how to make a speech at funeral

A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

By: Author Camila Steinfeld

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Writing Prompts

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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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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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How To Write a Funeral Speech With Eulogy Examples

Looking for the right words to say? We’ve compiled the most heartfelt, personal funeral speech examples to help you honor your loved one’s memory.

Standing in a room full of people to deliver a eulogy for a loved one is one of life's most challenging tasks. The weight of finding the right words to honor a life well-lived can be overwhelming. It’s nerve-wracking — but it’s also an honor.

You want to do your best to get it right. And we’re here to help.

This article contains practical advice and inspiration (plus, some funeral speech examples) to help you write a heartfelt and memorable eulogy.

Whether you're a skilled orator or someone who struggles with public speaking, these steps will guide you through the process of writing a funeral speech for a family member or a friend — something that truly celebrates their life.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech

From gathering memories and structuring your speech to writing with authenticity and emotion, here are the steps you can take to find the support you need to write a funeral speech for family members.

Step 1: Gather information and inspiration

Start by gathering memories, stories, and anecdotes. Make notes of what you feel about them. Reach out to family members and close friends to collect their memories and stories. Ask them about the moments that stood out, the qualities they admired, and the experiences that made an impact. 

These personal insights will provide the foundation for your eulogy, ensuring that it reflects the individuality and spirit of the person you’re honoring.

Additionally, spend time reviewing old photos, letters, and personal belongings. These items can stir memories and bring to mind moments you might want to include in your speech. 

Photos can remind you of significant events, travels, and achievements, while letters and other mementos might reveal your loved one’s thoughts, values, or personality in ways that words alone cannot. 

This process will help gather content and provide a comforting way to connect with your memories during this difficult time.

Step 2: Structure the eulogy

Once you’ve gathered your thoughts and stories, the next step is to structure the eulogy in a way that flows logically and emotionally. A well-organized speech helps to convey your message clearly and keeps the audience engaged.

Here are some typical components of a eulogy:

• Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction that acknowledges the gathering and sets the tone for the eulogy. You might start by introducing yourself, especially if not everyone in the audience knows you.  Then, briefly mention who the departed was to you (a parent, sibling, or friend) and touch on their importance in your life. You could include a quote, a poem, or a reflection that resonates with the person’s life. ‍
• Main body: This is the heart of your eulogy, where you share the memories, stories, and qualities that defined your loved one. Consider organizing the main body thematically or chronologically.  For example, you could focus on different aspects of their life — such as their childhood, career, hobbies, and relationships — or you might choose to highlight their character traits , like kindness, humor, or perseverance. Use the anecdotes and stories you’ve gathered to illustrate these points, making sure to balance lighter moments with more serious reflections. ‍
• Conclusion: Bring your thoughts together with a final reflection on your loved one’s life . This could be a summary of the impact they had on those around them or a message of hope and remembrance for the future.  You might also close with a quote, a final wish, or a call to action, encouraging those present to honor the deceased’s memory in their own lives. ‍

Organizing your thoughts (logically and emotionally) is crucial to delivering a eulogy that feels cohesive and heartfelt. 

Start by listing the key points you want to cover, such as specific memories, qualities, and messages. Then, arrange these points in a way that feels natural and emotionally resonant. 

For example, you might start with lighter, more joyful memories and gradually move toward more profound reflections, allowing the audience to journey with you through a range of emotions.

Remember, the goal is not to create a perfect speech but to convey your genuine feelings and memories in a way that honors your loved one. Take the time to structure your eulogy thoughtfully.

Step 3: Personalize the eulogy

This step makes your speech really resonate with those in attendance. Personalization honors the departed and provides comfort and connection to those who are grieving. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• Highlight achievements, hobbies, and passions: Reflect on the major achievements in your loved one’s life. This could include career milestones, personal accomplishments, or contributions to their community.  Discussing these achievements shows how they made a difference in the world and the lives of those around them. For example, if your loved one was passionate about volunteering, you could share stories of the impact they had on the lives they touched through their service.  ‍ If they were an avid gardener, you might talk about how their love for plants brought beauty into the lives of friends and family, perhaps even sharing a story about a particularly beloved garden or plant they tended to. ‍
• Use personal anecdotes to illustrate character and impact: Personal anecdotes bring to life the character and impact of the person being remembered. These stories can be humorous, touching, or a mix of both.  For example, you might share a story about a time when their sense of humor lightened a difficult situation or how their kindness helped a friend through a tough time. These anecdotes help highlight their personality and remind everyone present of the moments they shared. ‍
• Respect and integrate cultural traditions: Consider and respect any cultural or religious traditions that were significant to your loved one. This might involve incorporating specific rituals, prayers, or symbols into the eulogy or the service itself.  For instance, in some cultures, it’s customary to read a particular prayer or poem, light candles, or play a certain type of music. If your loved one was deeply connected to their cultural heritage, integrate these elements to make the eulogy more meaningful. ‍
• Quotes, poetry, or song lyrics: Do this to add depth and resonance to your eulogy. Choose words that reflect the spirit of your loved one or that express sentiments you find difficult to put into your own words. For example, you might include a line from a favorite poem that they loved or that perfectly captures their outlook on life. A short, meaningful quote can serve as a powerful conclusion to a section of your eulogy , helping to tie together the memories and themes you’ve discussed.

Step 4: Write with emotion and authenticity

Writing a eulogy is not just about recounting facts; it’s about conveying emotions and memories associated with your loved one. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• A well-rounded eulogy often incorporates a mix of emotions — there’s room for humor, sentiment, and solemn reflection . Humor can provide relief in a heavy moment and remind everyone of the joy the person brought into their lives.  For example, sharing a funny anecdote can lighten the mood and help the audience connect with the memories in a positive way. However, it’s important to ensure that the humor is respectful and appropriate to the setting. ‍
• Emotion and solemnity should also be present, as these reflect the seriousness of the occasion and the depth of your feelings. Share moments of tenderness, gratitude, and love, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. The audience will connect with your sincerity, and it will help them process their own emotions as well. ‍ ‍
• When writing your eulogy, speak from the heart. Use simple, direct language that conveys your feelings honestly. Instead of trying to impress with elaborate words, focus on being sincere and true to your emotions. Think about what you truly want to say to honor your loved one, and let that guide your words. ‍ ‍
• Don’t be afraid to show your emotions as you write — tears and laughter are both part of the grieving process . If you’re comfortable, let these emotions flow into your writing. This authenticity will resonate with your audience and make your speech more impactful. ‍ ‍
• It’s easy to fall into using clichés when writing a eulogy, but try to avoid them where possible. Phrases like “they’re in a better place” or “they’ll always be with us” can feel impersonal and overused.  Instead, focus on what made your loved one unique. Highlight their quirks, their habits, the little things that defined them — these are what the audience will remember and cherish. ‍
• Describe specific moments or traits that capture the individual’s essence. For example, rather than saying someone was kind, describe a time when they went out of their way to help someone else. These details bring the person to life in the minds of those listening and create a more personal and meaningful tribute.

Step 5: Craft a compelling opening and closing

Your opening should draw the audience in and make them feel connected from the start. You might begin with a powerful quote, a heartfelt memory, or a statement that captures your loved one’s spirit. 

For example, you could start with, “When I think of [Name], I’m reminded of how they always had a way of making everyone in the room feel seen and valued.” This immediately sets a warm, reflective tone.

Another approach could be to acknowledge the difficulty of the moment while expressing gratitude for those who have come to honor the person who has passed away. This helps to unify the audience in shared purpose and emotion.

The closing of your eulogy is your final opportunity to leave the audience with something meaningful. You may end with a message of hope, a reflection on the person’s lasting impact, or a call to action — encouraging those present to carry forward the values and love that their loved one embodied.

For example, you could conclude with, “Let us remember [Name] not just today, but in the way we live our lives — in kindness, in joy, and love, just as they did.” This provides a sense of continuity and honors their legacy.

Alternatively, you might end with a simple, heartfelt goodbye or a moment of silence to allow everyone to reflect on their own memories.

Funeral Speech Examples for Various Relationships

We’ve put together a few funeral-speech examples that you could gain inspiration from when writing your own.

These examples are entirely fictional and have been created for illustrative purposes only. Our goal is to inspire and guide you as you write something of your own.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental. Please use these examples as a starting point to craft a personalized and meaningful tribute that truly captures the essence of your loved one’s life and legacy.

1. Eulogy example for a parent

"My father, Robert 'Bob' Caldwell, was a man of few words. He taught me more through his quiet determination than any lecture ever could. As I stand here today, I'm reminded of the countless weekends we spent in his workshop, the smell of sawdust filling the air as he patiently guided my clumsy hands through each project.

“Dad never sought the spotlight, but his impact on our community was undeniable. For 30 years, he volunteered at the local animal shelter, arriving every Saturday morning without fail to walk the dogs no one else wanted to. I remember him coming home once, covered in mud and wearing the biggest grin, because he'd finally gotten 'Old Grumpy' (our notoriously difficult bulldog) to play fetch.

“My father's love for our family was as steady as his workshop routine. He may not have said 'I love you' often, but he showed it in a thousand little ways - from never missing a single one of my terrible middle school band concerts to learning to bake the world's most lopsided birthday cakes when Mom was ill.

“In his final days, as we sat together watching his beloved Red Sox, he turned to me and said, 'You know, kiddo, I think I did alright.' Dad, you did more than alright. You showed us all how to live with integrity, kindness, and purpose. Your legacy lives on in the values you instilled in us and the countless lives you touched. 

“Rest easy, Dad. We'll take it from here."

2. Eulogy example for a spouse

"Maria Gonzalez was not just my wife. She was my North Star and the love of my life for 37 incredible years. When we met at that crowded college party, I never imagined that the woman who accidentally spilled her drink on me would become the person I couldn't imagine living without.

“Maria had this infectious laugh that could light up a room. I swear, half the neighborhood knew when she found something funny. Her passion for life was matched only by her compassion for others. As a pediatric nurse, she touched countless lives, and I lost count of the times former patients would stop us in the grocery store to thank her.

“She turned our house into a warm, welcoming haven, not just for our kids but for every stray friend or neighbor who needed a safe place. Her famous 'emergency enchiladas' became legendary; I think she fed most teenagers in town over the years.

“Maria faced her illness with the same grace and humor that she approached everything in life with. Even on her toughest days, she'd find a way to make her doctors laugh or comfort a fellow patient. In our last conversation, she made me promise to keep her garden alive and to never, ever attempt to cook her secret salsa recipe.

“My love, I will miss your terrible puns, your off-key singing in the shower, and the way you always knew exactly what I needed before I did. The world is dimmer without your light, but I promise to keep shining it forward in your memory.”

3. Eulogy example for a child

"Our sweet Lily was only with us for six short years, but in that time, she filled our lives with more joy, laughter, and love than we ever thought possible. From the moment she entered this world, with her bright eyes and curious fingers, Lily had a way of making everyone around her smile.

“Lily was our little adventurer. She approached life with an enthusiasm that was both inspiring and, frankly, a little exhausting on some days. I'll never forget the day we found her in the backyard, covered head to toe in mud, proudly showing off the 'fairy house' she'd built for the garden squirrels. Her imagination knew no bounds.

“Despite the challenges she faced with her health, Lily never lost her spark. Even during hospital stays, she'd insist on wearing her favorite tutu and tiara, declaring herself a princess. The nurses adored her, often sneaking in extra Jell-O cups just to see her face light up.

“In her final days, Lily taught us about courage and grace beyond her years. She worried more about comforting us than herself, always ready with a hug and her favorite phrase: ‘I’m okay, Mommy and Daddy.'

“Lily, my darling, you were right. You’re okay now. You’re better than okay; you showed us how to find joy in every moment and love in every challenge. We'll carry you with us always, our beautiful, brave little girl."

4. Eulogy example for a sibling

"My brother, Marcus, was more than just my older sibling — he was my protector, my confidant, and quite often, my partner in mischief. Growing up, there was no adventure too daring, no tree too high to climb, as long as Marcus was by my side.

“As we got older, our adventures changed, but our bond grew stronger. Marcus had this uncanny ability to show up exactly when you needed him. I can't count the number of times he appeared at my door with a pint of ice cream and a terrible movie, somehow knowing I'd had a rough day.

“Marcus lived life with a truly unmatched passion. He threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did, whether it was mastering a new recipe in the kitchen (his paella was legendary), training for marathons, or fighting for causes he believed in. His work with local youth programs changed countless lives, and I know many of those kids saw in Marcus the same hero I always did.

“In our last conversation, Marcus made me promise to keep living life to the fullest and to keep seeking out new adventures. He said, 'Life's too short for regrets, sis. Make it count.' And that's exactly what I intend to do.

“As we remember Marcus today, I ask each of you to take a moment to appreciate the loved ones in your life. Let's honor Marcus's memory by cherishing every moment we have with those we care about, just as he did.

“Now, I invite you all to join me in a moment of silence. Let's reflect on the joy he brought to our lives and the lessons he taught us about living fully and loving deeply.

