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5 Inspiring Church Welcome Speech Samples
Emma Davis March 11, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
If you’re looking for inspiration for church welcome speeches, then look no further! By giving a very warm welcome, it’s your job to set the tone. A welcome speech for church may seem like a menial task, but it’s a vital part of any service. Any church service needs a good flow and rhythm.
A church welcome speech sets the stage for what’s ahead. Whether you’re hosting a conference, a normal Sunday morning, or a special event, welcoming your members is very important.
We’ve prepared several sample welcome speeches for churches that will hopefully inspire you. Prepare for a Sunday or your event with little stress!
Table of contents
What is a welcome speech, who gives the welcome speech, welcome first time visitors, match the speech with the event, use your emotions, don’t:, keep it brief, sunday service, women’s conference, guest speaker in the house.
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Welcome speeches are a great way to set the tone for an upcoming service, or church event to welcome old and new members of your church. Starting with a welcome speech gives your church service or meeting a warm and comforting start. It also helps those new to your church feel like they’re in the right place.
A church welcome speech is also an excellent way to share what to expect during the rest of the service. Essentially, the welcome sets the tone. When writing a welcome speech, try to find ways for church members to participate. You can do this by asking them to greet one another, maybe give someone a high five or a fist bump. Also let them know about how they can give tithes any time during the service using their smartphones, via text, or your online donation form.
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One common question that people wonder is who should give the church welcome speech. Should it be the pastor? An elder? Another speaker? A congregant? It isn’t the job of any one person. It might be useful however to match the welcome speaker to an event in the church.
Do you have a youth conference coming up? Have your youth pastor welcome people to church and remind them about the conference. You can do the same for a women’s or men’s event. Having someone involved in the specific event give information can be very welcoming.
Sometimes the welcome speaker is consistent — typically a pastor or other church leader . Perhaps you have multiple campuses, and the welcome speaker is your campus pastor. One thing that is always the same, regardless of who is talking, is that people who are confident, comfortable in front of a crowd, and can be trusted are great for the task.
No matter who you choose, make sure they’re an individual that you can trust to come through with a quality delivery every week.
Words of welcome before worship should be appealing to church visitors . Don’t say, “Welcome members of my church,” as a greeting. You can say something like, “Welcome brothers and sisters,” instead.
You might also say something along the lines of, “If you are visiting us for the first time today, we’re happy you are here.” Don’t always point out first-time visitors in the audience because this can make them self-conscious. Feel free to give visitors directions to your welcome center or the bathrooms, especially if you have a large church.
Say something to put your first-time visitors at ease. “We won’t ask you to stand up or wave your hands” can be comforting for some people.
Though you shouldn’t promote upcoming events during this specific time, you can point out that you meet every week and the visitors are welcome to return to your next service. You can also mention a newcomers’ gathering.
Your welcome speech should reflect the event you are welcoming your guests to. For an average Sunday service, your tone should be upbeat and encouraging. But for a more somber occasion like a funeral, you may want to be more stoic and calm. And as mentioned above, at a youth conference, you’ll want to bring the energy!
With any event, this may be a time to give some practical information in your speech. If your service needs extra time or if you are serving food, you should include those details in your speech. You should include a brief description of your service so your audience knows what is coming up.
It is typically appropriate to open with a prayer. If you struggle with writer’s block, consider leading the congregation in a prayer that reflects on the occasion in some way. You can also read an excerpt from the Bible to gather your thoughts.
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Smiling and moving your tone up is a good way to make your audience happy and feel at ease. But, don’t try and use complicated language. A welcome speech is usually given after the worship team is done. People are waiting to hear directions on what to do next. Tell a light-hearted joke such as “turn to your neighbor as you find your seat and tell them they look good today!”
Many people tell jokes to satisfy their audience, which can be risky. A joke can be inappropriate during a formal or somber occasion, and the joke may not land correctly. So, if you’re going to tell a joke, try doing a pun or wordplay. Never make a joke at someone else’s expense; remember your in the House of God! Instead, try something like rhyming. It may not be funny, but it can catch your audience’s attention and connect two ideas.
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Visuals can help what you are talking about and entertain your audience. You can put a simple graphic behind you that welcomes guests to your church . Also you can find stock art online for free with welcome messages, or you can make your own.
Another effective way to put guests at ease is to give them something physical. At a minimum, they should have a Bible and songbook so they can follow along with the service. Perhaps you can also hand out bottles of water and snacks that they can consume during the event.
Church welcome materials can include church connect cards and handouts. Leave them at the front of the room for first-time visitors to collect, or you can have someone hand them out.
Do’s and Dont’s
There are some simple do’s and don’t for any welcome speech. Hopefully, some of these are common knowledge, but it never hurts to review before stepping on stage. And don’t worry if you did a few of these don’ts – practice makes perfect!
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak slowly
- Include a transition
- Introduce yourself and your role
- Read from a speech
- Give too much information
- Spend too much time welcoming everyone
- Say anything inapproprate
Keep these in mind, and you’ll do great! The biggest thing to remember is to resist the urge to get sucked down the rabbit hole of treating your welcome speech as an information dump that overwhelms visitors. You want to include basic information for people like the church name or where the bathrooms are, but only include the most important stuff. Speak slowly and only say what is necessary. The rest can follow later on in the service or closer to the end for announcements.
Welcome speeches are rarely more than 150 words long. Your church welcome speech is not the time for an exegesis of the Bible. It’s Say what you need to say to start the occasion and then move on.
Consider writing out your speech word for word and seeing what details you can cut out. Besides adverbs and adjectives, you can cut out details that the pastor will say later. Save church announcements and in-house business for another occasion. You can send out reminders about upcoming events in emails and text messages .
5 Great Welcome Speech Examples
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Take a look at these five great sample welcome speeches. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a Sunday service, a baptism event, or a conference, we hope that you find what you need.
Hi! I’m [YOUR NAME] and a very warm welcome to everyone. It’s so good to see so many familiar faces this morning!
If this is your first time at [CHURCH NAME] I want to extend a special welcome to you, it’s great to have you with us.
Please take a moment and fill out the connection card that can be found [LOCATION] or on our church app . That will really help us get to know you a little bit better and know how we can serve or pray for you.
This week we’ll be starting a brand new 4-week series called [SERMON SERIES NAME] where we’re going to be talking about [TOPIC]. I know that God is going to speak to us, amen?
Before I go, let me just remind you that [USEFUL INFO HERE]. That being said, let’s get ready to [NEXT STEP HERE].
Good morning ladies! My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want to welcome you to [CONFERENCE NAME]. We are so expectant for what God is going to do here in these next few days. Here at [CHURCH NAME], we’ve been praying and believing the best for you. I would like to thank each one of you for your time and would like to welcome everyone to this joyous occasion for the women in the church.
As daughters of the Lord, we have come together to celebrate the beauty that we hold as God’s children. We have prayed for such a glorious event and are truly pleased with the turnout today. Let us thank God for giving us a chance to gather in His name.
We are here to share in the love that he has blessed us with today. Let us listen with love to the speakers who are ready to speak with us today and may they be guided by the Holy Spirit. Before we begin, I just want to say a few words of prayer [PRAYER].
Thank you, and God bless!
Hi everyone! I’m [YOUR NAME], the Campus Pastor here at [CHURCH NAME]. We’re so happy you decided to join us this Sunday. We’ve got a great service ahead of us on this beautiful morning. Just a few things to address.
Please take a chance to fill out the connect card on the back of the seat so we can get to know you better. Let us know how we can pray for you at the bottom of the card.
If you’re looking to get involved here, we’ve got several people out near the connection center in [LOCATION] ready to connect with you.
Today, we have an amazing service planned, as we welcome an amazing guest speaker [NAME] from [CHURCH NAME]. Let’s make sure we give them a warm welcome and prepare for the word today!
Hello, and a warm welcome to [CHURCH NAME] on this beautiful [CHRISTMAS/EASTER] morning!
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am so excited to be with you today! If you’re a visitor with us, thank you so much for coming and celebrating [CHRISTMAS/EASTER] with us.
For those with us for the first time, I’d love if you could take a few moments and fill out the connect card that’s [LOCATION] and kindly drop it the back of the room at the end of service. This is one way it will help us get to know you better.
I know we’ve got a lot coming up for you today. So we’re going to kick things off here with a time of worship before we hear a special [CHRISTMAS/EASTER} message from [PREACHER NAME]. After that [INCLUDE ANY OTHER SPECIAL ELEMENTS].
We are gathered here today to celebrate the baptism of our fellow Christians. Some faces at this stage you may already know. Others, you may have only seen in passing on Sunday mornings. Whether or not they seem familiar to you, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ knows them well and today he will enter into their hearts to remain.
On this glorious day, they all become your brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, their sins will wash away, and they will be redeemed just as you once did before our congregation.
A welcome speech for church isn’t something to stress about. Follow the simple do’s and don’ts, speak with confidence, and practice beforehand. Set the tone for your event or Sunday morning service, and welcome first-time guests and long-time members with a friendly smile!
Related Links:
- How To Welcome New Attendees To Keep Them Coming Back
- 8 Church Conferences To Book In For 2018
- 10 Powerful Ideas for an Effective Church Welcome Center
- Top 14 Pastors Conferences to Attend in 2024
- 16 Unique and Thoughtful Church Welcome Gifts
About The Author
Emma currently lives in Texas where she loves to write, read, and bake. She graduated from Hillsong College in Australia and received her degree in Communications from DBU in Dallas. She uses her passion for writing to communicate the love God has for his people.
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“Lucifer” is the 7th song on Eminem’s 12th studio album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) . He kicks off the track by alluding to the album’s concept and his “kill shots” . He, then, delves into his turbulent relationship with social media, his rejection of political correctness, and his typical over-the-top references to public figures such as Candace Owens , Amber Heard , and the Columbine High School massacre , all delivered with his signature wit and provocative style.
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Former fire chief killed at Trump rally hailed as a 'hero,' two more victims identified
A man killed at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday has been identified as 50-year-old former fire chief Corey Comperatore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Sunday.
Two other Pennsylvania residents were also shot at the rally , Shapiro said. They were identified by Pennsylvania State Police as David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74. They’re both in stable condition.
Comperatore was an avid supporter of Trump and excited to be at Trump’s rally Saturday in Butler, Shapiro said. He was there with his wife and two daughters and dove over them to protect them when gunshots were heard in the crowd.
“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said of the Sarver, Pennsylvania man.
Shapiro described Comperatore as a “girl dad” who went to church every Sunday and loved his family and community.
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“Corey was the very best of us, may his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro said.President Joe Biden extended his condolences to Comperatore’s family in a speech Saturday afternoon.
“He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired,” Biden said. “He lost his life. God loved him.”
Paul Hayden, 62, a neighbor of Comperatore’s for about 20 years, described him as an “easygoing guy” whom he got along with despite their political differences.
“He knew I was a Biden fan, I knew he’s a Trump fan,” Hayden told NBC News. “But we never let that come in between us. We still said ‘hi’ to each other, we still talked to each other. Some people take it to the extreme.”
Hayden recalled memories of riding dirt bikes with Comperatore, and said his death “hit close to home.”
Brant Dempster, 60, who lived near Comperatore for about 11 years, said he was “a patriotic guy” and very well-respected in the community.
Dempster almost attended Trump’s rally Saturday, but decided against it due to a gut feeling.
“I could have very well been at that rally,” Dempster said Sunday. “I had friends and family that were at the rally, and it’s a pretty traumatic thing to have people shooting around you like that.”
David Fennell, 73, worked under Comperatore for 20 years at JSP, a plastics manufacturing company, and said he often came into work smelling like smoke from his volunteer firefighter work.
"You want to know what type of person he was? I had brain cancer, and he kept in touch with me the whole time I had my chemo and everything," Fennell said. Compertore was passionate about his family and his two Doberman pinschers, he added.
Leroy Snow, 71, who also worked with Comperatore at JSP, said "his family was everything to him" and that he was "a very fair man."
"If you had a problem you could talk to him about it and he would take everything into consideration," Snow said.
Shapiro said Saturday that the shooting was "shocking" for the Butler community and the country at large.
“Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence," he said "Disagreements are OK, but we need to use a peaceful political process to settle those differences.”
Gunshots were heard about six minutes into Trump’s speech Saturday. The former president could be seen clutching his ear after popping noises rang out over the rally. Trump ducked to the ground as several Secret Service agents rushed to the stage and surrounded him on all sides, and there were screams from onlookers as the scene unfolded.
Trump said he was shot by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The FBI said the shooter , identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was immediately killed by the Secret Service. A motive is not known at this time.
In his speech Saturday, Biden said, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence.”
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation, everything. It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen,” he said.
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Former state Sen. Peter Courtney, who 'was always trying to build a better Oregon,' dies
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Peter Courtney, the longest-serving legislator and Senate president in Oregon history, died Tuesday morning. He was 81.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a press release that Courtney died from complications related to cancer at his Salem home surrounded by family. He was treated for ureteral cancer in 2021.
Courtney was a tireless public servant who championed many causes for children and families and presided over decades of political change, serving 38 years as a state legislator and 20 years as the Senate president.
"He was always trying to build a better Oregon," said close friend and former Oregon Sen. Lee Beyer. "He was truly a son of Oregon, even if he was a transplant."
Read more: Tributes pour in following Courtney's death
Courtney stood out for his style and personality, at turns grandiose and self-deprecating.
He addressed reporters by barking out their hometowns or alma maters (“Cedar Rapids!” “Harvard!”), referred to himself in the third person and often got off on a tangent sprinkled with insults wrapped in compliments or the other way around.
When Courtney held court, it was never dull and always entertaining.
He had a knack for going off-script when making a speech. He lamented how many people in politics are overly cautious at the dais, afraid to speak from the heart because of optics and social media.
“It’s always better than what was written down,” his wife said earlier this year. “I used to get a kick out of people who would say, ‘Oh, Senator, can I get a copy of your speech?’ I used to say, 'Good luck with that. Only if someone recorded it.'"
Doctors warned Courtney about the stress taking its toll
Courtney recently acknowledged to the Statesman Journal that the accumulative stress of more than four decades in political office contributed to, if not caused, his recent health problems . He was two months removed from having transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland.
“You can’t worry and stress the way I did and not beat up your body,” Courtney said during an interview at the Salem home where he and his wife , Margie, raised their three sons. “There were too many doctors telling me — but basically I was too stupid to hear it — that the stress was eating me up.”
He was diagnosed in November with congestive heart failure, adding insult to injury for a man who never wanted to retire. Before that, he had a cancer scare and had a kidney removed.
He said he always figured he would die in the Legislature, only half-jokingly.
Room 206 at the Salem YMCA was his home for 2 years
Peter Michael Coleman Courtney was born in Philadelphia and grew up in West Virginia, attending Catholic schools. He credited the nuns for helping mold him into the respected public speaker he became.
He earned an undergraduate degree and master’s in public administration from the University of Rhode Island, then a law degree from Boston University in 1969.
An Oregon appellate judge offered him a clerkship, and Courtney jumped at the chance to take the job despite being across the country.
He loved telling how he flew into Portland, took the Greyhound bus to Salem and found a place to stay at the YMCA. He lived in Room 206 for two years and never forgot the Y. Years later he would help secure state funding for a new facility to be built.
Salem became his home. He met Margie Brenden, and they married in 1976.
When they were dating, he would visit her parent's house in Mt. Angel. He seldom went into the house and did not talk much, preferring instead to be outside petting the family dog.
Some of her family members were shocked when they learned he planned to run for City Council.
"They couldn’t believe this shy man was going into politics," Margie said.
Riverfront Park vision comes into focus while on City Council
Courtney served on the Salem City Council from 1974 to 1980 and never missed a meeting.
“I’m proud of that,” he told the Statesman Journal in early 2023. “That was the time I learned how to be a person who dealt with people who didn’t always agree with you.”
Courtney's tenure on the city council came at a time when the Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area Plan was initially developed. Councilors first expressed a vision of connecting downtown parks with pedestrian access to better link the downtown area with city parks.
“We knew we had the potential to do something magical,” Courtney said.
He and fellow councilors helped direct the development of Minto-Brown Island Park and ultimately laid the groundwork for Riverfront Park.
Beyer's first memory of Courtney comes from his work on the council. Beyer said he remembers wondering who the "crazy guy" on the council was who kept getting quoted in the Salem papers.
Courtney left the council to run for state office and was elected in 1980 to the House of Representatives, representing Marion and Polk counties. He was in the House from 1981 to 1984, when he lost a primary bid for Oregon's 5th District seat in the U.S. House.
After a four-year break that included an unsuccessful bid for the Oregon Senate, he returned to the Oregon House. It was there that he and Beyers first worked together. Beyer was a freshman lawmaker in 1991, and Courtney was the minority leader. Both would join the Oregon Senate in 1998.
Mental health, sports and earthquake safety among his priorities
Five years later, Courtney was elected Senate president, keeping the job for a record 20 years.
During his tenure, he championed causes ranging from mental health to sports to animal rights.
He vowed after taking a 2004 tour of the Oregon State Hospital grounds and seeing a room full of neglected copper urns to return cremains to families and build a memorial to honor the forgotten. A memorial was dedicated in 2014, and the state hospital has since reunited more than 1,000 cremains with families.
He was the chief sponsor in 2007 of a bill for physical education requirements in schools. Courtney loved all sports, never hesitating to use a sports analogy in the political arena. He would call sports columnists and coaches at the University of Oregon or Oregon State University just to talk sports.
Courtney also led efforts to retrofit schools and emergency facilities for seismic activity and pushed for State Capitol renovations. The Capitol is in the middle of a multiyear $465 million construction project to prepare the 1938 building and its 1977 addition in case of an earthquake. The project is expected to be completed before the next legislative session.
"Peter understood, more than anyone I ever knew, the politics of governing, and how to make the legislative process work," Robin Maxey, his former spokesperson of 11 years, said. "And he did that from a perspective of wanting, every day, to make life easier for Oregonians."
Courtney was a mentor to many staff members
Courtney surrounded himself with committed and talented staff, including several former chiefs of staff who today hold prominent leadership positions: Pat Egan, CEO of See's Candies; Connie Seeley, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff at Oregon Health & Science University; Phil Bentley , president and CEO of the Oregon Health Care Association; and Betsy Imholt, the director of the state's Department of Revenue.
"It's not by accident that it all happened," Imholt said. "Peter would be the first to tell you that he made us, and we all agree."
His name once was bantered about as a possible candidate for governor.
"People around me were thinking about it and therefore I was thinking about it," he said. "But there never was a groundswell."
He admitted his personality worked against him.
"People kept saying 'Peter's too this, we can't have him be governor. The way he talks and does things, he's different.' "
A savvy political mind and a compassionate soul
Courtney served in the minority for part of his career before Democrats took control of both chambers, an experience that Beyer and Sen. Fred Girod, R-Silverton, both said instilled Courtney with a respect for Republicans.
Beyer recalled Courtney gathering Republican House Speaker Larry Campbell and Democratic Senate President Bill Bradbury in the Democratic caucus room in 1993, forcing the two to reach a deal and conclude the then-longest legislative session in history.
"We wouldn't have got out of there for another few weeks if he hadn't done that," Beyer said. "He just knew how to do that."
Girod and Courtney were close friends despite their disagreements politically.
"You couldn't be easily intimidated because Peter would throw it back at you and you had to be able to stand your ground," Girod said.
Beneath the dramatic facade was a savvy political mind, a heart for his transplanted state and a compassionate soul.
Colleagues and staff remember Courtney forming genuine connections with people and caring about them outside of the Capitol. He was the first to make a call or a visit if he heard of someone in the legislature in need. He would even call the OHSU president if he thought it would help them access care.
'When Peter left, there was a big power vacuum'
Courtney reluctantly retired after the 2022 session. In an interview just months later, he said he hated retirement and didn't want to talk about it. A self-labeled workhorse, he did not have any hobbies and said he probably would not have walked away from the Oregon Capitol if not for the insistence of his wife and sons.
While some believe he may have overstayed his welcome as Senate president, his dedication to the institution and the state was never questioned.
A staph infection in his replacement hip, which required multiple surgeries over the years, nearly sidelined him for the 2020 legislative session. For a month, he commuted to the Capitol from a transitional care facility, where he needed IV antibiotics and physical therapy.
His drive to be there no matter what, and always the first one in and last one out, may have prompted some work-life balance lectures from family and friends.
The off-the-chart tension in his last few sessions took a toll as he watched the bipartisanship he helped create disintegrate. Walkouts and a pandemic blew up a political process heavily dependent on personal relationships.
"When Peter left, there was a big power vacuum," Girod said.
He described Courtney as the architect of relationships across party lines. His 20 years as Senate president was a testament to his ability to hold the chamber together, even in more difficult years.
"It's unbelievable the amount of time that he was elected president, that he could survive," Girod said. "I didn't even survive." (Girod served as Senate Republican leader for one year in 2021.)
Courtney said earlier this year he had no regrets and was proud of his career. One of the greatest compliments he ever received was from a Republican he refused to name: "Courtney, you're fair. You're fair."
"I think as time has gone by I started to really appreciate that," Courtney said.
Buildings, bridges and campuses with his name leave lasting legacy
Courtney's influence on state government decisions benefited Salem and the Mid-Valley because he lived here. He had a history of sponsoring legislation to address local issues such as the crowded Woodburn Interstate 5 interchange and the demise of the Oregon State Fairgrounds.
He helped secure $12 million in Oregon Lottery funds for the construction of a new Salem Family YMCA facility, then locked down another $7 million for the veterans housing complex across the street later named Courtney Place .
The "taco bridge" spanning Riverfront to Minto-Brown parks also bears his name as does the campus health and wellness center on the Western Oregon University campus in Monmouth. Courtney worked at WOU for 30 years, starting in 1984, as an assistant to six presidents.
And on Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Tina Kotek, current and former Oregon staffers and legislators, and other close friends of Courtney gathered at the Oregon State Hospital Cremains Memorial to unveil a plaque honoring his dedication to improving the hospital and Oregon at large.
The state hospital grounds have been renamed the Peter Courtney Salem Campus of the Oregon State Hospital.
Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi said Courtney was able to see the new sign bearing his name on Center Street NE before his passing.
Courtney is survived by his wife, Margie, their three sons, Adam, Sean and Peter, and their families, including seven grandchildren.
The governor's office said a funeral mass is planned at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. The time and date are pending. Donations in remembrance can be made to the Salem Withnell Family YMCA or Family Building Blocks .
Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at [email protected] , and follow her work on Twitter @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.
Dianne Lugo cov ers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at [email protected] or on X @DianneLugo
Iran denies Trump assassination plot claim; US lawmakers slam Secret Service response
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Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Trump rally shooting for Wednesday, July 17. For the latest, view our story for Thursday, July 18.
Iran officials on Wednesday vehemently rejected "malicious" reports of an alleged plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump , saying the Islamic nation seeks a "legal path to bring him to justice" for ordering the assassination of an Iranian general in 2020.
The White House confirmed to USA TODAY a report that Trump's security was increased in recent weeks after intelligence showed Iran had been plotting to kill him. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Iran has sought revenge since Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani , whom Trump later described as "the No. 1 terrorist anywhere in the world."
Trump was speaking Saturday before throngs of supporters at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building . Trump, his face bloodied from a bullet that apparently injured his ear, was hustled off the stage by Secret Service personnel. Trump supporter Corey Comperatore , 50, was killed and two other rallygoers were critically wounded before a sniper fatally shot the gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Authorities have found no connection between Iran and Saturday's shooting. Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani on Wednesday dismissed claims of any assassination plot targeting Trump and said the allegations "have malicious political motives and objectives."
Iran's mission to the U.N. said in a statement that Trump remains a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law for ordering Soleimani's assassination. "Iran has chosen the legal path to bring him to justice," the statement said.
A hero, firefighter, Trump supporter: What will Corey Comperatore's death mean?
Developments:
∎ The father of the gunman called police after the shooting, worried that his son and a weapon were missing, three senior law enforcement officials told NBC News . Fox News is reporting the family called authorities before the shooting took place.
∎ Crooks normally would have been at work Saturday but told his boss he needed the day off because he had "something to do," multiple law enforcement officials told CNN. Crooks told his co-workers he would be back to work Sunday.
∎ The two other people who were injured in the shooting, James Copenhaver and David Dutch, have been upgraded from critical to serious condition, Allegheny General Hospital said Wednesday.
∎ A tree close to the roof from where the gunman shot may have blocked the view of one of the sniper teams in charge of protecting Trump, CBS News reported , adding that another sniper team-oriented in a different direction reacted to the shooting and killed the attacker.
Senators upset with FBI, Secret Service after hearing
Republican senators publicly voiced their exasperation Wednesday after a hearing with law enforcement officials addressing the attack at Trump’s rally, some of the lawmakers calling for the Secret Service’s leader to be replaced .
The focus of their anger was how long it took for the authorities to take action after being alerted 20 minutes before the shooting to suspicious activity around the building from where the gunman opened fire, injuring the former president and two other people and also killing a rallygoer.
Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming posted a statement on the X platform saying the hearing with FBI and Secret Service officials was an exercise in deflecting blame.
"He was identified as being suspicious one hour before the shooting," Barrasso said of Crooks. "He had a range finder and a backpack. The Secret Service lost sight of him. … Someone has died. (Trump) was almost killed. The head of the Secret Service needs to go."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also pushed for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to leave her post, calling Trump’s close call "a grave attack on American democracy."
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley questioned both law enforcement agencies in a post, saying, "The FBI and Secret Service need to quit holding secret calls and start answering questions under oath. In public."
Homeland Security, Congress kick off Secret Service probes
The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general's office said Wednesday that it will investigate the Secret Service effort to provide security at the campaign rally where Trump was shot and a rallygoer killed . A notice posted on the watchdog's "ongoing projects" web page for counterterrorism and homeland threats said the goal is to "evaluate the United States Secret Service's process for securing former President Trump's July 13, 2024 campaign event." The Secret Service falls under Homeland Security.
Also Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a bipartisan task force within the House will investigate the assassination attempt, saying , "We need answers for these shocking security failures." President Joe Biden previously ordered an "independent review" of the security measures at the event.
The Secret Service has drawn criticism for failing to keep the shooter from gaining access to the roof, 150 yards from the rally, with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. Local police officers had been stationed inside the building but none on the roof. Cheatle called the shooting "unacceptable" but said she will not resign.
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has subpoenaed Cheatle to appear at a hearing Monday. The White House has said Biden still has confidence in her.
Butler officers on traffic duty responded to call about Crooks
Butler Township Manager Tom Knights issued a statement Wednesday saying its police officers were on traffic control duty when several of them were sent to respond to a call regarding a suspicious man near the AGR building, in the general area of the rally.
Knights’ statement confirmed earlier reports that one of the officers was hoisted to the building’s roof by his partner and was holding to its edge when he made eye contact with the shooter, who pointed his rifle at him. The officer dropped down to safety and promptly reported the gunman’s location shortly before Crooks began firing.
Biden references Trump shooting in call for gun control
Biden has renewed his call for stronger gun control after staying quiet on the subject in the immediate aftermath of the campaign rally shooting. In a speech Tuesday at the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Biden said it's time to ban assault weapons like the one used to shoot Trump.
Biden has responded to multiple gun massacres in recent years by reviving calls for stronger gun laws, including reinstating the nation's ban on assault weapons, which expired in 2004, and requiring background checks on all gun purchases. But the proposals have repeatedly failed amid Republican opposition in Congress.
"An AR-15 was used in the shooting of Donald Trump, just as it was assault weapons that killed so many others including children. It's time to outlaw them," Biden said, drawing applause from supporters.
− Joey Garrison
Biden renews call to ban AR-15 rifles: Plea made after Trump assassination attempt
Who was Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks?
Thomas Matthew Crooks wasn’t an ex-CIA agent with a homemade gun that could slip through metal detectors. He didn’t carry an Uzi and wear a black tuxedo. He was not a professional killer like the ones depicted in some movies. Crooks was an isolated Gen-Z'er with an associate’s degree who worked a low-wage job and lived with his parents. Yet in an increasingly online world, where digital surveillance is easier than ever, the 20-year-old managed to stay unusually hidden while devising a plan to murder a former U.S. president – nearly successfully – in just 10 days of planning. Read more here .
“The security failures by law enforcement that day helped him look a lot more sophisticated than he would normally,” said Seamus Hughes, a researcher at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “If you had put an agent on the roof as opposed to in the building, it goes from a very sophisticated attack to a very foolish attack.”
− Kenny Jacoby, Kristine Phillips, and Christopher Cann
Trump's would-be assassin: Had little time to prepare – and left little trace of plot
Friends, family to honor shooting victim Corey Comperatore
Friends and family of Corey Comperatore will gather Thursday in Freeport, a small town on the Allegheny River, to pay their respects to the only person killed at Saturday's tragic campaign rally. Funeral services will be held Friday at his longtime Butler County church. Comperatore has been proclaimed a hero after Gov. Josh Shapiro said the former volunteer firefighter dived onto his family to protect them when the shooting started.
James Sweetland, a doctor from Dubois, Pennsylvania, who was at the rally, rushed to help Comperatore. But he had been shot in the head above his ear and never regained consciousness.
"Yesterday time stopped," Allyson Comperatore, his daughter, said on Facebook. "And when it started again my family and I started living a real-life nightmare." Read more here .
− Chris Kenning
Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook
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What We Know About the Trump Rally Shooting Victims
One attendee was killed and two others were critically wounded. They were all adult men and include a longtime volunteer firefighter and a Marine Corps veteran.
- Share full article
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By Isabelle Taft and Christina Morales
- Published July 14, 2024 Updated July 15, 2024
The assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump at his rally Saturday evening, besides wounding him, also killed a father of two and critically wounded two other men on Saturday evening.
Those attendees, all adult men, include a longtime volunteer firefighter and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. All were from the Pittsburgh area, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. One died at the scene, while two others were transported to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and were in critical but stable condition, officials said.
As more details began to emerge on Sunday, tributes and prayers for the victims and their families were pouring in, including from officials such as Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s governor, Josh Shapiro.
Steve Bicehouse, director of emergency services for Butler County, said that he had set up set up a “portable hospital” with four of his staff members and about 30 medical professionals. Mr. Bicehouse said that he was not aware of any other shooting-related victims at the rally besides Mr. Trump and the three attendees.
Here’s what we know so far about the victims.
Corey Comperatore
Corey Comperatore, 50, was fatally shot in the head after he dove to shield family members who had accompanied him to the rally, according to the governor.
Governor Shapiro said on Sunday that Mr. Comperatore “died a hero,” adding: “Corey was the very best of us.”
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- The #1 Photo Restoration & Eulogy Writing Studio
How to Deliver a Heartfelt Funeral Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide
Funeral speeches play a crucial role in honoring the life of a loved one who has passed away. They provide solace to grieving family members and friends, while also sharing the essence of the person’s life and their impact on those around them. A well-crafted eulog y captures the unique qualities of the deceased, allowing attendees to relive fond memories and celebrate the individual’s life.
Writing and delivering a heartfelt eulogy can be a daunting task. The pressure to create the “best eulogy ever” can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with your own grief. The internet is filled with various funeral eulogy examples, from funny eulogy examples that highlight the person’s wit to deeply emotional tributes. Famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks have set the bar high.
Finding the perfect balance between honoring the person’s life and providing comfort to loved ones can be challenging. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore how to write and deliver a heartfelt funeral speech, drawing inspiration from eulogy examples and famous eulogies to help you pay tribute to your beloved family member or close friend.
II. Understanding the Purpose of a Funeral Speech
A. honoring the deceased.
A funeral speech is an opportunity to honor the deceased by highlighting their unique qualities, accomplishments, and the impact they had on the lives of others. The best eulogy ever would capture the essence of the person’s life and character, creating a lasting tribute that resonates with attendees. Famous eulogies, such as Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks, serve as inspiring examples of how to pay homage to a loved one.
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B. Comforting the bereaved
One of the primary purposes of a funeral speech is to provide comfort and solace to the bereaved family and friends. Sharing fond memories, funny eulogy examples, and heartfelt stories can help lighten the atmosphere and offer consolation to those in mourning. A well-crafted eulogy helps celebrate the person’s life while acknowledging the pain of their passing, striking the perfect balance between grief and happy memories.
C. Sharing memories and stories
A funeral speech allows you to share personal experiences and stories about the deceased, creating a tapestry of memories that paint a vivid picture of their life. Drawing from short eulogy examples and famous eulogies like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs and Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson can help illustrate the impact one person can have on the lives of many. By sharing these stories, a funeral speech can create a sense of connection and closeness among the attendees, reminding us all of the special bond we shared with our beloved family member or close friend.
III. Gathering Information and Memories
A. talking to family and friends.
Before diving into writing the best eulogy ever, it’s essential to gather information and collect memories from family and friends of the deceased. This can help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the person’s life, character, and impact on others. Conversations with close friends and family members can reveal heartwarming stories and funny eulogy examples that might not be known otherwise. These anecdotes can help paint a vivid picture of the deceased, making the eulogy more authentic and relatable.
B. Reflecting on your own experiences with the deceased
In addition to gathering information from others, take the time to reflect on your own experiences and earliest memories with the deceased. This will allow you to recall fond memories and special moments you shared together. Consider how much one person’s life has influenced your own and what lessons you’ve learned from them. Personal stories and experiences can make the eulogy more genuine and create a deeper connection with the audience.
C. Organizing your thoughts
Once you’ve collected stories and memories from family, friends, and your own experiences, it’s time to organize your thoughts and determine the structure of your eulogy. Review various funeral eulogy examples, including famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. Draw inspiration from these examples while keeping your eulogy unique and tailored to the person you are honoring.
As you organize your thoughts, consider incorporating elements from short eulogy examples, such as quotes, poems, or specific phrases that capture the essence of the person’s character. For instance, Cher shared a beautiful eulogy at Sonny Bono’s British memorial service, where she provided hope and comfort through her words.
By combining the gathered information, personal experiences, and inspiration from various eulogy examples, you can create a heartfelt tribute that honors the memory of your beloved family member or close friend.
IV. Structuring Your Funeral Speech
A. the opening: setting the tone.
Start your eulogy with an opening that sets the tone for the entire speech. You may choose to begin with a quote that represents the deceased, a personal anecdote, or simply an expression of love and admiration. Take inspiration from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, or Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. The opening should capture the essence of the person’s character and create an emotional connection with the audience.
B. The body: sharing stories and memories
Personal anecdotes.
In the body of your funeral speech, share personal anecdotes that illustrate the person’s life and the impact they had on others. These stories can be drawn from your own experiences, as well as those shared by family and friends. Personal anecdotes help paint a vivid picture of the deceased and offer a glimpse into their personality and values.
Humor and light moments
While grief is a natural part of any funeral speech, incorporating humor and light moments can provide relief and comfort to the bereaved. Funny eulogy examples, such as John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman or Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson, demonstrate how laughter can be a powerful healing tool. Be sure to balance humor with sensitivity, ensuring that your jokes and anecdotes are appropriate for the occasion.
