable for expressing heartfelt thanks to those who have been a constant source of comfort and support.
Other Ways to Express Gratitude for Condolences
In addition to verbal or written expressions of thanks, there are other meaningful ways to show your appreciation for the condolences you’ve received:
- Send a handwritten thank-you note to those who have gone above and beyond in their support
- Donate to a charity or cause that was important to your loved one, in honor of those who have offered condolences
- Create a memory book or online tribute page, inviting those who have expressed condolences to contribute their own stories and photos
- Plant a tree or create a memorial garden in honor of your loved one, as a way to thank those who have offered support
- Host a gathering or memorial service to celebrate your loved one’s life, as a way to bring together those who have offered condolences
Wrapping Up: Thanking Others for Their Support
Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience, but the support and condolences from others can provide much-needed comfort during this difficult time.
By expressing your gratitude, whether through words or actions, you acknowledge the impact of their kindness and strengthen the bonds of love and friendship that will help you heal.
Remember, there is no perfect way to say thank you – what matters most is that your appreciation comes from the heart.