It is always a sad feeling whenever someone close to you dies, the pain just doesn’t go away. In the same vein, it can be very difficult to find something to say to the people affected when someone close to them dies, those undesirable moments has a way of putting us at a loss for words. One of the most difficult things for most people is to find the right things to say to the bereaved as it can be very difficult to express how we feel at a time like this. The fact still remains that words can actually go a long way in amending the brokenhearted. Thus, we rounded up some words to say when someone dies.
What to Say When a Family Member Dies
Perhaps the most difficult experience in life, losing a family member can be devastating, irrespective of how close you are to them. Thus, anyone who finds themselves in this condition would need a lot of comforting words. Find below some helpful examples of what to say to someone who lost a family member.
1. A time like this is never easy for anyone and with a heavy heart I extend my most profound sympathies to you and your family. I’m here if you need anything.
2. I hope the love and support from your family and friends, including me, get you through this time. You’re in my prayers.
3. Writing a sympathy card is not my strong suit so bear with me. I was pained upon hearing about this loss in your family. Just know that you’re not alone and if there is anything you need, I will be here for you.
4. I may not be able to change what happened but I can continue to offer you my love and support during this period.
5. Extending my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
6. Keeping you in my prayers as you pass through this time of loss. We are all thinking of you.
7. Please know that we are here for you and will help in any way possible to make this burden in your heart lighter.
8. In your time of grieving, we wish to let you know that our sincerest sympathy is always with you.
9. Cheer up. Your (family member who died) wouldn’t want you to be sad.
10. This might sound difficult or even insensitive but try and shift your focus on all the blessings in your life.
What to Say When a Colleague Dies
You might not be related but losing someone you have worked with and developed a good relationship with can be difficult to get over. Just like someone who lost a family member, losing a colleague also requires some words of encouragement to help the person mourn the loss.
11. I know that _________ was well-loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart.
12. She’s/he’s in a better place.
13. May all the sweet memories of ___________ bring you solace during this time.
14. Treasure the sweet memories you shared with ___________ and stay strong during this time.
15. Now is a good time to cherish the great moments you had with him/her before she/he passed on and may they bring you comfort.
16. I know how close you guys were, so accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your co-worker. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
17. Let the love and support from your loved ones bring you peace during this difficult time. My heartfelt sympathies.
18. I’m not good at condolence speeches but just know that i feel your pain at this time.
19. I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies for this great loss. _________ will always be remembered.
20. I won’t pretend like I know how you are feeling right but just take heart. I’ll bring you some lasagna next Tuesday.
What to Say When a Friend Dies
If you haven’t lost a friend before then you might not really know the extent it hurts. When someone loses a dear friend, you can be sure they are passing through a difficult time. These words can help you console them during this time.
21. While you grieve this physical loss, be comforted by the fact that he/she is resting in a safer place in Heaven where there is no pain or suffering.
22. Even though you can’t be together again, __________ will always be with you in spirit.
23. Sending my love and sincerest sympathies as you mourn the passing of a beloved friend.
24. I am short of words but know that I’m thinking of you in this dark time and you can be sure of my support in anything you need.
25. I hope you can understand what I can’t put into words. My condolence as you mourn your dear friend.
26. Love knows no boundaries. Even when ________ is no longer physically with us, his/her spirit will always be around. My deepest condolences.
27. Would you like to talk about it? I will be here if you need a shoulder to cry on.
28. Please take heart in knowing that you are not alone and if you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
29. How are you doing? ________ would love to see you smile again and be happy.
30. I won’t pretend like i fully understand the pain you’re experiencing right now but now that i’m a phone call away if you need anything at all.
What to Say When Someone Dies Unexpectedly
We all know that death is inevitable but it gets even more painful when you lose someone suddenly. The bereaved in this case is prepared for what hit them which makes them even more vulnerable. Extend your condolences with these examples.
31. Nothing will make this go away but accept these deepest condolences to you and your family as you pass through this difficult time.
32. Please know that our family is always lifting you and yours in our prayers and thoughts in this dark time. We are here for you.
33. I am at a loss for words for this sudden loss. Please take heart and accept my sympathy.
34. I know there is nothing I would say that can make your loss easier but know that I am sending you my love and support. I will be available if you need anything.
35. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now but I can tell you that you’re not alone. We will help you pull through this.
36. Extending my deepest sympathy to you and your family as you mourn this painful loss.
37. The loss of someone dear to us is never easy, especially when we are not prepared for it. I hope you find some light during this dark time by looking back at the memories you shared. My deepest condolences.”
38. It came as a shock when I heard about the passing of _________. I hope and pray that you will have strength during this time of loss.
39. If you ever need any support or someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
40. You and your loved ones have a spot in my thoughts and prayers. Accept my condolences.
What To Say When A Classmate Dies
41. News about the death of _________ came as a shock. I’m so sorry for your loss.
42. I know how close you two were. Please accept my deepest sympathies and take heart.
43. I wish I could find the right words to express the way I feel but know that you are greatly loved and we are here for you.
44. We will be available for you if you need anything, anything at all.
45. I’m so sorry you lost _________. Please accept my deepest condolences.
46. I lack the right words that can make you feel better but know that I’m praying for you.
47. I know you must be having a hard time right now. Please accept my condolences.
48. _________ Was such a nice person. He/she will be missed.
49. We all loved _________ for her outstanding personality. We will all miss him/her.
50. Keep in mind that we love you and want you to smile again.
What Not To Say When Someone Dies
In as much as you should console the bereaved with words, some things are better left out of it. The following words might not be helpful when you say them to someone mourning the dead.
- It’s been a while since he/she died. It’s time you get over it.
- Depend on all of the wonderful memories. They will bring you peace.
- Pull yourself together because you need to be there for your kids.
- I feel your pain.
- I know exactly how you feel.
- We all have to deal with a loss
- You shouldn’t feel this way
- I can imagine what you’re going through right now.
- At least his/her suffering is over
- Things will be normal again soon
What To Do When Someone Dies
There are times that words don’t help and instead of saying things to make a bereaved person feel better, you just do something instead. Below are some of the things you can do to make them feel better.
Listen, hug
Now will be a good time to lend a listening ear. Allow the person to pour out their feelings while you listen. Let them say it all the way they want and if they burst into tears, be there to offer your shoulder or give them a hug. Now that’s really comforting and would make the person feel better afterward.
Offer to help with anything
When someone is in grief, they might lose the desire to do stuff they usually enjoy. To make their situation better, you can offer to do some chores like cooking, washing, running errands, or even taking the kids to school and bringing them back. However, it is important to choose what you can actually do. Offering to help with cooking when you don’t enjoy it or even know how to cook would be a disaster.
Call to check up on them
Knowing that someone cares enough to check up on you can be consoling for someone who is grieving. The call doesn’t need to be a long one but try as much as possible to let them know you care while listening to what they have to say. Don’t be in a haste to end the call. If you are too busy to call, a text can also do the magic.
Be with them physically
Your physical presence is also very important in this case. It’s not enough to promise to be there for them, show up and be with them in their time of grieving, this is the best way to console a bereaved person. Also, when the funeral is fixed, attend the event to show them you really care.
Send gifts or sympathy cards
Everybody likes to receive gifts and it is one gesture that can put a smile on people’s faces most of the time. Especially when you can’t be there physically, send gifts that you know they would need. If they like music, you can make a playlist, flowers also do a lot of good or any other thing you think they might need.
