Writing Practice

I. A Brief Introduction

Write A Letter of Condolence or Sympathy

The best condolence or sympathy letters are like conversations you would have to the family, only in written form. The letters are usually handwritten, under one page in length and are sent promptly. They can be addressed to the person in the family you feel the closest to, or to the family as a whole. A well structured condolence or sympathy letter usually has seven parts:

1) Acknowledge the loss. 

2) Express your sympathy. 

3) Note the special qualities of the deceased you admired or appreciated.

4) Recount a memory about the deceased. 

5) Offer assistance.

6) Close with a thoughtful word or phrase.

7) The ending and sign off.

II. A Sample Letter

A Letter of Sympathy and Condolence for a Mother

Dear Cathy,

My thoughts are with you at this time. I know how close you and your mother were and I can only imagine what you must be going through right now.

Your mom was one of the kindest, wisest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever known. I’ll never forget that time, when she came to my rescue after the car accident. I was so upset about what my parents would do. Your mom helped me calm down and deal with the situation like an adult. She taught me to take responsibility and I still carry that lesson with me today.

Even though you and I are thousands of miles apart right now, please know that I’m praying for you. I know that you have the strength in you to move on and I want to remind you that I’m here for you. I’d like to spend some time with you as soon as possible, so I’ll call you to find out when I can visit.

Take care,

Rebecca