[Pause for a moment of silence]

“Thank you. Let's carry Marcus's spirit of adventure, laughter, and love with us always. May we all strive to 'make it count' in our own lives, just as he did in his."

5. Eulogy example for a friend

"I stand here today to celebrate the life of my dear friend, Jasmine Chen. A force of nature — brilliant, passionate, and fiercely loyal.

“Our friendship began 20 years ago in college, in the chemistry lab. She saved our experiment from disaster with quick thinking and a fire extinguisher, grinning, 'Well, that's one way to break the ice.'

“Jasmine approached everything with determination and humor. From groundbreaking research to organizing charity runs in ridiculous costumes, she poured her whole heart into it. She brought people together, creating family wherever she went.

“I'll miss our coffee dates when we'd solve the world's problems. Well, at least we’d leave feeling like we did. Jasmine made you feel heard and understood, even when challenging your perspective. Her curious mind always sought to understand more about the world and its people.

“Jasmine lived by her favorite Toni Morrison quote: 'If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.' And she did. Her research will impact lives for years, but her greatest legacy is the love and inspiration she left in all of us.

“To my dear friend: Thank you for sharing your joy, support, and for showing us how to live with purpose. We'll honor you by embracing life with your enthusiasm. As you'd say, quoting your beloved David Bowie, 'I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.' Your impact will continue to ripple outwards, Jasmine. Rock on, my friend."

Meadow Gives More Opportunities to Honor a Loved One Your Way

We hope this helps you find the right words for the funeral speech, whether for a family member or a friend. We encourage you to use the eulogy examples as a starting point. 

Here at Meadow , we specialize in compassionate and meaningful memorial planning.

Our comprehensive packages and support help you create a memorial service to reflect your loved one's spirit. We allow you to honor their memory on your terms because:

• We’re with you at every step. A brief call allows us to understand your needs and preferences. We'll then pair you with a professional memorial planner who will be your dedicated guide throughout the process.
• We focus on what matters. Our planner will handle all the logistics, from venue selection to vendor coordination, so you can focus on what matters most — spending time with loved ones.
• We take care of the details. Your dedicated planner will manage everything from food and flowers, sending invitations, booking catering, and managing your photo slideshow for the event.
• We customize. Tell us about your loved one's personality and interests. We create unique events to reflect their life for a truly personal celebration. ‍ ‍
• We’re transparent. Our cremation package is $1,295 , and you can add on a memorial service package starting at $1,970 .

Let us help you create a beautiful and lasting tribute to your loved one. 

‍ Explore our personalized memorial services .

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86 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.

Eulogy for [Name]

Ladies and Gentlemen, family, and friends,

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man, a loving father, a dedicated foster parent, and a pillar of our community, [Name]. He was a man of boundless generosity, unwavering love, and unparalleled dedication to his family and community.

Born 62 years ago, [Name] was the proud father of four wonderful children. But his heart was so vast that it couldn't be confined to just his own; over the years, he opened his home and heart to more than 15 foster children. Each child who came into his life was embraced with the same love and care as his own. He was not just a father but a beacon of hope and love for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tragically, [Name] passed away after a sudden heart attack. His departure has left a void that is felt deeply by all of us, but his legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us.

Family vacations were always a highlight of the year, meticulously coordinated by [Name]. He ensured that each trip was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was camping in the great outdoors, exploring new cities, or simply spending time together, these moments were cherished by all, thanks to his thoughtful planning.

[Name] had a passion for cooking and baking, often seen in the kitchen whipping up delicious meals and treats. He shared this love not only with his family but also with underprivileged families, teaching them how to cook and build healthy meals. His culinary skills brought warmth and nourishment to so many lives.

His hands were never idle, always busy fixing or building something. He had a remarkable talent for organizing and creating, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully crafted items and well-maintained homes. His ability to turn chaos into order was nothing short of magical.

Every year, [Name] competed in a marathon, showcasing his determination, strength, and dedication. His participation was not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring others to push their limits and strive for their best.

Beyond his immediate family, [Name] extended his care and compassion to the wider community. He served on the board of three community food kitchens, tirelessly working to ensure that those in need were fed and cared for. His commitment to these causes was a testament to his selflessness and desire to make the world a better place.

Beloved by all his children and family members, [Name]'s love was a constant, reassuring presence in their lives. His wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support were the foundation upon which they built their lives.

As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember [Name] not with sadness for his passing, but with gratitude for the incredible impact he had on our lives. His spirit will live on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the countless memories we hold dear.

Rest in peace, dear [Name]. You will forever be in our hearts, a shining example of love, kindness, and dedication.

Eulogy for theater director

We gather here today to honor the life of someone truly unique, a person who touched each of our lives in ways we will never forget—[Name]. At just 59 years old, [Name] left us far too soon, taken by a sudden brain aneurysm. Though his time with us was shorter than we wished, the impact he made will remain with us forever.

As an art director and talent manager at KMC Theater in Kentucky, [Name] was a force behind the scenes, guiding creativity and passion with a quiet but unyielding presence. The arts were his true love, and he found immense joy in his work. His dedication to nurturing talent and creating beautiful, meaningful art left an indelible mark on the theater community and on all those who had the privilege of working with him. His colleagues often spoke of his stoicism—his ability to stay calm and focused, no matter the challenges they faced. But behind that calm exterior was a deep well of passion for the arts and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, [Name] was a homebody, an introvert who found comfort and peace in the familiar. Yet, when he was at a party, he was the life of it, effortlessly balancing his quiet nature with a surprising ability to connect with others. His friends and family knew him as a man who could make you feel seen and heard, even in a crowded room.

Though he never had children of his own, [Name] was a wonderful uncle—a figure of love, wisdom, and guidance to his nieces and nephews. He relished his role, offering support and encouragement, always with a gentle smile and a listening ear. His presence in their lives was a gift they will carry with them always.

[Name] had a love for trying new things, even if it didn’t always go as planned—particularly in the kitchen. He was, by his own admission, a terrible cook. But that never stopped him from experimenting with new recipes, often to the amusement of those who were brave enough to try his culinary creations. It was just one of the many ways he showed us the importance of embracing life with curiosity and a sense of humor.

Today, as we say our goodbyes, we remember a man who was more than just an art director or a talent manager. He was a beloved uncle, a dear friend, a quiet soul with a heart full of passion. His life, though brief, was rich with meaning and love. We will miss his wisdom, his laughter, his unique presence. But we will carry his spirit with us, in the art he helped create, in the memories we shared, and in the lessons he taught us about living fully and with passion.

Rest in peace, dear [Name]. You will be missed more than words can express.

Eulogy example for a teacher

Good afternoon, everyone.

We gather here today to celebrate the life of Sharon Claes, a woman whose spirit, bravery, and resilience touched each of us in ways we will never forget. Sharon passed away at the age of 53, after a nine-year battle with cancer. Though she was initially given only two years to live, she defied the odds, fighting with every ounce of strength, determination, and love she had.

Sharon was a warrior, a true survivor, and to those of us who knew her, she was a badass in the truest sense of the word. She faced her illness with a tenacity that was nothing short of inspiring. Despite the physical pain, the emotional toll, and the countless treatments and setbacks, Sharon never lost her bravery. She was determined to live every moment to the fullest, to squeeze every drop of joy out of life, and she did so with grace, humor, and a stubbornness that we all admired.

Before her diagnosis, Sharon was a dedicated 9th-grade English teacher at Westfield High School. For over two decades, she poured her heart and soul into her work, shaping young minds with her passion for literature and her belief in the power of words. Her students adored her, not just because she made Shakespeare understandable or because she encouraged their creative writing, but because she believed in them. Sharon had a unique gift for seeing the potential in every student who walked into her classroom, and she worked tirelessly to help them see it in themselves.

Even as she battled cancer, Sharon continued to teach for as long as she could. When she could no longer be in the classroom, she still found ways to stay connected with her students and colleagues, offering guidance, encouragement, and her trademark wit. She never wanted to be defined by her illness, and she certainly never wanted anyone to pity her. Sharon was fiercely independent and always focused on the needs of others, even when she was going through the hardest times of her life.

Sharon was more than just a teacher; she was a beloved member of this community. She was involved in countless local initiatives, from organizing charity events to supporting the arts. Her impact was felt far beyond the walls of her classroom, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Sharon was the kind of person who made you feel seen and valued, and her kindness, compassion, and generosity will be remembered by all of us.

To her family, Sharon was a rock. A devoted daughter, sister, and aunt, she loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Her nieces and nephews brought her so much joy, and she took every opportunity to share with them her love of books, her quirky sense of humor, and her wisdom. Sharon's family was her greatest treasure, and they were the reason she fought so hard for so long.

Sharon's journey was not easy, but she faced it with a courage that was nothing short of remarkable. She taught us all what it means to live with grace, to fight with everything you have, and to love with all your heart. Sharon did not lose her battle with cancer—she lived a life that was full, rich, and deeply meaningful, and in the end, that is the greatest victory of all.

Today, as we say our goodbyes, let us remember Sharon for the incredible woman she was. Let us honor her legacy by living our lives with the same bravery, compassion, and unyielding spirit that she showed us. Sharon may no longer be with us in body, but her spirit, her laughter, and her love will continue to guide us all.

Rest in peace, Sharon Claes. You were, and always will be, a true fighter, a survivor, and a force of nature. We will miss you dearly, but we are forever grateful for the time we had with you.

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.

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Help protect your family, get free grief support, 13+ tribute ideas for a father who has died.

Paying tribute to a father who has passed away is a common gesture children and others want to make. You’ll often find tributes in books, art, film, poems, and other media, but these aren’t the only places to pay tribute to someone you’ve lost or to someone important to you. You can also pay tribute

How to Plan a Jewish Unveiling Ceremony

Many religions have different customs and rites that take place after someone passes away. If you’ve never planned and held your own unveiling ceremony, this task can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Additionally, if you’re not part of that religion, you may feel awkward or uncomfortable at

What are Memorial Websites?

If you’re looking for a place to memorialize the life of someone you loved, share their story with others, and/or connect your community around the life of your loved one, a memorial website is a great place to start. What is a memorial website? A memorial website (which can be referred to

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• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
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• 9 vocal aspects
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• 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.

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.

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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 .

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.

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

"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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do think about it. If you have any questions, please ask them.

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Eulogy Examples: How to Write a Eulogy for a Loved One

By Bernie Flowers

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.

Our Farewelling Editors are constantly reviewing and curating resources to help you with your planning.  We may receive a small commission from any purchases made through the links.

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Professional Eulogy Writing

Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, funeral service speech examples.

• March 9, 2024

Losing a loved one is never easy, and honoring them with a heartfelt eulogy can feel like an immense responsibility. A well-written funeral service speech will provide solace and strength to the grieving family and friends, while also paying tribute to the individual who has passed away. But finding the right words can be difficult, especially during a time of emotional turmoil.

Are you struggling to write a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time?  Our professional eulogy writing service can help you honour your loved one in less than 48 hours, with no additional stress. We help you preserve the legacy of a cherished life, in your time of grief. Find out more →

Table of Contents

Creating a Memorable Eulogy: Key Elements to Consider

1. personal stories, 2. quotes and readings, 4. gratitude.

• What is the purpose of a speech at a funeral service?

Who is typically expected to give a speech at a funeral?

How long should a funeral service speech be, what are the key components of a funeral speech, how can i personalize a funeral speech, is it okay to include humor in a funeral speech, how do i start writing a funeral speech, what if i become too emotional while delivering the speech, should i rehearse my funeral speech, can i read a poem or quote during the funeral speech, is it necessary to discuss the cause of death in a funeral speech, how do i conclude a funeral speech, what if i'm not a good public speaker, can i decline to speak if i'm too overwhelmed, could i ask someone else to read my speech, what should i avoid saying in a funeral speech, are there any tips for maintaining composure during the speech, what should i wear when delivering a funeral speech, how can i engage with the audience during the speech, is it appropriate to thank those who attended the service in my speech, how do i prepare emotionally for delivering a funeral speech, eulogy for john doe example.

In this article, we explore some funeral service speech examples, along with tips on how to create a meaningful and personalized eulogy.

To create a poignant and heartfelt eulogy, consider incorporating the following components:

Share fond memories, anecdotes, and personal experiences that demonstrate the individual's unique qualities and characteristics. This will help paint a vivid picture of the person's life, while also allowing mourners to reminisce and find comfort in shared experiences.

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Integrate meaningful and relevant quotes, poems, or passages from religious texts that were important to the deceased. These can offer comfort and inspiration to the audience, while also highlighting the individual's beliefs and values.

While a funeral service is an occasion for mourning, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the individual's life. Don't be afraid to include light-hearted memories or amusing anecdotes that will bring a smile to the faces of those in attendance.

Express gratitude for the time and experiences shared with the deceased, and acknowledge the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time.

Dear friends and family of John Doe,

We are gathered here today not just to mourn the loss of John, but to celebrate a life that was filled with passion, integrity, and an abundance of love. While it is heartbreakingly difficult to say goodbye, we can find comfort in the shared memories and the impactful legacy John has left behind.

