Losing a loved one is one of the most heart-aching experiences one could ever go through in life, which results in a feeling of extreme sadness and voidness that never seem to go away.

A sympathy card is one of the simplest ways to convey your sincere feelings for anyone who has lost a loved one. The main aim of this card is to provide comfort and support to those who are grieving and help them get through this difficult time of their life.

So, whether you want to send a comforting sympathy card to someone who lost a parent, a partner, a friend, a child, a child-to-be, or a pet, here’s a long list of meaningful sympathy quotes to write in a condolence card.

Loss of Parent Sympathy Quotes

While losing a parent is usually an expected experience, it’s still one of the most heartbreaking ones. Here’s how to make someone feel better after losing a parent:

"I understand that this sorrow seems to never stop. But I believe that when you're ready, comfort will come to you.”

“God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
“May God fill you with strength. And may you feel His love.”
“Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Please accept my deepest condolences for your and your family’s loss.”
“The remembrance of the good memories of those we have loved may be the only consolation when they’re gone.”
“Hugs won’t ease your pain. Words can’t wipe away your tears. But hold on to your memories.”

We recommend using In Loving Memory sympathy card to show your support to a loved one who’s recently lost a parent, which is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee and certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance.

Loss of Partner Or Spouse Sympathy Quotes

Losing a partner or spouse is undoubtedly painful. You can help someone who lost the love of their life by writing one of these quotes in a sympathy card:

"Someone with whom you have shared so much of life will always be a part of you.”
“If you ever feel sad about your loss, remember that those we love don’t go away—they walk beside us every day.”
“I pray that in the midst of your sorrow, you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared.”
“Keeping you in my prayers as you remember your loved one.”
“The feelings we have for our loved ones will never die.”
“There are no goodbyes for you. Wherever they are now, they will always be in your heart.”
“My deepest sympathies to you and your family.”
“What is beautiful never dies.”
“You two had a unique relationship. You two were so much in love.”

Loss of Child Sympathy Quotes

When someone losses a child, they feel like they lost a piece of themselves—it’s an extremely painful feeling. You can make them feel a little bit better by sending them a sympathy card with one of these sympathy quotes:

“I know how heartbreaking the loss of a child is. [Name] was a wonderful kid and will be terribly missed.”
“I’m sending you lots of love and my heartfelt sympathies on the demise of your little one.”
“I’m sorry beyond words for your loss.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray the pain in your heart will be eased by the wonderful memories you shared with your little one.”
“I’m so sorry to hear about your sudden loss. You have my deepest sympathy.”
“You have our sincere condolences, our deepest sympathy.”
“Your child was a sweetheart. Your little angel is safe and sound in heaven.”

Loss of Pregnancy Sympathy Quotes

Miscarriage is more common than you may think. About 10%-20% percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriages.

Losing a baby-to-be can be a traumatic experience for all moms-to-be. Here’s how to help them cope with their loss:

“I'm so sorry about the loss of your pregnancy and your lovely baby-to-be.”
“I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I’m here for you through it all.”
“I am so sorry you won’t get to hold your sweet baby in your arms. Take all the time you need to grieve and heal.”
“I can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling. But I know that your little one was already so loved and will never be forgotten.”
“I’m so sorry for your sudden loss. Be gentle with yourself. And take all the time you need to heal.”

Loss of Friend Sympathy Quotes

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life, and losing a close friend of yours is never easy. If you know someone who recently lost a friend, here’s what to write for them:

“[Name] was super fun to be around. I’m so grateful I got to know him.”
“[Name] made a beautiful difference in so many lives. We will remember her always and often.”
“I hope it brings you comfort in knowing that his life will be celebrated with gratitude and joy by his many, many friends.”
“I will miss [Name], too. She will be remembered with love.”
“I’m writing this to let you know that [Name] was loved by everyone, and we all miss him. You’re not alone in this”
“Meeting [Name] and being friends with him will always be one of my greatest gifts in life.”
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in this time of extreme sadness. We will all miss [Name] as much as you will. He was such a great friend to everyone.”
“[Name] was the best friend anyone could have. I miss her as you do.”
“We share your sorrow. [Name] was truly an incredible friend.”

See also: How to Write a Tribute Speech

Loss of Pet Sympathy Quotes

Losing a furry friend is like losing a family member. Here’s how to help someone who lost a pet cope with their loss:

“I know how much [Name] meant to you. Sending lots of love and hugs during this difficult time.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your dog. Thinking of you during this difficult time.”
“I’m so sorry you lost your cat. [Name] was such a gentle soul, and now she’s your angel.”
“May the memories of [Name] bring you comfort during this time of loss.”
“[Name] will always be in your heart. And we’ll never forget the happiness he brought to everyone he met.”
“When tomorrow starts without your furry friend, don’t think they’re far apart—they’ll always live in your heart.
“You are the most amazing pet dad. And the bond you had with [Name] will live on forever.”
“[Name] was so loved, and she'll always be with you in your heart. Don’t forget that.”

