Losing someone close to you is difficult so people will generally understand if they do not receive a thank you since you are grieving and have many other things on your mind; however writing thank yous to those that offered their sympathy, volunteered their time, or sent gifts/flowers is a nice gesture and shows your appreciation. Writing thank yous can also help take your mind off your loss and give you an opportunity to connect with others.
You don't need to send a written thank you to everyone, a formal thank you isn't usually expected for someone who only sent a sympathy card or note. Send thank yous to those who sent gifts/flowers, visited you or helped you out during your time of loss.
When
Ideally, you'd send out your thank you card or note within a couple of weeks, but people will understand if you send them out later, after you have gone through the grieving process.
What to Write
Thank them specifically for what they've done for you (their words, time, gifts, etc) and let them know how much it meant to you. Usually a few lines are sufficient for a thank you, but if you want you can write more or share a story of the deceased.
Tips
- Hand written notes/cards will be more intimate and personal.
- If you are not emotional ready to write thank yous, you can ask someone else write it for you.
- If someone gave a donation in the deceased's honor or a monetary gift, avoid mentioning specific dollar amounts. Instead, you can just say something like, "Thank you for your generosity in honoring Robert." or "Thank you so much for your generosity during our time of grief".
General Sympathy Thank You Messages
Thank you for your kindness and sympathy during our time of sorrow. It gives us great comfort to know that you are thinking about us as we grieve my father's death.
We are grateful for friends like you during this time of loss, without your love and support, it would have been much more difficult to get through.
Thank you for your great concern during this challenging time. It really touched my heart deeply.
It has always been a privilege to have you as a friend. I don't know how I would have been able to cope with the loss of [Deceased's name] if you weren't there supporting me. Thanks just doesn't seem enough at times like this.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness and caring heart more than words can express.
The [Deceased's Family Name] Family would like to express their thanks to friends and family for the many cards, flowers, messages, and support following the passing of [Deceased's name]. It was a great comfort to that you care so much. Words can't express our gratitude for all your thoughts, prayers, and love.
You said that you'd would always be there for our family and you were. Thank you for being there for us in the good times and not so good times.
You have our sincerest appreciation for all the love and support that you've shown to me during my time of loss. Thank you for being a truly great friend.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, We are grateful to have such amazing friends like you. Your generosity, support, and love during our time of loss is greatly appreciated .
Sympathy Thank You for Meal
Thank you for providing delicious meals to our family, it helped us relieve a little bit of stress during our difficult time, we truly appreciate having such great friends like you.
Our family would like to offer you our most sincere thanks for the meals that you delivered to us during our time of sorrow, it really made our everything a little easier during this difficult time.
Thank you so very much for cooking delicious meals for us during this difficult time, it gave us one less thing to worry about. Your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated.
You have my deepest gratitude for sacrificing your time for preparing meals for our family. It was very touching and helpful. Thank you.
Sympathy Thank You for Flowers
Thank you so much for the lovely floral arrangement that you sent in honor of [Deceased's name]. It meant so much to us that you are thinking about us when we were saying goodbye to [Deceased's name].
Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent in memory of [Deceased's name]. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent us. It is such a comfort to know that you were thinking of us during our time of sadness.
Your beautiful flowers help to brighten up our day during a difficult time. Thank you for your compassion and thoughtfulness.
Sympathy Thank You for Card/Note
My heartfelt thanks for the lovely card, we really appreciate your kind thoughts during our time of grieving. Knowing that we are in your thoughts and prayers is very comforting.
Thank you for your sympathy note and kind words you wrote about [Deceased's name]. It is comforting to know that you are thinking of me during my time of loss.
Thank you for your sympathy and consoling words. It means a great deal to me that you are thinking of me during this sad time.
Thank you for your heartfelt sympathy card. I really appreciate that you're thinking of me during this time.
Your loving card helped bring comfort to my troubled heart. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words.
Sympathy Thank You for Donation
I appreciate your thoughtful donation to [Organization] in memory of [Deceased's name]. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are greatly appreciated by the entire family.
Thank you for your kindness in remembering [Deceased's name] with your donation. You were a good friend to [Deceased's name] and I know you meant a lot to him/her.
We appreciate your generous contribution to [Organization] in honor of [Deceased's name]. Thank you for remembering him in such a thoughtful way.
Your donation in honor of [Deceased's name] memory means so much to our family. Thank you for your love and generosity, it'll not be forgotten.