John was a person whose presence was a source of stability and strength. I remember how he used to say, "Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors." Indeed, John was an anchor for many of us—an unwavering figure of dependability in the unpredictable seas of life. Born to a family of humble means, John learned early on the value of hard work, a lesson he carried throughout his life and instilled in his children.

Whether it was his tireless dedication to his job as a teacher, his committed service in the local community center, or the quiet evenings spent coaching little league baseball, John poured his heart into everything he did. His empathy and compassion for others shone brightly, making everyone around him feel valued and heard.

But to speak only of John's achievements and not of his character would be to overlook the essence of who he was. John approached life with a rare and enviable zest. He had an infectious laugh, a mischievous smile, and an ability to find humor even in trying times. When he spoke, his words were measured and kind, often accompanied by a gentle pat on the back or a reassuring nod. In each of these small gestures, he communicated a wealth of wisdom and support.

One cannot think of John without recalling his generosity. He was that person who always remembered a birthday or anniversary, not with grand gestures, but with heartfelt notes and thoughtful gifts that showed how deeply he valued his relationships. He was present in moments big and small, offering a listening ear and an open heart.

The love he had for his family was the bedrock upon which he built his life. His marriage was a testament to partnership and devotion. Together with his spouse, he cultivated a home filled with laughter, learning, and love—an environment where anyone who entered felt welcomed and included. He was an exemplary husband, a doting father, and a playful grandfather, whose lessons and love will echo through generations.

John's sense of adventure was another thread in the fabric of his life. His eyes would light up when he shared tales of the trips he took and the cultures he experienced. Each journey brought new stories, friendships, and an expanded worldview that he enthusiastically shared with all who knew him. These experiences not only enriched his life but also the lives of those he nurtured with stories and insights from across the globe.

In moments of reflection, he would often quote his favorite author, saying, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." John indeed lived. He cherished every moment, sought out the beauty in the everyday, and encouraged others to do the same. It's in the ordinary moments—the family dinners, the early morning walks, the quiet conversations—that the fullness of John's spirit was most palpable.

Today we are reminded of the fragility of life and the pressure to make our own lives meaningful. John's legacy challenges us to do better, to be kinder, to pause and appreciate, and to love fiercely. It begs the question: how will we honor his memory? Perhaps it begins with embracing the values he lived by, with carrying his torch of compassion, and with striving to be the anchoring presence he was for us in the lives of those we touch.

As we say farewell, let's choose to remember John not with tearful goodbyes but with a celebration of the moments we were privileged to share with him. Let's honor his memory by living as he did—with purpose, with love, and with joy.

To John, a final thank you. Thank you for the wisdom, the warmth, and the countless unforgettable moments. While you may have departed from this world, your spirit will continue to guide us. Your legacy is eternal, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Farewell, dear friend. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. May you rest in peace, knowing the indelible mark you've left on our hearts and the world. Until we meet again.

Eulogy Assistant : An Ode to Your Spiritual Touchstone

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Eulogy Assistant is deeply invested in the synergistic process of composing a eulogy that strikes a chord in the soul. In concert with your input, we meld your personal anecdotes and profound feelings with our experienced touch, resulting in a tribute that venerates with candor and fosters a profound emotional resonance.

Centered on genuine conversation and a unified aesthetic vision, your individual recollections and perceptions are priceless in shaping a story that truly embodies the spirit of your spiritual guide's heritage. This venture goes beyond mere chronology; it's about ensnaring the quintessence of their spiritual doctrine and the magnitude of their legacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of a speech at a funeral service?

The purpose of a speech at a funeral service is to honor the memory of the departed, to celebrate their life, to express grief, and to provide comfort to family and friends who are mourning.

Family members, close friends, religious leaders, or colleagues of the deceased may be asked or choose to give a speech. It is a personal decision and can vary depending on individual preferences and cultural traditions.

A funeral service speech is typically between 3 to 5 minutes long. It's important to be respectful of the audience's time and emotional state during a funeral service.

The key components usually include an introduction, personal memories and anecdotes, the deceased's virtues and impact, a moment of reflection or prayer (if religious), and a conclusion with thanks and a final farewell.

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.

Yes, it can be appropriate to include humor, especially if it reflects the personality of the deceased. However, it’s important to be sensitive to the tone and ensure it is respectful and well-received by the audience.

Begin by reflecting on your relationship with the deceased. Write down memories, significant contributions, and their personal qualities, this will provide a structure for your speech. It’s essential to speak from the heart and be sincere.

It’s natural to become emotional during a funeral speech. Take a moment to compose yourself if needed. The audience will understand as they share your grief. Having a printed copy of the speech can help if you find it difficult to continue.

Rehearsing can be helpful as it allows you to become familiar with the content, manage your emotions, and ensure the speech fits within a suitable time frame.

Yes, incorporating a poem, quote, or religious text that was meaningful to the deceased or that expresses your feelings can be a touching addition to your speech.

No, it is not necessary to mention the cause of death unless it’s relevant to the memories or messages you are sharing. Focus on celebrating the individual's life rather than how they passed away.

Conclude the speech by summarizing the loved one's impact on those around them, expressing hope or comfort, and ending with a final goodbye or a message of love.

Being a good public speaker isn't necessary for a funeral speech. What matters most is the authenticity of your message and the sincerity of your emotions.

Yes, it’s completely acceptable to decline the opportunity to speak at a funeral if you feel it would be too overwhelming. You can share your thoughts and memories in other ways.

Yes, if you are unable to deliver the speech yourself, it is acceptable to ask someone else to read it on your behalf.

Avoid mentioning disputes, grievances, or contentious aspects of the deceased's life. The focus should be on the positive aspects and the celebration of their life.

Take deep breaths, go at a pace that’s comfortable for you, make brief eye contact with supportive friends or family, and pause as needed to maintain your composure.

Wear somber and respectful attire in accordance with the tone of the funeral service. Traditional colors are often subdued, like black, navy, or dark grey.

Maintain a gentle tone, make occasional eye contact, and express your feelings genuinely. Acknowledging shared sorrow can create a sense of unity and comfort among the attendees.

Yes, it is customary and thoughtful to thank those who have come to pay their respects. You may also thank those who helped during the deceased's illness or after their passing.

Allow yourself to grieve, seek support from friends, family, or a counselor, and remember that it is a tribute and celebration of the deceased's life. Understand that it's okay to show emotion during the speech.

Writing a funeral service speech is no small task, but with some inspiration and reflection, you can create a beautifully personal and heartfelt eulogy. Remember to be true to your feelings, and don't be afraid to let your emotions guide the words you choose.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

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How to write a eulogy.

One of the most challenging parts of funeral planning is writing a fitting tribute to your loved one.

How can you find the words to capture just how much your friend or family member means to you? It’s harder still because you’re grieving, so emotions are running high, concentration is low, and the pressure may be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to write a eulogy, complete with examples to get you started. 

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How to write a eulogy – 6 tips

An example structure.

• Eulogy for a parent
• Eulogy for a sibling
• Eulogy for a grandparent
• Eulogy for a friend

More eulogy examples

What is a eulogy.

A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral or memorial service for a person who has died. The tradition originates from ancient Greece, and the word literally means “praise”. The key is to write the eulogy in a way that does their life justice and respects their loved ones’ memories and feelings of grief.

Who should deliver a eulogy?

Speaking about someone who has died in front of their family and friends is a courageous thing to do. If you feel daunted by the prospect, ask people around you for support. While a close relative or friend usually writes the funeral speech, it can also be delivered by an official, such as a religious leader. Do what feels right and keep it flexible. For example, if you want to write the eulogy but worry about breaking down in tears , ask someone else to be on standby to read it for you if need be.

1. Make it personal

Introducing yourself in relation to the person you are remembering can be a good place to start. Describe what they meant to you, and what qualities defined them in your eyes. This will establish a connection with other people at the service and put you in the picture for those who might not know you very well.

2. Cover the essentials

When thinking about how to write a eulogy, it’s a good idea to structure it with a beginning, a middle and an end. And while it is not the same as an obituary, it usually includes brief aspects of the late person’s life, such as their early beginnings, their education and career, and particular skills, achievements or interests. Saying something specific about their family life, and mentioning their partner and/or children by name, can feel particularly important to their closest relatives.

3. Get personal stories from others

Just like our relationships with a particular person differ, so do our feelings about them when they die . To make sure you write a good eulogy that will feel meaningful to others, ask a few close friends or relatives to contribute by sharing a favourite memory, personal story, or anecdote . A range of perspectives will enrich your speech and help strike the right tone right with your audience. You might also discover a true gem in the process, like a beautiful quote that perfectly captures your loved one’s personality, qualities, and quirks.

4. Consider the length

How long should a eulogy be? Some funeral speeches are very brief and there are no set rules for length, but 3-5 minutes is common. Make it long enough to properly honour the person and say what needs to be said, in proportion to the rest of the funeral service. To get it right, try reading it out loud a few times while timing yourself and editing accordingly.

5. Make it honest

It is possible to talk about someone’s achievements and qualities without glorifying them and mention shortcomings or disappointments in a kind and accepting way. None of us are perfect, and we remember those we have lost in all their human complexity. Follow your instincts, even using some gentle humour if it feels right and relevant. And if you’re not sure, ask someone else for their honest feedback before you finalise your eulogy.

6. End on a touching note

Ending a eulogy on the right note can be tricky. One option is to finish with a poem or quote that feels consoling and meaningful, even if it happens to come from a movie such as Pretty Woman or Lord of the Rings ! You might find inspiration in famous eulogies, such as Matthew’s tribute to his partner Gareth in Four Weddings and a Funeral , Oprah Winfrey’s speech for Rosa Parks, Mona Simpson remembering her brother Steve Jobs, or in books and online quote collections.

Real eulogy examples

With the tips above, a ‘template’ for your loved one’s eulogy starts to come together. But if you’re not quite sure how to structure it, here’s a framework you can follow when you start writing:

Introduction :

• Give a brief background on the person who has died. Mention any nicknames they might have had; talk about their work or the things that were most important to them.
• Mention your relationship to them and what they meant to you and others. 
• Talk about some of their best qualities and values they held dear. 

Mid-section:

• You might want to include an anecdote here. Depending on the tone, you could make this funny, heart-warming, and/or even inspirational. 
• Dive deeper into the things they cared about most : this could be family, friends, a pet or even a hobby. 
• Cover their biggest accomplishments or life events. If they have a partner and/or kids, talk about them. You could even speak directly to them in parts.
• Capture what that person meant to others. This would be a good place to add personal stories or short quotes from their friends and family members.
• Start closing the eulogy with a final takeaway , whether it’s a saying your loved one often used or something that ties back to the eulogy’s overall theme. 
• At this point, you could speak directly to the loved one you have lost, and tell them ‘thank you’ and that you love them. 
• You could also thank those at the funeral or memorial service for being there, and remind them how much your loved one admired them all. 
• Think about ending with a quote, a poem, or a lyric from your loved one’s favourite song. You can keep it short and meaningful, a touching end to a funeral speech.

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Eulogy example for a parent

Talk about: 

• What your mother or father meant to you and your siblings
• What they did both for your family and a living
• How they raised you and the values they passed on
• Funny stories or touching memories that you’ll always remember
• Something they once told you or a saying they had
• The people who meant the most to them

Example eulogy:

My dad was my hero. No matter how busy things got, he always made time for the people he cared about, and showed us that family always comes first – no matter what. Everyone who knew him knew how proud he was of the people he loved, of his dog, Buddy, and of his car… of course. You never had to ask what he was doing on a Sunday – he’d be outside washing the car again . 

I’m going to miss my dad so much, but I’m grateful for the wonderful memories I have of him. The happy trips to Cornwall when we were kids, the walks we used to go on, even just sitting on the sofa watching TV together. He made everything fun, and he knew just how precious our time on Earth is. He was always reminding me and my sisters to “enjoy life”, and that’s what he did, every day. 

I know a lot of you will be feeling as heartbroken as I am right now, and I also know that if there was anything my dad wanted me to say today, it’s this: thank you, to all of you. Everyone sitting here today meant so much to him; his work friends, his childhood friends, his whole family. He often talked about how lucky he was to have you all. I hope he knew how lucky we were to have him too. I love you Dad, thank you for being the best father we could have ever hoped for. 

Eulogy examples for a sibling

There will never be enough words to sum up my big sister. She was funny, kind, smart, determined… In the eyes of me and my parents, she lit up every room she walked into. [Name] threw herself at every opportunity – she never did anything by halves. When she was 21, she signed up for the marathon because she’d seen some running shoes she liked – and, of course, she smashed it. When she was 26, she went to the dog shelter ‘just to take a look’, and came home with two pups, Charlie and Bubbles, who adored her. 

So it was no surprise that she took so naturally to becoming a mum. I can’t describe the joy of seeing [Name] raise her two girls – my two favourite people – with the same care and kindness she had always shown me as her little sister. They were her pride and joy, and there is so much of [Name] in both of them. They share her generosity, fierce loyalty, flawless sense of style, and quick wit. [Kids’ names], I know nothing will ever erase the heartbreak of losing your mum, but I hope you know that we are all here for you always. 