Related: What to Write in a Sympathy Card

Unexpected Death Sympathy Quotes

Losing a loved one is agonizing, but losing them unexpectedly can even double the pain. Here’s what to write to a person who suddenly lost a loved one:

“I know life has taken an unexpected turn. This one is hard to beat. You don’t know where to go or who can help. Or how to stop this hurt. You are not alone. I’m here with you. So please don’t give up.”
“I love you, and I am thinking about you as you read this, even though I cannot fathom what you’re going through."
“May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone. You are surrounded by those who care for you. I wish you healing and peace.”
“I’m very saddened to hear of your sudden loss. I want to express my sympathy and let you know that my thoughts are with you.”
“This is such a shock. My heart aches to hear the news.”

Sympathy Quotes When You Never Met the Deceased

If you have never met the deceased and don’t know what to write in a sympathy card, here are a few ideas:

“Even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet [Name], I’m sure he was a great person who lived a great life.”
“I can imagine that you’re having a very difficult time. Though I didn’t know your loved one, please know I’m here.”
“I didn’t know [Name] personally, but I do know what it’s like to lose someone.”

Sympathy Quotes When You’re A Close Friend to the Grieving Person

As a close friend to the grieving person, the best thing to do is to be there for them during this time of loss. Here’s how to convey your sincere feelings to your friend:

“Even if you think it is too sad or repetitive to share—it isn’t. If you want to talk about it, I want to hear it. You are not a burden. This is exactly what friends are for. I’m here for you. Always.”
“It takes strength to feel the full extent of your feelings. It takes courage to try something new and ask for help when needed. Fail, even if it knocks you off your feet, and try again. And know that there is someone who cares for you and waits for you to share your feelings with.”
“I’m here to listen, always.”
“My prayers are with you. Lots of love and hugs.”
“My thoughts are with you in your time of grief.”
“When everything is the pits, I’ll sit in the muck with you.”
“When you’re ready, I would love to hear a favorite memory you have of them.”
“You carry my love with you wherever you go. Don’t forget that. God will help you through this, and so will I.”
“Your feelings and your grief are so valid. I may not understand. But I’m here for you. You are loved.”

Looking for a high-quality, fully-customizable sympathy card for your loved friend? Try out our Hello Galaxy Friend that’s backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee and certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance.

Sympathy Quotes When You Want to Help the Grieving Person

Sadness can make even the smallest tasks seem difficult. You can lessen the pressure on those who are grieving by offering to do things for them.

“I honestly don’t know what to say. Is there anything that I can say that would bring comfort to you right now?”
“I know I can’t make your pain go away. But I can come over and do some laundry or make you dinner, so you don’t have to worry about these things.”
“I know this is a very difficult and demanding time for you and your family. I can take the kids for a few hours if you need some alone time at home.”
“I truly care about you and your family, and you are not alone in this. Please tell me what I can do to help.”

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include a specific offer of help. For example, writing “can I order pizza for dinner?” is better than writing “I can help you whenever you need me to.”

General Sympathy Quotes

When you don’t know what to say, here’s what to say:

“A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds. Through us, they live on”
“May you hold on to those wonderful memories in your heart and find comfort.”
“My deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with you and your family.”
“My deepest sympathy for your loss.”
“My sincere condolences.”
“Some truths in life are hard to accept. Their memories will never be forgotten.”

If you’re looking for an elegant and versatile sympathy card to convey your sincere feelings to a loved one, the fully-customizable Modern Dandelion is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

Losing a loved one can usually be an agonizing experience for many people, so you want to be really careful when writing a sympathy card for someone who’s trying to cope with grief and loss.

Never use the following phrases if you don’t want to offend anyone in this situation:

It happened for a reason.
It was their time to go.
You can still have more children (if they lost a child).
You must be relieved their suffering is over.
God always has a plan.

When writing a sympathy card, you want to acknowledge the supreme difficulty of the situation and permit them to grieve. Let them know you’re sticking around while still giving them space.

For example, say something like “No need to respond. I’ll check in later.” to lessen the pressure on them. It’s also a great idea to share a memory about the deceased, like “they had a great smile.”

Also, if you don’t know what to say, remember that there’s no perfect thing to say. Send the card anyway - it makes a difference. Just say something, just be there, and know that the act of sending the card is an act of love and support that will be appreciated by them.

One last thing, if you want help creating a sympathy card, mixbook.com is your best bet.

With 15m+ projects completed, 950m+ photos shared, and 55m+ products printed, it is one of the best, most reliable tools to create meaningful sympathy cards. We’ve proudly provided our services to over 5 million happy customers since 2006, and you can be our next happy user and start creating a sympathy card through the #1 rated photo book company: Mixbook!