Thank You Messages After the Funeral: Here’s How to Convey Your Sincere Appreciation

By: VGFS
Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience. When people have demonstrated care, compassion, and support during this difficult time, it is appropriate to thank them.

Knowing what to write in a funeral thank you note can be challenging, though, and mere words may not seem sufficient to express your deep gratitude.

If you’re struggling with funeral thank you notes, this article offers some helpful pointers and examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Construct a simple note of thanks.

There is no specific format that funeral thank you cards must follow. They don’t need to be lengthy or formal, but they should be sincere and personal. Two or three sentences are more than enough. The following is a good template for a simple note of thanks:

  • Start by addressing the recipient. “Dear ______” is the standard greeting and works perfectly for a message of thanks.
  • Thank them for their support, condolences, gift, or whatever way they were there for you. Something simple like, “Thank you so much for thinking of me during such a difficult time. Your words were very comforting.”
  • Add a meaningful sentiment about how much they helped, such as, “I will never forget your support and friendship.”
  • End your note with an appropriate closing such as “Love”, “Fondly”, “Warm regards”, or the like before signing your name.

The goal is to express gratitude for the kindness shown to you and your family. Whatever sentiment you include in your message, the recipient will appreciate that you made the effort to say thank you.

Who should receive a thank you card?

Don’t feel that you must send a formal thank you note to every person who came to the funeral or sent you a card acknowledging the passing of your loved one. However, you should make it a point to formally acknowledge those who:

  • Sent or brought flowers
  • Made a donation to a charity in honor of your loved one
  • Sent personal letters of condolence
  • Provided tangible help like bringing food, watching children, or running errands
  • Were pallbearers and honorary pallbearers
  • Musicians who performed at the funeral
  • Did a reading at the service
  • The clergy member or officiant who presided over the service

Don’t worry if time has passed.

There is no set deadline when it comes to sending out funeral thank you cards, although getting them out within a month after the funeral or memorial service is ideal. Even if it takes some time for you to feel ready to tackle the task of writing thank-you notes, people will understand. It is never too late to send them out. The bereavement process is challenging and your friends and family will be sympathetic to your circumstances.

Break a long list into pieces.

If you have many people on your thank you list, tackling the entire thing at once can be overwhelming. Breaking the task up into smaller, manageable pieces makes it easier to get started. Tackle a few notes as you feel up to it and you’ll be finished in no time.

Notecards are perfectly acceptable.

You can purchase blank note cards or sympathy thank you notes that contain a preprinted message. If you opt for preprinted notecards, you should add a brief personal message of thanks.

It is a polite gesture to express gratitude for the people who were there for you during your bereavement. It may even help you heal as you remember those who thought so much of you and your departed loved one during this difficult time.

We hope these funeral thank you note tips and examples will help you make it clear how much you appreciated the support of your friends and family. If you need additional information or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our caring staff anytime. It is always our pleasure to assist you.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Saying Goodbye: Six Things to Know and Do When a Loved One is Passing Away

Saying goodbye to a loved one passing away is undeniably hard, but your reassurance can help you both find peace. While final farewells are never easy, there are things you can do to ease the pain...

What Should You Do with Your Departed Loved One's Belongings?

When you are bereaved, sorting through your loved one’s belongings can be especially challenging. Losing a beloved family member or friend is one of life’s most difficult trials. There are many de...

Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community, How Far Have We Come?

The US Department of Health & Human Services reports that African American adults are 20 percent more likely to report serious mental health distress than their white adult counterparts. Wit...

It’s Stroke Awareness Month. Here are Seven Important Facts Everyone Should Know.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to learn about this leading cause of death and disability in America. Strokes or brain attacks are quite common, affecting an estim...

Can’t Sleep at Night? Here are Seven Surprising Reasons Why

When you can’t sleep, everything feels like a struggle. If your slumber is lacking, the reasons behind it might surprise you. Sleep deprivation can cause a range of problems, ranging from mild irr...

Senior Home Safety: Seven Essential Things to Know

Today, one in six Americans is age 65 or older. By the year 2050, the U.S. senior population is expected to rise from 48 million to an astonishing 88 million. Worldwide, those aged 80 and above are...

Seasonal Depression, also known as Winter Blues: Is it Just Depression?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression also known as seasonal depression or winter depression.   People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depressi...

Six Inspiring Outdoor Memorial Ideas to Honor Your Departed Loved One

From simple stones to elaborate gardens, there is no shortage of meaningful outdoor memorial ideas to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed on. When you’re deeply grieved, finding a unique way...

How Much Do You Know About Multiple Sclerosis? Seven Important Facts About this Neurological Disease

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Learn about the neurological disease that affects one person every hour in the U.S. A neurological disease that disrupts the flow of information betwee...

Legally Scattering Ashes: Keep These Six Important Facts in Mind

Legally scattering ashes isn’t complicated but it does require some research and planning. The scattering of a loved one’s ashes can bring peace and closure to surviving family members. For many, ...