[Name] was also a brilliant friend. She knew anyone and everyone. Sometimes it felt like there was nowhere we could go where she wouldn’t bump into at least one person who saw how brilliant she was. People were drawn to her, and her passion for life. But no matter how many friends she made, she’d never be without her best ones: Amy and Scott. She loved you both so much, and your wild stories will live on forever. 

[Name], thank you for everything. For being the life of the party, for always knowing how to make us all laugh, and for showing us how to live life to the fullest. There will never be a day we don’t miss you, but we’ll carry your love wherever we go, and your girls will never stop hearing stories about their magical mum.

Eulogy examples for a grandparent

• Your grandmother or grandfather’s life and the people they loved
• Their personality, their humour and their values
• The role they played in your upbringing
• Heartwarming memories of time spent with them

There was nobody funnier or more quick-witted than my grandmother. She was a force of nature who never failed to surprise people with her sharp one-liners and her teasing sense of humour. But she was also incredibly warm and kind. I’ll never forget our visits, Frank Sinatra playing in her living room, bowls of sweets on every surface, and her asking me, “so, what’s the latest gossip?”

She loved to chat, travel and see friends. Nan had a more active social life than anyone I know, and was always the ‘hostess with the mostest’, finding literally any reason to throw a party. Her love for her family was such a gift; something that my brother, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and I were so lucky to experience every day. 

But Nan’s love for people didn’t just stay in her family. She was extremely charitable, hosting fundraisers, volunteering at charity shops, and offering help to anyone in need. When our grandad passed, she dedicated so much of her time TO raising money for the hospice that looked after him, as well as the RNLI in tribute to his time as a lifeguard. 

My nan and grandad’s love is something my brother, cousins and I all aspire to. Their adoration for one another was clear, and I can still hear them singing together in the kitchen. I like to think that now they’re finally back together again, having a song and a dance and big knees up. We love you Nan – thank you for everything.

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Eulogy example for a friend

• How you met your friend and what your first impressions were
• What made them such a wonderful friend
• Their passions and hobbies
• Their other friends and family
• Funny stories or memorable anecdotes

I’ll never forget the first time I met [Name]. I’d just moved into our halls at uni and found him in the kitchen, wearing nothing but a towel, panicking because he’d flooded his shower on day one. I quickly realised that these kinds of mishaps followed him pretty much everywhere, from the time he turned up at the airport three weeks late for a flight, to when his dog really did eat his coursework. There was always a story with [Name].

But beneath the constant jokes, mayhem and penchant for Hawaiian shirts, [Name] had the best heart. He was a true friend who backed all of us – even when we were definitely in the wrong! [Name] was the first person who called me when my dad passed away, the most dedicated best man at 3(!) of our friends’ weddings, and when he found [partner’s name], he became the most devoted boyfriend and fiancé. 

Anyone who knew [Name] knew how much he adored [partner’s name], how strong his bond was with his brothers, and how he loved nothing more than a hungover Sunday roast at his parents’ house. We’ll all miss him terribly, but it’s impossible not to smile when we think of him. [Name], you were a true friend. We’ll keep on making mischief in your honour.

The short eulogy examples above will have hopefully given you some inspiration on how you can structure your loved one’s funeral speech or the kinds of things you can talk about. We also wanted to share some well-known examples to give you extra ideas to work with. Here are a few that have stuck with us, and might help you too:

• Mona Simpson’s eulogy for her brother Steve Jobs
• Stacey Heale’s eulogy for her late husband Greg
• Eight-year-old Bindi Irwin’s eulogy for her dad Steve Irwin
• Kate Rothschild’s eulogy for her 15-year-old daughter Iris Goldsmith
• John Cleese’s eulogy written for George Chapman

Looking for more advice on dealing with a loss? Read our guide on what to say to someone grieving . If you’re planning a funeral, our round-up of the most popular funeral songs and planning a funeral wake will also be useful to you.

For more advice and to connect with others who share a similar experience of loss, download the Untangle Grief app .

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The stages of grief myth, losing a parent, what to do with someone’s belongings after they die, lasting powers of attorney (lpas).

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Free Sample Eulogy Speeches (Plus Writing Tips)

Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Sample eulogies can provide ideas when you need to prepare a speech for a funeral. Being asked to give a eulogy is a great honor, but it can also be daunting. Finding the right words to mark the passing of a friend or family member's life is difficult when emotions run high. There is no right or wrong way to write a eulogy, but each tribute has a basic flow. The speech doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to come from the heart.

Eulogy Example for a Friend

Following an easy format makes it easier to pull together a eulogy for a friend and takes some pressure off starting from scratch. Follow this format to make composing the eulogy easier.

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Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate Liza's life and share our grief at her passing.

• Introduction

My name is Carol, and Liza and I have been best friends since childhood. We lived just five houses apart on National Avenue, and we spent part of nearly every day together as kids.

When I think of Liza as a child, I remember how much she loved exploring the ravine behind our house. Half of our summers were spent wandering through the woods, looking for crayfish under rocks along the creek, climbing trees, and generally doing things that would have given our parents gray hair much sooner if they knew what we had been up to each day. I have to share one memory that really illustrates Liza's fearless, and sometimes impulsive, nature. Some of the neighborhood boys had built a rope swing in a tree along the ravine's edge. Liza, being fearless, decided to give it a try. As she swung out over the edge, one of the boys jokingly called out, "Jump!" My heart leaped to my throat as I saw Liza let go of the rope on her next swing out. Luckily she wound up with nothing more than skinned knees and a sheepish grin that said she couldn't believe she had just done that, but it just goes to show what a risk taker she was.

More than a simple risk taker, Liza also had a generous soul, as I'm sure many of you here this morning can attest to. She never met a person in need that she didn't find some way of helping. Her work as director of our local family shelter became her greatest passion, and she put in tireless hours organizing meals and places where "her families" could all stay together until they could get back on their feet. I say, "her families" with all seriousness because she didn't just take them into shelters; she really took them into her heart and kept contact with them even after their lives were back on track.

Mention of Family/Friends

When you combine the facts that Liza was a compassionate soul and willing to take risks, it's not difficult to understand why she ventured out in that terrible snowstorm on Wednesday night to try to take food and diapers to one of her families in need. Yes, maybe they would have been alright until morning, but that wasn't how Liza would have thought about it. She would have worried about their empty stomachs and imagined the sound of that baby's crying. She would have set any thoughts for her safety aside and gone to their aid, and that's exactly what she did.

Of course, we now know that she never made it to that family. We can second guess Liza's decision with 20/20 hindsight, or we can embrace the fact that she died doing something she believed in so deeply. Knowing her as I did, I can tell you that her only regret about her decision to go out on the road that night would have been that her husband, Mitch, is now left to carry on without her. As passionate as she was about her shelter work, Mitch was truly the love of her life.

It may comfort us all a bit to realize that Liza is now reunited with her beloved parents, Lee and Meredith, and that someday we'll all be together again when we cross over to the other side. This is only a brief parting in the larger scheme of life.

One thing you may or may not know is that Liza was a huge fan of the band Queen. She particularly loved a song called Dear Friends , and she once made me promise that if she passed before I did, I would play the song at her memorial, or at least read the lyrics. So, I'll read those now in closing, and I hope they leave you with the message that time will heal our wounds, and that life truly does go on.

Eulogy Sample for a Parent

Writing a eulogy for a parent's death can be an incredibly emotional task. Use the following sample to help you create one personalized for your parent.

Welcome and Introduction

For anyone who may not know me, my name is Jean, and I am Rita's eldest daughter. Thank you all for coming here today to help us say goodbye to Mom.

To me, Mom was my guiding light. She set the example of what a good wife, mother, and friend should be. She always did her best to be patient with all of her children, and there were five of us, so that was no easy feat. She tried to carve out some quality time with each of us, and believe me, we were all jealous when it was someone else's turn. However, that just shows you how much we all loved her and wanted that one-on-one time with Mom. When it was your turn, you found out that she hadn't really missed out on anything that was going on in your life, she just hadn't talked with you about it yet.

As for her life with Dad, she set a shining example of the kind of unconditional love required to see a marriage through good times and bad. I remember when Dad lost his job at the auto factory. He was so worried about finding work, and he felt he was letting Mom and all of us down because he couldn't provide for us. Mom gave him a big hug and told him she had no doubt that he would find another job that was as good or better than the one at the factory, and she took a job as a cashier at the grocery store to help tide us over until he found work again, this time as a manager in another factory instead of just working on the line. That was Mom; always an optimist, always willing to pitch in and do whatever was needed, all the time truly believing that things would work out in the end.

Mom was also a fantastic friend. She always saw the good in people, and if she saw the bad, she certainly didn't gossip about it. If you needed her, she was there and asking what she could do to help. I remember how she helped Mrs. Johnson get back and forth to work one week when her car was in the shop. When her best friend Mary needed a new pair of glasses and didn't have quite enough money, Mom insisted on loaning her the rest. Mom was there for all the highs and lows of her friends' lives, and I think the size of the gathering here is a testament to how much they all loved her.

Mention of Family

As much as I'd like to think I was Mom's favorite child, I know she truly didn't have one. We were all her favorite in one way or another. She always used to talk about what a wonderful artist our sister Ellie is. Our eldest brother Mark was her dependable child. She said God had "built Mark solid," and she was thankful she could lean upon him if she needed to. She adored our brother Greg's sense of humor since it was so like her own. They shared many a private laugh together about things that went over the rest of our heads. Callie was her "quiet one." Mom said that whenever Callie was especially quiet, that meant she was thinking up a storm on the inside.

As for me, Mom always said I was the keeper of the family chronicles because of my habit of journaling every night before I went to bed. She'd come in to say goodnight, and I'd let her read the day's entry. I think that must have been what inspired her request that I speak to you all today.

As you all know, Mom had a great deal of faith and rarely missed Sunday Mass. One hymn was her particular favorite, and I remember how she used to light up whenever Be Not Afraid was sung at Mass. She truly believed that she could "pass through raging waters in the sea and not drown" because God was with her the entire time. I know that's how she felt about her battle with cancer. She knew that even if cancer won, God would be there with her to carry her safely to Heaven. In honor of Mom's faith and her life, I'd like us all to sing that hymn together now...

Eulogy Speech Example for a Child

The death of a child rocks the very foundation of people's view of the world as a good place. Use the sample below to help you pull together something appropriate yet touching.

Thank you all for joining us here today, although I'm sure many of us wish we were gathering in celebration rather than in mourning. My name is Julie. I am Lisa's aunt, and I'll be speaking on behalf of Lisa's parents, my sister Gwen and her husband Mike.

I remember the day Lisa was born. She was the most beautiful little baby you could ever hope to see, and she was an especially wonderful blessing to Gwen and Mike who had struggled for years to have a family. With this one child, all their prayers had been answered.

Lisa was by all accounts an easy baby to raise. She was sleeping through the night by the time she was three months old, and she had a naturally happy disposition. Anytime someone new would enter the room, baby Lisa would give a great big smile and stretch out her arms to offer a welcoming hug. Of course, this instantly endeared her to everyone who ever came in contact with her. Lisa was definitely meant to bring love into this world for the all-too-short time we would have with her.

In light of how desperately Lisa was wanted and loved by her parents, as well as everyone here today, it's difficult to understand why her life had to end so soon. It's nearly inconceivable that God would allow a young child to become ill and suffer, let alone die. When you look at it that way, it's easy to be angry at God for taking back the gift He gave. I choose to look at it another way.

God saw how dearly Mike and Gwen wanted to know the joy of having a child of their own, and even though it might not have been meant to be, he gave Lisa to their keeping for a short time so they could know that joy. When Lisa became ill and her suffering was too much to bear, he scooped her up to Heaven, and all her suffering was gone. I believe she now waits patiently for the day when her parents will join her, and they will all live happily together once again. I believe that she would want us all to dwell on the happy times we shared with her, and let the sad memories fade.

At this time, I'd like to offer you all the opportunity to share some of your favorite memories of Lisa's brief life.

Tips for How to Write a Eulogy Speech

A eulogy is a final favor to the deceased, revealing the best parts of their life to the people who loved them. Highlight the person's life instead of focusing on how you feel about the loss.

Basic Eulogy Outline

Eulogies need not be long; the average length is between three and five minutes. You don't want to overwhelm those in attendance by speaking any longer than this. The key here is to be honest with your feelings and thoughts.

A eulogy should include:

• Give your personal sentiments
• Discuss happier times with the deceased person; include anecdotes and real-life experiences (avoid anything that might be considered offensive or vulgar)
• Describe the person's character
• Talk about family and friends left behind
• Close with a memorable poem or traditional funeral song

You should always draft a copy of your speech and, if possible, rehearse it in front of someone. Make sure you print a copy of the eulogy and give a second copy to someone who can act as a backup in case you get sick or are overcome with emotion.

