50 examples of condolence messages for all situations

Formal and classic condolence messages

These examples of condolence messages are suitable for professional relationships, distant acquaintances or official contexts. Their sober and respectful tone guarantees appropriate communication in all circumstances.

• "It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the death of [Name]. I offer you my sincere condolences and assure you of all my support during this ordeal."

• "We share your grief in these difficult times. All our thoughts are with you."

• "I send you my most sincere condolences and ask you to believe in my deep sympathy."

• "We are wholeheartedly with you and your family during this painful ordeal."

• "Please accept the expression of my heartfelt sympathy and my saddened condolences."

• "I wish to express my compassion in the face of this loss. My thoughts are with you."

• "It is with great emotion that I learnt this sad news. I offer you my most respectful condolences."

• "During this period of mourning, I send you my most sincere thoughts."

• "We offer you our condolences and share your sorrow."

• "Please accept my heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my most sincere sympathy."

Friendly and warm condolence messages

For your loved ones and friends, a more personal and empathetic tone is appropriate. These messages reflect an authentic relationship and concrete support.

• "I am deeply affected by this terrible news. I am thinking of you very much and I am here for you, whatever happens."

• "My words seem so inadequate in the face of your pain. Know that I am by your side and that you can count on me."

• "I have a luminous memory of [Name]. Their presence will be terribly missed. I send you a big hug."

• "My heart is with you during this ordeal. Do not hesitate to call me, day or night."

• "I cannot find the right words, but know that I am here, simply, to support you as you need."

• "[Name] was an exceptional person. I understand your grief and I share your sadness."

• "You are not alone. We are here to go through this ordeal with you."

• "I have been thinking of you constantly since I heard the news. I send you all my affection."

• "What immense sadness. I am wholeheartedly with you and your family."

• "I surround you with all my friendship during this very difficult time. Call me whenever you want."

Condolence messages for a colleague or professional relationship

In a professional context, find the balance between humanity and professionalism. These messages are suitable both for a colleague who has lost a loved one and for the family of a deceased colleague.

• "We learnt with sadness of the death of [Name]. The whole team joins me in offering you our sincere condolences."

• "I was very touched to learn this sad news. I send you my most sincere thoughts during this difficult ordeal."

• "During these painful times, know that you can count on the support of the whole team. Our thoughts are with you."

• "[Name] was a colleague appreciated by all. Their presence and professionalism will be greatly missed. We offer our condolences to their entire family."

• "I wanted to express my sympathy and my support in the face of this loss. Do not hesitate if you need anything at all."

• "We share your grief and assure you of our support during this difficult period."

• "It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of your [family relationship]. All our condolences."

• "I offer you my most sincere condolences and wish you much courage to get through this ordeal."

Condolence messages according to the relationship with the deceased

The relationship between the bereaved person and the deceased profoundly influences the tone of your message. Adapting your words to the specific context shows your sensitivity and your respect. The following examples are organised according to the most common family relationships to help you find the appropriate wording.

Loss of a parent

Losing a parent is a universal but deeply intimate ordeal. These messages acknowledge this unique and irreplaceable bond.

• "The loss of a mother/father leaves an immense void. I am thinking of you very much and send you all my support during this ordeal."

• "I know how close you were to your mother/father. I share your sadness and am here for you."

• "Losing a parent means losing a part of oneself. My thoughts are with you during this very painful time."

• "Your mother/father was a remarkable person. I understand your grief and surround you with all my affection."

Loss of a spouse

Losing one's life partner represents immense pain. These messages acknowledge this heartbreaking loss without seeking to minimise it.

• "I cannot imagine the pain of losing your husband/wife. I am wholeheartedly with you."

• "Losing the person with whom one shared one's life is a terrible ordeal. I am thinking of you very much."

• "My words are quite insufficient in the face of this immense loss. Know that I am here, simply present for you."

• "[Name] and you made a wonderful couple. I share your grief and surround you with all my friendship."

Loss of a child

This situation requires particular delicacy. Avoid clichés and favour sobriety and presence.

• "There are no words for this pain. I am here, close to you, during this terrible time."

• "My heart is broken for you. I surround you with all my affection."

• "I am thinking of you constantly and send you all my support during this insurmountable ordeal."

Condolence messages with religious connotations

If the family is religious, a discreet spiritual reference can bring comfort. Adapt the message according to the faith or opt for an ecumenical formula.

• "May God welcome [Name] into His eternal peace. We pray for him/her and for all of you."

• "May [Name] rest in peace. Our prayers are with you during this ordeal."

• "May the divine light illuminate your path during this dark period. All our condolences."

• "We entrust [Name] to the mercy of God and assure you of our prayers."

