Sympathy Thank You Notes

Although thank you notes are not required after funerals, most families want to send a note of appreciation to those who provided support and assistance during their time of  loss.  If the thought of dealing with numerous thank you messages is overwhelming, it may help to limit yourself to writing only two or three notes at a time.  Close friends and extended family members are usually anxious to be of any help and can be called upon to send notes on your behalf.  Although most thank you notes are sent within two or three weeks of the funeral, there is no time limit for bereavement note cards, and you should take as much time as you need.  If you use a printed thank you note, you can add a sentence or two to express your personal thoughts of gratitude.  Whenever possible, mention a specific gift or service, but do not mention the amounts of monetary gifts.  Simple thank you notes are often provided as a part of the funeral package, but if you wish to choose a card with a floral design, a poem or a scripture verse that has special meaning to your family, a variety of custom printed cards are available.  

Who Should Receive Sympathy Thank You Cards

1. Individuals who provided services relating to the funeral.  This not only includes the clergy, musicians, speakers and pallbearers, but friends and loved ones who provided food, babysitting or assistance with any other errands.  If the service was held at a church you attend, you may not be aware of everything done on your behalf, so it is appropriate to send a thank you note to the church as a whole.
2.  Individuals and groups who sent flowers, donations or gifts.  Although sending thank you notes to everyone that sent flowers is not considered essential, it is a nice gesture to let the sender know that their arrangement was received and appreciated. 
3.  Individuals who were helpful and supportive to the family during periods of long illness.  If there were other neighbors, friends, nurses or hospice workers that were especially helpful, a thank you note is a thoughtful way  to acknowledge their special efforts.
4. You do not need to send  thank you notes for condolence cards or for attending the funeral or visitation services,
but you may wish to send a brief note to anyone that you did not get a chance to speak with personally. 

Sample Condolence Thank You Messages

1.  Thank you for _________ .  Your generosity and support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.
2.  Thank you so much for _____.  Although this is a sad time for all of us, being blessed with friends like you gives us comfort.
3.  The family of _____ acknowledges with heartfelt gratitude your thoughtfulness and kind expression of sympathy.
4.  On behalf of my mother, please accept her sincere gratitude for ___________ .
     The support and generosity of friends like you have given us great comfort in this difficult time.
5.  _____ was very precious to our family.  Thank you for honoring (his/her) memory with your thoughtful gift of _____.
    Though we mourn our loss, we feel very blessed to have wonderful friends like you.

Scripture Verses for Bereavement Thank You Cards

Psalm 23
Psalm 9:9
Psalm 18:22
Psalm 30:5
Matthew 5:4
Matthew 11:25
Revelation 21:4

Irish Blessing Often Used  for Memorial Thank You Notes

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
~ Irish Blessing