Ideas for Funeral Eulogy Content

Don't try to write the eulogy in the order that you'll give it. It's easier to begin by jotting down your thoughts about various aspects of the deceased's life. Think about the following points and see if anything springs to mind. If it does, write that now, and then you can put things in the order you want them later.

• A short introduction about yourself and relationship to the person who died
• A brief biography of the deceased person
• Information about his or her career
• Remarks about his or her family, friends and pets
• List of achievements
• Favorite songs or poems
• Information about hobbies or interests
• Personal stories or anecdotes
• Memories from years gone by

Delivering the Speech at a Funeral

Funerals and memorials are very difficult times. It's okay to cry and share your emotions while delivering your tribute . However, don't try to memorize your speech. It's best to keep your notes in outline form or on note cards for reference to help you stay on track and to ensure that you cover all the key points that you plan to bring up.

How To Write A Eulogy In 7 Easy, Uplifting Steps

I’m a professional writer with a eulogy writing business. In this article, I’m going to show you the exact process I use to write my eulogies.

The eulogy is a funeral speech that commemorates the life of a departed loved one. It’s an important feature in the funeral service, often the central event.

It is a high honor to be chosen to give the eulogy, and I’m glad you’re seeking advice on how to do it well.

Here is my guide on how to write a eulogy that is beautiful, brief, appropriate, and winsome.

How to Write a Eulogy

A eulogy is a formal speech given at a funeral that honors the life and memory of someone who has died.

• Chronicles their life ,
• Showcases their accomplishments ,
• Illustrates their personality , and
• Pays tribute to their legacy.

Although these funeral speeches are delivered in the context of death and burial, the tone doesn’t necessarily have to be serious or somber. Depending on the person, some eulogies are downright hilarious, some are joyful and celebratory, and others are reflective yet optimistic.

All this is done with dignity, grace, and a fitting sense of humor. The goal is to uphold the legacy they leave for family and friends in words that everyone can remember and treasure.

Let’s take a look at how to write a good eulogy.

Writing a Eulogy in 7 Steps

Step 1: choose the tone.

Decide on the tone you want to express . Do you want your eulogy to be serious, religious, or even slightly humorous?

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To help you decide, consider your audience and also the person who has died. For instance, the eulogy for a young child may be very different than that of an elderly person who have passed away under completely different circumstances.

Start with a tone that is respectful and compassionate, then add in humor and solemnity as the story of their life unfolds.

Step 2: Introduce Yourself

Let’s get to the writing. First, introduce yourself. Of course you’ll want your audience to know who you are, how you know or are related to the deceased, a little about your relationship with the person. But keep it brief – it’s not about you.

Step 3: Provide a Biographical Sketch

Provide a brief but thorough biographical sketch of your loved one . This can include their date and place of birth, any family members and friends, where they grew up, graduated from, married, etc. It can also include their date of death. Remember our tips, though – don’t get bogged down with details!

Step 4: Add in Some Favorite Memories

Write about any favorite memories you have of your loved one. This is where you can get into a little more detail than in the biographical sketch. A good story or two can help provide the color and life to your eulogy.

Write about your loved one’s personality, how they met their significant other, any pastimes they may have had, their dreams, friendships, and achievements in life. You know, what made them who they were. These stories and memories will make up the bulk of your eulogy.

If you don’t have any suitable stories of your own, you can also collect any stories about your loved from family and friends. Anyone who created special memories with your loved one would no doubt like their stories represented in the eulogy.

Step 5: Organize Your Material

Now it’s time to consider the order of your writing . For many people, this is the hardest part of writing a quality eulogy. To keep it “sweet and simple,” simply put the stories and memories you’ve written down in chronological order. This will make it easier for your audience to follow.

If you have a lot of stories and memories, the best way to narrow it down is to choose a common theme.

Here’s an example. Perhaps you’ll realize that there are a lot of stories that show your loved one’s kindness . Developing this as the theme, choose one story of kindness that is funny, one that is tenderhearted or even sad, and one that is either well-known by everyone or completely unknown.

Step 6: Mix in Some Gratitude

Don’t forget to say your thank-you’s toward the end . Showing gratitude for everyone who came to the funeral is always a nice gesture.

Remember, too, to thank everyone who has offered support throughout the past several days, as well as the church, funeral home, hospice center, etc. Include anyone who has been taking care of your family or loved one (as appropriate).

Lastly, be sure to acknowledge that these supporters and many of those attending the funeral are in the process of grieving . This validates their sorrow and unifies everyone in their collective grief .

Step 7: Closing & Goodbye

Finally, say goodbye to your loved one. This will mark the end of your eulogy. It may be the most emotional moment of your eulogy, so it will help to prepare for it by practicing saying it out loud.

If you have made it this far and are still feeling overwhelmed over the thought of writing your eulogy, stop right now and just tell yourself, I can do this! Confidence is key and once you believe you can do it, you are already halfway there. But when life, being life, intersects with death, things can quickly get overwhelming. If you are sure that you can’t tackle your eulogy right now, bear in mind that help is available. You can ask a close friend or family member to help you, or you can even hire me . It is what I do for a living, after all.

Tips for Writing a Beautiful Eulogy

Keep it short. Eulogies should be brief, poignant, and summarize the individual’s life without going into every detail. It should be approximately 1000 words and take around 6-8 minutes to deliver.

Be authentic, but focus on the positive. A good eulogy can admit the person’s faults but will typically emphasize their strengths. Be sure to mention your loved one’s major accomplishments (personal and vocational), spouse and children (if any), hobbies, passions, religion, and volunteer work.

Think of their best stories and attributes. Start with a favorite story or memory, and connect that to one of the person’s defining characteristics. Or, alternatively, do the reverse: think of their most important attributes and then think of memories or quotes which illustrate the attributes you want to highlight. This simple process will give you at least half of your material; from there, just find a good eulogy outline and begin filling it in.

Consider a theme. Use a central story, phrase, or quote as a motif. Remember, there’s no way you can fully sum up a person’s life in a short funeral speech. Highlight their best characteristics by using a story or phrase that captures several aspects of their life and personality.

Don’t get bogged down in details. Of course, you’ll want to briefly summarize the person’s family, accomplishments, and legacy. But avoid making the entire eulogy a list of people, places, and events. Focus on their personality and how they affected the lives of others.

Less is more. You’ll be surprised at how much you end up wanting to say. Remove unnecessary details and keep it to 1-2 short stories.

Write it out. Unless you’re an experience public speaker, don’t rely on notes or a bare outline. Write out each word you want to say.

Practice. Print out a completed copy of your speech before the funeral. Use a large and readable font with double spacing. Practice reading it aloud to make sure the sentences flow. Do this in front of a mirror or a family member, and time yourself from start to finish.

Slow down and speak clearly. You’ll be tempted to read the speech quickly. Practice speaking in a slow and clear voice, and be sure to enunciate your words properly. Pause occasionally. Right before it’s time to stand up and deliver your eulogy, take a few deep breaths. You’ve got this.

Eulogy Outline

There is no set outline or traditional template for a eulogy. But as with all writing and public speaking, it is good to have an attention-grabbing opening, a solid middle section in three parts, and some concluding remarks.

This is the traditional three-point outline you learned in school, and it will serve you well in writing a eulogy.

Introduction

• A good introduction can include a funny or engaging story, a meaningful quote, or something that illustrates their personality
• Use the introduction to establish a motif (a theme that you can come back to throughout the eulogy)
• Mention your relationship to the deceased and thank everyone for coming on behalf of the family
• Aim for one to two minutes

Part One: Life Details

• Keep this section brief; one minute at most
• Include just the highlights; some but not all of: Place of birth, family lineage, education, work, marriage, children, hobbies, religion, community involvement, awards, accomplishments, places lived, travel
• Don’t include everything; this will make your speech dry and boring

Part Two: Memories

• Share a memory or two that allows one or more characteristics of the person to shine; something that will resonate with anyone who knew them
• Allow a good two minutes or so to properly share some memories
• Aim for 2 or 3 stories

Part Three: Legacy

• Connect the theme you’ve developed in the stories, memories, and introduction
• This is what you want to highlight as their legacy
• Instead of saying, “She was loving, caring, and kind,” show how  she was loving, caring and kind
• This doesn’t need to be long; one minute is perfectly fine
• As with the introduction, it is good to close with a story, quote, or illustration
• Your closing remarks can be between ten seconds to a minute; just a few brief sentences to wrap things up
• Consider saying “goodbye” to your loved one
• End by simply saying “Thank you”

Here is a free downloadable fill-in-the-blank eulogy template along with a more detailed outline to help you shape your speech.

Eulogy Quotes & Poems

Here are five beautiful and meaningful eulogy poems. You can use these in your funeral speech, or find many more in our collection of 101 Funeral Poems .

Farewell to Thee! But not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of Thee; Within my heart they still shall dwell And they shall cheer and comfort me.

Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live And men more true Thou wert one; Nothing is lost that Thou didst give, Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.

– Anne Bronte

If only we could see the splendour of the land To which our loved ones are called from you and me We’d understand If only we could hear the welcome they receive From old familiar voices all so dear We would not grieve If only we could know the reason why they went We’d smile and wipe away the tears that flow And wait content.

– Anonymous

Irish Blessing

May the roads rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Remember Me

Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land: When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you planned: Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad.

– Christina Rossetti

To Everything There Is a Season

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

– Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Find more funeral and eulogy poems here .

Eulogy Quotes

A memorable eulogy will often center around a good quote. Here are five of our favorites.

• Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.  – Dr. Suess
• What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,  for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.  – Helen Keller
• If winter comes, can spring be far behind?  – Percy Bysshe Shelley
• There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.  – Albert Einstein
• We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.  – Winston Churchill

More quotes and inspiration:

• 20 Funeral Quotes for a Loved One’s Eulogy
• 33 Inspiring Life Celebration Quotes
• 10 Biblical Prayers for a Christian Memorial Service
• Missing You: 22 Honest Quotes About Grief
• Scripture Quotes for Eulogies

Eulogy Examples

There are many eulogy examples available on the web. I think you’ll find the best inspiration on writing a eulogy by looking at a few general examples and then also reading a few famous and timeless eulogy examples.

• Lydia: Eulogy example for mother
• Edwin: Eulogy example for father
• Laura: Eulogy example for grandmother
• McKayla: Eulogy example for cousin

I’ve included some of my own sample eulogies at the links above. Read them to see how I practice these tips. Here are some more examples I’ve written, and next you’ll see some famous eulogies you can read for inspiration.

Famous Eulogies

• President Reagan’s Eulogy for the Challenger 7 crew
• Oprah Winfrey’s Eulogy for Rosa Parks
• Bob Costas’ Eulogy for Stan Musial
• In Memory of Y.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden (poem)

Eulogy Writing Prompts

Use these questions and prompts to get started.

• Share an example of wisdom you learned from the deceased
• What was his or her “essence” – their defining characteristic?
• Note down a timeline of their significant life moments. What are the most important things to share?
• If you were looking through their old photo albums, what would you see?
• What was their favorite song lyric, and why?
• What is your favorite memory of the individual?

Eulogy FAQs

Who should deliver the eulogy.

Anyone can deliver a eulogy . It is ideal to choose someone who was personally close to the decedent. Often eulogies are given by family members or friends. This can be a spouse, parent, child, sibling, close cousin or other relative, a pastor, or a good friend.

For some close relatives (spouses, parents, or children) the pain is very raw and they may have difficulty composing or delivering a eulogy. It is perfectly acceptable for the closest family members to ask someone else to give the eulogy.

If you are asked to deliver a eulogy, you should be honored. It is a sign of your close relationship with the deceased and the high regard in which you are held by the family.

Can there be more than one eulogy?

Yes. Often there are two eulogies given, one by a family member and another by a friend. This gives two different perspectives on the deceased’s life and can greatly enhance the funeral service.

One eulogy is very common. You can do three or more eulogies, but if so it is imperative that the speakers be brief; three to four minutes minutes maximum.

How long should a eulogy be?

A good length for a eulogy is about six to eight minutes, but no more than ten.

If there are two or more eulogies, try to keep each one at five minutes or less. Or choose one to be the longer “main” eulogy at 5-7 minutes and the others no more than three minutes. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but these are good guidelines to ensure that the audience remains engaged.

How long should a eulogy be in words?

The written eulogy should be about 1000 words. A good range to aim for is 500-1200 words. Do not go over 1200 words; if you go that high, make sure you read it at a good clip otherwise you are in danger of going over 10 minutes.

What should I not include in the eulogy?

Don’t include every detail. Many eulogies do mention important personal details such as family, vocation, and special accomplishments. But you don’t have to, as most people attending the funeral will be aware of these.

Don’t embarrass or disparage them. A memorial service is not the time to bring out sordid details. Even if they were a difficult person, emphasize the good things in their life.

Is it ok to share a funny story in the eulogy?

Humor is entirely appropriate. Stay away from awkward or embarrassing moments, off-color jokes , and foul language. There will be a wide variety of people in attendance and you do not want to needlessly offend.