Lessons learned and values cherished
Share the lessons learned and values cherished by the deceased throughout their life. This can include their beliefs, passions, and the wisdom they imparted on others. Referencing short eulogy examples or famous eulogies like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs can provide inspiration for this section of your speech.
C. The closing: expressing gratitude and hope
In the closing of your funeral speech, express gratitude for the time spent with the deceased and the happy memories you shared. Offer hope for the future by sharing how the person’s life will continue to impact others, even in their absence. Use powerful words and phrases to create a lasting impression, aiming to make your eulogy one of the best eulogies ever.
Drawing from funeral eulogy examples, like Cher’s beautiful eulogy at Sonny Bono’s British memorial service, can help you find the perfect balance of heartfelt emotion and hope. By incorporating elements of famous eulogies and personal stories, your funeral speech will pay tribute to your beloved family member or close friend while providing comfort and solace to those in attendance.
V. Tips for Writing a Heartfelt Eulogy
A. be authentic and genuine.
When writing a eulogy, it’s essential to be authentic and genuine in your words and emotions. The best eulogy ever is one that comes from the heart and truly reflects the person’s life and character. Draw inspiration from funeral eulogy examples and famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks, but make sure to infuse your own unique voice and perspective.
B. Use descriptive language
Using descriptive language in your eulogy helps paint a vivid picture of the person’s life and experiences. By employing vivid imagery and evocative words, you can bring memories to life and create a more immersive experience for the audience. Descriptive language can enhance even short eulogy examples, making them more memorable and impactful.
C. Focus on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life
While acknowledging grief and loss is important, focusing on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life can provide comfort and solace to those mourning. Share fond memories, happy moments, and the positive qualities of the person to celebrate their life and legacy. Funny eulogy examples, like Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson or John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, show the power of humor in highlighting the positive aspects of a person’s life.
D. Keep it concise and organized
An effective eulogy is concise and well-organized, guiding the audience through the person’s life and experiences while maintaining their attention. To achieve this, make use of keywords and phrases that capture the essence of the person and their impact, such as “fond memories,” “beloved mother,” “best friend,” or “so much fun.” Drawing inspiration from famous eulogies and eulogy examples can help you structure your speech and ensure that it remains engaging and focused. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful eulogy that pays tribute to your loved one and leaves a lasting impression on those who hear it.
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VI. Preparing for Delivery
A. practice reading your speech.
To ensure that your eulogy flows smoothly and resonates with the audience, practice reading it aloud several times before the funeral. This will help you become familiar with the text, allowing you to convey your message with confidence. As you read, consider the pacing and tone of your speech, ensuring that it aligns with the examples of great eulogies you have researched.
B. Anticipate emotions and have a backup plan
Delivering a eulogy can be an emotional experience, especially when recounting fond memories of a close friend or family member. Anticipate the emotions that may arise during your speech and have a backup plan in place, such as pausing to compose yourself or asking someone else to continue reading on your behalf if needed. By preparing for these moments, you can ensure that your tribute remains heartfelt and genuine.
C. Speak slowly and clearly
When delivering your eulogy, speak slowly and clearly to ensure that your message is easily understood by all attendees. As you share stories and memories, use descriptive language and keywords like “best eulogy ever,” “funny eulogy examples,” and “fond memories” to paint a vivid picture of the person’s life. Drawing from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks can help you find inspiration for your delivery style. By speaking with clarity and conviction, you can create a powerful tribute that honors the memory of your loved one and leaves a lasting impression on those present at the funeral.
VII. Delivering the Funeral Speech
A. establish a connection with the audience.
Begin your speech by establishing a connection with the audience. Acknowledge the shared sense of loss and grief, and express your gratitude for their presence. This will create an atmosphere of empathy and support, setting the stage for your eulogy.
B. Maintain eye contact and use body language
As you deliver your speech, maintain eye contact with the audience and use appropriate body language to convey your emotions. This will help you engage with the attendees and create a more immersive experience. Be mindful of your posture and gestures, ensuring that they reflect the tone and content of your eulogy.
C. Be mindful of your tone and pace
When delivering your funeral speech, be conscious of your tone and pace. Use keywords like “best eulogy ever,” “funeral eulogy examples,” and “fond memories” to guide your delivery. Draw inspiration from famous eulogies such as Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing your words to resonate with the audience.
As you share stories and happy memories, adjust your tone to match the emotion of each anecdote. Strive to strike a perfect balance between honoring the person and acknowledging grief, taking cues from examples like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs and Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson.
In conclusion, delivering a heartfelt eulogy is an important task in honoring the life of a close friend or family member. By following these tips and drawing inspiration from famous eulogies and eulogy examples, you can create a beautiful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and special bond with their loved ones. Remember to be authentic, use descriptive language, and pay tribute to the person’s life and fond memories while providing hope and comfort to those in attendance.
VIII. Example Eulogies
a. sample funeral speech for a parent.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Today, we come together in shared sorrow and collective admiration to bid farewell to a wonderful woman, my beloved mother, Susie. We gather here not only to mourn her passing but, more importantly, to celebrate the truly exceptional life she lived and the countless lives she touched in her time with us.
Susie was a woman of endless charm, warmth, and resilience – characteristics that deeply influenced my upbringing and those of my siblings. She had an uncanny ability to bring a sense of joy and peace to any room she walked into, even in times of chaos and confusion. With her radiant smile, she had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. She was our North Star, the one who always guided us, always there to help us find our way back when we were lost.
When I think of my mother, a few memories immediately surface.
There was the time, in the depths of a harsh winter, when the neighborhood children were all huddled inside their homes, escaping the frosty chill. On that day, Susie gathered us all for an impromptu snowman-building competition. It wasn’t about the competition, but the unity, the shared laughter, the frostbitten fingers, and the warm cups of hot cocoa after that made it memorable. It was an embodiment of what she was to us all – a beacon of warmth, love, and unity.
Then there was the instance when I came home heartbroken from a failed math test. I remember the tears streaming down my face, the feeling of utter disappointment in myself. But Mom, she didn’t judge or criticize. She held me close and said, “In life, my dear, it’s not about the mistakes we make but how we learn from them.” And with her unwavering support, we tackled those equations together until they were no longer foreign to me. That was Susie, always there to pick us up when we stumbled, to turn our setbacks into comebacks, to show us that failing wasn’t the end but rather a chance to rise stronger.
Susie was also the core of our family, the glue that held us all together. She kept us rooted, reminding us about the importance of love, respect, and understanding in the family. Despite her struggles, despite the storms life threw at her, she never faltered in her dedication to her children and her unwavering faith in us. She was our greatest cheerleader, our most profound teacher, and our fiercest protector.
Losing her has created a void in our hearts, a silence in our lives that cannot be filled. But as we grieve, we also remember. We remember her laugh, echoing in the corners of our home. We remember her wisdom, imprinted deep within our hearts. And we remember her love, a love so powerful and so encompassing that it will continue to guide and strengthen us, even though she’s no longer physically with us.
As we say our final goodbyes today, let us remember Susie for the remarkable woman she was. Let’s honor her memory by embodying the values she taught us: compassion, resilience, love, and unity.
Susie, our dear mother, you are gone but never forgotten. Your spirit will live on within each of us, a guiding light in the dark, a comforting whisper in the wind, a constant reminder of the strength and love we carry within us, because of you.
Thank you for everything, Mom. We love you, and we will miss you always.
B. Sample funeral speech for a sibling
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we stand united in grief and solidarity, as we bid farewell to a life that touched ours in ways words can barely encapsulate. A life that was too short yet immensely vibrant, filled with love, laughter, and countless shared moments. Today, we remember my brother, my confidante, my friend, Jack.
Growing up with Jack was nothing short of an adventure. He was the peanut butter to my jelly, the yin to my yang. As kids, we were inseparable. We shared not just a room, but countless secrets, dreams, laughter, and even the occasional sibling squabble. But through all the highs and lows, there was always an underlying foundation of unwavering brotherly love.
One story that springs to mind, encapsulating the spirit of Jack, was our great ‘Treehouse Escapade’. We were just about ten and twelve then, and had set our hearts on building the perfect treehouse in the large oak tree at the end of our garden. We had no idea what we were doing, armed only with a sketch on a crumpled piece of paper and the confidence that only children possess. It took us the entire summer, hammers slipping, nails bending, and more than one accidental thump on a thumb. But Jack, ever the optimist, would laugh off the blunders, transforming our little project into a whirlwind of joy.
That treehouse wasn’t architecturally sound, nor was it a spectacle to behold. But it was our haven, a testament to our shared dreams, our determination, and the magic that Jack brought into every task he undertook. He was always the beacon guiding us towards laughter and fun, turning even the most mundane activities into cherished memories.
Jack had a heart larger than life itself. He was the first to lend a hand to anyone in need, the first to cheer you up when you were down. His sense of humor was legendary, his laughter infectious. When he walked into a room, you couldn’t help but feel the energy change – brighter, lighter, better.
But Jack wasn’t just my older brother; he was my mentor, my guide, my protector. I remember when I was about to head off to college, nervous and unsure of what the future held. It was Jack who sat me down and said, “In life, you’re going to face challenges and make mistakes, but always remember that it’s these experiences that shape us. Embrace them. Learn from them. And remember, no matter where you are, you’ll always have a piece of home with you.”
Losing Jack feels like a chapter of our shared book has abruptly ended. Yet, I find solace in the memories we created together. Every shared joke, every heart-to-heart conversation, every shared dream, and even the bittersweet tears, are all fragments of a beautiful mosaic that depicts a bond that can never be broken.
Jack, my dear brother, I am grateful for every moment we shared, for every laugh, every story, every life lesson. You were my north star in the darkest nights, my compass when I lost my way, my anchor in the roughest storms.
As we say our final goodbyes, we carry your spirit with us, your joy, your kindness, your unwavering zest for life. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Until we meet again, Jack, thank you for being the best brother I could have ever asked for. I love you, and I will carry you in my heart always.
C. Sample funeral speech for a friend
Dear Friends and Family,
Today we gather to remember a man whose life was as vibrant and dynamic as the waves of the ocean – forever in motion, brimming with energy, and touching the lives of everyone he met. A man who, in his time on earth, defined what it truly meant to be a friend, a confidante, a brother in spirit. We are here to celebrate the life of Mark.
Mark was more than a friend to all of us. He was the epitome of an adventurer, a soul that was forever curious, forever willing to explore the unknown, yet always ready to provide the comfort of familiarity when it was most needed.
One of the most unforgettable adventures we shared together was our unplanned road trip. I still remember that day. It was the kind of day when you feel the world weighing heavy on your shoulders. Mark turned up at my doorstep with nothing more than a mischievous grin and his beat-up old van, affectionately nicknamed “The Wanderer.” He looked at me and said, “The world is wide, and we are young. Let’s go get lost to find ourselves.”
What was supposed to be a day’s escape turned into a week of spontaneity. We slept under the stars, got lost more times than I can count, sang at the top of our lungs to songs we barely knew the lyrics to, and shared stories that made us laugh until our stomachs hurt. The journey didn’t just lighten the load I was carrying back then; it showed me the value of friendship, freedom, and living in the moment. That was Mark, a tornado of spontaneity, pulling you into an adventure you never knew you needed.
Yet, despite his love for adventure, Mark also had a calmness about him that was almost infectious. He had an uncanny ability to quiet the storm inside you with just a few words or a reassuring smile. He was my confidante, the one I could call at 2 AM to discuss life’s quandaries or the latest episode of a TV show we were both hooked on. He knew when to offer advice and when to simply listen, offering silence as a refuge from the chaos of the world.
Mark, my dear friend, your passing leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled. Your laughter, your spirit of adventure, your comforting presence – they are now but cherished memories, echoes of a friendship that will continue to live on in my heart.
As we say our final goodbyes, we remember you not with tears of sadness but with smiles, recalling the joy and happiness you brought into our lives. We remember you as you were – a beautiful soul, an adventurer, a beacon of light in our sometimes-dark world.
In honor of Mark, let’s not dwell in the sorrow of his departure. Instead, let’s celebrate the life he lived and the person he was. Let’s remember his unquenchable thirst for life, his deep and resounding laughter, and his unwavering loyalty as a friend.
Mark, you were the echo in the forest, the breeze on a summer day, and now the whisper in our hearts, forever reminding us of the bond we shared. Though we part ways today, the footprints you left on our hearts will remain. You will be greatly missed, my dear friend. Rest in peace, until we meet again.
Thank you, Mark, for the memories, the adventures, and most importantly, your friendship. We love you and will remember you always.
IX. Conclusion
A. the impact of a heartfelt funeral speech.
A well-crafted and heartfelt funeral speech can have a profound impact on the audience, providing solace and comfort during a time of grief. By incorporating elements from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s, John Cleese’s, and Oprah Winfrey’s, as well as drawing from short eulogy examples and funny eulogy examples, you can create a powerful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life and character. A funeral speech that shares fond memories and celebrates the entire life of a loved one can be remembered as the best eulogy ever, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear it.
B. Final thoughts on honoring the memory of a loved one
Honoring the memory of a close friend or family member through a funeral speech is a significant responsibility. Writing a eulogy that strikes the perfect balance between paying tribute to the person’s life and acknowledging grief can be an emotional and challenging process. However, by focusing on the person’s life, their impact on others, and the fond memories shared, you can create a beautiful eulogy that truly honors their memory. Remember to draw inspiration from examples like Steve Jobs’ eulogy by Mona Simpson or Sonny Bono’s eulogy by Cher, and always speak from the heart. In doing so, you will not only pay tribute to your loved one but also provide hope, comfort, and healing to all those in attendance.
At MemoryCherish, we understand the importance of honoring your loved one’s memory with a heartfelt and professionally crafted eulogy. Our team of experienced writers is dedicated to helping you create a beautiful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and the fond memories shared. Let MemoryCherish be your partner in honoring your loved one’s memory with a professionally crafted eulogy. Reach out to us today and let us help you create a touching tribute that celebrates their life and provides comfort to those in attendance.
What makes the best eulogy?
The best eulogy is one that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and impact on others while providing comfort to those in attendance. Key elements of the best eulogy include:
- Authenticity: Speak from the heart and share genuine emotions and experiences.
- Personal anecdotes: Share stories that highlight the person’s personality, values, and relationships.
- Balance: Strike a balance between honoring the person’s life and acknowledging grief.
- Positive aspects: Focus on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life, including accomplishments, passions, and happy memories.
- Emotional connection: Establish an emotional connection with the audience by using descriptive language and conveying empathy.
- Organization: Structure the eulogy with a clear beginning, middle, and end to guide the audience through the person’s life and experiences.
What is the best speech for a funeral?
The best speech for a funeral is one that pays tribute to the deceased while offering comfort and solace to the grieving family and friends. This can be achieved by:
- Sharing personal stories, anecdotes, and memories of the person.
- Focusing on the positive aspects of their life and the impact they had on others.
- Acknowledging the grief and loss felt by those in attendance.
- Using appropriate humor and light moments to provide relief and healing.
- Ensuring the speech is concise, well-organized, and delivered with sincerity and emotion.
What is the best closing line for a eulogy?
The best closing line for a eulogy is one that leaves a lasting impression, encapsulates the person’s life and legacy, and offers hope or inspiration to the audience. Some examples of powerful closing lines are:
- “May we carry [deceased’s name] memory in our hearts, allowing their spirit to live on through us.”
- “As we say our final goodbye, let us remember [deceased’s name] life and the love they brought to all who knew them.”
- “In the words of [deceased’s name], ‘Live fully, love deeply, and make a difference.’ Let us honor their memory by following this guiding principle.”
- “Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the beautiful memories of [deceased’s name] and the impact they had on our lives.”
Choose a closing line that reflects the person’s character and values, and leaves the audience with a sense of comfort and inspiration.
Writing a eulogy during this difficult time is hard. Our professional writers are here to help you capture your loved one’s essence and life beautifully.
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A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples
By: Author Camila Steinfeld
Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023
Categories Writing Prompts
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With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service.
Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. It requires some forethought and planning.
A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will not soon be forgiven.
The ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of a Funeral Speech
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/01-Photo-of-an-open-Bible-a-place-in-church-where-you-make-speeches..jpg)
When you sit down to decide what you’re going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration.
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In writing your speech , it’s important to demonstrate the personal relationship you shared with the deceased. It’s necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the person’s life as it related to your own.
If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceased’s life, do so tastefully.
Your aim is not to deliver a stand-up comedy routine, but rather, a poignant and potentially somewhat humorous view of who the deceased was and what they meant to you.
A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if you’re feeling over-emotional. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment.
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That’s not to say that you cannot show your emotions and grief. But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared.
Finally, don’t use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased.
Outline: How to build a funeral speech
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/02-Photo-of-a-person-making-an-outline-on-hisnotes..jpg)
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Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceased’s life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker.
A Eulogy for a Mother
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/03-Photo-of-a-rose-on-top-of-book-sheets.jpg)
The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mother’s funeral.
Despite the fact that she was ill, and we knew her passing was inevitable, it has still come as a shock to us as a family.
My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite.
We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. That doesn’t mean that raising us was easy, nor always enjoyable.
My siblings and I gave her a lot of gray hairs along the way. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us.
And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again.
One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. That meant that she had very little time to herself.
And even with the little ‘me time’ she had, she never used it for herself. She’d always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed.
What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love.
My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we could’ve hoped to have.
A Eulogy for a Father
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/04-An-old-photo-of-a-father-sitting-on-a-raft-with-his-child-sitting-on-his-lap.jpg)
My father was a quiet man. He seldom said much. That’s why, when he did have something to say, we listened.
That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth.
He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements.
Whether it was scoring a home run in a Little League baseball game or getting a bursary for a university, he delighted in our successes.
As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. In fact, right now, that’s the place I wish I was more than anything else.
He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didn’t want to do it properly.
My father had an incredibly dry sense of humor. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didn’t get it.
But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said.
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He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously.
He was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to take sides.
He’s left a gap in our lives that we can’t even begin to contemplate filling.
A Funeral Speech for a Best Friend
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Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-grader’s, on the first day of school – ever.
Something drew us to each other though. We could never quite figure out what it was, but it’s lasted a lifetime.
As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much.
We just understood each other. Even if you put us on either side of a big room full of people, Jennifer and I would always find our way back to each other immediately.
We survived high school together. I’m not sure if either of us would’ve made it without the other. We laughed and cried together so many times.
There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what – no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there.
We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. We lived far away from each other and I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.
I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.
But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like we’d never been apart.
It’s that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had.
A Eulogy for a Wife
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/06-A-photo-of-a-written-eulogy-carved-on-a-piece-of-concrete.jpg)
I don’t know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samantha’s passing has left in my life.
It feels like half of me has vanished in an instant, and I’m not sure I’ll ever feel whole again.
Samantha was an amazing woman. She had such an infectious zest for life that she could always find the humor or a silver lining of any situation, regardless of the gravity. Anything seemed possible with her attitude.
The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational.
Samantha and I met quite by accident. I walked into her office in error – and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction.
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I knew there and then that I would never be able to stay away from her, and that my life would not be complete without her in it. She didn’t make it easy.
I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. But when I look back on the life we’ve shared, it was more than worth it.
Our children were the center of Samantha’s world. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today.
I wish I’d had more time with her, I really do. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life.
A Funeral Speech for a Husband
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/07-Photo-of-a-woman-alone-at-the-beach-reminiscing-those-times-she-had-with-her-late-husband.jpg)
The thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor. He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry.
Whenever I’d get angry or upset with him – for whatever reason – I’d always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it.
As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did.
Like when I decided that the patio needed to be refurbished. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though I’m sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio.
In fact, I know he would have preferred to spend his weekend resting and relaxing. But he never let me down. Tired or not, he’d help me with all my ‘projects’.
Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner.
I couldn’t have asked for a better father for my children. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies!
The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction.
He supported them every step of the way. He picked them up when they fell or failed.
He encouraged them to keep going. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become.
My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephen’s presence by my side.
A Eulogy for a brother
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/08-An-old-photograph-of-a-couple-young-brothers-walking-together.jpg)
I’m not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up.
There were times I wished he wasn’t my brother. And I’m sure there were times he wished I wasn’t his sister.
We seemed to have a knack for pushing each other’s buttons, sometimes with some amusing consequences, sometimes not.
From the outset, David stood out as an individual. He did not march to the beat of society’s drum. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it.
One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier.
He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face and the mischievous grin on David’s.
As we grew older, I began to see David for what he truly was. He was a caring brother who’d do anything to protect me.
He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. He was the only one who understood my hurt and confusion when our parents divorced.
David was a loyal and kind person who’d never let you down.
He’d have given anyone the shirt off his back. I’m proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother.
A Funeral Speech for a Sister
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/09-Photo-of-a-couple-of-sisters-sitting-under-a-tree-during-sunset.jpg)
My sister Janet never met a challenge she didn’t conquer.
Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until she’d overcome it.
Of course, she drove me crazy. Having a little sister who wanted to tag along was, at times, infuriating.
She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard.
When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. Her lips and teeth were full of lipstick, and there was mascara everywhere. I was furious at the time. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry.
Anytime she’d open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldn’t stay angry with her.
She’d open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. And I couldn’t stay angry with her.
Janet was an exemplary student. She had an incredible work ethic. If she didn’t understand something, she’d work at it until she did.
Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. She had so much left to offer the world.
But wherever she is, I know that she’s looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile.
A Funeral Speech for a Close Acquaintance (e.g., a teacher, boss, coworker)
![how to start of a funeral speech how to start of a funeral speech](https://tosaylib.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/10-Photo-of-a-respected-and-loved-person-in-grayscale.jpg)
I’d like to start by offering John’s family my sincerest condolences.
Your loss is so great. You had a special man in your midst, and I’m can’t imagine the depth of loss you must feel.
John was my high school English teacher, so you might wonder why I refer to him as John and not as Mr. Robinson; it was at his insistence, as soon as I graduated.
When I first called him Mr. Robinson after graduation, he’d turned around and said, “Is my father standing behind me?” When I replied in the negative, he’d said, “Then why are you saying his name?”
John taught me so much more than English. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value.
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He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today.
John’s work ethic influenced me greatly. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. I took those lessons to heart.
His passion for teaching English was contagious. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. He made the written word come alive in class.
He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. He was like a father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one.
He shaped me into the man I am today. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary
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Funeral Speech Examples for a Heartfelt Eulogy
We hope our funeral speech examples will inspire you to write a heartfelt eulogy to honour your loved one.
Delivering a funeral speech can be a daunting task. Quite apart from the challenge of speaking in front of people while in a highly charged emotional state, the task of actually writing the funeral speech can be overwhelming.
We are here to help you tackle this important job especially if you are in a state of shock from the grief of losing your loved one.
Further down the page there are links to example eulogies for all loved ones, friends or colleagues to give you inspiration.
![The life given us by nature is short, but the memory of a life well spent is eternal. Cicero. Meme with seascape background. The life given us by nature is short, but the memory of a life well spent is eternal. Cicero. Meme with seascape background.](https://www.griefandsympathy.com/images/xCiceroEcard.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6G1E8mLFko.webp)
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Guidelines for Writing Funeral Speeches:
First of all, we have put together the following simple guidelines to help you to think of things to say:
- Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person
- Describe the person's qualities
- Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions
- Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues
- Mention things that you inherited or learned from them
- Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral
- Mention a couple of funny stories if appropriate
- Keep it real and don't be afraid of mentioning their less good points - you don't have to put them on a pedestal
- Thank people for coming to the funeral and for their support
Next, read the following two pages to give you step by step instructions on writing the eulogy and giving the speech:
'How to write a eulogy'
'How to give a eulogy'
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Eulogy Sample Speeches
All the following links are sample eulogies written about real people. The ones for a father were written by myself and my brother when my Dad died. The one for a mother was written by my mother (founder of this website) about her own Mum.
Many of the others have been written for us by guest writers about their own lost loved ones.
We hope they will give you some ideas for writing your own moving tribute.
![Nicholas Sparks This is not goodbye my darling Nicholas Sparks This is not goodbye my darling](https://www.griefandsympathy.com/images/x9.jpg.pagespeed.ic.MGjjKwDkmg.webp)
Eulogy Examples for a Father
Eulogy for a Father-in-Law
Eulogy for a Mother
Eulogy for a Mother by a Daughter
Eulogy for a Mother in Law
Eulogy for a Husband
Eulogy for a Wife
Eulogy for a Grandmother
Eulogy for a Grandfather
Eulogy for an Aunt
Eulogies for an Uncle
Two Eulogies for a Brother
One More Eulogy for a Brother
Eulogy for a Sister
Eulogy for a Best Friend
A Humorous Eulogy for a Friend
Eulogy for a Mentor
Eulogy for a Friend
Printable Eulogy Templates
Finally, to help you with your task of writing your funeral speech, we have some printable templates as a guide to write eulogies for adults and for children.
Print them out and then fill in the information and stories for your own departed loved one.
Free Eulogy Templates
Related Pages:
Planning a Funeral - Step by Step
Funeral Music
How to Deal with Grief
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For caregivers and bereaved individuals who would like to contribute to our understanding of caregiving and bereavement, this is a way to make a difference.
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How to Write a Memorable Tribute Speech: Step-By-Step
Updated 04/19/2024
Published 11/16/2019
![how to start of a funeral speech Sam Tetrault, BA in English](https://joincake.imgix.net/samresized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=100&q=25)
Sam Tetrault, BA in English
Contributing writer
![how to start of a funeral speech Unsure of what to include in your tribute speech? Here is a step-by-step guide and some examples to get you started.](https://joincake.imgix.net/reimond-de-zuniga-RFERNHTVYcQ-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=640&q=50)
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A tribute takes on so many different meanings, it can be hard to remember what it’s supposed to be. But when you write a tribute speech, you can get to its true purpose, which is to honor a specific person. Usually, you can hear tribute speeches at funerals, memorials, and celebrations -- but all tend to follow a similar formula.
Also see our tribute speech topic ideas and tribute speech samples below for some ideas to get you started.
If you’re speaking at a funeral or at a memorial, you might need to write a tribute speech. Or even if you’re speaking at a celebration and simply focusing this piece on a loved one who has died, this guide is for you.
You want your tribute speech to use the right words and to paint an accurate, admirable picture of the person. A heartfelt speech evokes emotion in the listeners and conveys a clear message.
Tip : While speaking at a virtual event, like a live-streamed memorial organized by a service such as GatheringUs , practice your speech using your video conferencing software ahead of time so you can anticipate and fix any audio issues.
Here is a quick overview of the steps for writing a tribute speech:
- Think About the Person
- Write an Outline
- Get the Audience’s Attention
- Make Your Points
- Finish Strong
- Practice Your Speech
Step 1: Think About the Person
What purpose does your tribute speech serve? Are you sharing a particular moment in a loved one’s life, writing about their successes, or about their positive attributes? Do you want the audience to come away with a particular message or understanding of your loved one?
Brainstorm a few characteristics or key points you’d like to include in the tribute speech. With these kinds of speeches, it’s ok to evoke emotion and share that feeling with your audience. What emotions do you want your audience to feel? If you’re giving your speech at a memorial, you might want your words to highlight a sense of fondness or happiness. Make sure you are considering your audience as well as the person you’re writing about.
After all, writing a tribute speech for your mother will be very different than writing one for a friend.
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Step 2: Write an Outline
![how to start of a funeral speech Tribute speech outline example](https://joincake.imgix.net/tribute-speech-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=1200&q=25)
Before you begin writing, create an outline. Writing an outline helps you organize your thoughts before putting pen to paper. Most tribute speeches follow the same format. Here’s a quick guideline to follow:
- Introduction: Who is the speech about? What is your relation to this person?
- Main point 1: Start off with a key characteristic of the person you’re talking about, such as their caring nature or listening skills.
- Evidence: What evidence do you have that supports your main point? For instance, if they were a caring person, talk about a time they helped others.
- Main point 2: What’s another point you’d like to make about the person?
- Evidence: Again, support your point.
- Conclusion: Repeat your crucial points and end with something meaningful.
You can include as many main points as you’d wish, but less is usually more. If you’re giving a speech at a funeral, there may be time limits to consider. Knowing what to say when someone dies is never easy. Using an outline organizes your thoughts in a clear way no matter the purpose of your speech.
Step 3: Get the Audience’s Attention
The hardest part of a tribute speech is often the introduction. How do you capture the audience’s attention? If your speech is during a funeral, for instance, emotions are already high. If you’re giving a speech at another event or celebration, you similarly need to capture attention. How do you hook listeners with your tribute?
Start by relating to the listeners themselves. You need to appeal to the audience on a personal level to develop a connection with your words. If you’re speaking at a funeral, remind them how the deceased person brought everyone together. Open with your relationship with this person, and talk about your loved one’s role in your life.
A good way to start is with a personal story. Humans naturally are drawn to stories. Including one at the beginning of your speech brings the audience closer to you. From there, it’s easier to share your main points with the listeners’ full attention.
Step 4: Make Your Points
![how to start of a funeral speech Tip on writing a tribute speech with image of the ocean in the background](https://joincake.imgix.net/tribute-speech-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=1200&q=25)
It might be tempting to drag out your introduction, especially if you’re using a personal take to capture the audience’s attention. Consider keeping the introduction brief so you can get to your point sooner rather than later. A concisely worded speech makes more of an impact through brevity and pauses than long drawn-out sentences.
With a tribute speech, you might include any of the following:
- The person’s characteristics
- The person’s accomplishments
- The person’s lasting impact
- Your experience with the person
All of these need real-life evidence. Memories, attributes, and physical creations provide plenty of support for what your loved one did in their life, and how they made you feel. How you share these main points is up to you.
Consider how you knew this person personally. Do you have a particularly funny or touching memory that was not shared widely? Did you see a special side of this person? These are all valuable questions to answer when writing a memorial tribute.
Step 5: Finish Strong
Finish your tribute speech on a high note. Popular quotes or poems can provide a way to tie up your speech. Or even ending with a quote or familiar saying from your loved one can leave your audience fondly remembering the person. Wrapping up your tribute speech can also be used to recall your main points and making a final statement about the person.
You might ask the audience to remember their own favorite memory of this person or to think of them when they visit a certain place. Either way, leave them with something memorable.
Step 6: Practice Your Speech
Finally, before you present, it’s time to practice. If you’re anxious, use these tips to put you at ease:
- Think of your speech as a performance, not just a reading
- Make eye contact with your audience
- Stand up straight and tall
- Focus on your storytelling skills
- Let your passion show
As long as you’re putting emotion into the topic, this shines through for the audience. Practice really does make perfect. Don’t be afraid to share your speech with your friends and family before the big day.
Tribute Speech Topic Ideas
For inspiration planning your tribute speech, review these topic ideas below. Your tribute can be about anything that matters to you.
- Write about a physical tribute to made for your favorite person.
- Write about a loved one who passed.
- Describe an event involving yourself and a loved one.
- Share a memory.
- Give a tribute to a place that matters to you.
- What movie or book inspired you?
- Did an incident ever change your life?
- Give a toast to someone who matters to you.
- Share someone or something that changed your mind.
- Explain the relationships that mean the most to you.
Tribute Speech Samples
![how to start of a funeral speech Quote from a sample tribute speech](https://joincake.imgix.net/tribute-speech-3.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=1200&q=25)
To get a strong feel for what a tribute speech looks like, read through these samples below. Each speech serves a different purpose, but you’ll see how they impact the audience through storytelling and compassion.
Tribute to a friend after their passing
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me to celebrate the life of my dear friend, Julian. All of us here admired Julian’s devotion to his family. I first met Julian through his wife, Stephanie. There was never a time when he wasn’t raving about Stephanie and all of their adventures together. I remember specifically one late night at work. Julian was the first to tell the whole office to head home. He always said nothing was more important than family, and that was certainly true. That’s the legacy Julian leaves behind: his shining family. I know we’ll all remember him even though he’s no longer with us. We still see Julian in his son and daughter, Mark and Mandy. Let’s make sure he’s never forgotten."
Tribute to a coworker "Thanks for joining me at this year’s celebration. Today, I’d like to highlight the success of Luisa, one of our best underwriters. Luisa is dedicated to her clients and helping them secure the home of their dreams. When Luisa first began working here, she would spend hours pouring over each applicant’s documents. She wanted to get everything right the first time. “The family is counting on us,” she would say. Luisa is right. It’s this kind of passion and attention to detail that makes her such an asset to our company."
Tribute to a sibling for a wedding
"I’m so thankful to be speaking about June on her wedding day. June and I have known each other for basically our whole lives, give or take the two years of me being an only child. Since then, June has always been the one who had my back. From the playground to college, she was always there. June is the first person I want to tell about my day — even if she’s bad at answering her phone! I am so grateful for our special bond. I just wanted to say thank you to my little sister for being my rock.:
Write a Powerful Tribute Speech
With the steps and examples listed above, hopefully you have some inspiration to help you write a top-notch tribute speech. From learning how to hook listeners to find the right words to say, you have many paths you can take with a tribute.
And in the end, a tribute speech is a commemoration of someone special. Whether you’re giving your speech as a sympathy message at a funeral or at a celebration, make the most of this opportunity.
Everyone deserves to be remembered. Creating a tribute speech is a powerful way to evoke emotion and build strong relationships. They are for personal and professional relationships, remembering those who have died, and even just reminding us of the things we love most. It’s time to put your own pen to paper in honor of someone special.
For more help finding the right words, read our guide to what to say on a death anniversary .
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7 tips from celebrants on writing a great funeral speech 0.
![how to start of a funeral speech Eulogy examples: a microphone in front of a blurred background](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594814490/blog-assets/eulogy-examples-samples/eulogy-examples-samples.jpg)
Giving a funeral speech can be a nerve-wracking experience. Public speaking isn’t everyone’s forte — and there’s always the question of what you should (and shouldn’t) say.
So, what makes a great speech at a funeral? We spoke to four experienced celebrants — people who write and deliver eulogies professionally — to get their top tips on writing a funeral speech that feels right.
How to write a funeral speech, according to real celebrants
We spoke to Clive, Melanie, Kate and Adrienne for their tips on writing a brilliant funeral speech.
Work out the length
“A five-minute speech would typically be 600 to 650 words,” says Clive Pashley, from Premier Celebrants. Most people talk at a rate of about 125 words a minute, he explains. But the more nervous you are, the faster you’ll speak.
If you get to choose how long your speech will be, ask for only as much time as you can manage. “Remember: you’re grieving, and the longer you’re up there, the harder it gets,” says Melanie Sopp, celebrant and interfaith minister. “Even two minutes can feel like an eternity.”
Choose a topic
“Start by sorting out what the theme is,” says Adrienne Hodgson-Hoy, a celebrant from East Yorkshire. “What do you actually want to get people to understand, what is the whole basis of the speech?”
- Eulogies are where you tell the life story of the person who has died, from beginning to end.
- Tributes are typically shorter — 5-minute speeches on a treasured memory, anecdote, or theme from the person’s life.
