How to Write a Personal Message in a Sympathy Card

Sending a sympathy card to someone who recently lost a loved one is a warm and kind gesture. During the difficult time of someone passing, you may be at a loss for words. However, it is important to let your loved one know that you care and are supportive of her during this time of bereavement. Writing a personal message will let her know you are thinking of her during this difficult period.

Think about what you would like to express before you write it on the sympathy card. Place your ideas on a separate sheet of paper.

Start the sympathy card by acknowledging the person or persons to whom you are writing the card. Begin with “Dear” and the person’s name. If it is a family, you can write “Dear Scott Family.” Place a comma after the name. Sympathy cards should be neatly handwritten.

Convey your sympathy on the first line by writing how sad you are about the passing of the person who passed. For example, “We are saddened to learn of Rhonda’s passing.”

State a happy memory you have of the person who passed. For example, “I remember the time we all went to Disney World and Harry kept us laughing the entire time.”

Inform the grieving person that you are thinking of her and her family during this difficult time and are available in their time of need. For example, "I'll call you soon to see if I can be of any assistance with the children."

End with another offering of sympathy such as “We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time."

Close with a heart-felt phrase such as “With deepest sympathy” or With sincere thoughts.” Place a comma after the closing phrase and sign your first and last name underneath.