Aside from that, keep in mind that life is funny . People are funny. Funerals are mostly serious, so a few appropriately humorous stories and anecdotes can help tremendously to lighten the mood.

Can I sing a song during the eulogy?

Certainly, but first clear it with the officiant , the family, and whoever is arranging the funeral.

How do I deliver a eulogy without crying?

It’s perfectly fine to cry during the eulogy. No one will think the worse of you for it, and if you realize it’s acceptable to get emotional then you’re actually less likely to do so.

Still, we have some great tips for you on how to avoid crying during the eulogy speech.

Read next: 100 Uplifting Quotes for Those Who Grieve

Aubrey Bauer

Aubrey is a lifelong writer who has served in the funeral industry since 2016. After graduating from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, she knew she wanted to continue to serve families through her writing, but didn’t know how. Soon after,...

5 thoughts on “How To Write A Eulogy In 7 Easy, Uplifting Steps”

I am writing the Eulogy for my Dad and came across this website. It helped me so very much as I didn’t have a clue where to start. So very helpful.. Thank you so very much!

Very helpful and thorough guidance with just the right amount of adaptable examples which allow personalisation. I am so pleased that this website is easily available and refreshingly, does not try to take financial advantage at such a difficult time.

thank you for taking the time to write this, it is a big help at a tough time. warm regards Damin – New Zealand

Thank you for your information! It has helped immensely with writing my mother’s eulogy!

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How to write a eulogy for a funeral 

If you’ve been asked to give the eulogy at a funeral you might have questions about how to get it right. Here are some tips on writing a eulogy to help you give a heart-warming funeral speech.

What is a eulogy? 

A eulogy is a speech that’s given at a funeral or memorial service. It’s a way to share memories of the person who has died and to celebrate their life. It’s also called a funeral speech or sometimes a funeral tribute. 

A eulogy can be delivered by family or friends, or by a celebrant (the person leading the service).  

A good eulogy is respectful and celebrates the person who has died in a way that feels personal to them. It’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to how to write a funeral speech – it’s about doing what feels right for you and the people who’ll be at the service. 

How to write a eulogy 

Knowing how to write a eulogy won’t necessarily come naturally. After all, it’s not something most of us do often. It may feel like a big responsibility. But remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect – what matters most is that it’s heartfelt. If you’re not sure what to say in a eulogy, we’ve put together some tips to help you get started. 

How long should a eulogy be? 

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.  

Tips for writing a eulogy

1. chat to friends and family first.

Before you start writing anything at all, you might like to chat to friends and family members to hear their memories. 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 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.  

2.  Decide what type of eulogy you’d like it to be

There’s no right or wrong way to write a eulogy. In fact, there are many different ways to approach it. Do you want to tell their life story? Do you want to share special memories from their life? Or do you want to focus on inspiring others in tribute to their memory? You could even choose to focus your speech on what they’d say if they were here at the funeral. 

3.  What mood do you want to create? 

Will it be a sombre moment of reflection? Or do you want to it to be uplifting? There’s no rule about how a eulogy should sound – it’s up to you what you think will be best for the people who will be listening. You might also want to think about the personality of the person you’re remembering. For example, if they had a strong sense of humour, you might decide to make your eulogy funny, if it feels appropriate.  

4.  Plan your writing in sections

One way to make writing the eulogy easier is to think about it in different sections. For example, you could think about it in 3 core sections (start, middle and ending), or you could decide to have 3-5 main points, with 1-2 minutes to say each point. Once you’ve decided on your sections, you can 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.  

5.  Start with some stories

Struggling with how to start the eulogy? 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… 

6.  Use poems and songs for inspiration

If you’re struggling to find the right words to say, you could read some words from a poem, song or a favourite quotation. This could be something that expresses how you feel, or it could be a favourite poem or song of the person who has died. You can find a selection of funeral poems and music here . 

7.  Finish the eulogy with a meaningful moment

Not sure how to end the eulogy? It’s best to end your funeral speech with something memorable and meaningful. This could be an uplifting quote from the person who has died, or you could finish with a final story. You could even finish with a sentence about what you think the person would say to everyone if they were still here.

8.  Ask a celebrant for help

Finding it hard to write? If you’ve arranged a celebrant to lead the funeral service, you could ask for their help too. Celebrants have lots of experience writing funeral speeches and will be able to suggest ideas for what to say in a eulogy. They can even write the eulogy for you if you’re finding it difficult to write yourself.

"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."

Do you have to have a eulogy at a funeral?  

No, 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, so you might choose to play a song in tribute instead of writing a funeral speech. Or someone could recite a poem. Alternatively, you don’t have to speak at a funeral at all, if it’s too much. You could have a moment of silent reflection instead.

Writing a eulogy for a difficult person: finding the right words to say

How to give a funeral speech 

Funeral readings and quotes from literature

How to write your own eulogy

Photo from  Unsplash .

How To Write A Eulogy That Honors Your Loved One’s Life

When a person dies, their body may pass away, but memories of them live on in the hearts and minds of family and friends. A eulogy given at a funeral by someone who knew them well offers insights about them that go far beyond what an obituary can capture.

Usually delivered by a family member or close friend, t he eulogy brings the facts about the person captured in their obituary to life. Often the high point of a funeral or memorial service, a well-done eulogy provides a lasting memory to the family.

Delivering a good eulogy requires curating the life of the deceased and pulling out certain memories that define the person. A friend or relative who takes on this task must have personal knowledge of the one who has passed on, be prepared to spend some time organizing the stories and their shared experience, and craft everything into a brief speech.

Table of Contents

How Is A Eulogy Different From An Obituary?

A eulogy sounds similar to an obituary, but there are many differences. The obituary and the eulogy start with the same facts, but the purpose and delivery are different.

An obituary aims to inform others about the death, whether it takes the form of a short death notice or a longer piece included in the funeral program or sometimes printed in the newspaper. Death notices may only run for a day in the newspaper, while many obituaries live on in digital memorial spaces. Eulogies are delivered live at a service but may be captured in a video stream of a funeral service .

Both an obituary and a eulogy recount key points of the deceased’s life story. While an obituary lists highlights of the person’s life in chronological order, a eulogy represents the point of view of the person giving it and may focus on specific details . For example, if Betsy Jones was known for her kindness, the eulogy might be heavy on fond memories that illustrated this trait.

Sharing anecdotes offers the audience encourages the audience to think of times when Betsy reached out to them with a kind word, offered $20 when they needed it, or went down to the food bank to pack food for the needy. As the eulogy speech only lasts a few minutes, it cannot include every story about Betsy’s thoughtfulness, but a few examples will bring home the point.

Structuring The Eulogy

There are different ways to approach writing an obituary. The structure of a eulogy is not much different than any other piece of writing with an introduction, middle section, and conclusion.

• The introduction sets the tone, presents your relationship to the deceased, and starts with a good story or two.
• The middle section gives a brief life history, a few memories of the person, and the legacy they will leave.
• The conclusion closes out the eulogy and says goodbye to your loved one.

How To Write A Eulogy In 8 Steps

A eulogy is highly personalized and will differ depending on who is giving it and who it is for. A husband giving one for his late wife will give a different speech from one that a son might give for his mom or that a long-time friend might give for her old schoolmate. The tone might be different for someone who died at 85 after a long illness vs. a man who suddenly died in an accident at 40.

In selecting a eulogist for the funeral, the family should think about:

• The tone that would best represent the personality of the deceased
• The person most likely to carry it off

The eulogist has some discretion in setting the tone, so the family should go with someone who is comfortable with public speaking, who knew the departed well, and who is not so paralyzed by grief that they would be unable to pull it off.

If you are chosen to give the eulogy at a loved one’s funeral, here is a eulogy template to follow:

1.     Decide on the tone

Though a eulogy marks a sad occasion, the tone can vary from serious to religious to lighthearted. The speaker doesn’t have to announce the tone, but it should be rapidly apparent.

After setting your tone, find a theme that characterized their life – i,e, kindness, attention to detail, faithfulness, sense of humor, or other qualities you want to describe the person. The speech is short, so narrow down what you will talk about.

“Uncle Bob was an actuary, a profession not known for producing knee-slapping comedy. Though he was excellent at his job, anyone who knew Bob Marcus quickly realized that he could find the humor in anything.”

2.     Introduce yourself and make it clear why you are giving the eulogy

In a brief introduction, you should let the audience know why you are giving the presentation. Was the deceased your best friend? Brother-in-law? Co-worker for 40 years? Child? Sibling? Grandchild?

“I’m Alma’s eldest granddaughter, who picked blueberries with her from my earlier days. Knowing her set the tone for my entire life and contributed to my extensive library of blueberry recipes.”

“Henry had a contagious sense of humor. I should know. As his best friend, I have laughed my way through the last 30 years.

3.     Provide a brief biography of the person’s life

The eulogy starts out with a brief overview of the life of the deceased as a framework for what follows. Good eulogy writing hits the milestones of their life while injecting the essence of the person fleshed out with funny stories and examples of their personality traits.

“John was born in Cleveland, OH, but his career as an engineer took him to many cities over the years. No matter where he was, he spent his days designing electrical systems and his nights and days off rewiring friends’ homes and doing lighting and sound for his church and community events.”

4.     Include any favorite memories

Including memories of the deceased is what makes a eulogy stand out from an obituary.

As the speech is short, a few examples can illustrate your theme.

“My sister Sarah was one of the most generous people I ever knew. She would make delicious baked goods for every family event, work party, picnic, and funeral no matter what it cost her in time and money. Yet, she once argued for hours to get a car payment that saved her 18 cents a month.”

5.     Make it clear how knowing the person improved your life

Whether you loved the deceased or hated them, you should emphasize their good qualities.

“Mom’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her positive attitude throughout her treatments cheered up fellow patients in the clinic and was a great example to all of us kids about how to endure when times are tough.

6.     Organize your material so it flows in an interesting manner

As a eulogy is 6-8 minutes, 10 minutes tops, organizing the material is key to its success. No matter what the tone or how interesting the stories are, the speech must move logically and quickly.

“Mrs. Redstone was an engaging teacher who loved her students. I was so shy, but she taught me to be confident in expressing myself. She excelled in bringing out the best in anyone who graced her classroom.”

7.     Express gratitude from yourself and the family

As you move toward the close of the eulogy, thank those who helped the deceased in their final day,s those who helped with the funeral preparations, and the mourners who attended the funeral, donated food, and visited, called, or texted.

“On behalf of myself and the entire Rittenhouse family, I would like to thank all those who have been on hand during Andy’s final days. We offer special thanks to the nursing and physician staff at St. Barnabas Hospital and to the staff of Happy Days Assistant Living Facility, who made his last days comfortable. Thank you to those who have called, texted, or dropped by the family home, provided food, or taken time to join us today.”

8.     Bring it home to say goodbye

As the eulogy comes to a close, it is time to say goodbye to the deceased for a final time.

“I can’t believe I am standing here today to give the eulogy for my 60-year-old father. While I wish we could make another few decades of memories together, things changed forever when your heart gave out unexpectedly. Daddy, I’ll never forget you. Goodbye for now! I’ll love you forever.”

Helpful Eulogy Templates & Examples

If you’re still struggling to put pen to paper, fret not. We have some great templates and examples that can get you started in the right direction.

Click here to review our full article on Eulogy Templates and Examples.

Other Things To Add To A Eulogy

Adding a poem , uplifting quotation , or song lyric to a eulogy can make it even more touching if time permits.

Since eulogies are personal, including quotes representative of their culture might be welcome. At a Hindu funeral, for example, where death is viewed as a part of life, it is appropriate to say, “I wish her soul finds its next destination.”

Or consider the lyrics to a song. Since you want to keep the eulogy at a maximum length of 10 minutes, be sure the lyrics don’t take up too much time.

Here’s a list of short poems that are simple messages for grieving families and friends.

What Should Be Included In A Eulogy – And What Shouldn’t

Stories about the deceased should be positive and tasteful. Even if “everyone” knew that Grampa cheated on his taxes or cousin Billy did meth, those facts do not belong in a eulogy. Just as the obituary of Vito Corleone from The Godfather would not include that he put horseheads in the beds of his enemies, you should not include stories that show the departed in a bad light.

Some stories about the deceased might be hilarious when sharing stories among a small group of drinking buddies that should not be included in the speech.

Many of the same things that guests should avoid saying to the family at the wake should not show up in the eulogy. These include:

• Focusing on the cause of death
• Old hurts or grudges
• Family rifts
• Unhealthy rivalries
• Bad habits, faults, or shortcomings
• Unpleasant memories

Your speech should avoid “funeral cliches” such as “she’s in a better place” or “his suffering is over,” but stress good memories.

If a circumstance occupied so much of the deceased’s life that it cannot easily be ignored, it should be affirmed.

“Though Uncle Mike spent some unplanned time in the Illinois state prison system, he earned a college degree in English and helped his fellow inmates learn to express their feelings in writing. He even wrote a book about his experiences.”  