“When you’re talking about somebody’s life, you talk about their passions: follow what they loved and what their strengths were,” says Kate Mitchell, who leads ceremonies in the South East. Eulogies follow a certain pattern (from birth to death), so it’s simply a case of pulling out those key moments that really reveal something.
For tributes, Melanie recommends writing about “things that mean something to you — whether it’s a personal memory, an anecdote, gratitude, or acknowledging somebody’s courage in the face of a long illness.” Family gatherings, holidays and first meetings are all good starting points for a funeral speech.
“ The most important thing is to tell the truth as you see it,”
Follow your instincts
Not sure what to say in a funeral speech? Go with your gut.
“Just sit down and write what’s in your head, even if it’s a jumbled mess,” says Melanie. “Then go back through it to revise it and pick out what needs to be said on the day.”
Clive adds: “Don’t second guess yourself. If you think of a memory and it feels right, it’s important to you and it’s something that you shared — and if you think your friend or loved one would like you to share it — then I would go ahead and include it.”
Be even-handed
“Make sure your speech is as unbiased as possible,” says Adrienne. “Gather information from different parts of the family, so you actually get an accurate picture of what happened and what [the person who has died] was like.”
To get the information you need for your funeral speech, you may have to put your own opinions to one side. “Don’t be argumentative when you are taking the information, and don’t put your viewpoint first,” Adrienne stresses.
Clive agrees. “Some people use their time at the microphone to try and settle a score or get one up on someone. That’s obviously a real no-no,” he says, adding that such funeral speeches can be “excruciatingly embarrassing.”
Be honest — even about the difficult bits
Talking about someone with a complicated or difficult history? All our celebrants agreed on one thing: not to flinch away from talking about it.
![how to start of a funeral speech Person leaning against a fence by a lake](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_1200,h_800,c_scale/v1594815003/blog-assets/help-with-funeral-costs-scaled/help-with-funeral-costs-1200x800.jpg)
“That doesn’t mean a litany of things that they did wrong — and it doesn’t have to be the gory details. It’s about telling the truth but being kind.”
“Acknowledge that they did have issues,” says Adrienne. “I lead a funeral service once for someone who was an alcoholic, and the family said that yes, he had issues with alcohol, and he tried to turn away from it, but unfortunately the issue was too big a problem for him to overcome. There are tactful ways of saying these things.”
Honesty can be cathartic. Melanie gave a difficult eulogy for her father and says that the experience was “Liberating. It was an honest account of that relationship. I don’t regret it.”
Remember, it’s not all about you
![how to start of a funeral speech Man and woman at a funeral](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_200,h_300,c_scale/v1594812486/blog-assets/ryan-crotty-V7t83TLfBIA-unsplash-scaled/ryan-crotty-V7t83TLfBIA-unsplash-scaled-200x300.jpg)
“Just be careful not to make it too centred on yourself, and make sure it really does focus on the person who’s passed away,” says Clive.
When talking about others, specific names also are important, he stresses. “Try to avoid saying ‘we’ or ‘they’ unless it’s obvious who you’re referring to. Otherwise, it can be a little ambiguous and hard to follow.”
Don’t be flowery, be specific
A lot of people feel that since a funeral is a serious occasion, funeral speeches should use serious, impressive language. Not so, say our celebrants.
“If their name was David, but they were known as Dave, call them Dave! Keep it personal,” says Adrienne.
“Don’t try and be clever and write flowery phases! Everybody thinks that they need to, but someone isn’t suddenly different because they died,” Kate explains. “If you can be specific, and base your speech on real things that happened, that’s best.”
“The songs you used to listen to together, the ways he used to stir his tea — those are the sorts of details that are specific to that person, and that’s what makes a great eulogy.”
For more inspiration…
For more ideas on things to say in a funeral speech, you can’t go wrong with our article on funeral speech examples . It’s filled with touching and sometimes even funny eulogies from real people.
Feeling nervous about an upcoming funeral speech? We followed up with Melanie, Clive, Adrienne and Kate to find out how to overcome your jitters. Check out their tips and tricks here.
Meet the celebrants
Clive Pashley started Premier Celebrants with his friend, James Greely, in 2016. They were later joined by Rachel Nussey. He and his team offer professional and bespoke funeral service planning across the Midlands.
Rev. Melanie Sopp is a celebrant and interfaith minister, working across the Midlands and the South coast. Melanie runs the excellent Celebrant Academy, which trains celebrants to create ceremonies and lead services of all kinds.
Adrienne Hodgson-Hoy was inspired to become a celebrant after losing her husband. Now, she leads unique, personal funeral services across Hull and East Yorkshire. With a friend, Adrienne runs Memories of Me, a service that allows people to plan their own funeral services.
Kate Mitchell is a creative independent celebrant working in the South East: her stomping grounds include Kent, Surrey and Sussex. As well as funerals, Kate leads thoughtful wedding and baby-naming ceremonies.
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9 Creative Ways to Remember Someone Who Has Died 0
![how to start of a funeral speech Ways to remember someone who has died](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_1200,h_800,c_scale/v1594812943/blog-assets/what-to-do-with-ashes-2/what-to-do-with-ashes-2-1200x800.jpg)
When you lose someone, one of the scariest things about it is the idea that you might forget them. Or that the memory of losing them will overshadow the happier times you spent together. The good news is this: you won’t forget them, ever. We promise. And there are ways of remembering someone who has died that can help you celebrate all the great things about them. Here are some suggestions…
9 special things to do to remember someone who has died
Not sure how to remember someone who has died ? We hope you’ll find some inspiration here.
Start a tradition for their birthday
Find something that helps you feel close to them, and do it each year. For example, you could:
- Do something your loved one liked to do
- Take a trip to a place that meant something to you both
- Have a big family dinner and raise a toast – and invite their close friends
- Light a candle for them in the evening
Build on what you know about them. Take a class in something they knew well. Go on their favourite dog walk. Take the day off and make all their favourite foods.
“My sister and I go to a 40s event on Mum’s birthday each year,” explains Rachel, a funeral arranger at our Aylesbury branch. “She was a child of the 40s, and it helps us remember how life would have been for her growing up.”
Talk to them
![how to start of a funeral speech Japanese wind telephone](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_400,h_268/v1594812259/blog-assets/wind-telephone/wind-telephone.png)
While this might feel a little odd at first, a lot of people find comfort in these talks. After the 2011 tsunami in Japan, one bereaved relative set up a disconnected ‘wind telephone’ in his garden so that he could talk to the family he lost. Since then, people from all over the area have come to talk to their loved ones.
Take a trip
Go somewhere your loved one always wanted to go, do something they always wanted to do. A once-in-a-lifetime trip can be a fantastic way for a family to heal together after a rough year.
Keep something of theirs close by
![how to start of a funeral speech Ash Glass Design's cremation glass mourning ring](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_200,h_200,c_fill/v1594814657/blog-assets/ash-glass-design-memorial-gold-blue-ring/ash-glass-design-memorial-gold-blue-ring.jpg)
Another (slightly more unusual) way of remembering someone special who has died is to get their ashes made into jewellery. Specialist craftspeople can suspend the ashes in glass or resin beads and place them in pendants, earrings, bracelets or rings.
Go big with a firework display
A memorial fireworks display can be a lovely way to remember someone special. Team it with plenty of friends and family, some of your loved one’s favourite music, and some toasty hot drinks for a unique and cosy celebration of life.
The important thing here is safety. Always buy your fireworks from a registered seller or licenced shop and check that they are suitable for home use. Make sure bystanders are standing back as far as is recommended for that firework. You can find more safety advice here.
What about balloon, lantern, butterfly and dove launches? Here, it’s important to do your research to minimise the impact on local wildlife and pets. Always use biodegradable materials.
Get something dedicated to them
Not sure if the traditional park bench is the best way of remembering someone who has died ? There are all kinds of alternatives…
- For lovers of the performing arts, you can dedicate theatre, opera, or concert hall seats
- Football ground seats are a great way to remember fans of the beautiful game
- For music lovers, you can call in to your local radio station and dedicate their favourite song to them on their birthday
- You can get a rose named in memory of someone special , and give cuttings to family and friends
- Or dedicate a tree (or an acre of woodland ) to them with the Woodland Trust
Write to them
![how to start of a funeral speech Writing a letter to remember someone who has died](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_1067,h_800,c_scale/v1594812248/blog-assets/remember-someone-who-has-died-scaled/remember-someone-who-has-died-scaled-1067x800.jpg)
Not much of a letter writer? You’re not alone. When writer Rax King tweeted about the emails she sent her dad after he died, thousands of other people came forward to say that they did the same. Or sent texts, or g-chat messages. While it’s best not to actually press ‘send’ on these (numbers can be reallocated to other people, email accounts closed) just the act of writing can bring comfort.
Support a cause that mattered to them
Is there a cause your loved one cared deeply about that you could support? Or would you like to raise money for a charity that fights their final illness, or supports families like yours?
One of the best ways to remember someone who has died is to build something positive with their legacy. You could…
- Set up an online crowdfunding obituary that asks friends and family to donate
- Organise a fundraiser or do a charity run to raise money
- Sign up to donate a small amount each month in their memory
- Set up a scholarship or endowment at their old school, college or uni
- Launch a charitable trust or foundation of your own to lobby for a cause
- Sponsor a child (or even an animal) through a charity
Visit their grave or scattering place
![how to start of a funeral speech Forget-me-not flowers](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_1200,h_800,c_scale/v1594813205/blog-assets/conors-story-forget-me-nots-scaled/conors-story-forget-me-nots-1200x800.jpg)
If you like, you can also bring a wreath, bouquet or (land owner permitting) something to plant. In Victorian times, people would often use flowers to send messages: each one had a special meaning. This old mourning custom is still a lovely way to express how you feel. E.g. rosemary for remembrance, white periwinkle for happy memories, an oak-leaved geranium for true friendship or marigolds for grief.
Then again, a bouquet of your loved one’s favourites is an equally thoughtful gesture. At natural burial grounds, where planting rules are strict, a scattering of native wildflowers can also be a beautiful way to remember someone who has died.
Share your favourite ways to remember someone who has died
How do you remember the special people you’ve lost? Share your suggestions with other bereaved families in the comment section below. We’d love to hear your stories.
10 Funny Funeral Poems for an Uplifting Service 0
![how to start of a funeral speech Michael Ashby's A Long Cup of Tea, a funny funeral poem](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594812410/blog-assets/Funny-Funeral-Poems-tea/Funny-Funeral-Poems-tea.png)
‘Funny funeral poems’ might sound like a bit of a contradiction. But humour isn’t always out of place at a farewell. When we celebrate someone’s life, we celebrate all of it, all of the best things about them — and that can mean laughter as well as sadness.
Here, we’ve gathered together 10 popular funny funeral poems to inspire you. We hope you’ll find something your loved one would have giggled at.
Pardon Me For Not Getting Up by Kelly Roper
There’s puns galore in this poem by Kelly Roper, writer and hospice volunteer. It’s a popular light-hearted reading, especially in funerals for people who were always taking care of others.
Told from the perspective of someone who has died, Pardon Me For Not Getting Up asks funeral guests to excuse them from hosting this time — and asks them to go ahead and celebrate their life nevertheless.
A Long Cup of Tea by Michael Ashby
![how to start of a funeral speech Michael Ashby's A Long Cup of Tea, a funny funeral poem](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_900,h_450/v1594812410/blog-assets/Funny-Funeral-Poems-tea/Funny-Funeral-Poems-tea.png)
Is this the most British funeral poem of all time? Perhaps. Full of sly jokes (‘Please pick the biggest mug you can find / Size really does matter at this time’) Michael Ashby’s funeral poem is perfect for someone who loved to kick back with a cuppa. And who doesn’t?
The Busman’s Prayer by Anon
![how to start of a funeral speech The Busman's Prayer, one of our top 10 funny funeral poems](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_900,h_450/v1594812389/blog-assets/Funny-funeral-poems-busman/Funny-funeral-poems-busman.png)
You can, of course, also write your own. Simply swap out the London locations for local landmarks with a similar sound.
Death by Joe Brainard
This wry, matter-of-fact poem by Joe Brainard has a lot of simple truth in it. And some very black humour. Noting that visualising death might help us not to be afraid, he adds:
“Try to visualize, for example, someone sneaking up behind your back and hitting you over the head with a giant hammer.”
If your friend or relative was a straightforward sort of person with an appreciation for the darker variety of jokes, this could be the one.
Warning by Jenny Joseph
![how to start of a funeral speech Jenny Joseph's Warning, one of the best funny funeral poems for mums.](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_900,h_450/v1594812429/blog-assets/Funny-Funeral-Poems-Warning/Funny-Funeral-Poems-Warning.png)
It’s also an excellent message for us all: don’t let respectability get in the way of doing all the (silly) things that make you happy.
On a Tired Housewife by Anon
This anonymous poem has something of a dark backstory. But it’s now one of the nation’s favourite comic poems.
In it, the reader explains that after a lifetime of hard work, she’s actually looking forward to a restful eternal sleep. This makes it one of the more fitting funny funeral poems for a friend or parent who was always busy looking after their family.
Untitled jisei by Moriya Sen’an
![how to start of a funeral speech A jisei (death poem) by Moriya Sen'an](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_900,h_450/v1594812337/blog-assets/funny-funeral-poems-wine/funny-funeral-poems-wine.png)
Death by Sean Hughes
This poem, which describes Sean Hughes’ idea of a good funeral, is ideal for any ‘celebration of life’ style funeral service.
With free drinks and new friendships being forged, it actually does sound like a great way to send someone off. The poem was in fact read at Hughes’ own funeral.
I Didn’t Go To Church Today by Ogden Nash
![how to start of a funeral speech I Didn't Go to Church Today, one of our top 10 funny funeral poems by Ogden Nash](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_1200,h_675,c_scale/v1594812312/blog-assets/funny-funeral-poems-church/funny-funeral-poems-church-1200x675.png)
Although light-hearted, the poem does have comfort for those at a funeral. As Nash shares, God will likely understand. After all, ‘He knows when I am said and done / We’ll have plenty of time together’.
Last Will and Testament by Will Scratchmann
![how to start of a funeral speech Last Will and Testament by Will Scratchmann, one of the best funny funeral poems](https://res.cloudinary.com/beyond/images/f_auto,q_auto/w_900,h_450/v1594812299/blog-assets/Funny-Funeral-Poems-will/Funny-Funeral-Poems-will.png)
One last note on funny funeral poems…
Giving a ‘funny’ reading at a funeral can be a bit nerve-wracking. What if it goes down badly? The best thing to ask yourself is what the person who has died would have thought. Does the poem sound like them? Is it something they might have found funny? After all, the day is all about them. And if you need advice on public speaking, take a look at our top tips from funeral celebrants.
Didn’t find the right funeral poem today? Not to worry. We have a round up of 33 beautiful non-religious funeral poems here to help you in your search.
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How to Give a Meaningful Funeral Speech
- The Speaker Lab
- April 11, 2024
Table of Contents
Standing before friends and family to deliver a funeral speech (also known as a eulogy ) can be daunting. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate this emotional task with poise and sincerity.
In this article, you’ll find practical advice for writing and delivering a eulogy that pays homage to your loved one’s unique journey through life. Learn how to use personal anecdotes to create an intimate connection with your audience, giving voice to shared grief. Whether you want to capture favorite memories or impart lessons taught by the departed, this guide will help you write and deliver a funeral speech that leaves a lasting impression.
Crafting a Heartfelt Funeral Speech
When you’re faced with the task of crafting a funeral speech, it can feel like trying to navigate through a thick fog of emotions. It’s not just about finding the right words; it’s also about painting a picture that captures the essence of your loved one’s life.
Speaking from the Heart
Tips for writing a heartfelt funeral speech often start with digging deep into personal reflections and fond memories. A eulogy is not merely an opportunity to bid farewell but also to celebrate and pay tribute to someone who made our lives richer.
The secret sauce? Sincerity. When you share stories—whether they are funny or poignant—you allow others at the memorial service to see facets of their dear friend or family member perhaps only you knew. This could be as simple as recalling mundane tasks that brought out their big smile, or sharing how this kind person taught valuable lessons simply by being themselves.
The Art of Eulogy Writing
Eulogy writing is more than stitching together notable life events; it’s creating narrative threads from various chapters of an entire life—a tapestry rich with color and texture uniquely theirs. Crafting these narratives means weaving favorite memories into something tangible people can hold onto long after they’ve left the funeral service behind.
You might worry about disrespectfulness when including humorous anecdotes within your short eulogy, but don’t let this deter you. While it can be tricky to pull off, a touch of humor can bring lightness amidst grief. If done thoughtfully, it won’t detract from the solemnity of the occasion.
Finding Inspiration
- A walk down memory lane : Spend time reflecting on moments shared; sometimes inspiration hides in unexpected corners like old photographs or familiar scents that remind you of memorable stories.
- Talk it out : Conversations with other close friends or family members often unearth amazing memories which capture multiple perspectives, making every minute spent recounting tales worth its weight in gold.
- Literary aid : When you’re finding it tough to put feelings into words, lean on free templates for guidance. They spark ideas and make sure nothing’s missed when emotions run high. For a helping hand, check out these free eulogy templates .
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Delivering Your Funeral Speech with Confidence
Standing before a group of mourners to deliver a funeral speech is no small feat. It’s about more than just reading words; it’s about conveying the essence of someone dear who has passed away, while managing your own emotions and connecting deeply with those around you.
Connecting with Your Audience
The key to delivering an impactful eulogy lies in forging a connection. Making eye contact can bridge the space between speaker and listener, drawing everyone closer into shared remembrance. It’s not just about looking up from your notes but really seeing the faces before you, recognizing their grief as part of yours.
Your body language speaks volumes too. Open gestures invite listeners into each fond memory or story told. A comforting smile during a lighter moment or respectfully bowed head at somber ones can enhance every word spoken, making sure they’re felt as much as heard.
Tackling Nervousness Head-On
Facing nervousness head-on allows you to channel that energy into your delivery rather than letting it undermine you. If public speaking makes you anxious, try grounding yourself beforehand: take deep breaths, feel your feet on solid ground, and remind yourself why you’re there.
To further calm nerves and steady focus during this emotional task, consider having a trusted friend or family member nearby. They could be someone who shares funny stories about the person’s life alongside you or simply provides silent support through their presence—a reassuring anchor amidst stormy seas of emotion.
The Role of Humor in Eulogies
When we bid farewell to a loved one, the funeral speech serves as a bridge between our grief and their legacy. It’s where humor can gently find its place, celebrating life amidst sorrow. The eulogy becomes not just an ode to the departed but also a canvas for painting smiles through tears.
Balancing Humor and Respect
Including funny stories within a eulogy is like walking a tightrope—you aim for laughter without losing footing on respect. Sharing humorous anecdotes does more than evoke chuckles; it captures moments when our dear friend or family member made us feel special with their unique qualities.
A well-crafted joke or amusing tale can demonstrate how laughter was part of the journey you shared with the dearly departed. It’s a testament to the lasting impact they had on lives around them. But always keep in mind that timing is key—funny should never overshadow fond memories at such sensitive times.
A Humorous Eulogy for a Friend
Making someone laugh during these emotional tasks may seem daunting, yet think about all those times spent together. Remembering happy times spent with your dearly departed brings comfort at memorial services. It helps everyone remember the person’s vibrancy.
To ensure your speech strikes this perfect balance, consider these steps:
- Reflect on memorable stories that show off their sense of humor—did they have any catchphrases or signature moves?
- Select tales appropriate for all attendees while ensuring they’re true reflections of who your loved one was throughout his entire life.
- Weave funny elements seamlessly into deeper narratives about lessons taught and amazing memories created over time.
Impact of Laughter in Grieving Process
Humor has healing powers—it’s scientifically proven to relieve stress even amid profound loss. As people gather to mourn at funeral services, sharing funny stories can serve as a brief respite from grief.
Personalizing Your Funeral Speech
Crafting a funeral speech that’s as unique as your loved one was isn’t just about paying tribute. It’s about capturing their essence and sharing it with others who feel the loss deeply.
Incorporating Unique Qualities into a Eulogy
The heart of personalization lies in those quirks and characteristics that made your dear friend or family member truly themselves. To write a eulogy that reflects this individuality, think beyond dates and milestones. Remember how they made mundane tasks laughable or turned ordinary days into adventures? Start by jotting down these little things—their big smile, how they could make anyone feel special, or even their notorious love for burnt toast.
A memorable story can sometimes say more than an entire list of accomplishments. Did you spend time together working on cars every weekend? Or maybe there was that unforgettable trip where everything went wrong but somehow felt so right? These stories allow for laughter through the tears and help celebrate life despite mourning.
Expressing Gratitude in Funeral Speeches
An emotional task indeed is expressing gratitude in your funeral speech. It goes beyond thanking your loved one for being part of your life. It delves into acknowledging the lasting impact they’ve had on you—how lessons taught have shaped decisions made years later or how shared experiences now serve as solid foundation stones upon which lives are built.
To express gratitude effectively in writing funeral speeches involves reflection on moments shared, from significant events like weddings to everyday occurrences like weekly phone calls catching up on each other’s news. Alternatively, it might involve simply appreciating all those times when support was given without needing to ask for help directly because they always knew when it was needed most.
Sharing Memorable Stories in Eulogies
Tapping into favorite memories often reveals much about someone’s character. Perhaps your loved one demonstrated generosity displayed through charity work or kindness through encounters with strangers. Anecdotes like these capture hearts better than mere recitation of facts.
As we carry on, the essence of their spirit guides our steps. We weave their legacy into our daily lives, finding solace in the love they shared and strength in the wisdom they imparted. Their laughter echoes in stories retold, ensuring that although they are no longer physically with us, their influence remains as a beacon for generations to come.
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FAQs on Giving a Funeral Speech
What do you say in a funeral speech.
Acknowledge the loss, share fond memories, celebrate their life, and offer comfort to fellow mourners.
How do you start a speech off at a funeral?
Begin with gratitude for gathering together, then ease into cherished stories about the departed.
What is the best opening for a eulogy?
An impactful opener might quote something meaningful or recount an anecdote that captures their spirit.
What is a speech about someone who passed away?
This type of speech pays tribute by reflecting on their life’s impact and expressing shared grief.
Embrace the challenge of a funeral speech. Remember, it’s your chance to honor a life well-lived. Reflect on fond memories and share them with heart. As you speak, consider using laughter to celebrate your loved one’s life and aim to capture their essence through personal anecdotes that resonate. Your words can comfort others by reminding them of what made your loved one unique.
Hone these tips into a heartfelt eulogy read at the final farewell, creating an enduring tribute that keeps their memory alive for all who gather.
- Last Updated: April 11, 2024
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What to Say at a Funeral: Plan the Perfect Memorial Speech
Introduction
Speaking at a funeral is a profound honor, yet it comes with a weight of responsibility. It’s a moment to express grief, celebrate life, and offer comfort to others in mourning, all within a few heartfelt minutes.
In facing this daunting task, you might be wondering how to craft a speech that resonates deeply and brings solace. The core promise of this article is to guide you through creating a speech that not only honors the departed but also provides comfort to those left behind.
In this article, you will learn:
- The essential elements that make a funeral speech touching and memorable.
- Strategies to convey empathy and solace through your words.
- Practical tips for both preparing and delivering your speech with poise.
As we delve into the nuances of this sensitive topic, remember that your words have the power to heal and bring closure.
Understanding the Importance of a Funeral Speech
A funeral speech is more than just a mere formality; it’s a powerful vehicle for expressing collective grief and celebrating a unique life. This is a moment where words take on a profound significance, offering a semblance of comfort in the face of loss and helping those gathered to begin the healing process.
Funeral speeches serve as a bridge that connects the audience with the essence of the person who has passed. They remind us of the impact the deceased had on our lives, their values, and the memories we cherish. It’s an opportunity to articulate the unsaid, to give voice to our feelings, and to acknowledge our shared loss in a deeply personal yet universal way.
In crafting your speech, you’re not only paying tribute to the departed but also providing a crucial part of the journey towards closure for everyone present.
Key Elements to Include in a Funeral Speech
Creating a meaningful funeral speech involves weaving together several key elements that resonate with your audience and honor the memory of the departed. Here are some crucial components to consider:
- Personal Anecdotes and Memories: Share specific stories or memories that highlight the character and life of the deceased. These personal touches not only bring the speech to life but also help listeners connect and remember their loved ones in a more vivid way.
- Acknowledging the Grief: It’s important to recognize the pain and loss felt by those present. Empathize with the audience’s grief, showing that it’s okay to mourn and that they are not alone in their feelings.
- Celebrating Their Life: While a funeral is a time of mourning, it is also a time to celebrate the life that was lived. Highlight their achievements, passions, and the positive impact they had on others. This can provide a sense of joy and gratitude amidst the sorrow.
- Comforting Words: Offer words of comfort and hope. This could be through a favorite quote of the deceased, a poem, or simply your heartfelt wishes for peace and healing for those who are grieving.
Crafting the Right Tone: Balancing Grief and Celebration
Finding the right tone for a funeral speech is a delicate balance. It’s about respecting the solemnity of the occasion while also celebrating the life that was lived. Here’s how you can achieve this balance:
- Respectful and Reflective: Begin with a tone that acknowledges the loss and the pain it brings. It’s important to show respect for the gravity of the moment and the feelings of those in mourning.
- Uplifting and Hopeful: As you progress, gradually introduce more uplifting elements. Share stories or attributes of the deceased that brought joy and laughter. This shift helps to lighten the mood and reminds the audience of the cherished moments they had with their loved one.
- Inclusive and Unifying: Use language that brings people together. Phrases like “we remember,” “we cherish,” and “we celebrate” help to create a sense of community and shared experience, which is comforting in times of grief.
- Genuine and Personal: Above all, be sincere. Speak from the heart. Your genuine emotions and personal connection with the deceased will naturally guide the tone of your speech.
Structuring Your Funeral Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a well-structured funeral speech can help convey your message clearly and effectively. Here’s a simple guide to help you structure your speech:
- Opening with Respect: Start your speech by acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion and the shared sense of loss. A respectful opening sets the appropriate tone for the rest of your speech.
- Introducing Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and your relationship with the deceased. This helps the audience connect with you and understand your perspective.
- Sharing Memories: Transition to sharing personal anecdotes and memories of the deceased. These stories should reflect their character, life, and the impact they had on those around them.
- Acknowledging the Grief: It’s important to recognize and empathize with the collective grief of the audience. This shows that you share in their sorrow and are there to support each other.
- Celebrating the Life: Shift the focus to celebrating the life of the deceased. Highlight their achievements, passions, and the joy they brought into the lives of others.
- Concluding with Comfort and Hope: End your speech on a comforting note. Offer words of consolation, a hopeful message, or a meaningful quote that resonates with the sentiment of the day.
- A Moment of Reflection: Consider concluding with a moment of silence or a brief reflective pause, allowing the audience to privately cherish their memories of the departed.
We’re here to help you plan a funeral, virtual memorial or facilitate a livestreaming option.
We’ll guide you through the options.
We’ll answer your questions.
We’ll make suggestions based on your expectations.
We’ll never pressure you. Be comfortable in the decisions you make.
Practical Tips for Preparing Your Memorial Speech
Crafting a funeral speech can be challenging, but with the right approach and preparation, you can create a meaningful tribute. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare your speech:
- Gather Your Thoughts: Take time to reflect on your relationship with the deceased and the memories you shared. Jot down notes about significant moments, qualities you admired, and the impact they had on your life.
- Consult with Others: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family of the deceased for additional insights or stories. This can help you paint a fuller picture of their life and character.
- Write and Organize Your Speech: Using the structure outlined earlier, start drafting your speech. Organize your thoughts and stories in a coherent manner, ensuring a natural flow from beginning to end.
- Rehearse Your Speech: Practice delivering your speech several times. This helps you become more familiar with the content and reduces the likelihood of being overly emotional on the day.
- Manage Your Emotions: It’s natural to feel emotional while delivering a funeral speech. If you feel overwhelmed, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and continue when you’re ready. Remember, it’s okay to show emotion.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, rehearse in front of a trusted friend or family member and ask for their feedback. This can help you refine your speech and delivery.
- Prepare for the Setting: Familiarize yourself with the venue and any equipment you might need, such as a microphone or stand. This ensures you’re comfortable and prepared on the day of the funeral.
Tips for Speaking at a Virtual Memorial or Celebration of Life
Speaking at a virtual memorial requires some adjustments to the traditional approach.
Here are tips to ensure your speech is impactful, even in a digital format:
- Embrace the Technology: Familiarize yourself with the virtual platform being used. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection in advance to avoid technical issues during the memorial.
- Create a Suitable Environment: Choose a quiet and well-lit space to deliver your speech. A simple, respectful background can help minimize distractions for the audience. Ensure good facial lighting, and no strong lights like windows or lamps directly behind you that will silhouette your face. Refer to our resource article for more about this topic.
- Engage the Virtual Audience: Make eye contact with the camera to create a sense of connection with your online audience. Speak clearly and at a measured pace to ensure your words are easily understood.
- Keep It Concise: Attention spans can be shorter in a virtual setting. Aim to deliver a concise yet meaningful speech, focusing on the most significant points and memories.
- Consider your Device: If using a mobile phone, tilt your phone to the horizontal position so that your video fills up the view. It is also recommended that you place your device so that it is at a 45-degree angle so the camera is directly facing you, not on an angle. The device should be on a tripod or firmly set on a table or desk to prevent shaking.
- Be Mindful of Time Zones: If attendees are joining from different time zones, be conscious of this in your speech timing and references to time-sensitive aspects like morning or evening.
- Provide Emotional Support Digitally: Since physical comfort is not possible, be extra expressive in your words and tone to convey empathy and support to the virtual attendees.
Do’s and Don’ts When Speaking at a Funeral
When delivering a funeral speech, it’s crucial to be mindful of certain do’s and don’ts to ensure your words are appropriate and comforting. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Do’s:
- Be Sincere: Speak from the heart. Genuine emotions and sincerity are always appreciated and can be very comforting.
- Keep It Appropriate: Share stories and anecdotes that are suitable for all attendees, including children and elders.
- Respect the Deceased’s Beliefs and Values: Ensure your speech aligns with the beliefs and values of the deceased, especially when touching on spiritual or religious themes.
- Offer Comfort: Use your words to offer solace to the bereaved, acknowledging their pain and offering hope and comfort.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Controversy: Stay away from topics that could be contentious or stir up negative emotions.
- Don’t Speak Too Long: Keep your speech concise. A lengthy speech can be hard for grieving attendees.
- Avoid Clichés: Try to avoid overused phrases or clichés. Personalized sentiments are more impactful.
- Don’t Forget to Prepare: Even if you’re comfortable speaking publicly, it’s important to prepare and practice your speech to ensure it conveys your message effectively.
Delivering a speech at a funeral is a significant and sensitive task. Through this article, we’ve explored the essential elements of a meaningful funeral speech, from crafting the right tone to structuring your message and preparing effectively, even in a virtual setting. We’ve also navigated the do’s and don’ts to ensure your words honor the deceased and bring comfort to the bereaved.
To recap, remember to:
- Incorporate personal memories and acknowledge the shared grief.
- Celebrate the life of the departed while offering words of solace.
- Prepare and practice your speech, respecting the setting, whether in-person or virtual.
As you embark on this heartfelt journey, remember that your speech is a powerful tool for healing and remembrance.
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How to Start Off a Eulogy: Examples and Etiquette
As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.
Learn about our Editorial Policy .
Being asked to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of a beloved friend or family member is an honor, but it can be difficult to find the words to begin. Reviewing a few examples can help you figure out what to say at the start of a meaningful tribute to honor the memory of a loved one.
How to Start a Eulogy
There isn't just one right way to start a eulogy, but there are a few basic etiquette guidelines to consider when deciding how to begin.
- It's possible that not everyone in attendance will know who you are, so introduce yourself at the beginning of your speech.
- Express appreciation to those who are in attendance, while also acknowledging that they too have lost a friend or loved one.
- Specify your relationship to the deceased, so that attendees will have an idea of the context of your relationship with the deceased.
- Provide insight into the overall theme of the eulogy before transitioning to the body of the speech.
- What to Say in Funeral Thank You Notes: Examples, Tips, and Etiquette
Eulogy Opening Examples
To open, say something like: "Good afternoon. My name is [insert your name]. Thank you so much for attending this ceremony honoring the life of [insert name of the deceased]. [She/he] was my [specify coworker]." This will address the first three bullet points listed above. From there, decide how to move forward based on the overall tone and theme of the eulogy. For example:
Sharing Fond Memories
This day is a profoundly sad one, though even in this time of grief I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I - and the rest of you - shared with [insert name of the deceased]. In navigating this loss, it's important for us to remember how much richer our lives have been as a result of our relationship with [insert name of the deceased]. Several of [his/her] closest friends and family members have shared their fondest memories with me. With their permission, I'll share those with you today...
Funeral Poem or Quote
I am heartbroken by the loss of my [specify relationship], but honored to have the opportunity to reflect on [his/her] life with you today. It's important that we acknowledge and fully experience the emotions of this day, on which we have gathered together to say goodbye to [insert name of the deceased]. I'd like to open with a meaningful [ poem , quote , or bible verse ] to reflect on the human experience of grief and this moment in time, as we gather together to say goodbye to [insert name of the deceased].
Family-Focused Eulogy
To [insert name of the deceased], family always came first. I'm proud to have been able to call [him/her] my [insert familial relationship], and to have had the experience of loving - and being loved by - someone who set such a good example of what it really means to put family first. Today I'll share with you just how much [he/she] meant to this family and ask all of you pray for us as we learn what it means to move forward without [him/her] in this life.
Deliver a Meaningful Funeral Tribute
Once you decide what to say at the very beginning of the eulogy, the next step will be to put together the body of the speech. Consider reviewing a few sample eulogy speeches for inspiration.
- Games, topic printables & more
- The 4 main speech types
- Example speeches
- Commemorative
- Declamation
- Demonstration
- Informative
- Introduction
- Student Council
- Speech topics
- Poems to read aloud
- How to write a speech
- Using props/visual aids
- Acute anxiety help
- Breathing exercises
- Letting go - free e-course
- Using self-hypnosis
- Delivery overview
- 4 modes of delivery
- How to make cue cards
- How to read a speech
- 9 vocal aspects
- Vocal variety
- Diction/articulation
- Pronunciation
- Speaking rate
- How to use pauses
- Eye contact
- Body language
- Voice image
- Voice health
- Public speaking activities and games
- About me/contact
- Resources for eulogies
- How to write a eulogy
How to write a eulogy - step by step
Guidelines to help prepare a loving funeral speech
By: Susan Dugdale
Having a eulogy or funeral speech to write is a gift, and a privilege. Despite the circumstances.
And perfectly understandable and reasonable questions like the two below can make the task seem extraordinarily difficult.
- Just how do you squeeze a lifetime's worth of memories into one six-minute speech?
- And make it a special, memorable, unique speech to capture the essence of a person?