• "May Allah grant His mercy to [Name] and give you the strength to get through this ordeal. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un."

• "May their soul rest in peace and may you find strength in your faith."

• "We pray that [Name] finds eternal peace and that you find comfort in your spirituality."

• "May divine grace accompany you and support you in your mourning."

Short messages for cards or SMS

Sometimes, a brief condolence text is more appropriate. These examples are suitable for cards, SMS or messages on online memorial pages.

• "All my condolences. I am thinking of you very much."

• "Wholeheartedly with you during this ordeal."

• "My thoughts are with you. Sincere condolences."

• "I share your grief. All my affection."

• "With all my sympathy during this difficult time."

How to personalise your condolence message

The examples above constitute a solid foundation, but an authentic message will always have more impact. Personalisation does not require grand phrases: a few sincere details are sufficient.

Start by asking yourself what your relationship was with the deceased or the bereaved person. A specific memory, a particular quality, a shared moment: these elements transform a generic message into a touching testimony.

Do not be afraid of simplicity. A short but sincere message is worth more than a long impersonal text. What matters is that your words reflect your real feelings.

Mentioning a specific memory

Evoking a moment shared with the deceased brings authentic comfort to the family. This memory reminds them of the positive impact of their loved one.

Choose a simple but significant memory: a memorable conversation, a particular character trait, a moment of shared joy. No need for an extraordinary anecdote.

Examples of wording:

• "I will always remember their infectious laughter during our lunches."

• "I will never forget their kindness the day when..."

• "Their enthusiasm and generosity will remain engraved in my memory."

Offering concrete support

"I am here if you need" remains vague. People in mourning rarely have the energy to ask for help. Suggest something specific.

Examples of concrete proposals:

• "I will come to see you on Thursday with a meal."

• "I can look after the children this weekend if that helps."

• "I will take care of the shopping this week. Send me your list."

• "I will call you on Tuesday to see how you are."

These specific proposals show your real availability and make it easier to accept help.

Mistakes to avoid in a condolence message

Even with the best intentions, certain wordings can unintentionally hurt. Knowing these pitfalls helps you write a truly comforting message.

The most common mistakes include clichés that minimise the pain, clumsy comparisons with other bereavements, or attempts to rationalise the loss. Grief does not need to be explained or put into perspective, but simply acknowledged.

Also avoid talking about yourself excessively. Your own experience of grief can be mentioned briefly if it creates a connection, but the message must remain focused on the bereaved person.

Clichés to avoid

These well-intentioned formulas can minimise the pain or impose a vision of grief that does not correspond to that of the bereaved person.

Phrases to avoid:

• "It was their time" or "It is God's will" (unless you know the family's faith)

• "He/she is in a better place now" (minimises the loss)

• "You are young, you will rebuild your life" (inappropriate and hurtful)

• "At least, he/she did not suffer" (seeks a positive side where there is none)

• "I know what you are feeling" (each grief is unique)

• "You must be strong" (imposes a way of experiencing grief)

Questions not to ask

Curiosity is natural, but certain questions are intrusive in a condolence message. Let the bereaved person share what they wish, when they wish.

Inappropriate questions:

• "How did he/she die?" (too direct and intrusive)

• "Was there life insurance?" (misplaced material question)

• "Who inherits...?" (absolutely inappropriate)

• "When are you going back to work?" (puts unnecessary pressure)

If the person wishes to share this information, they will do so spontaneously. Your role is to offer support, not to satisfy your curiosity.

Where and how to leave your condolences

Several options are available to you for conveying your condolences, each with its advantages depending on your relationship and the situation.

Online: On online death notices, you can leave a message accessible to the whole family, 24 hours a day. On Wolky, loved ones can read these testimonies and find comfort in the words shared by the community. This is particularly useful if you cannot attend the funeral.

By post: A handwritten card retains particular value. It can be kept and reread.

In person: At the funeral or during a visit, your presence often counts more than your words.

Wolky also allows you to create memorial pages where families and friends can share photos, memories and messages to honour the memory of the deceased.

Expressing one's condolences is a profoundly human gesture that brings comfort to bereaved people. Whether it is a formal, friendly or religious message, the essential remains your sincerity and your presence. The examples presented in this article serve as a starting point, but do not forget that the most touching words are those that come from the heart.

Personalise your message by evoking a specific memory, by offering concrete support, and avoid clichés that can sound hollow. Each situation is unique, as is each relationship with the deceased. Take the time to find the right words, even if they are simple.

If you wish to pay tribute to a deceased loved one or publish a death notice accessible to all, Wolky accompanies you with respect and simplicity. Create a memorial page in a few minutes to share your condolences, your memories and honour the memory of the deceased person with dignity.