How To Prepare To Give A Eulogy

Being selected to give a eulogy is a great honor, but it can seem daunting. A great eulogy is seldom delivered “off the cuff” and requires thinking through the task and spending time in preparation of the actual speech. Your task is to distill a long and fruitful life into a few meaningful minutes.

After you set your tone, find a theme that characterizes their life, and put together the outline of your speech, your work isn’t done. The speech is short, so narrow down what you will talk about.

Once you have prepared your first draft, read the speech aloud and change the wording to sound natural. Add and subtract text until you get it just right.

Then – Practice, practice, practice .

Read it out loud at your desk, in front of the mirror, and front of others until it becomes natural and you can say it from memory. You may have notes on the day, but you can better speak from the heart and make eye contact with others if you know your prepared text well.

Record it on your phone, so you can see and hear how it sounds and how you look while giving it.

After you have perfected what you are saying, slow it down so your words are clear.

Get plenty of sleep the night before, arrive at the funeral or memorial service scene on time, take a few deep breaths, and prepare to give your loved one the send-off they’d be proud of!

Carol Farrish is a lifelong writer on diverse topics. Not quite ready to be a customer of the funeral industry for herself yet, she comes from a large family with over two dozen aunts and uncles who survived well into their 80s and 90s. She is a keen observer of the industry after having attended and participated in many funeral and memorial services for family, church friends, and business associates. Not a traditional person herself, she understands the importance of ritual, especially when death strikes a loved one.

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Writing and giving a eulogy at your loved one’s funeral

Last updated: 22 April 2022

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy, or funeral speech, is a speech given at a funeral by someone who knew the person who has died. If you are asked to give one, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the person, by giving a short speech about their life and what they meant to you. It’s regarded as an honour to be asked to give a eulogy for a loved one or friend and if you’ve been asked, a sign that you played an important part in that person’s life. If you’re feeling anxious about the responsibility of getting it ‘right,’ remember that every eulogy is meant to be unique. Although there are guidelines you can follow, writing a eulogy is also about things that come from the heart.

• Speak with relatives and loved ones of the person who has died, think about your own experiences with them.
• Give yourself time to write and edit down your eulogy to the most appropriate parts. There’s no one size fits all approach to writing a eulogy. Every person is unique so every eulogy will be unique as well. You will have to think a lot about the type of person you are eulogising and how best to communicate that to the people who have come to mourn them.
• When and where they were born
• The names of their close family
• How they met their spouse or partner
• Any military service
• Favourite poems, songs or quotes
• Sporting achievements
• Anything they have contributed to the community
• Clubs and society memberships
• Once you have gathered enough information, you may want to make notes about where each bit will fit in your eulogy, so you have a rough beginning, a middle and an end to work towards.
• After you have determined what you want to say, it’s a good idea to practise giving your eulogy. Many people struggle with public speaking, so you are not alone. Read it out loud, either on your own or in front of a trusted friend or family member.
• Speak slowly. Everyone wants to hear the words you have prepared. Pause for thought. There may be certain points in the eulogy that deserve a moment of silence for contemplation, or a particular story which makes the audience laugh. Give people eye contact. This may be difficult, but if you mention a close family member by name you may want to scan the first row to make them feel included. Try to stand still. It can be difficult not to fidget when you are nervous, but tapping fingers or feet can distract people from what you are saying.

Who gives a eulogy at a funeral?

Usually the one chosen to give a eulogy at a funeral is someone close to the person who has died. Often children will give a eulogy at their parents' funerals and husbands or wives will give a eulogy at their partners’ funerals. Sometimes the occasion might be too overwhelming for the person closest to them to perform a eulogy, and they may ask another loved one to give a eulogy in their place.

What is the purpose of a eulogy?

The eulogy at a funeral is a way for someone who is close to the person who has died to sum up their life, remind people who have come to mourn about the character of that person, and pay respect to them.

What should be included in a eulogy?

A eulogy can include anything that you think is important. You may want to keep it mostly fact-based, written in chronological order with a small personal note of remembrance at the end. Or, you could base it on personal anecdotes and stories that capture the personality of your loved one. These might even be more lighthearted anecdotes, which often helps the assembly feel more at ease. If you think that a certain story is the most appropriate, as someone close to the person who has died, you’re probably right. Your own and other people’s memories could not only provide things to talk about, but inspire a way of summing up at the beginning and end of the eulogy who they were and what they meant.

Why is a eulogy important?

Hearing a eulogy gives people a way of remembering the important parts of the person they’ve come to mourn. A well written eulogy should not only sum up a person’s life, character and impact, but if possible, it should shed light on less well known aspects of that person.

Examples of a eulogy - what to say

Here are some examples of what you could say in a eulogy: “John was a dedicated family man, who was always there when you needed him.” “Seeing so many people here to say goodbye to Helen today, shows just how loved she was and how much she will be missed.” One of the best ways to begin a eulogy is to talk to family members and close friends about the person who has died. Is there anything that they would like you to include or mention, or a favourite anecdote or story they’d like you to share? Looking through photos could provide inspiration for thoughts about them and things that happened in their life. You may also get inspiration from obituaries and tributes shared online and on social media.

How to get your ideas for a Eulogy together

Mood board – this is a type of collage that can include pictures, text and materials arranged in any order you like. Try adding a photo of your loved one, post-it notes with sayings or phrases written on them, key dates such as marriages or births, maps with important locations marked. This visual reminder of things you want to say about the person who has died may help you as you consider how to write a eulogy. Timeline – there are no rules for writing a eulogy, so you don’t have to get everything in order or precisely dated. But constructing a timeline of the person’s most significant life moments may help you to better decide what to include in your speech. Key words – make a list of words to describe the person. Think of as many words as you can and then highlight which words you think are most fitting. This list can act as a helpful prompt if you become stuck while writing a eulogy.

How long should a eulogy be?

Normally, a eulogy will be around three to five minutes long and take no longer than ten minutes. As to how many words a eulogy should be, that may depend on how quickly you talk. A funeral eulogy of between 500 and 1000 written words will take from around three and a half to seven and a half minutes to speak. Some funeral venues allocate a specific period of time for a funeral. The funeral director should be able to advise you, if you ask how long a eulogy should last, as part of the order of service.

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Heartfelt Eulogy Examples for Father

We hope our eulogy examples will inspire you to write a heartfelt speech to honour your beloved father.  

I'm so proud to share the lovely eulogies my children made at my husband's funeral and I hope that they will help you to write equally moving eulogies for your loved ones.  

The following two eulogy examples are for a father, but you could adapt them for an uncle or grandfather.  The same principles apply for eulogies for mothers.

We wish you our most sincere condolences at this most difficult of times.  

We have many more pages on this website which we hope will help in your grief journey.  Please bookmark the site and come back after the funeral for help coping with your loss. 

Eulogy for his Father, by my Son, Andy

Eulogy For Dad by Andy

Dads are someone to look up to, someone to follow, someone to admire, someone to be proud of and someone to brag about, someone to hold and someone to cry with, someone to learn from and someone to respect, someone to listen to and someone to talk to, someone to try and impress, sometimes rebel against, and, someone, most of all, with whom to share everything this wonderful life has to offer.

I am so incredibly grateful and happy that I can stand here today and tell you that I have had all this and much, much more with my dad Colin. I have been blessed to have had Colin as my dad.

To say I loved my dad would be an understatement -  and  to say  I’m going to miss him would be an even greater understatement.

I cannot begin to imagine not having Dad on the end of a phone or popping around at a moment’s notice to assist, in his ever graceful manner, with any project great or small with which I happen to be needing advice or help, or to be with my children, Monica & Jamie.

Dad was always there for everyone, family, neighbours, colleagues, or friends. . .

I have known him to drive from Cambridge to Leeds to spend a weekend helping Lesley with some DIY projects at her place and then the following weekend drive across the country to help me with a move or a project in London.  He always seemed to be able to draw upon boundless energy.

He was a very clever man but was never afraid of having a laugh at his own expense.  He could help you with a complex pharmaceutical problem or just as happily, as many of you know, offer to be Santa Claus and have all the ladies of the Bridge Club queuing up to sit on his lap.

Dad was also always there for Mum to the point that she used to joke she was like the Queen and didn’t need or have to carry money.

For 52 years they have shared everything life can offer - together. They were a great team supporting each other in every way.

Dad was hard working, compassionate towards everyone, and deserved the success and rich life that he enjoyed.  He taught me many, many things but I think most importantly he gave us the ability to know that if you really put your mind to something, anything is possible, and never to be afraid to give anything a go.

His attention to detail and perfectionism was infectious and once in a while could get him into trouble. I will never forget when Lesley came home one day proud as punch and declared she got 99% in a music exam.  He stupidly asked “what happened to the other 1%?”.  He never lived that down. 

His passion for woodworking in his retirement gave him many happy hours creating in his workshop. Unfortunately woodworking tools can also be the sharpest. . . the very first time he used his imported Scandinavian carving axe he swiftly took off the end of his thumb.

Despite these odd foot in the mouth moments or unfortunate slip ups Dad was incredibly practical and creative and I am so lucky that he passed on so much of his knowledge and skills to me.

It is of course always possible to look back and remember those times when things didn’t always go to plan, like the time he installed a new dishwasher in our home in Letchworth, England.  All was well until Mum and Dad could not work out why, in the middle of the night, our dog Sheba was crying, only to come down and find her floating around a completely flooded kitchen in her dog basket!

Nobody can be perfect but Dad was as close to being the most perfect Dad anyone could have.

Dad's love was unconditional and this is something I will cherish from his character – and take with me forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

I would like to thank my children for their contributions and music today.  You know Colin loved you all very much and he was so proud of all your wonderful achievements. Thanks to Andre for his support for us all and especially Lesley my beautiful sister who has always been there for me.

I also would like to thank my wonderful partner for her incredible love and support for me.

I am humbled by Mum’s strength over the past few days and her ability to focus on the amazing life she shared with my Dad and not dwell on what she has lost.

I hope that through this I can find strength from her example and be there for her whenever she needs me.

Eulogy for Her Father by My Daughter, Lesley

Eulogy for My Father by Lesley

I must be one of the luckiest people in the world.  How many times do you hear "If only I'd told him how much I loved him, but its too late" Or, " he was suffering so much it was a blessed release"? 

A few weeks ago, Andy and I were talking about how supportive Mum and Dad had been over the last few months and we decided we should surprise them with some flowers out of the blue.  By coincidence it happened to be Valentines Day when I ordered them.  We said on the message "Thanks for being the best parents on the planet"  And they are. 

Dad would do anything for anyone, And he DID. 

When I was in trouble he and Mum flew half way round the world to Spain to help me move house.  He came back to Australia alone, leaving Mum with me for a total of 9 weeks. 

He spent Christmas and New Year alone, looked after the house, carried out his duties as treasurer at the Bridge Club, and single-handedly entertained friends from England.  If he was lonely or found it hard, he never told me about it.  In fact he used to be rather proud about how well he'd managed everything.  

Dad was never a man of many words, he expressed his love through his actions.  He never came to my house without a car full of tools and a chain saw for chopping logs.  If I couldn't find a job for him to do, you could feel the disappointment.  He always sent me home with a bag of sawdust to mulch the garden. 

Andy got the woodworking bug from Dad, but I got the gardening bug.  When we were children he grew almost all our fruit and veg, and we would be sent down the garden at dinner time to pick carrots, peas, potatoes, gooseberries.  You name it, he grew it. 

I have retained that love of always having at least something from the garden on my plate.  I loved being able to repay him by cooking nice things from my garden. 

The other trait I picked up from Dad was an obsession for recycling, cleaning and rescuing things.  With me it manifested in rummaging round garage sales, auctions and charity shops. 

Dad used to love picking through the junk I carried home with me, and helping to restore things to their former glory.  The most recent find was about 20 wooden boxes I picked up at an auction.  He loved those and immediately cleaned up several which we gave away at Christmas.

Perhaps one of the most important things we shared was a love of music.  As you know we are quite a musical family.  Dad came to as many of my concerts as he possibly could when I used to sing in Leeds and London, but it was jazz that really set his feet tapping, so we'll listen to some of his favourites as we leave today.  

You could always tell when Dad was moved by something though, and it was usually when he was particularly proud.  Jamie playing the pink panther, or Monica doing a dance or gymnastics display. 

He would well up if we managed to find a particularly appropriate birthday or Christmas present, like the large wooden tail of a whale I found in a junk shop.  He and mum loved watching the whales from their balcony and they always seemed to manage to turn up on his birthday on 21st June. 

Today he would certainly have shed a few tears to see how many of his family and friends have turned up to celebrate his wonderful life.  He would also have been very surprised, as he was a very humble man, and we are incredibly blessed to have had him as our Dad, husband, grandad and friend.  

We didn't always see eye to eye on everything of course.  When I was in my late teens, early twenties and thought I knew everything we had some real run-ins.  He worked for a pharmaceutical company and I decided that alternative medicine was the way to go.  That caused some real humdingers! 

But in later years, he started using acupuncture, and I have come to appreciate the drug companies for increasing all our life expectancies so dramatically over the last 100 years or so.