However, there is a way through. If you follow the step-by-step guidelines below you can and will give a sincere and fitting funeral speech or tribute.
I understand about being caught in the maelstrom of feelings triggered by the death of someone you love. I know finding the clarity to make decisions about what to write in a eulogy can feel overwhelmingly impossible.
There is so much we want to say . Trying to compress a whole life into a few minutes seems ridiculous, almost an insult.
But you can do it, and do it well. Let me show you how to write a eulogy, step by step.
![Image: Lily of the valley flowers Text: How to write a eulogy step by step Image: Lily of the valley flowers Text: How to write a eulogy step by step](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/lilies-of-the-valley-v2.jpg)
What's on this long page
You'll find:
- help to understand the importance of spending time carefully crafting a eulogy
- help to understand the purpose and value of a eulogy
- the background information you need before you begin to write
- what to include in a eulogy (and what to leave out)
- how to collect the material you need to write it
- the step-by-step process of writing the eulogy
- a free printable fill-in-the-blanks eulogy planning template with examples. (It will guide you through the whole process of collecting material, structuring and writing: making it easier.)
- links to a diverse collection of 70+ sample eulogies to read to help inspire you and give you courage to begin
- how to rehearse and prepare yourself for delivering the eulogy as best you can
- People also ask | 13 FAQs about eulogies with answers (and examples) to set your mind at ease: e.g., how to start a eulogy , how to end a eulogy , what makes a powerful, heartfelt eulogy , do you read a eulogy , how to stop yourself from crying while giving the eulogy ...
Please don't rush. Take your time and, go gently.
Why go through the process of writing a eulogy?
Some people question the need to go through the step-by-step process of writing a eulogy: organizing their thoughts and putting them down on paper or into a document.
They say they would prefer to stand up and speak spontaneously, from the heart, letting inspiration and love for the person they're talking about carry them through.
While that sounds fine, there is a very good reason to sidestep that temptation.
It's because, for many people, giving any type of speech without conscious careful preparation is a challenge. They tend to drift off topic or lose the thread connecting their ideas.
Now, add to that the pressure of the occasion and, understandably, feeling upset. Do you see what might happen?
Preparation will give your eulogy structure - a definite pattern, a beginning, middle and end. That structure will help you contain and express your feelings as you choose to, lessening the likelihood of being overwhelmed by them.
Without the safety of form your funeral speech may become a tearful ramble with no obvious purpose or direction. That is distressing for everybody: yourself as well as those listening.
Taking the time to fully prepare the speech is the best way to express all you want to, the way you want to.
Return to Top
What is the value and purpose of a eulogy?
When you understand what a prepared eulogy can do you'll realize it's a gift to the living. Your words will help everyone, (yourself included), on their journey through the grief of loss.
A eulogy is a reflection
In many ways a good eulogy is like a mirror or a reflection. We listen to the stories told to hear and see in our imagination what the life of our loved one was all about. We want to understand, to have it make sense to us.
A eulogy may not provide answers to difficult questions, but it allows us to focus more clearly.
A memorable speech prepared with loving care celebrates the whole person : their strengths, their joys, challenges and achievements.
At a time when many are emotionally fragile your courage to stand in front of friends and family and speak will be truly appreciated.
Take a deep breath and follow the steps.
How to write a eulogy: preparation
Before you actually begin writing anything down there are number things to think about and do. Considering each of them prior to starting will make the process easier and your eulogy more effective.
1. Who are you writing for?
When you stand to give your eulogy, does what you say represent other people beside yourself?
For instance:
- Are you writing on behalf of the immediate family?
- Have you been asked to be the principal spokesperson, or will others be talking too?
- Are you writing as a work colleague, a close friend...?
The answers to those questions put you, the eulogy giver, in context which is important to those listening. If they don't know, they'll want to know how you fitted into the life of the person you are celebrating. It provides them with the background to what you share.
The answers also help you, the eulogy writer, because it defines the scope of what you talk about.
For example, if your relationship with the deceased was primarily work based, you'll reflect on achievements and events drawn from your time working together. You'll leave talking about close family relationships alone because they're not within your sphere.
If you are the principal or only spokesperson your scope is much broader. You'll want to cover important relationships: family and significant friends, as well as major achievements, and life changing events, leavened with a few well-chosen stories.
When doing the writing yourself is too difficult
We know life stories can be complicated. And grief can make them harder to tell. If you'd like help, talk to professional eulogy writer, Theresa Sjoquist .
![Eulogy writer Theresa Sjoquist Eulogy writer - Theresa Sjoquist](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/Eulogy-writer-banner.jpg)
2. How long is a eulogy expected to be?
The general rule is somewhere between 3 to 7 minutes. If you're unsure ask for guidance from the person conducting or organizing the service. It can change depending on the number speakers.
The time allowance governs how much material you can fit into your eulogy.
3. What to include in your eulogy
- A brief introduction of yourself and where you fitted in the person's life.
- Personal stories: anecdotes, songs, poetry, reflections ... Anything at all that speaks true.
4. Subjects to bypass
Be honest without dwelling on or re-living negativity.
The eulogy is not an occasion to 'get even', air unresolved conflicts or expose private family secrets.
If the person was bowed down with unresolved challenges, talk about them compassionately, if you must.
Remember a funeral speech is an opportunity to honor and even the most difficult personality or life will have aspects worthy of celebration.
(And while we're discussing what subject matter it's best or diplomatic to avoid: political opinions or religious differences don't belong in a eulogy either. Neither do cliches: "Time will heal all wounds", "It was for the best", "Their suffering is over now" and so on.)
5. Make a special folder
Set up a special folder on your computer to store all the material you need to write your eulogy. This is where you'll put your notes for stories you think you might use, scraps of poetry, and so on. Labelling everything clearly and putting it in one place will help when it comes time to write.
6. Ask for contributions
If you're speaking on behalf of others ask friends, family or work colleagues for their recollections and stories to add to your own.
Get them to write their ideas down in a document and send it to you which you can then file in your eulogy folder. If they can't do that, talk with them, and note their thoughts yourself.
There is no need for you to carry the responsibility of putting together the eulogy alone. Let others share in the privilege of shaping the speech to honor your loved one's life.
7. Do you want to include a poem or a quotation?
Many people want a piece of poetry or a quotation to help them express what they wish to say.
Here are three possible sources to explore:
1. Browse through my collection of funeral poems and a large selection of widely diverse inspirational quotations . I've made recordings of a number of the most frequently read. Here's the link that will take you to them, including Funeral Blues by WH Auden: 8 readings of best-loved funeral poems .
2. In your quest for a quotation don't overlook the person whose life you're celebrating. Perhaps there are memorable phrases that were uniquely their own. May be it was a line from a song or a poem.
For example, my mother had a signature saying. "Let there be peace and let it begin with me" inspired her throughout many years of a sometimes very difficult life.
![Let there be peace and let it begin with me. Let there be peace and let it begin with me.](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/Let-there-be-peace.jpg)
3. What about writing your own poem? It's not as difficult as you may think and you'll have something very special and original to offer. You can find out here how to write a poem in free verse.
8. Writing the eulogy: tone
What tone do you want to use? Do you want it to be solemn? Do you want it to be lighter, perhaps even humorous? Or do you want a balance of both?
To help decide, ask yourself: what would your loved one have wanted? Be guided by your answer.
There are no "right" or "wrong" ways. This a decision for yourself, the family and friends. A life contains joy as well as sorrow and laughing through tears can be a real reflection of that.
9. Please tell the stories!
Do resist the urge to list in chronological order achievements or milestones. These can be dry, dull facts.
Instead tell the stories about the achievements or milestones. They may have been heard many times but in their retelling the essence or life force of your loved one lives on. This is the real person who people want to hear about and remember. Lists don't give that.
10. Ordering the content you've collected
Once you've got everything together you think you need, go through the collection of reflections, stories, quotations and poem fragments etc., selecting what gives an accurate and balanced portrayal. You won't be able to include everything but what you do choose, you'll want to resonate with the 'truth' of the person.
Put your choices of material in the order you want them to come in when you write the eulogy.
(If it helps either print out all the documents in your folder or put the headings of each one on post-it notes and move them around until you are happy with how they are sequenced.)
The order might look this:
Introduction:
Statement of who I am and relationship to loved-one Verse or quotation
- Story one, or reflection, or poem or song or reading
- Story two, or reflection, or poem or song or reading
- Story three, or reflection, or poem or song or reading
Conclusion:
Restatement of main message or theme from body of eulogy Closing snippet of poetry or quotation
Where to start writing the eulogy
Begin with the body of the funeral speech.
This is where you will be sharing the stories you've selected and ordered making this person unique, special and loved.
If you have notes but can't get straight into writing, telling your story to yourself or to another person while recording it may help kick start the process.
Remember to go straight to the core of each story. Long preambles are not needed. Include enough to make sense and no more.
For example:
(This is a true story. I didn't use it for my Mother's eulogy but telling it here is a little like giving her another small one years later.)
Leaving home and the yellow blouse
![Girl resting her arm on an old-fashioned suitcase Girl resting her arm on an old-fashioned suitcase](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/leaving-home-650.jpg)
"I'm going to tell you the story of the yellow blouse.
I was 18 and leaving home. We had very little money and certainly none for luxuries and that's what new clothes were. Ours were hand-me-downs from cousins.
What money Mum got from her government paid widow's benefit each week was carefully placed in a series of jars in a cupboard above the sink in the kitchen. Each had a label. This was for 'Food', that for 'Electricity' etc. The jars were often empty but miraculously, our stomachs never were.
The day came for going. I had made 'new clothes' from old ones. They were folded, ready for packing. As I closed the lid on my suitcase, my mother gave me a parcel. Inside was a new store-bought yellow blouse, beautifully sewn and made of fine cloth. 'A girl must have at least one quality garment.' she said. It was extraordinary. I knew the path to that blouse had been 5 cents by 5 cents by 5 cents over months. I also knew this was love."
Link your stories/poems/songs/readings/quotes together so one leads into another. Think of them as beads you are threading to form a necklace. Each is part of the whole.
Write the conclusion
What enduring message do you want your listeners to carry away with them?
It may be a simple thank you for the life you've shared with your loved one or it could be a special quote expressing an idea or feeling you know is appropriate. As this is the last opportunity to pay tribute think carefully. You'll want to get it as "right" as you can.
Write the opening
Now you have the rest of your eulogy it will be easier to write the opening.
Unless you're being introduced by someone else be sure to include who you are at the very beginning.
Once that is done think about the major events, relationships and general characteristics making up this life special.
"Sophie was my Mother but she was also Mother to four more: Fred, Isobel, Warren and Gwen. Many of you know her as aunt, cousin, friend and colleague but whatever the relationship, we all know her as the woman who played many roles.
She was the bright and beautiful young women who married my father after a war-time whirl wind romance. She was the determined young bride who taught herself to cook and sew.' (And so on ...)
'We all have memories of Sophie. I want to share some of my most precious with you now ...":
This leads into the body of the speech comprised of the specific stories you plan to tell.
Would you like to read a few eulogy examples before you begin?
They may help you decide what you want to do, and give you the courage to start. Reading what others have done is a good thing to do.
Here are two eulogy examples written by me and we also have a growing and wonderfully diverse collection of 70+ funeral speeches contributed by site visitors from all around the world.
![Image: Blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: 70+ eulogy examples Image: blue forget-me-nots. Text: 70+ eulogy examples](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/70-eulogy-examples.jpg)
Would a printable eulogy planning template help?
I've taken all the information on this page about the step by step process of writing a eulogy, and put it into a free 15 page printable. You'll find instructions and examples alongside fill-in-the-blank slots for you to enter what you want to say.
Complete it and you'll have a well structured first draft. Of course, you'll still need to edit, polish and rehearse it, but you'll be well on your way.
Make your task easier: get the eulogy planning template .
![Image: background blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: Click to download a eulogy planning template. Step by step guidelines with examples. Image: background blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: Click to download a eulogy planning template. Step by step guidelines with examples.](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/Eulogy-planning-template-download.jpg)
Writing a eulogy: practice & rehearsal
Use the record function on your phone and read your first draft out loud as if you were delivering it. This will help you make sure that what you've written makes sense.
(It also helps if you have someone listen to you to give you feedback. A pair of independent ears will pick up things you might otherwise miss.)
Play back your recording and listen carefully.
- Does your material flow smoothly from one idea to the next?
- Are the opening and closing remarks fitting?
- Have you varied your language and sentence length to keep it interesting to listen to?
- If you hear yourself repeating the same phrases over and over again, either cut them out or find other language to express the idea.
- Listen to hear if you are rambling without real point or direction or you've repeated the same or a similar story without realizing it.
- Does your speech fit the time allowance? (If you've not been given a time allowance, approximately 3-7 minutes is about average. Although this may seem very brief, it does have advantages. Firstly, it gives other people who may be speaking time to do so. Secondly, it focuses your speech and helps you to decide what is important to say.)
Now make any adjustments needed and write your second draft.
Go through the same recording/timing process again and if possible, get someone whose opinion you trust to listen and give you feedback.
When you're satisfied, prepare your final copy.
You'll find comfort and support in this free series of inspirational messages. They're my gift to you.
Suggestions for delivering your eulogy
These will help ensure you give your eulogy the way you want to.
Prepare your notes for printing
If you've written your eulogy in a word document on your computer, BEFORE YOU PRINT IT OUT:
- Make sure the font is large enough to be easily read at a glance.
- Double space each line for easy reading.
- Number your pages clearly.
- Select single-side printing.
- If you're using a poem or reading include the text in the body of your notes. It's simpler to deal with one item (your notes) rather than try to manage several under pressure. But if you must use the original text, make sure you bookmark your place clearly, so you do not have the added pressure of trying to find the right page while everybody waits.
At the venue
- If it's available, use a lectern or stand for your notes rather than hold them. You can either stand to one side or behind it. When you hand-hold notes the temptation to rattle, or mask your face with them, might be too much to withstand.
- Practice breathing deeply before you stand to talk to calm yourself. You'll find more information on how to breathe to release tension here.
- Have a glass of water available.
- Do not worry if you "wobble" or falter. Tears and being unable to speak for a moment or two are natural. Do not fight them. Have a tissue handy. Blow your nose, wipe your eyes, have a sip of water and carry on. People will not judge you. Instead, they will admire your courage and a few tears are not a loss of dignity.
- If you do have to stop, do not apologize. Nobody is expecting a flawless performance. The British have a saying: " stiff upper lip" . It means concealing or keeping feelings under control. In the midst of great emotional or physical pain a " stiff upper lip" hides the inner turmoil. This is not being asked of you and is expected less and less of the British too! Being able to acknowledge and show feeling openly is healthy and honest. The ideal is to ride the wave and continue.
- If you want to, take a support person to stand beside you. Their presence will be a steadying influence, and if you have to take a moment or two out, they'll give you the strength to carry on.
- If you have time, practice in the venue. There are fuller guidelines on how to rehearse a speech here.
People also ask: 13 FAQs about eulogies with answers
Below are some of people's most frequently asked questions about eulogies. I've answered each of them with examples and ongoing links to either pages of my own or others I found offering good useful information.
(N.B. Some of the questions have already been answered above.)
How do you start a eulogy? Give me an example introduction.
There is more than one way to begin a eulogy. Have a look through these four example openings to see if can find one you’d like to adapt to fit the eulogy you are writing.
1. Use a habitual phrase or saying
Use a habitual phrase or saying that everyone who knows the person will immediately recognize.
As an example, my mother had, ‘Let there be peace and let it begin with me’ written out on numerous note cards. She placed them in prominent positions everywhere: on the dashboard of her car, the fridge door, on the kitchen windowsill, in her bag... That saying could easily be used as an opening. E.g.
‘Let there be peace, and let it begin with me’. That was Pauline’s signature saying. Those cards were everywhere: in any of her cavernous handbags, in the pockets of her coat, on the back of the toilet door...
I’m Susan, her eldest daughter. Thank you for coming together today to celebrate her life.’
2. Use a rhetorical question
Use a rhetorical question that you know will trigger happy memories in many of the people present.
‘Who can ever forget Aunt Mary’s special occasion cakes? Birthdays, Christmas, christenings, anniversaries and more. As she said, anything went better with cake.
Hers were off the scale good: good to taste, good to look at, good to share. Sublime.
I’m Henry Smith, Mary’s nephew. I was lucky to be on the receiving end of quite a few. And now it’s my privilege to give her eulogy.’
3. Use a list of qualities and habits
Use a list of qualities and habits that everybody will recognize as being true of the deceased. For example:
"Kind, lover of ridiculous hats – the sillier the better, fearless, honest, and for many of us, an inspiration. That’s my Uncle Andrew.
I’m Lucy. My Mother, Stephanie, is Andrew’s older sister.
4. Immediately establish your connection or relationship
Immediately establish your connection or relationship to the deceased. This is useful if you are talking to a very large group of people, many of whom don’t know you, or where you fitted in their life.
"My name is Robert Naido. I was extremely fortunate to work alongside Ben for many years at Timberlake High school. As a young inexperienced teacher, he was my mentor, and inspiration. He is why I am still teaching, and it’s also why I feel privileged to be asked to share my memories of him with you today."
What should I say in a good eulogy?
A ‘good’ eulogy is one that both satisfies and serves the people listening to it. As you speak your words allow them to connect with their own memories and feelings.
You’ll see them nodding their agreement, smiling, and perhaps wiping away a tear or two because what you’re saying is an honest, sincere, moving combination of humor and seriousness that genuinely reflects the person they knew and loved. It’s a careful selection stories and reflection, perhaps anchored around specific milestones, that will be particularly meaningful to everyone present. That’s vastly different from a simple recitation of key milestones.
For example, something like this:
Amy was born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. She is the eldest child of Fred and Myrtle Black. The family moved to...etc., etc.
A good eulogy also has structure, a beginning, middle and end. It is not a shambling collection of hastily collected thoughts, and it is approximately 3 – 7 minutes long.
Following the guidelines above and using the printable eulogy planner will keep you on track.
What are some examples of a eulogy?
There are over 70 examples of eulogies on this site. They’ve been sent to me by people from all over the world: UK, USA, South Africa, Philippines, India, Australia, and more. There are eulogies for mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, sons, sister, brothers, colleagues, and friends. Some are brief. Some are longer. Some are a poignant mix of humor and grief. All of them have been submitted by their writers to help people who had a eulogy to write. They understood having examples to read lessened the burden. Use this link to find them: examples of a eulogy .
What are the three parts of a eulogy?
The three main parts are a beginning, a middle section and an ending. This is the same three part structural format that underpins any successful speech.
In the beginning (introduction) you will acknowledge or greet everybody present, introduce yourself, state your relationship to the deceased, thank people for coming, and use a quotation/signature saying, rhetorical question or some other opener if you choose to.
In the middle section what you share will depend on whether you are the only person giving the eulogy, or one of several.
If you are the only person a brief biography covering date and place of birth, key childhood/birth family members and events, plus giving the names of the person’s spouse/partner, children and grandchildren is useful. This information provides context for the those who met the deceased outside of their immediate friends and family circle for example, in a workplace, as a member of a club etc.
Then add stories, memories, significant achievements, note talents, hobbies and passions, including any unique and special qualities.
If there are multiple people speaking, you can go straight to your stories and memories.
In the ending talk about what the deceased meant to you, what you gained and learned from them being in your life. If you choose to, add a brief reading or quotation before closing with a last farewell. *
* If you’re representing the whole family, or any other group of people, you will need to broaden what you say to make sure you include all the people who need to be. For instance, if it's family, what they meant to their partner, daughter, grandchild, and what was learned by those people. They need to see the importance of their relationship with the deceased reflected in what you say.
How to end a eulogy
Answer: Here are four examples of ways to end a eulogy. Each is a heartfelt, sincere summary of the speaker’s loving regard for the deceased. They all come from eulogies their writers sent to me to share.
1. Eulogy for Dad by Byron Tweedy
This is the closing paragraph from Byrona Tweedy’s eulogy for her Dad.
“I’m so fortunate and grateful that I had a father so capable of expressing his love for our family and me. Although he will be forever missed, I feel comforted knowing that he accomplished more than he could have dreamed in life. I’ll hold you in my heart forever, dad; I love you.”
Read the whole of her eulogy for her father: Eulogy for Dad
2. Eulogy for my Grandmother Bertha
Here’s the last part of Craig Curran-Morton’s eulogy for his Grandmother.
“...Perfect She was perfect. Perfect in every respect. - Her laugh - Her smile - Her big kisses - Her hugs They were perfect and she was the perfect grandmother. And we are all a little closer to perfection to have had her in our lives. I love you grandma. You will be missed.”
Read Craig's funeral speech: Eulogy for my Grandmother
3. Eulogy for my Grandad, my Friend
Corinne McPartland added some lines of a poem to the ending of her eulogy for her grandfather:
'Seeing as you loved a poem to fit an occasion, I will now leave you with a few lines of one I found, which I hope describes how you may have passed from death to eternal life:
"On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined; No sleep 'til morn, when youth and pleasure meet, to chase the glowing hours with flying feet." I love you, Granddad and am glad we have shared a friendship that has overlooked age, created so many wonderful memories and one that will last a lifetime - until we meet again.'
Read Corrine’s eulogy for her grandfather: Michael McDonnell: my Grandad, my Friend
4. Eulogy for my co-worker Donna
James Lang wrote this as the ending to his eulogy for his colleague and friend of many years, Donna:
“Over the last year and a half of her life, whenever I saw Donna, on parting she would say, “Love you much”. Donna, I love you much. I am a better person for having you in my life. Thank you for everything that you did for me.”
Read eulogy for my co-worker Donna
What makes a powerful, heartfelt eulogy?
This is a similar question to the one above: What should I say in a 'good' eulogy?
A powerful, heartfelt, or good eulogy shares the same core characteristic. That is bringing the person to life in the imagination of listeners through telling carefully selected stories everyone can relate to. They can be funny, poignant, about significant milestones...Stories well told are much more powerful than a list of dry 'did this', 'did that' facts.
Have a look at these for examples of great storytelling. They’re each powerful eulogies in their own ways.
- Eulogy for My Mother-In-Law and her Lasagna by Jo Lloyd-Davies
- Eulogy for my brother with Downs Syndrome by Cyprian Payne
- Jimbo Bro - my wee brother by Chery
What should you not put in a eulogy?
Answer: A eulogy is given in public: to anybody who decided to come along to the remembrance service.
What doesn’t belong in it are private matters concerning the deceased, their family members, your personal judgments about aspects of the deceased’s life, comments about differing philosophical, political or religious beliefs, cliches like ‘it was for the best’, their ‘suffering is over now’, and ‘time heals all wounds’, tales of raucous or bad behavior, accounts of unresolved conflict, or stories focusing on yourself.
What you say needs to be appropriate for everyone to hear which doesn’t mean minimizing or hiding from difficult truths. It means considering why you’re speaking (giving the eulogy) and choosing your words to fit the occasion: respectfully.
What are the steps to writing a eulogy?
Briefly, the 3 principal steps to writing a eulogy are:
- collecting the material you need: the stories, readings, poems...,
- writing it using a 3 part structure: introduction, body (middle) and conclusion,
- rehearsing it
The guidelines above will lead you through the entire process from beginning to end-delivery – giving the eulogy.
Do download and use the eulogy planner. It will make the process less stressful, simpler and easier for you.
How long should a eulogy be? How long should a eulogy be at a celebration of life?
Whether it’s a celebration of life, or a funeral service, the optimum length for a eulogy is between 3 – 7 minutes. If you are the only person speaking that could perhaps be extended to 10 minutes.
To be sure, before you prepare the eulogy find out from the person organizing the celebration/service what time allocation has been put aside for your speech. Then use that as a guide.
For more see this article: How many words per minute in a speech . You’ll find a helpful quick reference guide for number of words required for a 1 through to 30 minutes, depending on whether you talk at a slow rate, a medium rate or a fast one.
Please note, it’s only by saying your speech out loud as if you were delivering it, and timing it as you do, that you’ll find out how long it actually takes.
Who usually gives, or says, a eulogy?
Answer: Who gives a eulogy at a funeral service varies hugely. Sometimes there is one speaker, and sometimes there are many. It depends entirely on the type of service it is, as well as how it’s being organized.
For a full answer please see: Who speaks at a funeral? Who gives the eulogy?
What do you say at a celebration of life?
Answer: What you say depends on what’s fitting for the role and the relationship you had with the person who has died. You could, for instance, offer a short speech (eulogy), a poem, a song, an amusing story, or a favorite memory.
The key thing to remember about what you choose to say, is that the event is a celebration.
A celebration of life service is an opportunity to give thanks, to honor and acknowledge the positive presence of the deceased in your life. It’s about the special qualities and talents making them a unique person.
If you’ve been asked to speak, or want to speak, and don’t know what to say, or where to begin, ask the person organizing the event for more information. For example:
- How long to speak for - one minute? Two minutes? Three minutes?
- What they’d like you to cover
- Where you come in the speaking order, if there is one.
- And then, read some eulogy examples to get an idea of the kinds of things people talk about.
Do you read a eulogy?
Answer: For many people the safest way to deliver a eulogy is to read it. That means having everything they want to say written out word-for-word in a document, and then printed off.
When they stand to speak, they’ll read from a copy of their eulogy placed on the lectern or pulpit in front of them. If they become temporarily overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion, the complete text is a reassuring presence, enabling them to pick up from where they left off to take a breath, wipe their eyes, or blow their nose, relatively easily.
Opting to read rather than give the eulogy from either memory or extemporaneously using note, or cue, cards does not mean that you don’t need to practice. You will deliver your eulogy so much more effectively if you rehearse it. That means reading it out loud as many times as you can before you have to actually deliver it.
When you are familiar with the flow of the text, you’ll be far less likely to get flummoxed, overcome by emotion, when you come to particularly difficult passages to say, and if you do, you’ll recover more quickly. Repeated practice helps a great deal.
For more on how to read a speech effectively
How do you get through a eulogy without crying?
Answer: The very first thing to acknowledge and accept is that tears at a funeral service are natural. They’re a very normal response to grief.
The fear lying behind the question is not so much will you shed a few quiet tears and have to pause to catch your breath before you go on.
It’s more along the lines of, will I stand up to give the eulogy and then be completely overwhelmed by grief? Will I sob uncontrollably, be unable to get any of the words out and have to sit down?
Feeling anxious about that happening is totally understandable. You want to do your very best to honor your loved one, and yet you feel so utterly vulnerable.
Here are a few suggestions I know will help.
- Remind yourself tears are part grieving. If you cry no one is going to think ill or less of you at all. Be kinder to yourself. There’s no need to bite back your emotions.
- Practice a lot out loud. Hearing yourself say the words makes them familiar. Even the difficult parts become easier to say. The shock you feel is a little less each time. It no longer sweeps you away. You may wobble a little, but you can recover and continue.
- Breathe. When we are tense or anxious, we hold our breath and unfortunately, that makes us feel even more anxious. To help yourself, as you are practicing reading aloud from your script, use the punctuation as an opportunity to take a breath. At the end of each sentence there is a period, or full stop. Use it to take a breath. When you see a comma, take a breath. Between paragraphs, take a breath. (My article How to use pauses effectively explains the process in more detail.) And if you do feel the emotion rising, your eyes beginning to tear up and your throat tightening, stop. Take a moment to take a long slow in-breath, followed by a long slow out-breath. Repeat if necessary, and then, when you’re ready, pick up from where you left off. For more on breathing well and breathing exercises
- Make sure the copy of your eulogy is very easily read. You don’t want to be scrabbling around trying to find your place if you had to stop for a moment. Each page needs to be printed single sided, numbered clearly, with 1.5 line spacing, and in a large clean font you can read at a glance.
- Either have a support person to stand beside you as you speak for reassurance or have one sit where you can see them. Their role is to encourage, to give you strength, to remind you to breathe. If absolutely necessary, they can take over from you.
What is the most comforting thing to say at a funeral?
Answer: Many of us struggle to find the right words to say to those who are recently bereaved. It’s not because we don’t care, but because we do.
So what can you say, that is genuinely comforting?
For examples of what not to say, and what to say please see: Funeral words: examples of comforting things to say at funerals .
You'll find out how to avoid using platitudes and to say something meaningful, honest, and kind.
![Lily of the valley flowers Lily of the valley flowers](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/lilies-of-the-valley-banner-compressed.jpg)
In conclusion:
Remember having a eulogy to write is both a gift and a privilege.
It's a gift twice over. Once because you are giving your energy, time and love to honor the life of your loved one. And secondly because it will aid the healing process for everybody including yourself.
Giving a eulogy is a privilege because it signifies your value or importance in the life of the loved one and in the lives of family and friends. Being asked to speak shows trust and respect. You are being trusted to encapsulate a life fittingly and deliver the unique essence of the person everyone loved publicly.
I hope these notes are of service to you. If you have questions, ask them through my contact form here. I would be happy and honored to assist.
![Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. Goethe quote. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. Goethe.](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/Goethe-quote-compressed.jpg)
The quote above is widely attributed to Goethe. Despite disagreement over its origin, the sentiment expressed is fitting for your task. Have courage, and begin.
Sharing your writing
If these pages helped you to write - the sample eulogies in particular, please consider sharing what you wrote.
People are always searching for eulogy examples to help them begin their own writing process. If you could share, it would be very much appreciated.
![Image: Blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: 70+ eulogy examples Image: Blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: 70+ eulogy examples](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/70-eulogy-examples.jpg)
Your eulogy would feature in a special section - free sample eulogies It would have its own page and appear just how you want it to.
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speaking out loud
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83 eulogy examples.
Eulogies are pieces of writing or funeral speeches that are typically shared at a funeral or gathering for someone who has passed away. The speeches often contain a description of the person who passed away, the kind of person they were and personal memories that the person delivering the eulogy finds meaningful to share. That being said, eulogies can be fully customized to fit your writing style and needs and can come in all types of formats. Somber eulogies, eulogies filled with stories, short eulogies, and funny eulogies are all common. The best eulogy speeches are those that are written from the heart.
How to write a eulogy
Outstanding eulogies posted on ever loved, example eulogy templates, eulogy examples for a friend, eulogy examples for a father, eulogy examples for a mother, eulogy examples for a grandmother or grandfather, eulogy examples for a son, eulogy examples for a brother or sister, eulogy examples for a grandson or granddaughter, eulogy example for an infant, eulogy examples for a parent, eulogy examples for a wife, eulogy examples for a coworker, eulogy examples for various professions.
Not sure where to start? Don’t know how to write a eulogy for a mother? Friend? Sister? Grandfather? Try to relax and remember that many people don’t know how to write a eulogy, especially for someone important in their life. To start, the main parts to include in a standard eulogy are as follows:
Introduction
A brief introduction usually looks like “Thank you all for being here” or “Thank you all for coming”. You’re acknowledging the audience and thanking them for sharing this time with you and yours.
Short story
Including a short story about your loved one is customary and is usually a story that really shows their personality or what about them made them special. If you’re interested in a lighter eulogy, consider sharing a funny story. For more somber atmospheres, stories about lessons taught by the individual or a story about their achievements is a great alternative. Other popular story topics include major accomplishments, life events, the impact the person had on others, childhood memories and years, stories about traveling, marriage, family, children, or other important stories.
Favorite memories
Similar to the story, it’s not unusual to see eulogies include one or two favorite memories the person had with the deceased. These memories can be of simple or complex moments; this is up to you and what feels right.
Important quote
If your loved one had a favorite passage, verse, quote, or poem, you can include it in the eulogy itself. Alternatively, if you have a passage or quote that you feel is relevant and important to share, you can include that as well.
You can end the eulogy by summarizing the impact this person had on the lives of others and by acknowledging the family and those who chose to attend the services again. It may also feel fitting to end the eulogy with a treasured quote or passage.
Order a eulogy
If you're looking for examples of real eulogies that have been written and read by folks on Ever Loved, here are some outstanding examples. Reading through example eulogies can help inspire you and guide you when it comes time for you to prepare a eulogy.
Shannon McMasters' eulogy
Written by Stephen McMasters Shannon McMasters' eulogy, written and read by her brother, Stephen, is a beautiful testament to a woman who Stephen describes as a "shining star that burned out too soon". Shannon's life was far from easy, but reading about her perseverance, determination, and strength and hearing her brother recount meaningful moments in their life and the impact she had on him and those around her is powerful. Shannon's eulogy is an example for those who are looking to honor the struggles and difficulties their loved one dealt with while remembering other important aspects of their life. Visit Shannon's memorial website to learn more about her life.
