Living in the realism of the moment during the death of a close one can be especially wearisome. However, you might be expected to write a thoroughly worded letter, to express your sorrow or grief, to the family members or close friends of the deceased. It is important to say what you are feeling at the moment and pen it down in such a manner that might not hurt the sentiments of the bereaved. You have to understand that it is not going to be an easy task writing a sympathy letter, especially if the deceased was known to you well. The letter can vary from single sentence length to various paragraphs or passages, depending on how well you knew the person. Here are a few examples of condolence letters that might help you understand the technique behind writing these letters. Feel free to use your own personal touch in conjunction with some of these samples.
Letters Of Condolence
Condolence Letters To Family Members
The death of a family member can be particularly upsetting. It may be your uncle, grandmother, distant cousin, or even distant grandparents for that matter. The point of writing a condolence letter to a member in the family is to let them know, that you will be available for them in time of need and, that you empathize with their feelings of the moment. The death may have be natural, suicide, homicide or even accident, but the point of the letter will remain same in all cases.
Dear (Recipient),
I just wanted to write a quick letter to let you know that I am appalled on hearing the news of ABCD’s death. It is practically impossible for me to understand what you might be going through now. ABCD was extremely close to me and I cannot comprehend that he/she is not going to be among us anymore. Please accept my deepest condolences and my sympathies to you and your family during this difficult period of grief and shock.
I would just like you to know that you can contact us for any assistance, and we will support you in any way we can. If you would like me to help with the memorial service or the funeral, please do let me know. I will be happy to shoulder the burdens of this period. I will leave it at this, but please do call me if you need me at any point of time.
Lots of Love,
(Sender)
Business Condolence Letters
Business formal letters carry a more formal tone and are usually written, on behalf of the company or the organization, to the mourning family members of the departed. This sample letter will help you construct a business condolence letter of your own.
Dear (Addressee),
We, at XYZ, are really remorseful to hear about the loss of ABC. Please allow me, on behalf of all of us at XYZ Company, to extend our genuine sympathies to you and your family during this period of shock and distress. Your (husband, wife, sister, daughter, son, brother, etc) was an immensely treasured asset to this company and it has come as a big jolt to us that he/she is not with us anymore.
At this time of sorrow, we sincerely hope that you find peace and serenity in the company of your family and friends. We, at XYZ, are willing to help in any way we possibly can to make it a little easier for you to cope with this difficult period. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our company’s employees for any assistance that you might be requiring. We will contact you shortly for any assistance that you might need. Once again, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to your family for this sudden loss.
Sincerely,
(Name of Company)
Impersonal Condolence Letters
Sending out impersonal condolence letters to the family members of a person you were just acquainted with, is an equally trying task. Here is an example of a condolence letter sent to unknown family members of the person you were formally or informally familiar with. These are usually shorter than the other condolence letters, and are filled with succinctness.
Dear (Receiver),
You may not be familiar with me, but I knew XYZ quite well. I am extremely sorry to hear about his/her death and I wrote in to extend my condolences to you and your family during this period. XYZ was extremely affectionate and a great personality. He/she was always around to help us with anything we needed and was great to know in this lifetime. The memories he/she has left behind will be cherished forever. Please do let me know if I can help or support your family in anyway. I will be honored to help.
Sincerely,
(Sender)
Condolence Letters To A Friend’s Family
Writing to the family members of a very close friend can get extremely distressing. To cope with this loss, here is a sample of a condolence letter written to a friend’s family.
Dear (Recipient),
I do not know where to start. I am deeply saddened by the death of ABCD. It is unbelievable that I have to sit here and pen this letter. I never knew I would have to see this day in my life ever. I can’t believe ABCD is gone, and I can only imagine what you must be going through. I just spoke to him/her over the phone yesterday, and now, it is going to take me another lifetime to talk to him/her. ABCD is gone from all of us way too soon. I only know that I am going to miss him/her like crazy and I will never forget the warmth and the comfort along with so many beautiful memories I shared with ABCD. I know the grief will be exponentially greater for you, and I hope you can find peace in cherishing happier memories.
I will always be here for your family, no matter what. ABCD was just as important to me as he/she was to you, and it will be my honor to do anything for you all during this time of sorrow. Please do accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Always,
(Sender)
Condolence Letters For Pets
People write condolence letters for others who have died, but who would have ever thought of writing condolence letters for pets? Here is a sample of a condolence letter for a pet, should the necessity of writing one ever arise. These are usually very concise.
Dear (Addressee),
Please accept our deepest condolences on behalf of me and my family, during this difficult period of the death of your pet. I recently lost my pet and I know how difficult this period might be for you, considering that a pet becomes a crucial part of a family. Please do feel free to call me or visit whenever you feel like. I remember how jolly your pet was during his life, and I am sure, that it is now in a better place. Please do call me if there is anything I can do.
Love,
(Sender)
However grim the situation may be, a condolence letter has to be sentimental, pregnant with brevity and, above all, considerate. You can also send a sympathy card or a bouquet of flowers as an act of selflessness. The end objective is to let the grieving know that you are available for support if at all they require it.