Of course, he wasn't 100% good humoured.  Like anyone he had his little ways.  He had a short fuse, hated inefficiency, bureaucracy and hypocrisy.  He was a real perfectionist and everything had to be in its place.  The explosions you'd hear if something was put back in the wrong spot! 

We really ribbed him about his habit of counting cutlery and glasses, and such. After a party or something, you'd get "Why are there only 5 knives in this box?"  - "Oh, Dad are you counting cutlery again?", we'd say.  Of course it was always just in the dishwasher or somewhere.  But he took our leg pulling in good humour. 

The other thing he wasn't all that good at was finding things.  But I think that's fairly normal for men isn't it?  He was famous for looking in the fridge and being unable to see past the first layer at the front.  Its called a "man look" in our house. 

When Tanya, our celebrant today, came round to plan this celebration, she said, Gosh, you really live in heaven amongst the trees. 

Dad was so proud of his home and so happy in life that she had hit the nail on the head. His paradise was here on earth with his family.  The piece I've chosen to play as we have a quiet think about him to end this ceremony is one that is very special to me.  It's the final movement of the Faure Requiem - 'In Paradisum'. 

I sang on this recording with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, so I chose it so I could say I sang for him, as it was probably the only way I was going to manage that today!  Mum and Dad came along to a concert in London when I sang in this work too, it was unusual as it had been set for a ballet performed by the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden.  The choir was in the pit with the orchestra.  Because I was on the end of the row of sopranos at the edge, I could just see what was going on above me on the stage.  It was the most beautiful ballet, and I'll always have an image of the men holding women aloft in their hands and slowly spinning as the we sang the 'In Paradisum'. 

I think its one of the most beautiful pieces of all time, and tended to have me in tears even before we lost Dad.  I had to pull over on the motorway and have a good cry once when I was listening to this, but they were tears of happiness at all the wonderful opportunities I'd had in life.

Strangely, Dad put on a CD at Christmas with this very movement on it, along with some of my other favourites.  I was so thrilled and did my usual trick of singing along and drowning it out. 

Dad sat and had his coffee and listened to it with me. So I have sung it just for him very recently. Little did I realise what significance that would soon have.

He'll remain in Paradise in our hearts and minds.  

We hope that these eulogy examples for a father will inspire you to write something that you can be proud to share.  

You can find more information about how to write a eulogy or funeral speech here.  

Related Pages: 

Planning a Funeral - Step by Step

Funeral Music

• Grief and Sympathy Home
• Funeral Speeches and Eulogies
• Eulogy Examples for Father

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• Condolences & What To Say

5 Sample Opening Remarks for a Funeral or Memorial

Updated 04/5/2024

Published 10/27/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Public speaking is a challenge for many people. It can be nerve-racking to stand in front of a group of people and give a speech. You may find it even more challenging in a situation where heightened emotion is involved. One example of this is the opening remarks for a funeral. 

Sitting down to write out what you want to say is the first step, but even that may feel overwhelming. If you’re grieving, your creativity may feel like it has run dry. 

Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. 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 can work with GatheringUs to create a detailed itinerary that you'll follow on the day.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Tips for writing opening remarks for a funeral.

• Sample Opening Remarks for a Funeral Service

Before we look at some examples of opening remarks, let’s break down some tips for writing them.

1. Keep it brief

There are many speaking roles available at funerals. Friends and family members may be asked to give readings of meaningful poems or religious texts. And at many funerals, someone will deliver a eulogy that’s usually between three and five minutes long.

Your opening remarks don’t have to be that long. You should be able to say what you need to say in just a minute or two. 

2. Set the tone

There are many different kinds of funerals. Some are religious, and some are secular. Some have a more somber tone, while others take on a more celebratory bent. There are typically clues to this in the funeral announcement.

For example, generally, people know ahead of time if they’re going to a   celebration of life service as opposed to a more traditional funeral. 

If you’re making opening remarks, make sure they fit in with the overall tone of the service. If the funeral is meant to be a lighthearted celebration, you can infuse your remarks with a little humor. If it’s a serious service honoring a distinguished person, your remarks should be more formal. 

3. Make everyone feel welcome

Funeral opening remarks are almost akin to a   funeral thank you speech . You want to make sure everyone feels as though they have been warmly welcomed.

One way to do that is to express your gratitude to people for coming. Be open and sincere about what their presence means for you. This will make them feel less like an audience and more like they’re part of a meaningful occasion.   

4. Talk about the deceased

If a eulogy is on the schedule for later in the ceremony, you shouldn’t give much biographical background on the deceased, as it might end up being repeated later. But you should speak briefly about the deceased, as they are the person who has brought everyone together. You can refer to them by name, and you can also mention your relationship with them for anyone who doesn’t know.

If you’re including a quote to get started, make sure it’s something you think they would have connected with. That’s an easy way to make your remarks feel more personalized.

5. Get feedback

Since you’re setting the tone for the rest of the service, it’s a good idea to get some feedback on your remarks once you’ve written them .

Work with the person planning the funeral, or with someone who is helping them with logistics. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.

6. Practice

Public speaking can be anxiety-inducing even for professionals. It can be even more challenging when you’re experiencing profound emotions like grief. Practice your remarks until you feel comfortable delivering them. Repetition like this can help you feel more confident no matter how sad or scared you might feel. 

If you’re speaking at a funeral, chances are you’ve looked up specific resources, like how to write a eulogy . But you may have had a harder time finding a comprehensive guide on writing opening remarks. 

Here are some examples of funeral service opening remarks to help you craft your own.

Sample remarks for a religious funeral

Thessalonians 4:13 reads, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

Anyone who knew my mother quickly learned that she was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Though she had been ill for some time she was not sad, nor did she fear death. In the weeks before she passed away, we talked a lot about what was waiting for her after she left the earthly plane. 

She told me that she knew people would be sad, and that was okay. But she hoped that our grief would be tempered by remembering that she has gone to a better place. That was my mother in a nutshell. 

She was always comforting others, even when it probably should have been the other way around. Thank you all for joining our family today to remember such a special and selfless individual.

Sample remarks for a non-religious funeral

Looking around the room today I see many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. This isn’t surprising to me. My sister Marian has always been a gregarious and outgoing person. 

She never met a stranger: everyone was always immediately a potential new friend. It made things interesting. 

Once we were on vacation in a city we’d never been to, and we still managed to run into someone Marian knew. She deeply cared about people, and it warms my heart to see that so many of the people she loved are here. 

Our family looks forward to connecting with you after the service. Thank you all for supporting us through such a difficult loss.

Sample remarks for someone who died suddenly

Maya Angelou once wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

My cousin Rebecca was one of those people who always made people feel loved and welcomed. She was always willing to step up and help people in need. She made everyone feel not just good, but also important or valued.

Looking out at everyone here today, I see so many people Rebecca loved. And I realize that even in death, she is looking out for us. The people she has supported are here to support us, and that’s a beautiful feeling.  

Sample remarks for someone who died after a long illness

Greetings, and thank you all for coming today. We are here today to honor a very special person: my dad. As most of you know, my dad has been ill for several years. But no matter how much time we had to prepare for this day, we still don’t feel ready to say goodbye.

We appreciate how many of you have come to support us during this difficult time. As per Dad’s request, today will not be a traditional funeral. Instead, we will have a celebration of life in honor of the joy he brought to so many people.

Sample remarks for a child

A.A. Milne wrote, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” 

In just his few short years on this planet, Remy had such a major impact on everyone whose paths he crossed. We appreciate more than we can say that you’ve come to help his family through this difficult time. 

Today, we gather together to remember Remy and the light he brought into our lives. Like me, I know you all will continue keeping him in your hearts today and always.

Set the Tone for a Funeral with Your Opening Remarks

For some people, speaking in public will never be easy. And delivering even a brief speech when you’re in mourning can be extremely challenging. But even if you aren’t comfortable speaking in public, it’s important to honor our loved ones. Speaking about what they meant to their surviving friends and family is a powerful gesture.

The right words can even help bring closure or comfort to grieving loved ones. If you’ve been asked to speak at a funeral, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you are. They’re also in mourning. Even if your speech doesn’t go perfectly, people won’t mind. As long as you speak from the heart, they’ll connect with you. 

If you need more help with planning a funeral or memorial service, read our guides on funeral flowers for grandchildren and what shoes to wear to a funeral . 

Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, the funeral isn't the only thing you have to handle. We have a post-loss checklist  that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate , and other affairs are taken care of.

• "Funerals and Memorial Practices." Baylor University Medical Humanities Program . https://medicalhumanities.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj751/files/2022-07/Hoy2020_ReferenceWorkEntry_FuneralsAndMemorialPractices.pdf

Categories:

• Funeral Etiquette

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What to say in a funeral service welcome speech.

Crafting a Meaningful Welcome Speech for a Funeral Service

A funeral service welcome speech sets the tone for the gathering and provides comfort and guidance to those attending. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the loss, express gratitude to those who have come to pay their respects, and offer words of hope and support. A well-crafted welcome speech can help bring people together in shared remembrance and provide a sense of closure. This guide provides key elements to include in a funeral service welcome speech and examples to help you find the right words.

1. Start with a Warm Greeting and Introduction

Begin the welcome speech by greeting the attendees and introducing yourself. A warm and sincere greeting helps set a comforting tone and acknowledges everyone’s presence.

Example of a Greeting and Introduction

• "Good afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I am [relationship to the deceased]. On behalf of the family, I want to thank you all for being here today to honor and remember [Name of the Deceased]."
• "Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us today as we come together to celebrate the life of our beloved [Name of the Deceased]. My name is [Your Name], and I am truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support."

2. Acknowledge the Grief and Loss

It’s important to acknowledge the grief that everyone is feeling and recognize the loss that has brought everyone together. This acknowledgment shows empathy and creates a sense of shared experience among attendees.

Examples of Acknowledging Grief

• "We are all gathered here today because we have lost someone very special. [Name of the Deceased] touched each of our lives in unique ways, and the pain of losing them is felt deeply by all of us."
• "Today, we come together in our sadness and grief to honor a life that meant so much to so many. It’s okay to feel the weight of this loss, and it’s important that we support one another through this difficult time."

3. Express Gratitude to the Attendees

Take a moment to express gratitude to everyone who took the time to attend the funeral service. Acknowledging their support can provide comfort to the family and reinforce a sense of community.

How to Express Gratitude

• "Thank you all for coming today to show your love and support. Your presence here is a testament to how much [Name of the Deceased] was loved and how greatly they will be missed."
• "We are incredibly grateful to each of you for being here, for your kind words, and for the comfort you’ve provided during this challenging time."

4. Share a Brief Reflection or Memory

Sharing a brief reflection or a personal memory of the deceased can help attendees connect with the speaker and remind them of the impact the deceased had on their lives. It can be a lighthearted story, a meaningful moment, or a simple observation that captures the essence of the deceased.

Examples of Sharing a Memory

• "I will always remember [Name of the Deceased] for their incredible kindness and generosity. They had a way of making everyone feel special, and their laughter could light up any room."
• "One of my fondest memories of [Name of the Deceased] is when [share a short, meaningful story]. It’s moments like these that remind us of the joy they brought into our lives."

5. Offer Words of Comfort and Hope

After acknowledging the grief and sharing a memory, it’s important to offer words of comfort and hope. Remind attendees that they are not alone and that it’s okay to grieve while also cherishing the memories of the deceased.

Comforting Words to Include

• "Although we are grieving, let us also find comfort in the memories we shared with [Name of the Deceased] and the love that will always remain in our hearts."
• "In this time of sorrow, let us lean on each other for support and remember that [Name of the Deceased] will always be a part of us."

6. Provide an Overview of the Service

Before concluding the welcome speech, provide a brief overview of the service to let attendees know what to expect. This helps guide the flow of the service and keeps everyone informed.

Service Overview Examples

• "Today, we will hear from several speakers who will share their memories and reflections. We will also have some time for quiet reflection and prayer, followed by a reception where we can continue to share stories and support one another."
• "We have a few speakers who will be sharing their thoughts and memories today, and we will also have a moment of silence to honor [Name of the Deceased]. After the service, please join us for refreshments and a time to connect."

7. Conclude with a Message of Support and Thanks

End the welcome speech by thanking attendees once again and offering continued support to the grieving family and friends. A strong conclusion helps leave a positive and comforting impression on the attendees.

Conclusion Examples

• "Thank you once again for being here today. Your presence means more than words can express, and it’s a reminder of the love and support that surrounds us. Let us now come together to honor and celebrate the life of [Name of the Deceased]."
• "As we continue with today’s service, let’s hold onto the love and memories we have of [Name of the Deceased], and may we find comfort in each other’s presence."

Conclusion: Delivering a Meaningful Funeral Service Welcome Speech

A funeral service welcome speech is an important opportunity to bring comfort, express gratitude, and set the tone for a meaningful service. By greeting attendees warmly, acknowledging grief, sharing memories, and offering words of hope, you can create a supportive and unifying atmosphere for all who are gathered to remember and honor a loved one.

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