Read Shannon's full eulogy below:
Shannon had such a big life and touched so many people, it’s hard to know where to begin. Other than our mother, Shannon was the closest person to me growing up. I was basically raised by my mom and sister. Many of my earliest memories are of the two of us, singing Disney songs together, watching The Breakfast Club on rerun, and of course, fights in the backseat of the car. Later in life, she was the cool big sister. And I wanted to be just like her. I have so many fond memories with Shannon, from the University of Florida to moving cross-country to Los Angeles and on to Atlanta. I would not have done many of these things if not for her. Shannon was my best friend. We laughed at everything together, our sense of humor was nearly identical. We bonded over music sharing two of our top three favorite bands. People even said we look alike, which I was never sure was a compliment or not. The bulk of my life was spent with Shannon; it’s hard to believe she’s gone. She was a shining star that burned out too soon. I don’t know too many people that met Shannon and didn’t have something wonderful to say about her. She truly had a gift to connect to people, understand them, make them feel special and like they mattered. I believe she got this gift from our mother who also had a knack with people. Everyone’s life was brighter having known my sister, especially mine. People think Shannon was lucky to have me, but I was lucky to have her. I know I would not be the person I am today without her. She was always positive and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Because of her, my dreams were bigger, my achievements were bigger, my life was bigger. Shannon was fearless in her pursuits; she accomplished so much in her short life. She graduated from UF, double-majoring in Political Science and Theatre. She then graduated from UCLA Law. She obtained degrees from both institutions while enduring bone marrow transplants. Later she went to cosmetology school at the Aveda Institute in Atlanta. I think it’s fair to say Shannon was dealt a rough hand from the start. In 1997, and again in 2004, she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, an extremely rare disease in which the bone marrow quits producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Even with a donor, chances of survival are still not 100%. Fortunately, I was a match. I was Bone Marrow Boy as Shannon liked to call me. Throughout both transplants, she had to undergo chemotherapy, hospital isolation, and months of recovery before returning to her normal life. Her oncologist declared her in remission in 2012, but she suffered from graft versus host disease, which caused numerous side effects both internally and externally. For years she took cancer-causing immunosuppressant drugs to suppress her immune system so her body would not reject my marrow. Not only did Aplastic Anemia do tremendous damage to her body, it wreaked havoc on her mind. Doctors told Shannon she would not live passed 40 and would likely be barren. I can’t imagine hearing this as an 18 year-old. Living more than half of her life with a terminal illness resulted in clinical depression and PTSD. She was also told she may develop mental disorders later in life due to her extraordinary illness. As a young adult, her way of dealing with the condition was to not be emotional or vulnerable. She dealt with her illness by pushing it aside and pursuing her academic and career goals, leading many of us to forget that she was ever sick at all. Music, painting, and dancing also played significant roles in my sister’s healing. Shannon viewed dance as therapy. In 2014, she was a research participant in one of my school projects. She tied her connection to music and dancing directly to her illness. She stated, quote, “It’s where problems don’t exist. When you’re not thinking of everything else going on in your life, therefore your anxiety is reduced. Moving and dancing to music makes you happy. You’re not feeling depressed. It’s all about the whole getting lost in the moment. That’s a lot of what Buddhist practice is, staying in the present.” My sister seemed to have found peace in those moments of presence on the dance floor. She also found peace through painting, which she spent a lot time doing the last five years. I think that’s one of the many reasons we all loved Shannon, she made us feel special every moment we were with her. We were present because we felt her presence. In the summer of 2015, Shannon had her first psychotic break. Later that year, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder borderline Schizoaffective Disorder. Mental illness would prove to be the battle of Shannon’s life. She really struggled those last few years. During this time, her mind was changing and she was helpless to stop or reverse it. She lost many of her close connections, not because she OR we didn’t want them, but because she was trying to navigate her new reality that included mania, paranoia, and delusions. Losing our mother in 2021 and her dogs Osa and Kiki back-to-back was just too much to handle. She was hurting and trying to survive the only way she knew how, but I know she did not want to hurt herself and what happened was an accident. She told me not too long ago that she knew she was never going to be the same again, and she hated her illness and what it had done to her. It just isn’t fair what happened to Shannon. In the end, I think she felt misunderstood and no longer accepted, and that’s what hurts the most. I think she felt alone, like she didn’t have anyone. That’s the tragedy of mental illness, not just because of what she went through, but it’s hard for us to understand and even when we try to help, relationships suffer. Unfortunately there were no easy answers or quick fixes, and I underestimated her ability to cope with her illness. The transplants may have saved her life before, I just wish I could’ve saved it again. Sometimes I feel I didn’t do enough and maybe I’ll always feel guilt for that. Shannon recently told me she prayed to God frequently to take her. I think she was ready to go. I think she has been ready for a while. She felt she had a bigger purpose beyond this place. She came into our lives briefly, laughed with us, cried with us, danced with us, made us smile, made us feel special, then left as quickly as she arrived. Maybe that was her purpose here, to have a positive impact on all of us by leaving us better than she found us. I suppose death is what makes life beautiful, knowing that our time here is finite, to make the most of it and remember what is important. Shannon reminded us of that. When she died, a part of me died too, but a part of her and our mother will always live on in me because they make up so much of who I am. While my heart is broken that she is gone and I will never see my sister again in this life, a part of me feels that she is no longer suffering and is at peace with our mother in God’s kingdom. Some birds simply aren’t meant for this world, their feathers are too bright. That’s how I’ll always remember Shannon, and God called her home to be with our mother.
Juanita Pearce's eulogy
Written by Christopher Cost Juanita Pearce's eulogy, written with love and forethought by her grandson Christopher, is a wonderful example for those who are looking for a unique way to deliver a eulogy for a loved one. Christopher gives beautiful insight into Juanita's life by describing one of his earliest memories, describing how she was throughout her life, and what kind of emotional impact she had on all those she knew. Her dedication to her family and willingness to sacrifice for the good of others is detailed throughout his tribute. Additionally, Christopher takes the time to address members of the family, a beautiful departure from the standard eulogy format that makes Juanita's eulogy incredibly heartwarming and unique. Visit Juanita's memorial website to learn more about her life.
Read Juanita's full eulogy below:
Good morning. I am Christopher, Juanita’s grandson from her daughter, Debbie. My nearly 42- year life is right about the length of the job she retired from. She made it to her 89th birthday and then some. From her birth in 1933 to her retirement was just around 60 years. I still have 18 years to get to that point. A lot can happen within that time span. Memory and Truth are funny things. My memory tells me that of all the family, I feel I may have spent the most time with her. The truth is that of all the people that have been in my life, my grandma is the one that has been the most present and participatory. One of my earliest memories of time with my grandma, which is a bit fuzzy at this point in my life, is going to work with her during a summer I was staying with her. She was a manager at Southwestern Bell and visitors had to wear a special badge. What I remember is that I was playing with the alligator clip on the badge and managed to pinch and hurt my finger. I remember my grandma and many other grandmas running to my rescue. I remember my grandma taking me to see these giant catfish that were bigger than me at the time. I remember that I was being a dumb kid and fell and hurt my wrist and she found a way to get me patched up. I still have the scar. My earlier memories may be fuzzy and even failing me, but the truth isn’t: my grandma was always there for me, no matter what. For many of you, perhaps family most of all, that knew grandma before our car accident in 2004, there may be memories of a woman with strong beliefs. You may have memories of her sharing her opinion, and perhaps even memories of some strong judgments and prejudices. For those of us that were especially close to her, we likely also have memories of her always learning and growing into a person that overcame her prejudices. What I remember is she became a woman that even with her opinions, and attitudes, and judgements, never let that get in the way of doing the right thing and rendering aide and support when it was needed. The truth is I’ve only collected two-thirds the memories that my mother and uncle can recall. Her elder sister and only surviving sibling Helen may be able to recall my grandmother’s entire lifetime as memories. The truth is memories are but glimpses and moments and no singular memory or even the collection of memories from a single person will ever adequately define an individual. A lot of you may be blessed by only the last few years of my grandma’s life. I dare say they may be some of the richest blessings you may receive. Truth be told, for as long as I have memories of her, they are made up of sacrifice and offering, one after another. Be it driving to Texas to take care of her grandchildren when my uncle and aunt had to go on a trip or an overnight drive into the mountains of Arkansas to help my mom care for me and my sisters. Or middle of the night runs to the emergency room when one of my sisters or myself had an emergency and mom needed support. No matter the reason, no matter what she was doing, my memories are of a woman who was always there for her family. These last 18 years of my grandma’s life were some of her most challenging. Yet, while she always brought her ornery and cantankerous personality, she also brought every bit of survival fight and strength of character to fill my memories with a woman who scaled an ever-increasing mountain of health and physical and mental challenges. For the 8- and one-half years I directly cared for my grandma following the accident, we tackled daily physical and occupational therapy at my parents’ house and then at the clinic until she could finally return to her own home. We later battled through a relocation to find her and me a new home that was better suited for her ongoing needs and care, to only then face breast cancer before getting into thyroid surgeries. My mother then took over for a few years on daily care before my sister Rebecca took over principal care and support in 2020, just as the pandemic hit. Most of you have your own memories of these last two or three years that I ask for you to recall as I share what I believe of the last few years of my grandma’s life. I believe the truth is that our individual and collective memories tell of a woman that continued to be there no matter what the situation was. They tell of her being a person of support, care, and growth both personally and as an example for everyone around her. And I believe that she will continue to be that person in spirit through the end of each of our lives and the lives of each life we touch. I would like now to speak directly to a some of our family that have been part of Grandma’s daily life and were crucial in the ongoing fight my grandma put up these last 18 years. Kylie, You may never understand how important you were to Grandma Juanita. You were born just ahead of our car accident that changed her life forever. By the time she came to your grandma’s and grandpa’s house for her recovery, you were a source of ongoing reason for her to keep going. I hope that you will from time to time calm your mind and heart to just let her example of love and value for family guide you as you enter your adulthood. RyLee and Lora, She didn’t play favorites often--I should know because I did spend so much time with her--but she does have a special connection with each of you. Ava, Your video calls lighted your Grandma Juanita’s day and gave her a bright smile. To Owen, You don’t understand this today, but Grandma Juanita will always be with you. You were her source of strength and inspiration to keep fighting when her life was turned upside down going from living alone to living with you, your two big sisters and brother, your mom and dad, and the dogs. It was not an easy adjustment for her, but she was able to make that transition because of you. And as your Grandma Debbie and mommy will remind you in the years to come, your partner-in-crime will always be with you, even if you cannot remember her. And, to Kaison and Gavin, the twins, You brought her fresh spirit when her life was yet again shaken with a relocation and then her stroke earlier this year. To my dad, David, Despite your own health, you found the energy to help grandma with her laundry and as always, the two of you continued to keep each other on your toes in conversation. To my brother-in-law Matthew, you helped to clean up messes and did a lot of the heavy lifting with RyLee to relocate her lifetime of things to the new house and storage. To her sister Helen, I know that having a close relationship with you, and your brothers Dillard and Dalford when they were still with us, was very important to her. And, to all of grandma’s family and friends with whom she spoke or saw, there have been so many “cooks in the kitchen,” but she was always grateful for each of you. You each played a role greater than you may know in her ability to continue bringing us blessings and love for 89 years. To my sister Rebecca, who possesses a soul of infinite compassion and caregiving, I want to thank you for the life you were able to let our grandma keep. I may have taken care of her first, but you stepped up and took care of her when she needed support and assistance that allowed her to retain her dignity and privacy in a way a grandson couldn’t provide. And, finally, to her daughter, my mother, You’ve been here as a coordinator and source of medical knowledge and wisdom that completed out and has been no less important than the direct care Rebecca and I provided. Life has thrown you one personal or family health challenge after another, and you have continuing challenges in front of you. Always remember that you too can always calm your mind and heart to allow your mom’s strength and guidance to pick you up when you’re in doubt or facing uncertainty. Death is not the end! It is merely another step we must all take. For those of faith and spirituality that believe Juanita is in Heaven with God, death on Earth is but her means to move to that eternal life. And, for all of us, her death is merely a transition to an ongoing presence on Earth for as long as we each continue to keep her memory within us and grow from her and for as long as you each keep her as part of your truth. In a few hours, some of us will go on a bit of drive to Anadarko to inter her body with her parents and two of her brothers. For as far back as I can remember, this was an annual pilgrimage over Memorial Day weekend. Each year, I can recall the same story as we would pass by Sonic on the highway. Grandma would always remind us that she grew up in a house behind that Sonic. I don’t think that specific Sonic is still there. But for any of you that join us for the burial this afternoon, as you enter Anadarko and see what looks like an old Sonic on your right, let it be a reminder of how precious memories are. For me, I will always remember my grandmother as the woman that took me to the store to get hamburger meat, go home and cook spaghetti and Ragu, spread towels on the floor in front of the TV, and watch movies while we ate on those towels. No matter what memory of her beliefs, opinions, and judgments, I will always know the truth is Grandma loved me, her family, and her friends. The truth is she wasn’t only present, she was actively participating when present. It is in great part through her example and pruning that I am the person I am today. I thank you, Grandma, for every gift and lesson and moment you gave me, and there are nearly 42 years of them to draw on. I love you and carry you with me always!
Barbara Burton Kleinert's eulogy
Written by Christine Maszkiewicz This beautiful eulogy is a wonderful example of how to interweave testament to someone's personality and character with the core occassions of their life. Barbara's eulogy is able to paint a thorough picture of what she enjoyed, what she was passionate about, how she was as a mother, her educational and career choices, and so much more. It's clear that anyone who had the privilege to listen to this eulogy (or to read it in its written form) was given a wonderful opportunity to learn deeply about who Barbara was as a mother, partner, friend, and person. To learn more about Barbara's life, visit her memorial website .
Read Barbara's full eulogy below:
Hello everyone, I am Christie Maszkiewicz, Barbara’s daughter. Today we come to honor and remember the life of Barbara Kleinert. My mother passed away four months exactly from the day my father passed away this year. We sit here in the same spot where we held his memorial back in February. It’s surreal. My family is still dealing with raw heartache from his death and now we are all feeling the pain from hers as well. They both left a void in our hearts. My brother and I are now without our dear parents. My nephews have lost both grandparents on their father’s side. It’s been a tough year so far so I want to thank you all for coming out to remember Barbara and to support this family once again while we are all trying to come to terms with such a great loss. I know many people could not make the trip to Colorado for health reasons or travel reasons. Barbara’s sister Laurie, brother Dave and niece Jenny all are here in spirit and watching online from the east coast and beyond. They wish they could be here today. They joined my brother and I and our spouses in the days leading up to my mother’s passing. We sat around her bed and talked with mom and reminisced about our time with Mom. At times I know for sure that Mom heard and reacted to what we were saying. She was surrounded with family and love in her last days and to me that is the most important thing. Love you Laurie, Dave and Jenny. Thank you, guys, for being there and for being here virtually today. My mom, Barbara was a sincere and warm person. She was a daughter, a grandchild, a niece and then a big sister. She was a close friend, a parishioner, a nurse and a teacher. She was a wife, a sister-in-law, an aunt, and a grandma. To many in her life she was a listener, a singer and a hand to hold. To me she was my mom. My mom loved to care for others throughout her life. My aunt Laurie told me one of her earliest memories was Mom, known as Barbie to Laurie, picking her up out of her crib when she was upset one night, holding and comforting her. During my mom’s childhood she grew up feeling unseen and unheard; she felt she didn’t really fit in or live up to her mother’s expectations. Her heart though was full of love, she turned those feelings of hurt into good. She reached out and helped others to make them feel seen, to make them feel heard. Her passion growing up was very much the church and music. She learned piano but found the guitar to be her instrument of choice and she used it throughout her life to bring song into a youth group or on a mission trip. When she was older, she went to nursing school to help others. Giving of herself was her calling. In her mother’s last year’s my mom was by her side and took care of her and the two eventually made peace. My mother was persistent about peace and understanding between those she loved. Mom was always involved in hobbies that helped others; she even met my dad through her volunteering activities. They met at the U.S.O. in New Jersey where she volunteered. Through her giving spirit she and my dad saw each other through some rough early years. Mom worked nights so dad could work and go to school. She juggled raising a young son while working long hours and supporting her husband. Eventually when a second child came along, she stopped working to be a stay-at-home mother and continue supporting her husband as he continued working and pursuing a Master’s Degree. My brother and I don’t have early memories of daycare, we have memories of being home with mom. Memories of being loved and cared for by her. That was a sacrifice she made, family was very important to her and I know we both appreciate the fact that our parents made that choice. When she went back into the workforce, she had to volunteer to get experience, since a Nursing degree wasn’t enough apparently. She volunteered and eventually worked in the school district with severely handicapped children. The passion she had for helping others became a lifelong career. Mom was always devoted to helping others, through her church St. Michaels in Colorado Springs, she joined the prison Ministry Kairos. I remember as a child answering the phone on weekends when mom was away on a Kairos Retreat. I very politely told the caller that mom was not here right now, she was in prison, could I take a message? My parents always got a chuckle out of that. As a child I connected with my mom’s fun spirit. She was childlike in the sense that she found wonder and beauty in the world where ever she went. She loved animals and nature. As child she had a bunny named Thumper that she adored. Later when she married my dad they acquired a pet skunk named Flower….I think we can figure out what name a pet deer may have acquired. Growing up we couldn’t have a dog or a cat since dad was allergic. With two kids and a wife wanting a critter he and mom figured out a way to make a guinea pig work with dad’s allergies. We had a spotted female named Cutie for a time and then we brought home Skeezics, a red spiky haired guinea pig. My mother had so much fun with him. We’d let him run around the living room and race down the hallway of the house. Many times mom had to help dad dismantle the huge sleeper sofa to get the guinea pig out from underneath where he was hiding. My mom would also sing various songs to the guinea pig, especially at treat time. That little pig would squeak so loudly when he heard the song….”What Shall we get for the Pig” since he knew he was getting a tasty treat. When we moved from CO to VA it was very hard on our family. Mom made sure to help us kids adjust and get involved in activities. As a horse crazy 8-year-old I wanted my own pony. The next best thing, riding lessons. My mom was at every single riding lesson camera in hand. She stood at the fence cheering me on as I learned new things like cantering or jumping. When I had my first fall she rushed to my side and as the old adage tells you, encouraged me to get back on. I’m sure as a mother that goes against many instincts to encourage a child to continue something that injured them. That next week she got me up early every morning so I could soak in a warm bath to ease my pain. In VA my mother continued with Kairos Prison missions but also got involved in Therapeutic riding for special needs children. I joined her a few times at the farm helping with the horses. She loved working with the children. They would come alive up on horseback, it relaxed them and they responded to the games mom and other volunteers played to engage the children. The smiles were just as bright on her face as they were on the children’s. My mother continued to love critters even after our family didn’t have any more pets. Our deck in the back of the house was not our deck. We didn’t have patio furniture or a hot tub out there. Nope, we had birds and squirrels lined up on every single railing eating the seeds and peanuts placed out there by mom. At night we ended up having raccoons at times. One evening there must have been 12 raccoons eating the seeds and other goodies mom fed to the critters. A special guest was Petey, a Virginia Opossum. This little critter loved noodles with BBQ sauce a specialty my mother whipped up for for her culinary delight. Mom spent hours taking photos of this sweet little creature. One day the opossum was still there in the morning and we watched her run off the deck to the underside of the front porch. She came back out with 10 babies clinging to her back and headed off into the woods. Mom made sure we all there to see it and she took pictures of the spectacle. Growing up loving animals just like my mother I didn’t have to look far to find a fuzzy or feathery friend to enjoy. My mother would often take in the birds that flew head first into the window. She would let them rest in a darkened aquarium until they came out of shock and then released them back to the woods. One such incident occurred with a little Tufted Titmouse, aptly named Tufty. He hit the window and needed help. When mom went to catch him, the little guy flew into the house and into the powder room that I was just exiting. My mom and I spent 15 minutes trying to catch that little bird to get him back outside. As I got older and moved on to college and beyond, I acquired the pets I didn’t have growing up, the fuzzy allergy triggering ones. My mother and father loved their grand-dog Spencer. He was a silly little Jack Russell Terrier. Mom never begrudged the fact that I didn’t want children of my own she accepted her four legged grandchildren. Every time I brought Spencer over you would hear the shrill voice of mom bellowing “Grand-Dog! Grand-dog”. He certainly was a spoiled grandchild. When I finally got my pony, my mother was there to meet her, happy as a clam to see me with Daenerys and to share the moment. My mother was constantly documenting our lives with photos. This was before digital photos which now everyone takes pictures of EVERYTHING. My mom invented that; out would come the camera and us kids would groan. Now we have boxes and boxes of memories to sort through that I know we will cherish as we walk down memory lane and thank her for being the shutterbug she was. Kodak stayed in business for a long time because of mom! My mother was the ever-present cheerleader and moral compass of our family. She brought a light to our lives, she often instigated fun but was also patient when we stepped out of line. Surviving my teenage years is a testament to the patience and love my mother had for her family. One hard part I’ve learned about losing someone is having to go through their belongings. Though I will state this act can shed light on memories that will warm the heart. So honestly this burden is one my brother and I are happy to take on. While looking through some books I came across a note mom wrote. She made many notes and comments in nearly every book she read. This particular note though was about parenting. She wrote that parents will make many mistakes. These mistakes shouldn’t really matter if the child knew they were loved. And mom, yes….we knew we were loved. Very much so. This year has been a hard year but with all the tragedy and difficult times we’ve had to endure, this year has been a year full of love, last moments and memories. I cherish these memories and they bring me comfort that there was so much love. I hope each of us can reflect on the memories we have of my Mom, Barbara….and that those feelings can bring us all comfort. We will love you forever Mom. We will love you forever.
Barbara Fritsche Olmanson's eulogy
Written by Leif Olmanson Written in the form of detailed descriptions of different memories Leif had with his mother, Barbara's eulogy is a perfect example of the how the accumulation of small moments woven together end up creating a beautiful landscape of a life well lived. Leif's description of each memory that he cherished with his mom is a perfect way for the reader to gain an understanding of the type of woman Barbara was and the effect she had on those around her. For those looking to share a eulogy that's built on memories, Leif's eulogy is a wonderful place to gain inspiration. To learn more about Barbara's life, visit her memorial website .
Read the full eulogy below:
Remembrances of Mom: When she was ten years old our mother was baptized at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in New Ulm, but I think one reason she chose the Church of the Holy Communion for our family was because of the beauty of the church and its history. I recall being told that the ceiling was designed to look like an upside-down ship—basically a vessel to bring the parishioners to heaven. And that the stained-glass windows came from England by sailing ships and overland by ox cart. The Dodd family grave in the back of the church evokes pioneer history. Mom had a keen interest in local history, and this Episcopal Church building is a living reminder of that history. The obituary focuses on Mom’s love of travel, especially their long trip to Burma and their service to a disadvantaged part of the world under difficult conditions. I think this was a formative experience for them—at times a trial by fire. In some ways, they must have been different people by the time they returned to resume their life in St. Peter. It was a few months after they returned to St. Peter that I (Leif) was born, and my little sister Lori followed shortly. With six kids you would think that the adventures would stop, but that was not the case. Although sometimes they traveled without the kids, often they brought all of us or some of us along. There were memorable trips to the Boundary Waters, Canada, the Black Hills, Florida, Yucatan, and the Cayman Islands. These trips instilled a sense of travel in all of us. Long after we all left home, when Mom was 70 and my sister Trudi was 40, she decided to fulfill her bucket list. It started with Trudi and Thor traveling with my parents to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Other adventures included Peru - Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Panama (with Trudi and Eric), Norway and Germany (with Trudi and Eric), and Trinidad and Tobago (with Trudi, Leif, and grandkids Britta and Anders) where I made the mistake of calling my parents elderly when we were inquiring about a boat trip. I was set straight by Mom right away but had reason to be concerned since the docks were in bad shape and the captain had to time the waves to get them on and offboard. There were also several trips to Mexico with each of her children and several grandchildren joining them. The most memorable trip was for Mom’s 80th Birthday where Trudi and I were with them for the entire 21-day trip and all but one of the other siblings and Anders joined for a week. We started in Puerto Morales (a great discovery and location we returned to many times for easier traveling as our parents aged) and then went to Tulum. From there we headed to Xcalak (which was one mile from Belize) and ended up staying at a scuba diver training facility which was cool since they had students from around the world and for the diving trips, we were outnumbered by diving instructors. Mom and Dad enjoyed the snorkeling and bird-watching trip. For such a small fishing village they had some great restaurants with some interesting locally sourced gourmet dishes. We were having a great time and I was using my iPod to text my brother Thor to tell him to come to Xcalak. He misunderstood my messaging and indicated he would meet us in Punta Allen. When Mom heard that we were off to meet Thor in Punta Allen. The travel books said the road from Tulum to Punta Allen was anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on road conditions. Well from Xcalak we had a 4-hour drive to Tulum and what turned out to be another 4 hours to Punta Allen. (This long drive was the first time I noticed signs of Alzheimer’s in my dad.) Amazing how well my mom and dad were able to cover it from us. So back to the story. It had been raining so the roads were more like small lakes than a road. With mud puddles covering most of the road and as it turns out it was the route for the adventure Jeep tours you would see if you would go on a cruise or to a big resort. So, there we are in our Jetta size car with luggage and five passengers, Anders on the hump in the back seat. Since the few people that lived on this route did not like the jeeps ripping up the road, they would put in Jeep size road bumps to slow them down. So, every time we came upon one, I would stop and have everyone get out of the car to make it over the bump. After we finally got to Punta Allen the streets were not any better since they were also flooded. We met up with Thor and his girlfriend at the time and had a wonderful time with some great food and company. The adventure continued with Schelli, and Lori joining us Back in Puerto Morelos and trips to Chichen itza to recreate childhood photographs and Ek Balam. A great and memorable trip. Other memorable occasions: Dad and Amby were working on the Ford Model As that were being used for Schelli and Amby’s Wedding parade. Right before the ceremony, Mom saw Amby and took him into the bathroom of the church and said no man would marry her daughter with greasy hands, so she helped him scrub the grease off. When she was babysitting Marty when he was 3, he helped her pick berries and make jam. When Schelli picked him up, he had dark red around his mouth, and she said “the jam must have been good”. Mom gave her a funny look and brought a washcloth over and said, I think he got into a Woodtick that fell off the dog. Picking Morel mushrooms, canoeing, her amazing cooking inspired by traveling including braunschweiger dip, kawswe, elderberry Kiekle, Burmese curry, homemade sauerkraut, and her conch ceviche Mom was always willing to go, whether it was dancing, fishing, going to the lake and tubing behind the boat, and paddle boarding at 80, and they really enjoyed garage sales. Mom was an anchor for our family. She took care of us when we were sick, fed us, taught us about nature and history, and encouraged our interests. She was the keeper of holiday traditions, adapting her more German Christmas traditions by adventurously adding her husband’s annual Norwegian delicacy: LUTEFISK. Regular Christmas guests were: Violet, Charles, and Pauline Kinson (Violet’s shrimp paste), Bernie Bornhagen (black mustard for the lutefisk), and other friends we adopted along the way. One Christmas when we all arrived Mom said they had noticed an awful smell in the house. They remembered their Springer Spaniel dog (Spike) had a dead squirrel in the yard. Sure, that she must have brought the carcass into the house they did a thorough search of the house and to their surprise, they discovered a piece of lutefisk under a chair. The dog must have grabbed it out of the bucket it was soaking in. Dad told us that he rinsed it off and put it back in the bucket. We were pretty sure he was joking. Lots of great memories and we will miss her greatly!
Juliann Therese Weimholt's eulogy
Written and read by Josef Weimholt In Juliann's eulogy, Josef does an excellent job at delivering many of the details you'd find in a eulogy in a loving, descriptive, and beautiful way. In addition to thanking the community, describing his mother's impact on those around her and her character, Josef includes a beautiful and creative tribute to his mother with additional context and pledges for what he aims to do in the future to honor his mother. To learn more about Juliann's life, visit her memorial website .
Good morning. Before I begin, I want to take the opportunity, on behalf of our entire family, to thank all of you for being here today—in person, in this beautiful, old church that our mom loved so much, or virtually—to help us celebrate our mom’s life. We’d like to thank everyone who travelled from out of state to be here today, including those on our dad’s side of the family who traveled from as far away as California. Let that sink in for a second—there are people here today who flew from warm, sunny California. To Chicago. In February. To attend the funeral of an in-law, essentially. Now, I know they came in part to support our dad in his time of grief, but I think it really speaks to the impact our mom had on people. And that’s been evident as well in the flood of messages we’ve received since Mom passed, which have come not just from close friends and family, as you’d expect, but from those who worked with her briefly decades ago, those who met her only recently—including members of the Breakers community in Edgewater, where our parents have lived the past couple of years—from friends (and friends of friends) of my sisters and mine who may have met her only once at one of our weddings years ago. So many have reached out with a kind note, a memory, a heartfelt message about how our mom affected them. As everyone here can attest, to meet Mom was to know instantly what a beautiful person she was, inside and out; a kind, caring soul; sharp, funny, and fun to be around; someone who brightened the lives of all those around her. I heard it said recently that grief is simply unexpressed love. The moral, I think, is that grief isn’t something we should avoid or try to overcome, but something we should embrace. If grief really is just a reflection of the love we feel for the person we lost, then we should hope to always feel some measure of grief for our departed loved ones. I like that sentiment; I think there’s some wisdom there, and perhaps some solace for those of us who are grieving our mom’s loss so deeply still. But it got me thinking about that notion of "unexpressed love." Unexpressed love: that was a foreign concept to Mom. Like our dad, she never missed an opportunity to tell my sisters and I how much she loved us, how proud she was of us, how happy we made her, how lucky she was to be our mom. And we always reciprocated—in person, on the phone, over text (including, in recent years, through liberal use of heart emojis in any text with Mom). Now, I don’t know whether that has lessened our grief any, but I do know that I speak for my sisters, our dad, our Aunt Mary Kay, and everyone who was on the other end of those exchanges with Mom, when I say that we are incredibly grateful for each of those moments, each of those expressions of love that my mom would simply not let go unexpressed. It was in that spirit that I set out some time ago to put down in writing exactly what my mom meant to me—an impossible task, to be sure. I regret deeply that I didn’t finish it before she passed, but I’m grateful I can share it here today with her and with all of you. I initially intended for it to be a poem, as that’s the language that she loved best, but I’m afraid I didn’t inherit her poetic voice (or talents). So I ended up with something else, I’m not sure what exactly. But I call it, “My Mother’s Son.” My Mother’s Son I knew it was coming, every time I would visit Mom at work—usually to ask for money for the movies or to pick up the car to meet friends or for some other equally important reason—never just to say hi, or ask about her day, or tell her how much I loved her. (There would always be time for that later, right?) “You must be Julie’s son!” It was probably my nose or the shape of my face; perhaps the hazel eyes or brown, curly hair. At first, I was annoyed. I didn’t want to resemble a short, middle-aged woman—beautiful though she was—and rued the fact that I didn’t inherit a chiseled jawline or muscular physique instead. So I usually just smiled sheepishly. But beyond an amusement at the resemblance, there was something else evident in their tone. “You must be Julie’s son!” The front desk staff, her fellow nurses, the doctors and residents, the custodial workers—they always made sure to tell me how much they loved working with Mom—how kind and skilled she was with patients, how supportive and generous she was with colleagues. They were quick with an anecdote or an expression of admiration. Eventually, I came to embrace the comparisons—proudly wrapping my arm around her (and sometimes giving her a playful pat on top of her head, which by then came up only to my chest) whenever a new friend, colleague, or stranger remarked on the resemblance. In her later years, as her health declined and the Parkinson’s loomed like a storm cloud growing nearer and more ominous by the day, I would reflect often on the connection I shared with my mom, on what it meant to be her son. Apart from any physical traits she may have passed down, I knew she would be leaving for her children and grandchildren something truly precious and rare. Something that couldn’t be simply inherited, but would need to be earned—brought to fruition through the countless small acts and daily decisions that make up a person’s life. Now that she has passed, and I think about the man I strive to be for my own family—for my wife, Sarah, and our daughter, Tessa, who will grow up without having truly known her Ama—I find in my mom’s legacy a clarion call, a beacon guiding my way, a pledge I must continually renew: I will be kind to friends and strangers alike—especially the less fortunate, the marginalized, and the forgotten among us. I will be generous with my time, energy, and resources, and will commit to causes greater than myself. I will laugh, loud and often. My patience will know no bounds. I will smile constantly and exude warmth so that others are uplifted even when I’m down. I will be selfless and unfailingly loyal. I will not swoon at the sight of blood, but will swoon over a mariachi band (or really any live music). I will create. I will nurture. I will dance with enthusiasm. I will be open to all things, and constantly seek out new adventures, foods, cultures, and people. I will find happiness in the simple things, and peace in nature. When my health fails me or curveballs inevitably come my way, I will put on a brave face to spare my loved ones their worry, and will fight with a strength and tenacity that will make them proud. I will laugh some more, through everything. I will be grateful for all that I have been given. I will love, and be loved, and the world will be a richer, better place for my having been here. I will, I pray, truly and forever be my mother’s son.
Richard "Dick" Floyd Messalle's memorial speech
Written and read by Renee Messalle In this memorial speech, there are plenty references to memories, passions, hobbies, and delights that Richard took part in during his time. These references help paint a loving and broad picture of what Richard's life was like and the kind of person he was. In addition to the personal stories shared, Renee also includes a beautiful poem at the start which kicks off the metaphor of the Train of Life for the rest of the memorial speech. To learn more about Richard's life, visit his memorial website .
Welcome everyone. Thank you so much for coming today. Carl and I wanted to share a few memories about our Dad before the service started. I wanted to start off by reading this lovely poem that I saw recently. Train of Life At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents, and we believed that they would always travel by our side. However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train, leaving us on life's journey alone. As time goes by, some significant people will board the train: siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we won't realize that they vacated their seats! This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way -- loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing. When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty -- we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life. And let’s remember to thank our God for giving us life to participate in this wonderful train ride. I am so glad that I was on my Dad’s train for 51 years. And thanks to those that joined the train at one time or another. His stop and his step down was so very unexpected for us – but he left so many great memories, and we are so grateful he stepped off on a high note! We have all loved hearing what others thought of my Dad – and am so happy that it was what we knew of him. The prevailing theme – he was such a kind and gentle and smart person. And several people said he was a “Renaissance Man”. And I totally agree – he loved to learn and knew a lot about everything. He was so happy in his recent move to Greenspring where he had a big office surrounded by at least 1,000 of his books, all in one room. And most importantly my Dad loved math and data. He had a bachelor and master’s degree in Math. He worked for the Navy using his math skills. And in going through things in his office – we saw that my Dad doodled math everywhere. And he did at least a sudoku a day. I have great memories of him helping us as kids with homework, which he enthusiastically did, and especially of course with math. My high school friends even fondly remember his tutoring us in math. After retirement, he even spent many years tutoring various students – even his grandsons. Just recently he helped Brandon and me with some math homework and sent us detailed descriptions and steps to help us. And he was still the volunteer Treasurer for the Four Corners neighborhood association, which he had been doing for many years. After grad school with his advanced degree in Mathematics, he met my Mom on their first day of work at US Navy, David Taylor Model Basin as they were both trying to find the math lab! My Mom worked there until I was born. And then, when I was looking for a summer job in college, I decided to apply where my Dad worked. This turned out to be the start of my government career as well, and I eventually worked in the same Directorate with my Dad for the summers and then for 7 years after college. It was a great chance for us to know and see each other in different ways, learn what my Dad did at work, have similar co-workers, etc. After my Dad retired, he had so much fun taking liberal art classes at the community college. He also loved going to see plays with my Mom, so they both ushered at various local theaters for over 30 years. And he even directed and acted in some community theater plays. Despite my Dad’s quiet demeanor – he definitely had had a wild and adventurous side …. He loved rollercoasters. Even as recent as about 5- 10 years ago, he was still going on roller coasters and rides at Disney and Universal with my husband and niece and Brandon, and even on the water slides at the water parks. When we were younger, he took us on a hot air balloon ride. He loved to bike – biked to work, biked with friends, biked long distance rides of 100 miles, and biked as a family. He did Hang gliding for a while – and even bought one. I remember playing in fields while my Dad would hang glide off of small hills. He even bought a Unicycle. He also loved science fiction, and he introduced us to Star Wars as kids. And I was able to take my parents to the new Disney Star Wars theme park in February, right before Covid. And I just took him to the movie theater at Thanksgiving to see the new Dune movie, which he loved. My Dad was always around and involved when we were younger. We always had family dinners, he made breakfast every Sunday (where I was introduced to and then loved scrapple), he washed the dishes every night for my Mom, and was always willing and around to assist us with our school and homework. And then he continued to be present and involved in my life as a grandfather to Brandon, especially since we lived somewhat close by. He set such a great example for me of what a father and what a spouse should be. And I am so happy that he met the love of his life, and that he and my Mom had such a wonderful marriage of 53 years – best friends - truly soul mates. In summary, my Dad had a fun life on that train for 79 years, sharing 55 of those years (70% of his life) with my Mom! He left many great memories for me and for others. Thanks Dad – I love you and you will be missed.
Following you will find some eulogy examples, with most of them being short eulogy examples. Shorter eulogies can become longer simply by adding in stories and memories that you hold dear or different aspects of your loved one’s life you’d like to share.
Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to share this time with [Name]’s friends, family, and others in remembering [his/her] life.
I met [Name] [number] years ago at [description of meeting location]. I immediately liked [Name]’s [sense of humor / personality / presence] and knew we would make fast friends. Once, when we were [description of memory], [Name] turned to me and said “[Quote]”.
[Longer description of memory]
After we met, I [description of life after meeting person] and [he/she] went on to [description of what they did]. When [Name] met [spouse], everything changed. [He/she] became [description] and was one of the best [husbands/wives/fathers/mothers] a family could ask for.
I know I’ll always miss my best friend and that no one can replace [him/her]. With that, I’d like to leave you all with one of [Name]’s favorite quotes, by [author]: “[quote]”. Thank you.
[Name] was my best friend, confidante, partner in crime, and one of the best people I’ve ever had the honor to know. I first met [Name] in [location] and we quickly became fast friends. We shared a love of [hobby] and a desire to [description], something that very few others connected with me on.
[Name] taught me a lot about [description], something I will never take for granted. Our other friends refer to [Name] and describe [him/her] as [description]. What I know for certain is that anyone who knew [Name], knew how [brave/special/funny/kind/unique] they were. You don’t meet someone like that every day.
One of my most cherished memories with [Name] was the time we [description]. If not that, then it’s definitely the time we [description].
I want to thank you all for gathering today in honor of [Name], I know it would’ve meant the world to [him/her]. Let’s honor [his/her] memory by continuing to spread love in this world and to try our best each and every day. Thank you.
For those who don't know me, [Name] and I have been friends for practically our entire lives. We grow up in [town] together, lived down the street from one another, and went to the same schools from elementary to high school. We planned on going to the same college together (but [Name] was smarter than I and got into some schools I didn't). We weren't just friends, we were [brothers/sisters].
When I was younger, [Name] used to take me to [area]. We'd play [game] and sit out in the field, talking about [subject] for hours on end. [Name] was there for my life's most important events. [He/she] was there for [list out important life events] and always remembered my birthday and other important anniversaries. [He/she] was beyond thoughtful -- [he/she] was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I've ever met and will ever meet.
Losing [Name] is akin to losing a family member. [He/she] is irreplaceable and their loss is felt deeply, more than words can ever describe. At the same time, I know [Name] would hate it if they saw me up here crying, talking only about their loss and ignoring all the wonderful things [he/she] did with their precious time here on Earth. So, I'd like to take this time, to thank [Name] for everything [he/she] taught me: [list out lessons or important takeaways]
Let's honor [Name's] memory today (and all days) by being kind to one another and remembering the struggles that we all have to face during our time here.
Joie and I met before we were born -- our mothers were in the same prenatal group and bonded over their hatred of the lack of sushi in their lives. We were born only a few days apart, spent our first years of life held by each other's moms and had almost no chance in not becoming great friends. Little did our moms know -- they'd given us more than friendship when they became friends. They'd made us family -- sisters.
Both of our families had decided to only have one child, so Joie and I filled the void that every only-child experiences. She was my sister, through and through. I was there for every one of her life's major accomplishments (and letdowns). She returned the favor in kind. Joie was my support through my first relationship, my first heartbreak, my first degree, my first marriage (and second!) and my first child. I was there for so many of her firsts, seconds, and thirds in life. That's the kind of person Joie was. Supportive. Constant. Foundational. She was my rock and the rock for so many people around her.
Even in death, Joie knew we'd be lost without her support. Her husband, Robbie, is constantly finding small notes that Joie left behind, just little reminders that she still cares for him and is supporting him, despite this complication we call existence. Two days after Joie was diagnosed with cancer, she gave me a call. She told me to sit down and to get ready for the "shit to hit the fan". I thought it was just another rant about her job or some stupid thing she saw at the store or a 30 minute monologue on the downfall of American reality TV.
When she told me she had cancer, I nearly passed out. But she explained to me that now, more than ever, she needed me to be the strong one. Not just for her, but for her husband, for her family, and for myself. She told me not to embarass her in this eulogy, so I'll restrain myself from doing that by going over the top. Please just know, if you're here today, you meant something to Joie. If you're here today, you matter and are important. If you're here today, please honor Joie's memory by being the rock for someone else in your life.
Joie, I love you so, so much. I can't wait to see you again.
Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to share this time with our friends, family and community and join in remembering [Name]'s life and ongoing legacy.
I met [Name] at [location] around [number] years ago and instantly knew we'd become lifelong friends.
We spent all our time during that summer [description of activities] and the following years were spent periodically visiting [location] and inviting friends out for our annual [description of trip].
[Name] was the kind of person who you never forget. [He/she] was [describe personality]. [He/she] instantly made people feel like [description]. [He/she] was endlessly [selfless, loving, caring, etc.].
I know this loss is one that runs deep for many of us gathered here today, but I also know that [Name] wouldn't want us to sit around mourning [his/her] loss and instead would want us to look towards the future and think on what we can do to make this world a better place.
In [his/her] memory, let's try our best.
For those who don't know me, [Name] was my childhood best friend. We met when we were [age] and instantly connected. We bonded over [subjects], we spent summers at [location] and I could almost always be found at [his/her] house on the weekends. I spent so much time at [Name]'s house that I was known as [his/her] [brother/sister], even by [his/her] parents own admission.
A lifelong friendship is incredibly hard to find and even harder to live without once you've experienced it. To say that this loss is hard is an understatement. [Name] was one of the [describe personality] people I've ever met. [He/she] was unique. [He/she] was hilarious. [He/she] was irreplaceable.
For all those that are gathered with me today, I ask that you join me in honoring [Name]'s life by practicing the values they held so dear. Be kind, be loving, enjoy life, and live life slowly.
Before I get started, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for showing up to honor and remember the incredible life of [Name]. If you knew [Name] (which, if you didn't, why are you here?), you know how magnetic they truly were. Standing up here with only a few minutes to speak on how amazing they were and what they meant to me feels impossible. How can I describe [Name] in a way that's accurate? How can I sum up the impact they had on me, on those around them, on the field of [career field], on the world? It's a near impossible task, so I decided to list out the top 10 things I appreciated most about [Name]. I plan on integrating these top 10 things into the way I treat others as a way of honoring their memory.
Things I learned from [Name]:
Thank you for joining me and listening to me today. I hope you take some of these values and ways of being with you.
Memories of [Name]
Instead of a standard eulogy, I wanted to use this time to share some of my most cherished memories of [Name]. These are ones I've picked out intentionally as I feel they best represent the type of person [Name] was, at least to me. While not all of these memories are ""positive"", they are the ones that have stuck with me the most.
[List memories]
We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable young man, who was taken from us far too soon. [Name] was a 25-year-old Marine, who loved hunting, woodworking, and theater. He had a stoic, but kind personality that drew people to him, and he had a deep passion for nature, exploration, and family.
[Name] was a skilled hunter, who spent many hours in the woods, quietly observing the world around him. He had a deep respect for nature and all of its creatures, and he loved nothing more than being out in the wilderness, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the sun on his face.
In addition to his love for hunting, [Name] was also a talented woodworker, who enjoyed creating beautiful objects out of wood. He had an eye for detail and a steady hand, and his creations were always stunningly beautiful.
But perhaps most of all, [Name] loved theater. He was a gifted actor, who had a way of bringing his characters to life, and he had a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. He loved nothing more than being on stage, basking in the spotlight, and entertaining his audience.
Throughout all of his endeavors, [Name] was guided by his dedication to his family. He was a loyal son, a devoted brother, and a loving friend, who always put the needs of others before his own. He had a heart of gold, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need.
[Name] was a remarkable young man, who touched the lives of all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved. Rest in peace, [Name]. You will always be remembered.
First, I want to thank everyone here for showing up today. It means a lot.
Losing my dad is one of the most difficult hardships I’ve ever had to go through. That being said, this process has made me realize just how lucky I was to have a father like [Name]. Without his example, encouragement, advice, and love, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am eternally grateful for his life as an example for how I should live my own.
My dad was difficult to sum up in a few words, but some that come to mind are: [hardworking/gentle/loving/caring/strong/hilarious/funny/serious/crafty/intelligent]. When I was younger, we’d spend time [description of memory]. That’s where I first learned to [description of skill].
I remember once when I was younger, we [description of memory].
Dad, you will never be forgotten. Our family is eternally lucky to have had you as the head of our family. We will honor your memory by [way you’re going to honor memory].
Thank you all for coming today.
Growing up, my father was always [description of attitude / personality]. My friends would always say that he was [description of friends’ thoughts]. His coworkers would describe him as [description]. But to me, he was just my dad.
One of my favorite memories with him is when we [memory description].
Another time, we went to [memory description].
Those are the times that I keep in mind whenever I think of my dad, some of the best times of my life. It’s impossible to describe the amount of love I hold in my heart for my father, so I’ll leave it to someone else to describe for me. In the words of [author name], “[Quote]”.
Hello, everyone. Before I get started, I just wanted to acknowledge everyone's presence today. It means so much to me and to my family that you decided to be here with us today to remember my father's life. I know he's smiling on us from above and is absolutely thrilled that so many of you showed up today to remember him.
My dad is impossible to sum up -- we'd be here all day if I had the opportunity to share with you all all the wonderful things he did, taught, and accomplished in his life. To spare you all from that (and to shield you from watching me cry for a few hours) I've decided to restrict this to a short list of some of my favorite qualities of my dad. Without further ado, here's the things that made my dad the man he was:
- My dad taught me and my brothers the meaning of what is was to be a man.
- He was compassionate and kind, funny yet stoic, bubbly yet reserved, and quietly bonded our family together through difficult storms and joyful moments.
- He was the BEST on the grill and 5 year winner of the Best Chili award at our annual chili cookoff.
- He hated the Patriots, with a passion.
- He'd sneak out in the middle of the night when we were younger to take us to midnight premiers of our favorite movies -- much to Mom's dismay.
- He once drove over 500 miles to help me move out from an ex's apartment -- again, in the middle of the night.
- He was known by my entire group of friends as "The Cool Dad".
- Even during his last months, he was ensuring me and my brothers knew what to expect, knew what was coming, and what our responsibilities to each other were.
- His family was the most important thing in his life.
- My mom was the love of his life and never failed to put a twinkle in his eye.
My dad is the reason I am the person I am today. He was endlessly encouraging, loving, caring, and intelligent. To lose him is to lose a piece of who I am, though I know he's with me in spirit. Thank you once again for showing up to support our family and remember this great man.
[Author] once said, "[Inspirational quote]". Little did he know, this quote would go on to be the foundation of my father's life.
While most knew my dad as a [descriptor] person, those closest to him knew him for his [kindness, bravery, love, caring, tenderness, softness, etc]. A man of few words and many talents, my father spent much of his life in [work / career description] and caring for [his children/family/wife/etc.]. His greatest love in life was [Name] and his favorite pasttime was [pasttime]. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and not a day goes by that I'm certain the world is worse off without him in it. Losing my dad has taught me two things: [list lessons]
Thank you all for joining me, please tell your parents how much they mean to you and please do kindness, wherever you can.
My father was not an easy man. He was someone who hated the idea of small talk, celebrated people who worked hard (but knew when to take a break), and would be more than happy if no one talked to him for months, leaving him to read through his favorite detective novels.
His life could also not be described as easy. My father grew up poor, he lost his own father at the young age of 8 and had a mother who could be described as absent (at best). His youth was spent attempting to make ends meet through illegal jobs he held while attending school. He ended up dropping out of highschool in order to pursue a job as a dishwasher and support himself.
It was at this point that he met my mother, who seemed to be one of the only people on the planet who could charm my dad. He described her as "The first sense of relief I felt on this earth." and would refer to her as the love of his life for the rest of his life. He did his best to shield me and my brothers from the harsh upbringing he endured. He pushed us to attend college, he pushed us to stay in school, and he pushed us to cherish those in our family -- something he never had.
He worked hard to get to where he was and without a doubt, could be described as a successful man. My father was resilient, generous, and reserved. Though he was a man of few words, he made sure that my brother and I knew we were important, were loved, and were cherished.
I love you Dad and I hope you rest easy. You did a wonderful job.
Lessons from [Name]
Instead of delivering a 20 minute eulogy on my father, that I know he would've hated, I've instead decided to share some of the lessons he taught that could go on to help others. These are lessons that have helped me navigate this life and are lessons I'll cling to now that he's gone. If they resonate with you, please feel free to take them for your own. I love you, Dad.
[List lessons]
My father laid the foundation for my life as a man. He took the lessons his father taught him (rather harshly), picked them up, brushed them off, and buffed them, turning them into the lessons he shared with me (much less harshly than his father did). He was patient. He was kind. He was handy. He was incredibly intelligent and well-spoken, yet preferred to let others speak. If there was a party, you'd often find him on the balcony, in the backyard, or in a corner somewhere, people watching and smiling kindly at anyone who wandered near him. He preferred learning above all else and would most often be seen in his study, with ten different books at varying stages of being read. I owe my father everything and I credit my success in life to the way he raised me, each and every day. To lose him, means to lose a piece of myself. Dad, I love you.
To say my dad meant the world to me is an understatement. A man of few words, and even fewer faults -- he was the stoic figure in my life, the foundation that stayed true no matter what was thrown at him, and the reason I became the woman I am today. I learned to let things go, to love people who loved me back, to befriend those without, and to stay close to those who mattered. My dad meant everything to me, and more. Rest in peace, Dad.
We all dream of having a mother who is kind, loving, and genuine. [Name] was exactly that type of mother. She guided us through years and years and years of hardship, difficulty, joy, and achievement. Our mother was the foundation of our family and without her, it’s difficult to know what to do or what comes next.
I’ll miss her [laugh/smile/generosity/humor/jokes/other descriptor], but am lost without her [guidance/thoughts/advice/other descriptor]. I know we’ll all miss her [insert personality trait or something she was known for].
One of my absolute favorite moments was when my mom [description of memory].
Another one of our family's favorite memories with [Name] was when she [description of memory].
Thank you all for showing up today to honor my mother’s memory and legacy. I know it would’ve warmed her heart to see you all here and I appreciate it greatly. In the words of my mother, “[quote]”
It is an impossible feat to sum up the importance that one’s mother has in one’s life, so I’d like to instead, share some of my favorite memories that I had with my mother. Before I start, let me give you a breakdown of the type of woman my mom was. [Name] was [hardworking/intelligent/ferocious/hilarious/kind/gentle/etc.]. She was always [description] and she never [description]. Her top three favorite things were: [name three things]. One of my favorite memories with my mom was the time we [description]. This is followed closely by the time we [description]. Her [smile/laugh/voice] would light up a room and bring joy to those around her. Her presence was deeply felt and her loss is almost too much to bear. So thank you to everyone who decided to come here today, it means the world to me. One of my mom’s favorite quotes is from [name of author]. It reads, “[quote]”. I’d like to leave you with that today as we celebrate my mother. Thank you.
Thank you for joining me today as I navigate the impossible task of summing up the life of someone incredible, in only a few minutes.
I guess I'll start by sharing one of my favorite moments with [Name]. I was [age] and had just [descriptor]. My mom took me to [location], one of my favorite spots. We had just gone to [location] the previous year, so this was a nice change. We spent the day [descriptor], working on [descriptor] and eating [food]. At night, we [description] and met with [people you met with].
Nights like this weren't uncommon with Mom -- she constantly made sure we had the most fun possible whenever we could. Her free time was spent supporting us, cheerleading for us, driving us to various activities, picking us up, hosting sleepovers, paying for our (many) mistakes, and being known to all as "the best Mom". My friends have all insisted I was blessed with her as my mom, and I know this to be true.
Today, I want us to join together to remember that. To remember the kind of woman she was and the kind of person she taught me and everyone who knew her to be. A woman of joy, light, kindness and warmth. A woman of love and positivity and a ray of sunshine that will be so desperately missed from this world. Mom -- I love you.
To my mother,
I miss you so much. You were the glue that held our family together. You were always there for me when I needed you. I am so grateful to have had you in my life.
You were an amazing woman and an even better mother. I will never forget all the things you taught me. I will never forget your unconditional love and support.
I know you are in a better place now, but I still wish you were here with us. I know that we will see each other again one day, but until then, I will cherish all of our memories together.
I love you, mom.
My mother was the most incredible woman I have ever known. She always supported me in everything that I did, and she was my biggest cheerleader. I know that she is up there looking down on me now, watching over me and guiding me as I navigate through life without her by my side.
Although my mother is no longer with us in this life, I know that she lives on in the memories that I have of her, and the love and support that she gave me throughout my life. She was strong, kind, and warmhearted, and I will always treasure the time we spent together.
I know that it is difficult to lose someone so important to you, but my mother's memory will live on forever in my heart. In her honor, I plan to spend the rest of my days living a life full of kindness and compassion, just as she did. She will never be forgotten.
I am so grateful to have had such an amazing mom, and I know that I will never be able to forget all of the wonderful things she taught me throughout my life. We will cherish all of the amazing memories we have of her until we meet again someday.
Hello all. Before I get started, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has decided to join us today (and even those who reached out and mentioned they couldn't make it). We're gathered in this beautiful location to celebrate my mom's life. For all of those who decided to travel long distances, who reached out to us during our time of need, and who took the time to help us get this set up -- you have no idea how much this has meant to our family.
What's been most clear to me during this difficult time is simply the staggering amount of people my mom influenced, cared for, and loved. So many folks, even those she hasn't seen in over a decade, have written in and let us know the impact she had on their lives. To say she made you feel loved, seen, and appreciated at all times was an understatement. She was the pillar of our family, a pillar of her community, and would take each and every opportunity available to her to make those around her feel supported and seen.
This has been one of the hardest times our family has gone through and I'm so warmed to know all these bright and smiling faces here today. Thanks for coming to honor my mom.
To lose a mother is to lose a piece of your soul. My mother was no exception. Some would say our relationship was too close and my father used to warn me against "relying" on her too much, since he was trying to protect me from this exact day. My mom was the center of my life and without her, I feel lost. I'm angry, I'm confused, and I miss her so, so, very much. I want to ask each and everyone one of you visiting today, who took the time out of your busy schedules to show your support to my family -- please huge your parents. Please resolve any unresolved issues you currently have, if you love them -- none of it matters. Once you don't have the opportunity to make amends, it feels like everything was so silly. Mom, I miss you, I love you, and I'm lost without you.
Friends and family, today we gather to remember and honor the remarkable life of a woman who truly made a difference in this world. She was a devoted mother, a compassionate humanitarian, and an inspiration to all who knew her.
As we heard from her obituary, this incredible woman faced immense tragedy at a young age, losing her husband in a tragic accident. But instead of giving up, she channeled her grief into a powerful force for good. She joined the Peace Corps, dedicating her life to helping those in need in underdeveloped countries around the world. Her commitment to service was unwavering, and she spent years traveling the world, spreading love and kindness wherever she went.
But she was not only a humanitarian. She was a devoted mother to her son, who was her greatest joy in life. She instilled in him the values of kindness and compassion, and he is a testament to her incredible parenting.
Though we mourn her loss, we can take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on. She touched so many lives with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will always be a source of inspiration for us all. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Chef Kimmino, a beloved chef who has left us too soon. Chef Kimmino was a true culinary artist, whose passion and creativity inspired all who had the pleasure of experiencing their dishes.
Sadly, Chef Kimmino's battle with breast cancer came to an end at the age of 45. But let us not mourn their passing. Instead, let us celebrate the life they lived and the joy they brought to countless individuals through their delicious and unforgettable meals.
Chef Kimmino was a true master of their craft, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques to create dishes that were both innovative and mouth-watering. Their culinary creations were a reflection of their adventurous spirit, and they were never afraid to push the boundaries of traditional cooking.
But Chef Kimmino's impact went beyond their culinary talents. They were a mentor and inspiration to many aspiring chefs, always encouraging them to pursue their passion and follow their dreams. They were also a philanthropist, using their talents to give back to the community by donating their time and resources to various charities and organizations.
Chef Kimmino's passing is a great loss to the culinary world and to all who knew and loved them. But we can take comfort in knowing that their legacy will live on through the countless lives they touched with their passion and generosity.
So let us honor Chef Kimmino's memory by continuing to share their love of food and cooking with others. Let us keep their spirit alive by embracing their adventurous approach to life and always striving for excellence in all that we do.
Rest in peace, Chef Kimmino. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
We’ve all heard the heartwarming stories many have about just how great their [grandmother/grandfather] was, but I’m here to tell you today that mine was the best. Our [grandma/grandpa], [Name] was such a classic [grandma/grandpa] that it’s almost too difficult to believe. [She/He] was the best at [baking/cooking/fixing things/trips/parties/crafts/giving advice/etc]. [She/He] made the most amazing [food/hobby]. [She/He] also was a part of many clubs, including [list of clubs]. Loved by everyone around [him/her], [name] was the star of the show from the very beginning. When [she/he] was young, [she/he] participated in [activity]. As [she/he] grew older, [she/he] became a fan of [description of hobby/interest]. As [her/his] grandchildren, we were lucky enough to spend time with [him/her] doing [description of time spent]. Now that [she’s/he’s] gone, a hole is left in our hearts and in our souls, but we know we will see [her/him] again soon. One of [name]’s favorite passages was, “[passage]”. I think that sums up who [she/he] was quite well. Thank you all for being here today and I know that [Name] would’ve been in tears just seeing all of you who loved and cared for [her/him] show up for [her/him] today.
My [grandmother/grandfather] was one of those women who [description]. [She’s/He’s] incredibly difficult to sum up in just a few words so I’ll do my best. To start with, my [grandmother/grandfather] was most known for [his/her] [description of something they were known for]. Every single person who came into contact with [her/him] would tell me stories about how [he/she] would [story] and [story].
My favorite memory with [her/him] was the time we went to [description of memory].
I’ll always remember [her/him] as a [loving/caring/kind/gentle/wise/intelligent/hilarious] soul who would try [her/his] best each and every day to put a smile on the faces of others.
For those of you who knew my [grandmother/grandfather], you knew just how special and important [she/he] was to our family. I thank you all for spending time with us here today in honor of [her/him] and the person [she/he] was.
My grandmother was an amazing woman. She was always so kind and loving, and I will never forget all of the wonderful moments we shared together. I am so grateful to have had her in my life, and I know that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was a strong and independent woman, who always put others first. She was always there for me when I needed her, and she was such an important part of my life. I know that she is now at peace, and I take comfort in knowing that she will always be with me in spirit.
Those who knew her, knew how much she loved her family, and she was always so proud of us. She was the heart of our family, and we will never be the same without her. We will cherish all of the memories we have of her, and keep her in our hearts always.
Thank you for everything, Grandma. I love you so much.
My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life and the lives of so many others. Never one to back down from a fight, she spent almost her entire life dedicated to trying to improve our system, to the best of her ability.
Whether this was through community service, time spent volunteering, or simply being a listening ear to those who needed one, her time spent on this planet was time spent caring for others.
I want to honor my grandmother's legacy by continuing in her footsteps and ask all here to do the same. Be kind to each other. Find ways to help those who cannot help themselves. Figure out how to invite joy into your life and how to cultivate it in the lives of those around you.
Grandma, thank you so much for being the bright soul that you so were. I adore you always and forever.
Before I get started, I wanted to say thank you to every single one of you who has shown up today to honor the life of my grandmother, [Name]. Each and every one of you meant something to her and I know that you know that, without a doubt.
Now, to the hard part -- summing up the life of such an accomplished, loving, and special woman. [Name] -- you were one of the most unique and special souls that has ever graced this earth. Everyone who encountered you immediately felt like one of your best friends. You held that special talent of conversing easily with strangers, of making newcomers feel like oldtimers, and of holding space for anyone and everyone that needed it. I have run into so many people that have said to me, "I'm so sorry for your loss, [Name] was one of my best friends." I've heard this phrase so often it's astounded me -- how did [Name] have so many best friends?! It's because she was special and she knew how to make others feel just as special.
To say the loss we've suffered is great is an understatement -- there is no way to describe the hole that is left by her passing. That being said, I aim to honor her life and legacy by attempting to make others feel just as loved, held, and cared for as she made them feel. I invite everyone here, to do just the same. Thank you.
I know my grandmother would be rolling in her grave if she could see me up here giving her even the slightest bit of praise. Always one to tut at any kind of recognition of her good deeds, she'd absolutely hate that we were all gathered here today to do just that. I can say, without a doubt, that my grandmother was the love of my life. She was the first person to make me feel like I had a home and a place in this world. She encouraged me to pursue my passions, no matter what they were. She was the first person I called when I decided to switch majors at college. She was the first person I called when I needed relationship advice, or advice on how to fix my toilet, or instructions on how to change a tire. She was endlessly crafty, knowledgeable, loving, and hilarious. She hated sad movies and loved a good horror film. Her church group referred to her as "The Old Commander" because she was so stringent in getting them to submit their projects on time. It didn't matter if it was for a church potluck or a wedding reception, she kept people in line and kept all of us in her orbit. Grandma, I love you endlessly and have no idea how I'm to navigate this scary world without you by my side. But I know you're out there, somewhere, looking over me. I love you.
Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family, we gather here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, a loving grandfather, and a proud veteran - [Grandfather's Name]. He lived a full and fulfilling life, filled with joy, laughter, and countless precious memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.
[Grandfather's Name] was born in San Francisco and spent his early years exploring the city and all that it had to offer. He was an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things and see new places. When he was called to serve in World War 2, he answered the call with bravery and honor, defending our country and our way of life. His service to our nation was a testament to his character, and it was a source of great pride for him throughout his life.
When [Grandfather's Name] returned home from the war, he began a new chapter in his life, one filled with family, friends, and all the things he loved. He was blessed with five grandchildren, and he cherished each and every one of them, spending countless hours camping, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors with them. His love of nature was second only to his love of his family, and he always took time to share his knowledge and appreciation of the natural world with those he loved.
[Grandfather's Name] was also a talented artist and woodworker. He spent many hours in his workshop, creating beautiful pieces of art and furniture that will be cherished by his family for generations to come. His passion for creating was matched only by his love of giving, and every year he donned a Santa Claus suit to bring joy to children in his community.
In the end, [Grandfather's Name] passed away peacefully in Florida at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family. He left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Today, we say goodbye to a beloved grandfather, a proud veteran, and a true friend. May he rest in peace and may his memory live on in our hearts forever.
Today, we gather to honor and remember the life of Louis Pereira, a Senior Program Manager and passionate writer. Louis had a love for writing, a passion that he was able to pursue in his final years, penning over six short novels that were close to his heart.
Though Louis may be gone, his legacy lives on through his family, particularly his two beloved grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, and love will continue to guide them throughout their lives.
Louis's dedication to his work and his commitment to his passions serve as an inspiration to all of us. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his compassion and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
As we say goodbye to Louis, we take comfort in the memories he has left behind and the impact he has had on our lives. May he rest in peace, knowing that his spirit and his legacy will live on through his family and his writing.
You were always determined to be the best – on the field, on the court, in the classroom. You set your sights high and worked hard to achieve your goals.
I am so proud of everything you have accomplished in your short life. You were an amazing son, brother, and friend and you will be deeply missed.
You had a passion for sports and a natural talent for competition. You were always driven to win and I know that you would have gone far in your chosen field, no matter what that ended up being.
I will miss watching you play and excel at what you loved so much. You brought joy to everyone around you and I am grateful to have been a part of your life.
Rest in peace, my son. You will be forever in my heart.
First, let me take this moment to thank each and every one of you who showed up today (and to those who are joining us online). It means so much to our family to have this support system in place after the sudden passing of our beloved son, [Name].
I'm not a person of many words, but at this point in time it feels almost like there aren't enough words in the English language to describe how I feel or the impact my boy had on those he met throughout his short life. From the day he was born, I knew he was something special. It was in the glint of his eyes when he couldn't figure out a problem, in the sound of his laughter as it reverberated through our home, in the shine of his smile whenever he came home from school. He was special. I know every parent feels that way about their kid, but it's true -- [Name] was unique.
Losing him is the hardest thing I've ever dealt with and I know the spot left behind by him is irreplaceable -- I will deal with that for the rest of my days. At the same time, my son was absolutely not the kind of person who would want his friends, his family, and his loved ones to stand by and let grief consume him. He would want his memory to be celebrated and honored through love, laughter, adventure, and a deep appreciation of everything our lives have to offer.
In honor of my son, please hug your children a little tighter today. Please take a few minutes to appreciate what this planet has to offer. And please, most of all, be kind to one another.
I knew from the second I held you in my arms for the first time, how special, unique, and incredible you were going to be. And I was right.
My heart was overflowing with love and joy each and every time I saw your sweet face. Every time you said "Mom!", even if it was said in anger or frustration. I knew how much you loved me, our family, and life itself. Our talks were some of the most special moments of my life -- whether they lasted 2 minutes or were one of our infamous "loving debates" that lasted hours.
Your mind was brilliant, your passion for justice was admirable, and you were everything I wish I could've been at your age. I love you so very much son and to say this loss is unimaginable is simply an understatement.
I will follow your trajectory through life and attempt to celebrate your spirit in everything that I do. You are my sweet boy and I cannot wait until I get to see your sweet face and hold you in my arms once again.
I love you, son.
[Name] was my [youngest/oldest] [brother/sister] and one of the most important people in my life. I know [he/she] would’ve been amazed to see all of you who have come out today in support of [him/her] and us as a family. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name]. From the very beginning, [Name] and I were inseparable. I loved having [Name] as a [brother/sister] more than anything else in my life. I’ve tried to protect [him/her] as though [she/he] was my own [son/daughter] throughout our lives and it is incredibly painful to be here letting [him/her] go today.
Even though [Name] was taken from us too soon, I know that I will see [him/her] again soon. [He/she] lived a full and happy life, one that touched the lives of so many people. I take comfort in knowing that [his/her] legacy will live on through the lives of others.
I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes that I feel sums up [Name] perfectly: “[quote]”
Thank you all again for coming.
Today we’re gathered in memory of [Name], my [brother/sister] and biggest supporter. I’m [name], [Name] [oldest/youngest/older/younger] [brother/sister]. When we were younger, [Name] & I had a difficult relationship. Lots of fights, screaming, yelling; things that siblings tend to do. As we got older, I started to realize how important [Name] was to me and how much of a supporter [he/she] was to me as an individual.
A couple years ago, we went to [location] for [reason]. We [description of memory]. Another moment that I’ll always remember is the time we went to [description of memory].
[Name] was nothing but [generous/kind/loving/helpful/hilarious/determined/accomplished] and was the pride of our family. [He/she] was my best friend, my partner in crime, and someone I knew I could always rely on. Our family is not the same with their loss, but we will press on and live our best lives as a way of honoring [his/her] memory.
Thank you all for joining me and for allowing [Name] to have a space in your heart and in your life.
Every day, after school, my brother would wait (sometimes over an hour) for me to get out of my last class. He would stand at the bus stop, a huge smile on his face every time he heard the bell ring and saw me running towards him. This tradition continued all the way from when I was around 6 to my very last year of high school.
He was one of the most protective, kind, smart, annoying, hilarious, and goofy individuals I've ever known and will surely, ever meet. Going out of his way to stand at a bus stop just to make sure I had some consistency in my life, a friendly face at the end of the day, and a safe way to get back home was the kind of person he continued to be throughout my life (and throughout the lives of his own family).
Everyone who knew him knew what it meant to him to protect those around him, and that kind of protection was one he enacted until the day he passed away. Without my brother here, I feel a piece of me has shuttered itself away. At the same time, his loss has sparked a desire in me to be better. For him, for his family, for my family, and for myself. His impact on others was incalculable and immeasurable; his life is equally difficult to sum up in just a few words in just a few minutes. I don't doubt I'll be sharing small stories from his life for the rest of my own, but I do want to make sure I make one thing extremely clear.
My brother was the best of us and this world is less bright now that he has passed. Please, keep him in your memory and in your thoughts. Honor his memory by being kind and trying your absolute best. Thank you for coming and for joining my family in remembering my brother.
If I were to say that my sister was the most important person in my life, it might be a bit of a life. (Technically, my mom is the most important person in my life.) I didn't consider my sister as a separate individual -- she was part of me. We were two parts of a whole. Together, we were a full being. Without her, I feel as though half of me is gone.
When we were young, we would stay up until way past our bedtime, whispering down the hallway to each other as we slept in separate beds. We would share our dreams, our fears, our anger, and our joy for a few hours each night. I learned about her dream to be a veterinarian and she celebrated my desire to be a janitor. (We were young!)
Each summer we would go to summer camp together (which we hated), prompted by our parents' need to get some much needed alone time. We were fused at the hip and made almost no friends during summer camps (much to our joy and delight). When we'd get home, our parents would ask if we made new friends and had a great time, we'd lie and make up names for the friends we never made.
When we graduated from college (we both attended [name of college]), she was right behind me on the stage, clasping her degree in [subject] while I held mine in [subject] -- far from our dreams as children.
Throughout our 20's we played around with moving apart and traveling but would ultimately reunite in our hometown every two years or so. When we lost [name], we lived only 20 minutes from each other and would see each other nearly every other day. She was the first person I called when I needed someone to hear me out, someone to listen to me rant, someone to comfort me as I cried, and someone to advocate for me when I wasn't kind to myself.
Losing my sister is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I will never feel whole again. At the same time, I know she would want me to remember her in a bright light and know that I carry her with me at all times. I truly aim to do this. In her memory, please give your loved ones a hug today and let them know how much they mean to you.
Many of you attending today know my sister through her immensely successful career as a nurse, some of you know her through her brief stint as a filmographer, and many of you know her because she made a deep impression on you at some point during our childhood. To say she was a lifelong friend to many wouldn't be doing her justice. My sister was the kind of person who somehow found the stragglers, the outcasts, the nerds, the misfits, and the people who didn't feel like they had a community -- and gave them one. She opened up her home to those in need, rented out (and sometimes just lended out) her extra rooms, constantly helped people find jobs, resources, and connections when they were new to the city. She was everything to so many and I'm so blessed to see you all here today. Please try your best to fill your life with generosity and gratitude as a testament to her and her life. Thank you.
Thank you for joining me today in honoring my sister's memory. From a young age, I knew my sister was special. She would pick me up each and every day from school. When I went to college, she was there to drive me to the dorms. When I graduated, she drove me across the country. Without her constant and unrelenting support, I wouldn't have made it through the last 40 years of my life. She showed me how to be a better sister, a better person, and a wonderful mom. I owe everything to her and don't know how to navigate life without her.
My grandson, [Full Name] was an amazing young man. He made his family immensely proud of him every single day he lived. A teacher, an educator, a passionate writer, and a talented artist, his multifaceted personality and talent arsenal impressed everyone he met.
He was a strong and independent man, who always put others before himself. Even when he was younger, he'd be the first of my grandkids to ask how he could help. If I was fixing the car, he'd want to watch. If I was working in the garden, he'd want to help. If the lawn needed to be mowed, he'd be up on a Saturday morning taking care of it. When his grandmother, my wife, had hip surgery, he was the one to run and grab us groceries every week. All of this without complaint and without making us feel as though we were burdens.
