Sample Condolence Letter #1
Dear__________,
I was very saddened to hear of the death of Mr______. Please accept my sincerest
sympathy on this terrible loss. I will always remember Mr. _________ for his
wonderful sense of humor every time I saw him at my office. He would repeatedly
refer to himself as 'the old codger' or 'the thin man' and would jokingly play
up the part.
(acknowledge the loss and the name of the deceased;
express your sympathy; note special qualities of the deceased; recall a memory
of the deceased)
Mrs. ______, I sincerely admire how competent you were in providing excellent
care for Mr._______ as his health declined. I was impressed by your devotion
to him throughout his lengthy illness.
(remind the bereaved of their personal strengths)
I plan to phone you within a few weeks to see how you are doing. In the meantime
please accept my fond respect to you and your family.
(offer help but be specific; end with a word or phrase
of sympathy).
Sincerely,
Sample Condolence Letter #2
Dear __________,
I learned of the death of Sally S_____________ through my associate Dr. Smith.
Although her death was expected please know that you are not alone at this time.
(acknowledge the loss and the name of the deceased; express your sympathy)
Sally was a courageous young woman who never faltered in her determination
to fight her illness. I admired the way she thoroughly researched all available
treatment options, asked direct and open questions, and remained optimistic.
(note special qualities of the deceased)
I recall the time Sally came to my office after her first chemotherapy treatment
looking sad and upset. She had suffered severe side effects from the chemo and
was very tired. We had a long talk during that visit and Sally thanked me for
being open and honest with her. She came over and gave me a hug and I will never
forget that moment. Sally was a very special human being.
(recall a memory of the deceased)
Sally was always so close to you, her mother. I was impressed with how strong
you have remained during her illness and how you were always present during Sally’s last few days.
I plan to phone you within the next few weeks to see how you are doing.
(remind the bereaved of their personal strengths; offer
help but be specific)
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
(end with a word or phrase of sympathy)
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