124 Powerful Condolence Messages to Send to Friends or Family

Why Is It Important to Reach Out After Someone Dies?

Reaching out to express condolences isn't the kind of communication we look forward to having with friends or family, but loss is a fact of life. And we want to show up and be present for those we love, especially in tough times. According to a 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine, writing a a simple sympathy note allows us to recognize the pain the grieving party is in.

Not only that, but the gesture might even help thwart the onset of mental health issues including anxiety and depression. The study compared two groups of grieving family members: One group received a condolence card from the physician managing their case, while the other did not. "Bereaved family members in this context need help, need to be recognized, need to be supported during their bereavement," the authors note.

Researchers maintain that this type of communication can do a lot to protect the wellbeing of those who have suffered a recent loss. Whether you choose to deliver your message in-person, over the phone, or in a sympathy card is up to you, though the study's authors did note that something immediate and handwritten is most well-received. Giving gifts, stopping by, and continuing to check in on your grieving friend or family member are also thoughtful ways to show your continued support.

Condolence Text Messages for Friends

1. Sending over my sincere condolences. Know that I am with you today, tomorrow, and always.
2. My thoughts are with you and your grieving family during this time. May all the loving memories carry us through.
3. Writing you to express my deepest condolences. I'm here to support you in any way I can.
4. I am extremely sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you have so many beautiful memories to hold onto. Let them comfort you in the days ahead.
5. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family during this sad time. May the memories of [Name] forever bring you peace.
6. Sending my sincere sympathy and love to you and your family. May [Name] rest in peace.
7. We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this challenging time.
8. A wonderful person will be forever missed. Sending our sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family.
9. May the precious memories of [Name] bring comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies are with you.
10. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and support to you and yours.
11. Words fall short of expressing our condolences but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.
12. Sending our sympathies to you and your family members as we remember the amazing person you have lost. May their soul rest in peace.
13. Just a phone call away, we stand with you during this grieving time. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
14. May the wonderful memories of [Name] bring comfort to you in the days ahead. Our sympathy and support are with you.
15. All our fond memories of [Name] will forever be cherished. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
16. With gratitude, we remember the incredible life that has now passed. Sending our sincerest sympathy to the grieving family.

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17. We send our deepest condolences to the entire family. May [Name] now find peace and rest.
18. We were all so devastated to hear about your loss. On a personal note, please know that we are here for you in your time of need. Sending our sympathy and support.
19. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending our sincerest condolences.
20. We hope that the love and support of those around you will fill you with comfort during this tragic time.
21. Sending our most sincere condolences during this difficult time. May [Name] rest in peace.
22. Our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. May all the memories of [Name] bring you peace and comfort.
23. Words can only do so much, but we hope our sympathy and support will help in this challenging time. Sending our condolences.
24. We send our sincerest condolences and support to you and your family during this difficult time.
25. Please know that we are here for you. Sending our sympathy and love to you and your family members.
26. We send our deepest sympathies and love to you and your family during this sad time. May [Name] live in your memories forever.
27. We hope these few words of condolence will bring comfort to the grieving family. Our sympathy and support are with you.

Short Condolence Message Ideas

28. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
29. Sending love and strength to my dear friend during this trying time.
30. You and [Name] are in my thoughts and heart.
31. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
32. Thinking of you and sending love and support.
33. Sending over my most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
34. May your cherished memories of [Name] comfort you in these dark days.
35. With deepest sympathy and love.
36. Sending you all my love during this difficult time.
37. Thinking of you and holding you in my heart.
38. Sending you hugs and comforting thoughts.
39. With sympathy, understanding, and all my love.
40. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
41. Sending you lots of love and support today.
42. Thinking of you and holding you close in my thoughts.
43. With deepest sympathy and love for you and your family.
44. Sending you warm thoughts and condolences during this time of grief.
45. Thinking of you and sending all my love and support.
46. With love and understanding during this difficult time.
47. You are not alone, I am here for you.
48. My heart aches for you and [Name].
49. Sending you love and comforting thoughts during this trying time.
50. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am here for you.

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Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Father

51. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, I'm just a phone call away.
52. May the love and support of those around you provide comfort during this trying time.
53. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
54. Your dad was a special person and will be missed by so many.
55. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you.
56. I am here for you and your family if you need anything, no matter what.
57. Your father was a shining light and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
58. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your father is now at peace.
59. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you all my love and much strength.
60. May the memories of your dad bring a smile to your face during these dark days.
61. Please know that you are not alone during this trying time.
62. Your father was such a special person who will always be remembered with love.
63. We love you. Try to find comfort in knowing that your dad is now in a better place.
64. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you much love, strength, and comfort.

Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Mother

65. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom will always hold a special place in our hearts.
66. Please know that I am here for you during this difficult time.
67. Your mother was an inspiring woman. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
68. I am sending you love, strength, and comfort during this trying time.
69. Your mom was such a wonderful person who will be deeply missed.
70. May you find comfort in the memories you shared with your mother.
71. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
72. You and your family are in my thoughts during this trying time.
73. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Your mom will always be remembered fondly. May she rest in peace.
74. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you during this difficult time.
75. Your mother was an amazing woman. I'm thankful to have so many memories with her. My best to you and your family during this difficult time.
76. May you find peace in the knowledge that your mom is now at rest.
77. Your mother was a truly remarkable person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
78. Let the happy memories of your mother bring you comfort in the days ahead.
79. Your mother touched so many lives and will always be remembered with love.

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Religious Condolence Messages

80. May God's love and comfort surround you during this difficult time.
81. I pray that God's peace and grace will fill your heart during this time of loss.
82. May God's strength sustain you as you grieve the loss of [Name].
83. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that God's love will bring you comfort.
84. May God's grace be with you as you navigate this difficult time.
85. I pray that you will feel the comforting embrace of God's love during this trying time.
86. May God's peace and comfort be upon you and your family at this time.
87. I offer my condolences and pray that God's love will bring you comfort and peace.
88. May God's strength sustain you and give you the comfort you need during this difficult time.
89. I pray that God's grace will be a source of comfort and healing for you and your family.
90. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time.
91. May God's comfort and strength guide you as you grieve the loss of [Name].
92. I pray that you will feel the comforting presence of God during this trying time.
93. May God's grace and love surround you as you navigate the days ahead.
94. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that God's peace will fill your heart.
95. May the love of God be with you during this difficult time and always.
96. I pray that God's comfort and strength will get you through this difficult time.
97. May God's grace and love be a source of comfort and healing for you and your family.
98. I offer my condolences and pray that you will feel the peace of God during this difficult time.
99. May God's comfort be upon you as you grieve the loss of [Name].
100. I pray that God's love and peace will be with you and your family today.
101. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that you will find comfort and peace in God.
102. I pray that you will feel the comforting presence of God's love and peace as you grieve.

Heartfelt Condolence Messages for the Loss of a Pet

103. Sending over my deepest sympathies for your loss. I know just how much he/she meant to you.
104. I am so very sorry to hear about [Name]. I'm thankful you two had so many happy memories together. Let's hold onto them fondly in fields, on walks, and everywhere else you two loved to go.
105. As someone who lost a pet recently, my heart breaks for you. Hold onto the good memories together and know you'll get through this.
106. I am so sorry for your loss. I know [Name] was much more than a dear friend, he/she was your whole world. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need a shoulder to cry on.
107. Sending condolences for the loss of [Name]. He/she was a great companion and will be sorely missed. We are here for whatever you need.
108. I am so sorry to hear about [Name]. I know you have a heavy heart at the moment but please know that we are all here for you.
109. It broke my heart to hear about the loss of [Name]. I wanted to offer my support and anything else you may need while you're getting through this.
110. So many lives have been touched by the beautiful soul that has now passed. Sending sympathy and love your way.
111. [Name] was a one-of-a-kind companion; a true comfort in times of need and a genuine friend. He/she will live in your heart forever.
112. Reaching out to see how you're doing since [Name] passed. Let's get together soon and you can tell me all your favorite stories about him/her.
113. I know you're dealing with a broken heart but please know this too shall pass. Sending out my love and support during this painful time.

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Sympathy Quotes

114. "Goodbye always makes my throat hurt." – Charles M. Schultz
115. "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." – Emily Dickinson
116. "So it's true, when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love." – E.A. Bucchianeri
117. "Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?" — Terry Pratchett
118. "We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." – Kenji Miyazawa
119. "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." — J.M. Barrie
120. "You cannot stop loving your friend because he's dead, especially if he was better than anyone alive, you know?" — J.D. Salinger
121. "Death ends a life, not a relationship." — Mitch Albom
122. “Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.” — José N. Harris
123. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." — Thomas Campbell
124. "All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." — Havelock Ellis

Wrapping Up

That's it for our list of condolence messages, but be sure to check back in with us soon! Sign up for our newsletter for more of the right words for every occasion, as well as the latest in style, wellness, and entertainment.