I am so proud of the man that he had become and only wish he had the opportunity to live out the rest of his days. A rare and special soul, he will be missed so very much.
Thank you for everything, [first name]. I love you and miss you so much.
To my beautiful granddaughter,
You were the light in my life – always happy, always smiling. You lit up a room every time you entered it and I will miss that light so very much.
I am so proud of the woman you were becoming and I know that you would have accomplished great things in your life. You had such a bright future ahead of you and I am heartbroken that it has been cut so short.
I will cherish all the memories we have together – from your first steps, to your first day of school, to your high school graduation. You were always my pride and joy and I will miss you more than words can say.
Rest in peace, my sweet granddaughter. You will be forever in my heart.
Example # 3
Those of you who know me, know how much my grandson meant to me, our family, and our community. [Name] was a rare individual -- someone that, in today's day and age, is becoming increasingly more rare. He thrived on connecting with others and building up his community in any way he could. Countless hours were spent volunteering with the food bank, the humane society, setting up various cancer walks and runs and trying his hardest to do good in this world and to provide a sense of togetherness with the few precious years he had on this planet. His loss is deeply felt by everyone in our family and of course, many of those who are not (but according to him, would be called family). Please consider honoring [Name]'s memory by volunteering your time in any way that you find meaningful. Maybe that means setting up a walk or run (or any other fun activity) for a charity that you hold dear. Maybe that means picking up trash on the road. Maybe that means spending time in the community garden. In any case, know that any time spent building up the lives of others is time spent remembering and honoring the life of [Name] -- and for that, we are forever grateful.
When I gave birth to [Name], my life was permanently changed. I'd heard how this can happen from friends and family, stories about how having a child changes your life. I'd known this would happen but no amount of warning could've prepared me for how rapidly and totally my world was consumed by my baby. When I held her in my arms for the first time, I knew. I knew my life's purpose. I understood the unspeakable bond that tethers a mother to her child. I was hesitant to release her, to let anyone else but me hold her, even her father. I was obsessed.
With each day, she grew into the bright, confident, and cheerful little girl she ended up being. Every flower was a burst of laughter, interactions with puppies and dogs was a cause for joy, she cried incessantly and wouldn't let me sleep for over 2 months -- but it was so worth it. Seeing her bright, chubby cheeks light up as I turned the corner into her room made it so very worth it.
My daughter was my world and I have no idea how I am to cope with her loss. No parent should undergo the rage and grief that accompanies picking out a casket for your small child. Her life was tragically taken from her and I'll never get to know what kind of person she would've been -- though I have theories. I know she loved every day she got to spend on this earth and I know she felt loved for each and every day.
What I learned from her was to embrace joy, to find a spark of happiness in each and every day, and to cry it out when you have to. [Name], sweet girl, you are so loved and so very missed.
Thank you for joining me and my family today to celebrate, remember, and honor the life of [Full Name]. [Name] was a [man/woman] of [describe characteristics] with a penchant for [description] that always showed itself whenever [he/she] would [description]. A [man/woman] of many talents, [Name] showed us that it was never too late to start [hobby/career].
My [father/mother/sister/brother/relation] was, without a doubt, my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my constant supporter. When I was interested in [hobby], [she/he] showed up to all the events. When I decided I was obsessed with [hobby], [he/she] went out and purchased [item]. When I decided to [description], [she/he] was the first person to [description].
My [mom/dad/relation] was an unforgettable and truly remarkable human being. I endeavor, with all my heart, to follow in [his/her] footsteps for the rest of my life. I will honor [his/her] time on Earth and [his/her] contributions to our society by [describe how you'll honor their life]. I ask that everyone here today join me in this endeavour as we aim to honor the life of [full name]. Thank you.
To my wife,
You were my best friend and my partner in life. We shared everything – our hopes, our dreams, our lives. You were the love of my life and I will miss you forever.
We had so many happy years together and I am grateful for every moment we shared. You brought joy to my life and I will cherish our time together always.
I am so proud of the woman you were and I know that you touched the lives of everyone around you. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, my love. You will be forever in my heart.
Choosing a favorite moment from my life spent with my wife is impossible. Was it the time that we went to Lake Minetonka and passed out on the shores after sharing a box full of wine? Was it when she surprised me with tickets to see The Black Crowes in concert, only two months after I'd mentioned it to her? When I'd wake up in the morning to a hot cup of coffee and a brief rant on the political state of the world? The way she mothered our children effortlessly and still took the time to ask me about specific relationships at work? My life has been full of these warm memories -- I can't land on one. What I do know is that my wife emanated love each and every day. Every single day I felt loved, supported, and known. It made me want to make sure she was taken care of in each and every way. I did my best. I tried to give her the life she so deserved, but even if I could give her the life of a queen, it wouldn't have been enough for what she deserved. My wife was everything and is the center of my joy. I miss her each and every day and I know I will see her again.
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be married. I was obsessed with any and all films of prince charmings, beautiful and big weddings, and women being swept off their feet. I was convinced that my time would come by the time I was 20 (how naive!). I went through college and by the time I was 32 realized I'd never had a boyfriend. I'd never been courted. I wasn't even sure I liked men. My desire to be swept off my feet dwindled and I became secure in myself.
Until I met [Name].
Immediately, within the first 20 minutes of meeting [Name], I was absolutely smitten. I thought of almost nothing else when we were apart -- and we hated each other! She was competing with me for the same promotion at work and we were both tenacious and fierce women. She was stubborn, confident, and sure of what she wanted -- much like myself.
After she got the promotion I so desperately wanted, she invited me out for a conciliatory drink -- a move I never would've made. She would go on to refer to this as our first date, though I considered it the first brick towards building a bridge away from dislike and towards camaraderie.
I was swept off my feet, in a completely unexpected way. During our first years of dating, I found myself wanting to provide for her, take care of her, make her smile at all possible moments. When she ranted about work, I wanted to defend her. When she managed to burn chicken each and every time, you wouldn't hear a peep from me. When she suggested we get married, I wanted her to be the star of the show. I wanted to show her off to every important person in my life. She'd lovingly refer to me as her ""Princess Charming"" -- a role I happily inhabited.
My wife brought joy, kindness, love, courage, strength, and purpose into my life. Without her by my side, I feel an unhealable void. At the same time, in her way, she prepared me as best she could. I ask those gathered here today, in her memory, to help me keep her presence alive. Please spread joy in all the ways you can. Tell people how you feel. Advocate for yourself. Be free.
My life's greatest years were spent with [Name], the love of my life. She loved everything about life, even the downsides -- she embraced it all. Life was hard, but it was also worth it for her. From the moment I met her, I knw my life would be different and that I'd found the one.
[Name] made such a massive difference in the community around her, especially after becoming president of the charity she worked for. Her favorite things in life were witnessing others transform their lives for the better, helping people access community resources wherever possible, and advocating for those less fortunate. Go out today and try your best to emulate everything she did, and more.
I am so saddened by the loss of [Name]. We didn't always see eye to eye, but I always respected [him/her] as a hard worker and a great person. [She/He] was always so kind and helpful, and I will never forget all of the times [she/he] went out of [him/her] way to help me. [She/He] will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing [him/her].
When we first met at [company], [name] was one of the first people to make me feel welcome. I’ll never forget how [she/he] took the time to get to know me and helped me feel like I belonged there.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with [him/her], and I know that [she/he] has left a lasting impression on everyone [she/he] met. [She/He] was an amazing person, and I know that [she/he] will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything, [name].
May you rest in peace.
Throughout my career, I've met plenty of personalities, characters, and people -- but none as special as [Name]. When [Name] first entered the front doors to our building, I immediately knew we would get on. [Name] was the type of person you'd easily become friends with. People who met [him/her/them] would immediately want to work alongside them. As one of my first direct reports, I can't tell you how many people would come to me on the side and request to be paired with or on a team with [Name]. Why? [He/she] was special. People gravitated towards them. People wanted to be in their sphere of influence. People wanted to work alongside them and get to know them.
That's rare. This is the first time I've seen the majority of my company in one room that wasn't our building -- and it's for the funeral of our very special friend and colleague -- [Name]. Thank you to [Name's parents] for raising such an incredible human being. Please know that your [son/daughter/child] changed the lives, every day, of so many people around them. I have never in my 50 years of managing imagined running into someone like [Name] and I am blessed to have known them. Rest well and peacefully, [Name], you did well.
Today we come together to honor the life and legacy of a beloved retired musician, who touched so many lives with his passion for music. He was a kind-hearted man who enjoyed pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons. He was an avid traveler, having visited countries all over the world. He also had a strong connection to animals, particularly cats. His home was often filled with cats of all shapes, sizes and colors.
He had a variety of musical influences, which he blended together to create his own unique sound. He was an incredibly talented musician who could play various instruments including the guitar, piano and flute. He wrote some beautiful melodies that will live on long after him.
He was also a generous soul, always ready to lend a helping hand. He had an open door policy and welcomed people into his home with open arms. More than anything else, he loved sharing stories and swapping ideas with those around him.
Today we celebrate the life of this incredible man who left behind a beautiful legacy of music and of kindness. He will be remembered for all that he has accomplished and the many lives that he touched. May we strive to follow in his footsteps and honor his memory by living our own lives with love, humility and caring. Thank you.
These eulogy examples are for those who would like to focus on a loved one's profession or career choices as their way of honoring their life's work.
Eulogy for a speech pathologist
Dear friends, family, and colleagues,
Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Sarah Kwambe, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many people during her time with us. Sarah was not only a skilled speech pathologist but also a former professional soccer player who had to leave the sport she loved due to a career-ending injury. However, Sarah didn't let that setback stop her from pursuing her passion for helping others.
Sarah's journey began in South Dakota, where she lived with her beloved cat, Sam. She dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of young people, particularly middle schoolers, whom she worked with as a speech pathologist. She had a remarkable ability to connect with her students and inspire them to achieve their full potential.
Despite the challenges she faced early on in her life, Sarah never gave up on her dreams. She was an accomplished athlete who excelled in soccer, but when her injury put an end to her career, she channeled her passion and determination into her studies. She pursued a degree in speech pathology, and her dedication to her work was evident in everything she did.
Sarah was a compassionate, caring, and selfless person who always put others first. She was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a source of inspiration to everyone who knew her. She had a warm smile and a kind heart that could light up a room, and her love for her students was evident in the way she interacted with them.
Although Sarah never had children of her own, she had a deep love for her cat, Sam, who was always by her side. Her commitment to her feline friend was just one of the many examples of her kindness and compassion.
In conclusion, Sarah Kwambe was a truly remarkable person who touched the lives of many people in ways that will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on through the countless students she helped, the colleagues she inspired, and the friends and family who loved her dearly. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Rest in peace, Sarah Kwambe.
Eulogy example for an environmental activist
Dear friends and family,
Today, we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Rachel Chen, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to protecting and preserving our environment. Rachel was an accomplished environmental scientist, mother of three children - Irina, Bliss, and Mario, and a loving partner to her husband of many years.
From a young age, Rachel had a deep love and appreciation for nature. Her passion for the environment inspired her to pursue a career in environmental science, and she quickly became a respected expert in her field. She spent many years working tirelessly to protect our national parks, and her dedication to this cause never wavered.
Rachel was also an avid gardener, and she had a remarkable ability to bring beauty to everything she touched. Her love for nature was evident in everything she did, from the way she tended to her garden to the way she spoke about the natural world.
As a mother, Rachel was loving, patient, and kind. She instilled in her children a deep respect for the environment and a desire to make the world a better place. Her children were the light of her life, and she was so proud of the people they had become.
Rachel's passing is a great loss to us all. She was a remarkable person who touched the lives of so many people in countless ways. Her legacy will live on through the countless national parks and natural spaces that she helped to protect, as well as through the love and memories that her family and friends will always carry in their hearts.
Rachel, we will miss you dearly, but we know that your spirit will live on through the beauty of nature that you cherished so deeply. Rest in peace.
Eulogy example for a young adult
Today, we come together to celebrate the life of Zach Peterson. Zach was a talented mechanic, a loving son, and a loyal friend. He passed away far too soon, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Zach had a passion for auto maintenance that was unmatched. He loved nothing more than working on cars, and he was always happy to help a friend in need. His skills were truly remarkable, and he had an uncanny ability to diagnose and fix any issue that came his way.
But Zach was more than just a mechanic. He was a gentle soul who cared deeply about those around him. He had a warm smile that could light up a room, and he was always quick with a joke or a kind word. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included, no matter who they were.
Zach's passing has left a void in our lives, but we take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on. We will remember his kind heart, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering loyalty. Zach was a special person who made a lasting impact on the world around him, and we are all better for having known him. Rest in peace, Zach.
Eulogy for an infant
With heavy hearts, we gather here today to mourn the loss of a precious child who has been taken from us too soon. We know that God has a plan for each and every one of us, but it is still difficult to understand why a young life has been cut short.
As we come together to remember this beautiful child, we take comfort in knowing that they are now in the loving embrace of our Lord. Though their time with us was brief, they brought immense joy and love into the world, and we will cherish the memories we have of them forever.
We know that this is a time of deep sorrow, but we can find solace in the fact that this child is now at peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. May we all find comfort in our faith, and may we hold this precious child close in our hearts as we navigate this difficult time. Rest in peace, little one.
Eulogy for a grandmother
Today we gather to remember a truly remarkable woman - my grandmother. She was a woman of many talents: a masterful cross-stitcher, an incredible fudge-maker, and a loving grandmother to a whole gaggle of grandchildren.
Grandma was the kind of woman who made you feel like you were the only person in the world when she was talking to you. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, and she had a way of making even the most mundane tasks seem like an adventure.
And oh, her fudge! I think we can all agree that Grandma's fudge was a work of art. It was creamy, decadent, and so rich that you could only eat a tiny piece at a time - not that it stopped any of us from trying to eat the whole batch in one sitting!
But beyond her talents and her love of fudge, Grandma will be remembered most of all for the love she had for her family. She was a guiding light for all of us, a source of wisdom and strength when we needed it most.
So, as we say goodbye to this incredible woman, let us not mourn her passing, but celebrate the incredible life she lived. She was one of a kind, and we were all blessed to have known her. Rest in peace, Grandma - we will never forget you.
Eulogy for a farmer
Today we gather to celebrate the life of a man who loved nothing more than working hard under the sun, watching his land grow and thrive. [Name] was not just any farmer - he was a tireless advocate for agricultural reform and change. His passion for sustainable farming practices, conservation, and education knew no bounds.
He was never afraid to get his hands dirty or put in long hours because he believed that every crop mattered; every seed planted had the potential to make a difference. His dedication inspired those around him and helped shape the landscape of our community.
[Name] will be remembered by all as an honest, kind-hearted man who always put others first. I’ll miss his unwavering determination to better this world through agriculture and his infectious smile that brightened up everyone’s day.
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when he taught me how to plant corn by hand while sharing stories about his childhood on the farm.
Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when he organized a fundraiser for local farmers affected by droughts and natural disasters.
Thank you all for being here today to honor my friend’s memory and legacy. In [name]’s words “Farming is not just a profession but also an art form”. May we carry on this art form in honor of him.
Eulogy for a teacher
We are gathered here today to say goodbye to someone very special: A teacher who dedicated her life towards social justice inside her classrooms, making sure each student felt valued and respected regardless of their background or ethnicity. She empowered students from underserved communities with access to quality education - she showed them they could achieve anything if they worked hard enough.
[name]'s legacy lives on through every student she touched during her career as an educator, instilling confidence in them whilst fighting against systemic oppression within school walls.
I’ll miss her contagious energy, witty humor, and deep compassion for everyone she met.
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when she invited me to speak in her class about my personal experiences and background, empowering me to share my story confidently.
Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when she organized a rally with her students for Black Lives Matter movement that brought people together from all walks of life.
Thank you for being here today, honoring the memory and legacy of someone who dedicated their life towards ensuring social justice inside classrooms. In the words of [name], “Education can change how we view ourselves, other people, and the world”. Let’s carry on this legacy in honor of her.
Eulogy for a foster dad
We gather here today to celebrate the life of a man who was known for his unwavering dedication towards family, golfing and fostering kids - [name]. If there’s one thing that everyone knows about him- it's that he loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved and helping those in need.
[name] had an infectious personality which brought joy to all those around him. He made sure to always put his family first no matter what, while also making time for the sport he was passionate about: Golf.
He would often take foster kids along with him on these trips; providing them a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I’ll miss his contagious laughter, generosity, and his commitment to living every day to its fullest potential.
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when we went out golfing together by the lake, enjoying each other’s company over some good shots.
Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when he organized a youth-golf tournament fundraiser raising funds for underprivileged children.
Thank you all for being here today honoring someone who lived their life so fully dedicated towards their passions - Family, Golfing & Fostering Kids. In the words of [name], “Life is like a round of golf; try your best from tee to green but don't forget to enjoy the moments along the way."
Eulogy for a soldier
Today we come together as friends and family members mourning the loss of someone whose bravery knew no bounds- [name]. A soldier who sacrificed everything including her own life during deployment serving her country valiantly.
Her courage has inspired us all and reminded us that freedom sometimes comes at great cost—she gave up everything she had just so others could have something better tomorrow.
She will be remembered not only as a hero but also as a friend whose selflessness touched countless lives on and off-duty alike. Her positivity knew no bounds even in times where things felt like they couldn’t get any worse.
I’ll miss her infectious energy, unbreakable spirit and her ability to inspire people around her even in the darkest of times.
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when we went on a vacation together after she returned from deployment, catching up on life post-duty and just enjoying each other’s company.
Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] was when she organized a fundraiser for veterans who had been wounded during active duty.
Thank you all for being here today. We celebrate someone whose profound sacrifice has given us the freedom that we enjoy today- Freedom which comes at great cost. In [name]'s words: "Duty first; self second." Let us never forget this sentiment as we honor those brave men and women who serve their country valiantly.
Eulogy for an animal activist
Today marks the passing away of a woman whose compassion for animals was unmatched - [name]. She served as President at local ASPCA chapter where she inspired others through her dedication towards animal rights advocacy and protection. Her tireless efforts led to increased awareness within our community regarding animal welfare issues such as abuse or neglect.
[name] will be remembered not only as an advocate but also as a friend to all animals; big or small. Her kindness knew no bounds and it extended beyond just domesticated pets like dogs or cats- advocating for wildlife preservation too!
I’ll miss her infectious energy, unwavering passion and her ability to inspire empathy in those around her.
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when she rescued several abandoned kittens outside our office building during lunch breaks.
Another one of our local communities’ favorite memories with [Name] was when she coordinated fundraisers which helped raise funds for medical treatment costs associated with pet care amongst low-income families.
Thank you all for being here today honoring someone who made it their mission to ensure well-being among some oft-forgotten members in society: animals. May we strive each day to extend kindness towards them, carrying on what [name] started so passionately.
Eulogy for a writer
Thank you so much for attending the services today as we gather to say goodbye to Kaleb Morris, an incredibly talented author and journalist. His work delved into the darkest corners of human behavior, shining a light on the most heinous and unthinkable crimes. Kaleb had a gift for telling stories that not only captivated readers but also helped to shed light on important issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Tragically, Kaleb's life was cut short in a boating accident, leaving behind his child and former wife, Shareece. Though we grieve for the life that has been taken from us too soon, we can also take comfort in the legacy that Kaleb leaves behind.
His writing was not just a means to entertain, but a way to make a difference in the world. Kaleb shone a light on issues that needed to be addressed, and gave a voice to those who had been silenced by violence and tragedy. He was a gifted storyteller, and his impact on the true crime genre will be felt for years to come.
Kaleb will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his work will live on as a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. Rest in peace, Kaleb.
Eulogy for a nurse practitioner
We gather to remember and honor Cherish Abrams, a beloved nurse practitioner who touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues during her 25 years of service. Cherish was known for her compassion, dedication, and expertise, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.
Cherish was like a ""grandma"" to the NICU where she worked, comforting and caring for infants and families during their most vulnerable moments. Her gentle touch and kind words provided solace and hope to those in need, and her wisdom and guidance were invaluable to her colleagues.
Cherish's tragic passing is a reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. But even in death, she continues to inspire us with her selflessness, her unwavering dedication to her patients, and her love for her profession.
Cherish's memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy will continue through the lives of the countless patients she cared for and the colleagues she mentored. May she rest in peace, knowing that she made a profound difference in the world and that she will be deeply missed.
Eulogy for a community leader
Today we gather to honor and remember the life of Michael Patel, a beloved community leader and philanthropist who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Michael was a self-made businessman, a devoted family man, and a passionate advocate for those in need.
Throughout his life, Michael demonstrated a deep commitment to his community, supporting countless charitable organizations and causes. His generosity knew no bounds, and his impact on the lives of those he helped will never be forgotten.
Michael's passing is a great loss to us all, but his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched and the causes he supported. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for the inspiration he provided to us all. Rest in peace, Michael, knowing that your life made a profound difference in the world and that you will be deeply missed.
Eulogy for a high school teacher
We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of Samantha Liu, a beloved high school teacher who passed away far too soon. Samantha was a bright, energetic, and dedicated educator who brought out the best in her students and inspired them to reach for their dreams.
In her 15 years of teaching, Samantha touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and parents. Her passion for education was infectious, and her positive energy was felt by everyone who crossed her path.
Though we mourn the loss of Samantha, we take comfort in the memories she has left behind and the impact she has had on our lives. Her legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives she touched, and in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Samantha, knowing that you made a profound difference in the world and that you will be deeply missed.
Eulogy for a philanthropist
Eulogy example for loving mother.
We gather here today to celebrate the life of Emily Thompson, a beloved mother and grandmother who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Emily was a kind, caring, and nurturing woman who devoted her life to her loved ones.
As a mother of four and a grandmother of nine, Emily's love and devotion knew no bounds. She was the heart and soul of her family, providing comfort, support, and wisdom whenever it was needed.
Though we mourn the loss of Emily, we take comfort in the memories she has left behind and the love she shared with us all. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Emily, knowing that you made a profound difference in the world and that you will be deeply missed.
Eulogy example for teacher
Marcus was a beloved teacher who dedicated his life to helping his students achieve their goals. He had a gift for teaching and his enthusiasm for learning was contagious. Marcus always went above and beyond to help his students, whether it was staying late to help them with homework, or just lending an ear when they needed to talk. He truly believed in the power of education to change lives, and he worked tirelessly to make sure his students had the tools they needed to succeed. Marcus was also a devoted husband and father. He met his wife, Sarah, when they were both in college, and they were inseparable ever since. They had two children together, and Marcus loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He was always there for his kids, whether it was coaching their sports teams or just reading them a bedtime story.
Marcus was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, but he never let it slow him down. He continued teaching, even when he was undergoing chemotherapy, and he always had a positive attitude. Marcus fought his illness with courage and grace, and he never lost his faith in God.
Marcus was a shining example of what it means to be a good person, and he touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his students, colleagues, and his loving wife and two children.
Eulogy example for a chef
Isabella was a talented chef who had a passion for creating beautiful and delicious food. She was always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, and her dishes were a work of art. Isabella had a natural talent for cooking, but she also worked hard to hone her skills. She attended culinary school and worked in some of the best restaurants in the city. But Isabella's love for cooking wasn't just about creating amazing dishes. She also loved the way food brought people together. Isabella was always hosting dinner parties and potlucks, and she loved nothing more than seeing people enjoy her food. She had a big heart and loved to share her food with family and friends. Her food was a way for her to show her love for the people in her life.
Isabella was also a devoted partner. She met her girlfriend, Maria, when they were both working in a restaurant, and they were inseparable ever since. They built a life together, and Isabella loved nothing more than spending time with Maria and their two dogs.
Isabella's death was a shock to everyone who knew her. She had so much talent and so much to give to the world. But even in death, Isabella's spirit lives on through her food and the memories she created for those who knew and loved her.
Eulogy for a principal
Today, we honor the life of a great educator who dedicated his life to shaping young minds and transforming our community through educational reform. We celebrate Michael's passion for education and his tireless efforts in ensuring that every child in this school district received quality education. He was not only an excellent principal but also a mentor, friend, and role model to many.
Michael was committed to providing resources necessary for students' success by creating programs that would enable them to have access to books, computers, and other learning materials. His unwavering commitment towards serving disadvantaged communities will forever be remembered.
We'll miss his vision for educational reform but are grateful for the impact he left on us all.
One of my favorite memories with Michael was when he fought tirelessly to get funding from the government so that we could add more classrooms and hire more teachers. His determination inspired me always.
Eulogy for a doctor
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye today to Dr.[Name], an incredible physician who touched many lives during his medical career. While he loved fast cars, small dogs, and Margaritaville music, his dedication towards helping others never wavered.
Dr.[Name] had a way of putting people at ease whenever they were anxious about their health issues; he made you feel like everything would be okay no matter what happened.
He lived life fully and inspired those around him while doing so - even while battling his own illness—always encouraging others never to give up hope or lose faith in themselves.
I’ll miss his sense of humor but am lost without his guidance on how I should take care of myself better!
Another one of my favorite memories with Dr.[Name] is when he took me out on a ride-along in his sports car after work one day! He loved living life vicariously through little adventures like these!
Eulogy for someone who followed their dream
Today we gather here to honor [Name], who was a brilliant data analyst with a desire to become a potato farmer in Europe. He had an insatiable love for his lineage and dreamt of starting his farm there.
[Name] loved data analysis, but he also believed that there was more to life than crunching numbers. His passion for agriculture inspired him to follow his dream of farming potatoes and reconnecting with his roots.
He will be missed for his gentle nature and quiet strength. Still, we can all take comfort in knowing that he lived life on his terms and pursued what made him happy.
One of my absolute favorite moments was when [Name] shared pictures of the farmland where he hoped to start farming someday—his eyes lit up as he spoke about it so passionately!
Eulogy for a CEO who swapped careers
Today marks the passing away of someone incredibly special- a CEO turned dog trainer specializing in corgis- [Name].
[Name]'s career shift from being a successful CEO reflected how passionate she was about dogs, especially corgis! Her love for them was unmatched, and she spent her later years training them.
She was an inspiration to many who dreamed of following their passion. She showed that it's never too late to start something new, no matter how old you are!
We'll miss her business acumen but are grateful for the legacy she left behind. [Name] lived a life filled with happiness and fulfillment, doing what made her happiest - surrounded by pups!
One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when I visited her training facility and saw all the corgis happily playing under her watchful eye; it was a beautiful sight to see!
Eulogy for a small business owner
Today we celebrate the life of our beloved community leader [Name], who served tirelessly on city council while running one of the most popular sandwich shops in town.
[Name] had an unwavering commitment towards serving others; she dedicated her time, energy, and resources towards making our community better. From creating programs for at-risk youth to supporting small businesses like hers financially - she did it all without asking anything in return.
She brought people together through her sandwiches, which were not only delicious but also affordable! Her relentless dedication towards serving her customers helped establish her business as one of the best sandwich shops around town.
We are grateful for everything [Name] did during her lifetime, and we know that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Another one of our family's favorite memories with [Name] is when she would often give us free sandwiches if we couldn't afford them! She truly cared about everyone who came into her shop!
5.Today marks the passing away of someone incredibly special- a CEO turned dog trainer specializing in corgis- [Name].
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We gather here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, a mother, an engineer, a farmer, a community activist, and a beloved friend to many. [Name] was a beacon of strength, compassion, and unwavering love.
Born 58 years ago, [Name] was a woman of many talents and passions. She pursued an engineering degree with the determination and brilliance that defined her character. Not one to rest on her laurels, she furthered her education with a Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, a field where she found her true calling.
[Name] was not just a scholar but a practitioner. Her homestead was her haven, a place where she cultivated not just crops but a sense of community. She loved farming, a passion that was evident in the thriving fields and the abundance she shared with her neighbors. Her produce fed not just bodies but souls, fostering a sense of unity and support in our community.
As a mother of twins, [Name] was phenomenal. Her love for her children knew no bounds. She was bright and thoughtful, always finding the right balance between nurturing and guiding her children with patience and wisdom. Her love was the foundation upon which her family stood strong.
Her battle with lung cancer was a testament to her incredible resilience and strength. Even in the face of illness, she remained an active and dedicated member of our community. Her activism and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her were truly inspiring.
[Name] was more than her accomplishments; she was a person of immense warmth and kindness. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. Her thoughtful nature, her loving heart, and her unwavering patience were qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Today, as we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on all of us. Her legacy is not just in the fields she tilled or the degrees she earned but in the lives she touched and the love she spread.
Let us remember [Name] not with tears but with the joy and gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary woman. Her spirit will forever live on in our hearts and in the community she so dearly loved and served.
Rest in peace, [Name]. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
To capture more memories of your loved one, consider creating a memorial website . Memorial websites are excellent tools that help you share event details, post an obituary, collect memories, and raise funds in someone’s name. They’re easy to set up, easy to use and completely free.
Start a memorial website
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Eulogy Examples: How to Write a Eulogy for a Loved One
By Bernie Flowers
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How do you distill a lifetime of memories and experiences into a 15-minute eulogy? It’s an honor to hold the responsibility of eulogizing your loved one, but it can feel like a challenge to fit everything you want to say in one speech.
Instead of making the funeral attendees feel like they are reading an encyclopedia from cover-to-cover, look for ways to highlight the rich life experiences that matter most. A eulogy should be a sampling of the best the person had to offer including accomplishments, personality traits, and memorable stories.
When it comes to eulogy writing, you can search online for ideas and examples. But the most important thing you need to keep in mind: quality over quantity .
All this being said, we would advise using our professional Eulogy Template to guide you through your writing, you can find it here - Eulogy Template
What is a Eulogy?
Giving a eulogy means that you are sharing a remembrance speech with the purpose of paying tribute to a loved one. This speech is given at the funeral or memorial service by a family member or close friend.
A good eulogy highlights the lasting impact of the person on their family and community. Through your speech, you’ll have an opportunity to share their unique qualities, as well as the ripple effect of positivity and change they created in the world around them.
How can you best honor your loved one? A eulogy can be a part of your healing, and a beautiful way to reflect on the details that were most special about them.
Eulogy Examples
One of the simplest ways to write a eulogy is to review a eulogy speech example that matches your own preferred tone and style. What makes a eulogy unique is the unique details you’ll share about the person themselves, which is why it’s essential to customize your eulogy to honor and celebrate the personality of your loved one.
You may want to start with our primer on how to write a eulogy . Then, use the following outline and eulogy examples to create a strong speech that communicates the message you want to share about the person who meant so much to you.
Eulogy Sample Outline
Using a eulogy sample outline is a proven way to create a great speech. Remember those Mad Libs books from your childhood? This process is similar: follow the outline and plug in the personal details applicable to your loved one.
These eulogy samples help you overcome writer's block and keep you focused on the details that matter most. Aim to cap the eulogy at a maximum of 10 minutes total. The simplest eulogy outline can be broken down into three parts, so you’ll need to consider how much time to spend on each section:
- Set the tone by beginning with a poem, quote, or scripture that was meaningful to the person.
- Names they were known by, including nicknames and maiden names.
- Cause of death (an optional detail).
- A brief insight into your relationship with the individual.
- Accomplishments
- Major life events
- Stories or fond memories
- How the person affected others
- Childhood years
- Travel adventures
- Marriage and children
- Any other thoughts you want to share about the person
- A final take away from your theme
- How you want family and friends to remember the individual
- What the person would want you to remember them for
- Quote, scripture, or song lyric
- Thank attendees for participating
Eulogy Examples for a Friend
It can be helpful to write this eulogy as if you were talking to a friend. Common talking points might include:
- Common activities enjoyed together
- What you like most about the person
- Personality traits or phrases they often use
- How you would describe the person
- What will you remember them by?
Here is a eulogy example for a friend:
I can’t imagine how empty it will feel to spend time on the basketball court without Jim by my side. Our relationship was built with a basketball in hand, and evolved to share many family gatherings and other activities together over the years. With his passing, Jim is leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Jim shared good humor and a big smile with everyone he met. Even though people often cursed at his practical jokes, he was an integral part of creating a solid foundation of friendship in our group. When times were difficult, he could always put a smile on my face. He held his head high until the end, showing what it looks like to finish strong.
Eulogy Examples for Your Father
Writing a eulogy for your dad may be really tough. How do you memorialize your hero amid grief and emotion? We hope these tips and the example below will help you in your process.
- Share childhood experiences when spending time with dad
- Talk about his best qualities
- Capture his essence through “dad jokes” and the things that made you laugh
- Tell about the things you will miss most about him
- Describe his role in your upbringing
Here is a eulogy example for your father:
My dad was my hero. He could make every person feel like they were the most important person in the world. Growing up, I knew that I could always ask Dad for help – and he would be willing to drop anything to lend a hand. He was a rock of stability in my childhood and a source of strength for our whole family.
My father was a man who infused fun into the most mundane tasks. I remember how he would turn our bedtime routine into an adventure that included highlights from our favorite storybooks. He was a kind and thoughtful person. Every night at the dinner table, he encouraged us to talk about the things we were grateful for, and always had yummy treats for us kids hidden in the back of the pantry. I will miss you, Dad, and I’ll always hold onto the amazing memories we shared together.
Eulogy Examples for Your Mother
How can you ever do justice to a eulogy for your beloved mother – the woman who was always there with love and guidance through the ups and downs, the celebrations and challenging moments of your life? Here are a few tips for writing a eulogy for your mother:
- Describe the way she showed her love for you
- Celebrate the small ways she turned your house into a home
- Highlight the impact she made throughout the community
- Explain the smells, sounds, and feelings you felt when arriving home
- Share stories from childhood and adulthood that reflect her character
Here is a eulogy example for your mother:
Today we are honoring, celebrating, and remembering {mom’s full name]. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something, like going back to school to become a nurse at age 40.
My mother was truly my best friend and I am humbled by the challenge of describing the fullness of her beauty and caring here today. I don't know how she did it, but Mom always found the perfect balance between work and home. Even though she worked 40 – 50 hours a week to support us, she prioritized family dinner. That time was sacred to our family. Her love and kindness were infused in everything she did, whether she was baking cookies for a bake sale to help the hospital or sewing our Halloween costumes by hand year after year.
She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into the room. No one who met her could forget her smile. And I’ll never forget the advice and the lessons she taught me. Her wisdom will forever guide the decisions I make through the rest of my life. I love you, Mom.
Eulogy Examples for Your Grandmother
How do you share the details about the love you felt through your relationship with a grandmother? Follow these tips to write a good eulogy for this important woman:
- Talk about the fun traditions she brought for your favorite holiday
- What was she known for in the community?
- How did her influence touch your life?
- What are the daily moments that will remind you of her?
- Share funny stories that showcase her quirks or sense of humor
Here is a eulogy example for your grandmother:
My grandmother paid attention to the details – it was the little things that added the finishing touch to every experience. Whether she was setting out the treat jar on the kitchen table or clinking the glass while drinking her iced tea, she always prioritized food and drinks.
Since she loved to shop, grandma would often take us to the mall when we were visiting for the weekend. We would have fashion shows in the dressing rooms and often come home with bright, frilly dresses that were perfect for twirling.
When grandpa was away for the war, grandma was an example of always getting back up again when things get hard. She never complained; just worked hard and supported her family at all times. Despite the personal challenges, she always looked outside of herself – which is why she will be remembered as a beacon of light in this community.
Eulogy Examples for Your Grandfather
What are the details that make your grandfather larger than life? Here are a few ideas to help when writing a eulogy for this great man:
- Explain the qualities that best describe his personality
- Tell about the details that made him stand out from other grandparents
- What hobbies or passions did he share with the family?
- How will the neighborhood or community remember him?
- Talk about stories that were life-changing moments for him
Here is a eulogy example for your grandfather:
Even though my grandfather didn’t like to be the center of attention, he had an undeniable impact on the community. If he was here with us today, he wouldn’t want us to share grief and sorrow. Instead, his desire would be to focus on the happy memories and joyful experiences shared over the years.
Grandpa was a man who set a lasting impression on everyone he met. His deep laugh and kind eyes warmed the room and brought life into the most boring daily activities. Grandpa loved spending time with his grandkids because he said that it made him feel young at heart.
He was a great teacher and a dependable friend. His advice and guidance will continue to carry me through the joys and challenges that life has to offer.
Eulogy Examples for Your Brother
Siblings share a special bond, giving you deep insights to share about your brother. Follow these tips for writing a good eulogy:
- What was it like growing up in the same house together?
- Describe the way your relationship changed in adulthood
- Share funny stories about sibling rivalries
- Explain the lasting impact he left on you and the family
- List his favorite hobbies and food
Here is a eulogy example for your brother:
While it’s tragic to think about Kyle leaving us too soon, he left behind a lifetime of memories that we can celebrate. Kyle was always ready for a fun day with friends – he would have been the one showing up today with the perfect playlist for the event.
Even though my brother was a few years older than me, he always included me in the adventures with his friends. I never felt like the little brother he was dragging along. He made me feel special and included in the group, and helped me build confidence along the way.
Kyle was my best friend and I can’t imagine what life is going to be like without him sending me funny cat memes every night. But I know that his memory will live on when I eat his favorite pizza or hear his favorite band on the radio.
Eulogy Examples for Your Sister
If you’ve lost a sibling, we are truly sorry, Writing a eulogy for your sister can be a way to honor her through your memories of your childhood and growing up with her, as well as the milestones of her life. A few ideas for this eulogy include:
- Share her notable life accomplishments
- Retell your favorite stories from growing up together
- Highlight the kind of person she was
- Summarize your relationship in a few short words
- Talk about what she meant to you and how she influenced your life
Here is a eulogy example for your sister:
My sister, Kim, might have been a little shy at the first introduction. But once she warmed up to a friendship, she always had plenty to say every time she talked. Kim loved to share stories from her time volunteering at the children’s hospital and she had a beautiful gift of making everyone feel like the most important person in the world.
We were only a year apart, which meant that I was the younger sister who was often stealing her clothes or listening in on her conversations with her boyfriend. Even though I was the pesky sibling who cracked jokes about her unique style, she was everything I wanted to be when I grew up. She was independent, strong, and beautiful. She was a free spirit who wasn’t afraid to act boldly, like moving to Paris after college and starting her own business. She was my partner in crime, and I could always tell her everything. She will never be replaced. . My dear sister, I love you and I will be forever grateful for every moment we spent together.
Short Eulogy Examples
Short and sweet is a good rule of thumb to follow when writing a eulogy. Consider these important talking points if you want to write a short eulogy:
- Highlight the person’s passions or interests
- What were the most memorable times you spent together?
- Sum up the person’s character using a story or memory
- Express your gratitude for the impact the person had on your life
- Talk about their influence on family and community
Here is a short eulogy example:
The years I spent with Kathy in my life were filled with excitement and adventure. She showed up for life in the biggest way possible. From the moment she shared her cookie with me on the first day of kindergarten, I knew we would be best friends.
She spent many years working as a teacher, and her heart was big enough to offer individual attention to every child that walked into her classroom. Kathy made a difference in the lives of hundreds of children over the years, and her kindness and positivity will leave an unwavering legacy in this community.
Funny Eulogy Examples
Sometimes a bit of humor is the perfect way to lighten the mood and showcase the personality of your loved one. Consider these tips if you want to add a few jokes into the eulogy:
- Point out the person’s comedic qualities
- Be specific about sharing their jokes or pranks
- Look for ways to communicate what the person would say if they wrote the speech
- Find the right balance of humor to share laughs without being irreverent
- Share a funny poem or a quote from the person’s favorite movie
Here is a funny eulogy example:
Anyone who met Josh quickly learned that there are always laughs to be shared. It was impossible to spend time with him without enjoying a gut-busting laugh at some point in the conversation. Josh was known as the class clown, and his jokes were quick-witted and hilarious.
Who could forget the time Josh showed up to the family reunion wearing that ridiculous blow-up dinosaur costume? He chased the kids around the park until everyone laughed until they were crying.
Many funny memories came out of our family camping trips. He couldn’t sit down to enjoy a peaceful campfire. Instead, the s’more making always seemed to turn into a marshmallow fight – with white puffs flying through the air when you least expected it. Josh kept a smile on my face through the ups and downs of life, and I will keep on smiling in his honor.
Personalizing the Eulogy
As you read through these funeral eulogy examples, the most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a right or wrong way to write a eulogy. Instead, consider the best way to share the person in the way they would want others to remember them. It’s your chance to verbalize your love and honor the memories of your loved one.
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Writing a eulogy: what to say at a funeral speech
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Have you been asked to write a eulogy? And deliver it at the funeral? You might have questions about how to get it right. Here are some tips on writing a eulogy and speaking at a funeral to help you give a heart-warming funeral speech.
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is a piece of writing or a speech that commemorates a person’s life. It’s also called a funeral speech and is usually shared at a funeral or memorial service. You could see it as a tribute to someone who’s passed away and a way to share memories of them. It’s an opportunity to look back at their life and talk about what made them unique.
How to write a eulogy
Knowing how to write a eulogy won’t necessarily come naturally. It may feel like a big responsibility. But remember that your funeral speech doesn’t have to be perfect, or formal if that doesn’t feel right. When you’re planning what to put in a eulogy keep in mind that it doesn’t have to follow a set structure or have a sad tone. You can adapt your funeral speech to reflect the personality of the person who passed away and add a little humour if you think it’s appropriate.
Below is a short video on how to write a eulogy. It’ll give you some ideas about how to write a funeral speech that feels right.
Writing a eulogy step by step
If you’re writing a eulogy for a loved one here’s one way of approaching it. It’ll help you take it step by step to make things a little easier.
Preparing a eulogy
When you’re preparing the eulogy it’s a good idea to think about it in different sections (start, middle and ending) and then focus on writing each one in turn. You could write one section a day if you’re finding it difficult to sit down and write the whole eulogy at once.
Before you start writing anything at all, you might like to chat to other friends and family members to hear their memories too. There might be specific things they’d like you to mention in the funeral speech. And if there’s more than one of you saying a few words at the funeral then you might want to get together to talk about what each of you would like to include in your speeches. This’ll help you avoid repeating the same stories and it could help you come up with new ideas too.
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"I did a eulogy for her on behalf of her children [...] I’d spent a long, long time writing and rewriting the eulogy. I wanted it to be spot on, honest and authentic."
How to start a eulogy
How do you start a eulogy? It can feel like the hardest part. One easy way to begin is with a story about the person who’s died. You could talk about how you met them or share a story that shows the kind of person they were. To find some inspiration, try writing down some of your favourite stories about them. They can be touching, funny, emotional or inspiring.
Here are a few things you could think about to get started:
- The first time I met them…
- The thing everyone always said about them…
- The last time I saw them they said…
- The thing I will always remember about them…
What to say in a eulogy
Keeping to a basic eulogy structure will make it easier for you to say, and easier for people to follow. Try to have 3-5 main points, then give yourself 1-2 minutes to say each point.
Things you could include in your eulogy:
- Stories that show the personality and best qualities of the person
- Share the person’s favourite poem or song lyrics
- Share something that the person said, and that you will always remember
- Talk about their favourite interests or hobbies
- Celebrate the biggest achievements in their life
Rather than simply writing a funeral speech that tells the person’s life in order, consider basing the eulogy around the stories and moments that stand out.
How to end a eulogy
It’s best to end your funeral speech with something memorable and meaningful. You could end with an uplifting quote from the person who has died, or you could finish with a final story. You could even end the eulogy with a sentence about what you think the person would say to everyone if they were still here. Alternatively, you could finish with a poem, a song or a well-loved quote.
Quotes to end a eulogy
How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
Tips for speaking at a funeral
In the video below, funeral celebrants Alison Regan, Lyndsey Conquest, Karen Nutton, and Stuart Atherton offer their tips for speaking at a funeral:
Practising how to deliver a eulogy is just as important as writing it. It’ll help you feel more confident about speaking at the funeral and give you the time you need to fully prepare.
- Practise the funeral speech as much as you can. Ask someone to listen to you read through the eulogy and give you advice about where you need to slow down or speak more clearly.
- Use something to help you remember your words. You may prefer to have your funeral speech written down word-for-word. Others prefer short prompts or cue cards.
- Don’t worry about faltering. Nobody expects you to get through a eulogy without crying. You may stumble over sentences, you may become upset. No need to apologise – just take a deep breath and move on when you can.
- Bring a copy of your funeral speech written out in full. Even if you don’t plan to use it. That way, if you don’t feel you can deliver the speech on the day, you can ask someone else to read it for you.
Examples of famous eulogies
Diana was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty. All over the world she was a symbol of selfless humanity.
It is the end of 95 glorious years of a freedom fighter, a dedicated and humble servant of the people of South Africa.
My Daddy was my hero […] He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did.
Eulogy FAQs
Have a specific question about writing a eulogy? The answers below could help.
A speech at a funeral is called a eulogy because when the word is broken down it actually means praise. The Greek roots of the word eulogy are eu which means good and logos which means speech. So when you are delivering a eulogy you’re praising the person who’s died, and speaking about the good they have done in their life.
Close family or friends typically read the eulogy at a funeral. For example, children might give a eulogy at a parent’s funeral. But it can be anyone who was close to the person who died. Speaking at a funeral can be an overwhelming experience, so if you think reading the eulogy will be too much on the day, the celebrant (the person leading the service) can read it for you instead.
Eulogies are usually quite short. Try to write a speech that lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, as a guide. But it’s important to think about how long you feel comfortable speaking for. If you only want to speak for a couple of minutes, that’s fine too.
Yes, a eulogy can be funny if you think it’s appropriate for the person you’re commemorating. Writing a eulogy is a good opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived and share funny anecdotes that’ll put a smile on people’s faces. But it’s also worth keeping in mind how other people attending will react to a more light-hearted funeral speech.
You don’t have to have a eulogy at a funeral if it’s not the right choice for you. Each funeral service is unique, and so you might choose to play a song in tribute instead of writing a funeral speech. Or someone could recite a poem that feels appropriate. Alternatively, you don’t have to speak at a funeral at all, if it’s too much. And if you wanted to keep the service simple or have an unattended funeral (a cremation or burial without a service), a eulogy might not be appropriate at all.
Yes, you can have more than one eulogy. Or you could have 2-3 speakers each delivering a part of one eulogy. Ultimately, it’s your decision as to how many eulogies or speakers you have at the funeral.
A eulogy and an obituary are both written to commemorate someone’s life but a eulogy is usually the speech you’ll hear at a funeral service, and an obituary is written specifically for publication in a newspaper.
The eulogy will be given during the funeral service or memorial service. Lots of people choose to deliver the eulogy towards the end of the service, as a final way of paying tribute. But this is completely up to you. If you’re unsure, your funeral director or celebrant can offer some advice about the order of service .
If you can’t face delivering a eulogy at the funeral, that’s perfectly OK. You can ask a friend or the person leading the funeral to read the funeral speech for you. They can also help you to write it, if you’re finding that difficult too. Hopefully our eulogy ideas have helped you understand how to write a funeral speech. You’ll find more tips and advice about planning or going to a funeral in our advice hub.
Ultimately it doesn’t matter which stories or quotes you choose to put in the eulogy. And it doesn’t matter if you choose to keep things formal or go with a lighter tone. As long as your funeral speech is respectful and celebrates the person who passed away everyone else in the room will be grateful for it. If you’re still not sure where to start and need more eulogy ideas our hub of poems, songs and readings might help.
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Writing a eulogy for a difficult person: finding the right words to say
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Writing an obituary
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How to make a funeral order of service (with examples)
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117 BEST Tips How To Start Funeral Speech (Easy)
- How to Start a Funeral Speech
- Understanding the Purpose of a Funeral Speech
- Reflect on Your Relationship with the Deceased
- Gather Information from Loved Ones
- Consider the Audience
- Structure Your Speech
- Begin with a Powerful Opening
- Share Personal Stories and Memories
- Highlight Achievements and Positive Attributes
- Address the Grief and Provide Comfort
- Be Mindful of Time Constraints
- Practice and Seek Feedback
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Please note
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Delivering a eulogy or funeral speech can be an emotionally challenging task.
It requires a delicate balance between honoring the deceased and providing comfort to grieving loved ones.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various angles and strategies to help you deliver a meaningful and impactful funeral speech that pays tribute to the departed.
A funeral speech serves multiple purposes, including:
Honoring the Deceased : The speech should highlight the life, achievements, and positive attributes of the person who has passed away.
Sharing Memories : By recounting personal experiences and anecdotes, you can foster a sense of unity and remembrance within the audience.
Offering Comfort : A well-crafted funeral speech can provide solace and support to grieving friends and family members.
Celebrating Life : While acknowledging the sadness of loss, a funeral speech also aims to celebrate the joy and impact the individual had on others.
Preparing for the Funeral Speech
Before diving into the actual writing and delivery of the funeral speech, it is crucial to undertake sufficient preparation.
Here are some steps to consider:
Take time to remember your experiences, conversations, and shared moments with the person who has passed away. These reflections will help you identify the most significant aspects of their life and character to include in your speech.
Reach out to close family members and friends to gather additional insights and stories about the deceased. This collaborative effort will ensure that you capture a comprehensive picture of the person's life.
Understand the emotional state and cultural background of the audience. Tailor your speech to provide comfort and resonate with their needs, while remaining respectful of any religious or cultural sensitivities.
Organize your speech into distinct sections to ensure clarity and coherence.
Consider using the following structure:
Introduction : Begin with a warm and empathetic opening that acknowledges the grief present in the room.
Body : Share stories, memories, and lessons learned from the person's life. Include anecdotes that reflect their character, achievements, and impact on others.
Conclusion : End on a note of comfort, offering support to grieving loved ones and emphasizing the lasting legacy of the deceased.
Crafting the Funeral Speech
Once you have completed the preparatory steps, it's time to put your thoughts into words.
Here are some tips for crafting an effective funeral speech:
Grab the audience's attention by starting with a heartfelt and sincere introduction. Consider using a quote, poem, or personal anecdote that encapsulates the essence of the departed.
Connect with the audience by sharing personal stories and memories that highlight the unique qualities and impact of the deceased. These anecdotes should be relatable and emotionally resonant.
Acknowledge the accomplishments, passions, and positive attributes of the person, emphasizing their contribution to the community, family, and friends. Use specific examples to illustrate these qualities.
Acknowledge the pain and sadness surrounding the loss while offering words of comfort and support. Encourage the audience to remember and cherish the memories of the deceased as a source of healing.
Keep the length of your funeral speech appropriate for the occasion. Aim for a duration of around five to ten minutes, ensuring that you cover the essential aspects without overwhelming the audience.
Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery. Consider practicing in front of a trusted friend or family member who can offer constructive feedback on your tone, pacing, and overall impact.
Q: What is a funeral speech?
A funeral speech is a eulogy or tribute given at a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember the life of the deceased.
Q: How do I start a funeral speech?
To start a funeral speech, begin by expressing condolences and acknowledging the grief of those present.
Q: What should I include in a funeral speech?
A funeral speech should include personal stories, memories, and anecdotes that highlight the character, accomplishments, and impact of the deceased.
Q: How long should a funeral speech be?
A funeral speech is typically around 5 to 10 minutes long, but it can vary depending on the wishes of the family or the format of the service.
Q: Should I use humor in a funeral speech?
Humor can be appropriate if it reflects the personality and spirit of the deceased. However, it's important to be sensitive and considerate to the grieving audience.
Q: Can I read a funeral speech from a written script?
While it's acceptable to refer to notes, it's best to maintain eye contact with the audience as much as possible for a more heartfelt delivery.
Q: How can I make my funeral speech more engaging?
Share personal anecdotes, use descriptive language, and speak from the heart to engage the emotions and attention of the audience.
Q: Should I practice my funeral speech beforehand?
Yes, practicing your funeral speech beforehand will help you feel more confident and prepared. It will also enable you to deliver the speech smoothly.
Q: Is it appropriate to mention the cause of death in a funeral speech?
It is generally not necessary or appropriate to mention the cause of death in a funeral speech. Instead, focus on celebrating the life and legacy of the deceased.
Q: Should I include religious or spiritual elements in the funeral speech?
If the deceased had specific religious or spiritual beliefs, it can be appropriate to incorporate those elements into the speech. However, be mindful of the beliefs and values of the family and the audience.
Q: Can I involve others in delivering the funeral speech?
Yes, you may involve others in delivering the funeral speech, such as close friends or family members who have stories or memories to share. Coordinate with the family to ensure a cohesive and meaningful tribute.
Q: Can I use quotes or poems in a funeral speech?
Using quotes or poems can add depth and meaning to a funeral speech. Choose quotes or poems that resonate with the life and personality of the deceased.
Q: How can I handle my emotions while giving a funeral speech?
It's natural to feel emotional when giving a funeral speech. Take deep breaths, pause when needed, and allow yourself to express genuine emotions. Remember, the audience understands and empathizes with your grief.
Q: Should I address the family directly in the funeral speech?
Addressing the family directly in the funeral speech can provide comfort and support. Express your condolences and offer words of encouragement and love to help them through their grieving process.
Q: Can I include humor in a funeral speech?
Including humor in a funeral speech can be appropriate if it aligns with the personality and wishes of the deceased. However, always be respectful and considerate of the grieving audience.
Q: What if I get emotional and cannot continue with the funeral speech?
If you find yourself becoming too emotional to continue, take a moment to compose yourself. You can ask someone else to continue on your behalf, or simply express your heartfelt emotions and end the speech gracefully.
Q: Is it necessary to rehearse a funeral speech?
Rehearsing a funeral speech is highly recommended. It helps you become familiar with the content, timing, and delivery, ensuring a more polished and confident presentation.
Q: Should I memorize my funeral speech?
While it's beneficial to be familiar with your funeral speech, it's not necessary to memorize it word for word. It's more important to speak sincerely and from the heart.
Q: Can I use visual aids or props in a funeral speech?
Visual aids or props are not typically used in funeral speeches. The focus should be on the spoken words and the connection between the speaker and the audience.
Q: How can I wrap up a funeral speech?
Wrap up a funeral speech by offering closing remarks that provide comfort, support, and hope for the future. Express gratitude to those in attendance and reiterate the enduring legacy of the deceased.
Q: Is it appropriate to mention controversial or sensitive topics in a funeral speech?
It's best to avoid controversial or sensitive topics that could potentially upset or further burden the grieving family or friends. Focus on celebrating the positive aspects of the person's life.
Q: Can I use humor in a funeral speech?
Q: Should I share personal stories in a funeral speech?
Sharing personal stories is encouraged in a funeral speech as they provide insight into the character and impact of the deceased. However, be mindful of the time and balance personal anecdotes with broader reflections.
Q: How can I calm my nerves before giving a funeral speech?
To calm your nerves before giving a funeral speech, take deep breaths, practice relaxation techniques, and remind yourself of the purpose of the speech - to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Q: Is it appropriate to include religious or spiritual elements in a funeral speech?
If the deceased had specific religious or spiritual beliefs, it can be appropriate to incorporate those elements into the speech. However, be respectful and mindful of the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of the audience.
Q: Can I incorporate music into a funeral speech?
Yes, you can incorporate music into a funeral speech. Choose songs or melodies that hold significance to the deceased or the grieving family. Music can evoke emotions and enhance the overall atmosphere of the service.
Q: How can I engage the audience during a funeral speech?
Engage the audience during a funeral speech by maintaining eye contact, using vocal variations, and involving them through shared memories or moments of reflection. This helps create a more personal and meaningful connection.
Q: Should I rehearse my funeral speech in front of others?
Rehearsing your funeral speech in front of a trusted friend or family member can provide valuable feedback and help you gauge the impact of your words. Their input can assist in refining your delivery and improving the overall effectiveness of the speech.
Q: What should I wear when delivering a funeral speech?
Choose attire that is respectful and appropriate for the occasion. Generally, conservative and formal clothing, such as dark-colored suits or dresses, is suitable for a funeral speech.
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Crafting and delivering a funeral speech is a solemn responsibility that requires empathy, sensitivity, and preparation.
By reflecting on the life of the deceased, gathering information from loved ones, and following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can create a touching tribute that brings solace to grieving hearts and celebrates the enduring legacy of the departed.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.
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Table of Contents
1. Begin with a heartfelt, personal introduction
2. acknowledge the collective grief, 3. offer your condolences, 4. share a meaningful quotation or poem, 5. use humor to create a warm atmosphere.
To write a beautiful eulogy is a daunting challenge for many who are grief-stricken and emotionally overwhelmed. It's a responsibility that captures the weight of our feelings for our departed loved ones, delivering words that uniquely embody the significance and impact of their lives. A funeral speech is our final gift to them, but how do we ensure we do them justice? A vital aspect of any eulogy is how the speech begins. The opening sets the tone and engages your listeners, filling them with empathy, emotion, and understanding. This guide will help you discover how to open a funeral speech with poise, sincerity, and genuine affection for that special person.
Deliver a heartfelt greeting, mentioning your relationship with the deceased. In doing so, you create an authentic connection with the audience and set the mood for the eulogy. This brief introduction encourages those in attendance to feel the tenderness and care which motivated you to take on the responsibility of speaking.
Example: "Dear friends and family, I stand before you today as John's sister, with a heavy heart and a gratitude for the time we spent together."
Recognize that everyone present is grieving the loss of the deceased. This statement reinforces the collective emotions of those attending the funeral, allowing them to share in the sadness and the celebration of a life well-lived.
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Example: "We gather here today to mourn our dear Jane, who has left an indelible mark on all of us."
Express your condolences to the family, particularly to those closest to the deceased. This heartfelt sentiment acknowledges the profound pain they are experiencing and shares your sympathy.
Example: "To Jane's children, Sam and Emma, I would like to extend my deepest condolences during this time of heartache."
Including a quote or a verse from a poem allows you to give depth to your emotions and set a tone for the eulogy. Consider choosing something that embodied the beliefs or principles of the departed, or a verse that captures their spirit.
Example: "As the poet, John Donne, once wrote, 'Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.'"
Although a funeral can be a somber event, utilising slight humour in your opening can put the audience at ease and create a memorable and comforting speech. If the departed was known for their wit or sense of humor, you can honor their spirit by sharing a light-hearted anecdote or a personal story.
Example: "Mike always said that he wanted three things at his funeral – friends, family, and a chocolate fountain. Unfortunately, the church vetoed the fountain, but we've got his favorite people here today to share his memory."
Now that you have a good understanding of how to open a funeral speech, it's time to craft your eulogy. While writing a tribute to a loved one can be difficult and emotional, the world's #1 funeral speech writing tool, Eulogy Assistant , is here to help. With Eulogy Assistant , you can create a personalized, heartfelt, and meaningful speech that honours your loved one in just minutes.
Whether you need assistance in choosing quotations, organizing the flow, or bringing together the memories you wish to share, Eulogy Assistant makes it simple to create an unforgettable tribute to the deceased. By providing a powerful resource that guides you through every step of the process, Eulogy Assistant will help transform your grief into a beautiful and lasting memorial.
So, as you embark on this journey to celebrate your loved one's life, let Eulogy Assistant support you in crafting a funeral speech that will resonate with everyone in attendance and honour the memory of the departed.
Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies
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How to Give a Speech at a Funeral
Last Updated: October 20, 2023 Fact Checked
Writing the Eulogy
Practicing the speech, delivering the speech, expert q&a.
This article was co-authored by David I. Jacobson . David I. Jacobson is the founder of Chicago Jewish Funerals, an independent Jewish owned funeral provider that evolved into two funeral homes in the Chicagoland area. With over 30 years of experience serving families, David is a leading expert on Kavod Hamet, the Jewish traditions of honoring and respecting the dead. David is an active funeral director that serves people planning and in need of funerals, lecturing to congregations, community groups, and schools extensively about the values of the Jewish funeral as well as the dying process and the value of one’s legacy. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 253,501 times.
Eulogizing someone can be a very difficult thing to do. You want to talk with affection about someone you've lost, but you don't want to fall apart. You may fall apart a little, but you'll see in the end that it's okay to let the other people present know how much this person meant to you.
Things You Should Know
- Base the time of your speech or eulogy on the number of people attending the funeral. Typically, speeches are between 2 and 10 minutes long.
- Plan ways to help calm your nerves during the speech. Try taking deep breaths, drinking water, or looking at a loved one for support.
- Focus your speech on happy memories with the person, or talk about their life, passions, and talents.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 1 Write it down.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/39/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-1-Version-2.jpg)
- If you're having trouble getting started, brainstorm. Set a 15 minute timer, think about your loved one, and write down anything that comes to mind.
- Use photographs, scrapbooks, and other mementos of the person to inspire you as you write.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 2 Base the time on the number of speakers.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3d/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-2-Version-2.jpg)
- A five minute speech will be around 650 words long.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 3 Describe the departed.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a0/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)
- You might list their best qualities, their most particular quirks, their fervently held beliefs.
- Say what you'll miss about the departed, but don't talk too much about how devastated you are. Your feelings are relevant, but they are not the primary focus of the speech.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 4 Tell stories.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c2/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)
- For instance, if your loved one always stuck up for the underdog, you might tell a story about the time they stuck up for someone. If they were exceptionally clever, you might tell a story of the time they got the two of you out of a bad situation with quick thinking.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 5 Talk about their life.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fa/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)
- Identify struggles that they faced and conquered. For example, if they lost someone close, talk about that loss and how it affected them.
- Describe the important relationships of the departed, including your own relationship with them. For example, you can talk about how much they loved their daughter.
- Talk about their passions, hobbies, and talents.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 6 Quote when it adds something.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/38/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)
- The quotation should not take up more than a minute of your speech—your words will ultimately be more meaningful.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 1 Time yourself.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b9/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)
- Next, say your speech without reading, though you may glance down whenever you forget what's next.
- Do this many times. Focus on areas where you forget what to say, and practice them extra.
- You aren't required to memorize the speech, and it might even be more natural if you didn't.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 3 Plan ways to calm yourself.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-9.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-9.jpg)
- Take deep breaths.
- Drink water.
- Look at a friend or family member in the audience for support.
- Command yourself by name. Giving yourself short mental commands while addressing yourself by name helps you stay in control. If you start to lose it, think "Patricia, calm down."
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 4 Rehearse in front of someone you trust.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b3/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-10.jpg)
- Don't stare down at your notes or at the podium.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 2 Address the family.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/99/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-12.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-12.jpg)
- When you talk about someone, look at them.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 3 Speak loudly and slowly.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/33/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-13.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-13.jpg)
- Speak in a conversational tone. There's no need to pitch your voice for drama—the situation will speak for itself.
- Speak more slowly than you normally would. Not only will this help the audience understand you, but it may keep you calm as well.
![how to start of a funeral speech Step 4 Wipe away tears and keep going.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c8/Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-14.jpg/v4-460px-Speak-at-a-Funeral-Step-14.jpg)
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- ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-give-a-eulogy-that-truly-celebrates-the-person-youre-honoring/
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-eulogy/
- ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/write-deliver-eulogy/
About This Article
![how to start of a funeral speech David I. Jacobson](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/19/David_Jacobson.png/-crop-100-100-100px-David_Jacobson.png)
While speaking at a funeral can be difficult, remember that it's okay to show your feelings when talking about the departed. Tell stories and describe them in a way that helps the audience members frame their own memories. You might list their best qualities, most endearing quirks, or their deepest held beliefs. Say what you’ll miss about the departed, but don’t focus on how you feel. Instead, tell stories that showcase your loved one in the best light. You can describe your relationship with them and discuss their other important relationships and how widely they’ll be missed. To learn how to calm your emotions while delivering a eulogy, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Estimated reading time: 11 minutes What is a Welcome Speech? Welcome speeches are a great way to set the tone for an upcoming service, or church event to welcome old and new members of your church. Starting with a welcome speech gives your church service or meeting a warm and comforting start. It also helps those new to your church feel like they're in the right place.
In the footage, 30-year-old Grayson can be heard yelling at Massey over moving a pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink. He then threatens to shoot her in the face and screaming "drop the ...
[Chorus: Sly Pyper & Eminem] Must be a cold day in Hell (Yeah) Tell me, what have we done? (Woah) Take me out my misery I bought Heaven when it was up for sale And now I need a refund, bae (Yeah ...
"Corey was the very best of us, may his memory be a blessing," Shapiro said.President Joe Biden extended his condolences to Comperatore's family in a speech Saturday afternoon. "He was a ...
He had a knack for going off-script when making a speech. He lamented how many people in politics are overly cautious at the dais, afraid to speak from the heart because of optics and social media ...
Iran's mission to the U.N. said in a statement that Trump remains a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law.
The Investigation: F.B.I. officials told Congress that the 20-year-old gunman who tried to kill Donald Trump used his cellphone and other devices to search for images of Trump and President Biden. ...
Structuring Your Funeral Speech A. The opening: setting the tone. Start your eulogy with an opening that sets the tone for the entire speech. You may choose to begin with a quote that represents the deceased, a personal anecdote, or simply an expression of love and admiration. ... A funeral speech that shares fond memories and celebrates the ...
This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. It requires some forethought and planning. A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will ...
Here we'll share some tips on writing opening remarks for a funeral service. We'll also provide some examples of ways people have opened funeral speeches. Virtual funeral tip: If you're speaking at a virtual funeral using a service like GatheringUs, make sure you know how much time you'll have to speak. If you're hosting the funeral, you ...
We hope our funeral speech examples will inspire you to write a heartfelt eulogy to honour your loved one. Delivering a funeral speech can be a daunting task. Quite apart from the challenge of speaking in front of people while in a highly charged emotional state, the task of actually writing the funeral speech can be overwhelming. ...
The people who've written them have shared them to help people like yourself. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare, they know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, trying to find a starting point. Some of the speeches are short. Some of them are funny.
Main point 1: Start off with a key characteristic of the person you're talking about, such as their caring nature or listening skills. ... If you're giving a speech at a funeral, there may be time limits to consider. Knowing what to say when someone dies is never easy. Using an outline organizes your thoughts in a clear way no matter the ...
We spoke to four experienced celebrants — people who write and deliver eulogies professionally — to get their top tips on writing a funeral speech that feels right. How to write a funeral speech, according to real celebrants. We spoke to Clive, Melanie, Kate and Adrienne for their tips on writing a brilliant funeral speech. Work out the length
Discover how to craft a funeral speech that honors your loved one's legacy, with expert tips for heartfelt tributes and delivery. ... Tips for writing a heartfelt funeral speech often start with digging deep into personal reflections and fond memories. A eulogy is not merely an opportunity to bid farewell but also to celebrate and pay tribute ...
Structuring Your Funeral Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide. Creating a well-structured funeral speech can help convey your message clearly and effectively. Here's a simple guide to help you structure your speech: Opening with Respect: Start your speech by acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion and the shared sense of loss. A respectful ...
Deliver a Meaningful Funeral Tribute. Once you decide what to say at the very beginning of the eulogy, the next step will be to put together the body of the speech. Consider reviewing a few sample eulogy speeches for inspiration.
Remember a funeral speech is an opportunity to honor and even the most difficult personality or life will have aspects worthy of celebration. (And while we're discussing what subject matter it's best or diplomatic to avoid: political opinions or religious differences don't belong in a eulogy either.
With so many emotions swirling around, it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin. In this article, we'll provide helpful tips on how to start a funeral speech, ensuring you create a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Plus, learn how the world's #1 funeral speech writing tool, Eulogy Assistant, can guide you through the process with ease. 1.
Eulogies are pieces of writing or funeral speeches that are typically shared at a funeral or gathering for someone who has passed away. The speeches often contain a description of the person who passed away, the kind of person they were and personal memories that the person delivering the eulogy finds meaningful to share.
Let our expert Funeral Speech Writers create a heartfelt & personalized eulogy, that captures the amazing life and memories of your loved one. Learn more about our Professional Eulogy Writing Service today, and see how we can help you.
The following article will walk you through how to prepare a eulogy or memorial speech in simple and effective terms. How to Write a Memorial Speech? Brainstorm First. All writers, from first-grade students to professional ones, start with the same place — brainstorming.
110K. A eulogy is a speech of remembrance typically given at a funeral or memorial service to pay tribute to someone who has died.. Writing a successful eulogy, like writing an obituary, can be ...
You may want to start with our primer on how to write a eulogy. Then, use the following outline and eulogy examples to create a strong speech that communicates the message you want to share about the person who meant so much to you. Eulogy Sample Outline. Using a eulogy sample outline is a proven way to create a great speech.
Here are some tips on writing a eulogy and speaking at a funeral to help you give a heart-warming funeral speech. What is a eulogy? A eulogy is a piece of writing or a speech that commemorates a person's life. It's also called a funeral speech and is usually shared at a funeral or memorial service.
How to Start a Funeral Speech. Delivering a eulogy or funeral speech can be an emotionally challenging task. It requires a delicate balance between honoring the deceased and providing comfort to grieving loved ones.
To personalize a funeral speech, share specific stories or moments that highlight the unique qualities of the deceased. Mention what they meant to you and others, and capture their essence through your words. ... How do I start writing a funeral speech? Begin by reflecting on your relationship with the deceased. Write down memories, significant ...
Example Short Tribute Funeral Speech 3: Honoring a Life of Grace and Impact. Dear esteemed guests, beloved family, and cherished friends, ... To handle nerves, take deep breaths before you start and try to focus on the message you want to convey rather than on yourself. Remember, everyone present is there to support you and understands the ...
This guide will help you discover how to open a funeral speech with poise, sincerity, and genuine affection for that special person. 1. Begin with a heartfelt, personal introduction. Deliver a heartfelt greeting, mentioning your relationship with the deceased. In doing so, you create an authentic connection with the audience and set the mood ...
Base the time of your speech or eulogy on the number of people attending the funeral. Typically, speeches are between 2 and 10 minutes long. Plan ways to help calm your nerves during the speech. Try taking deep breaths, drinking water, or looking at a loved one for support.