Ways to Express Sympathy

When someone dies, expressing your condolences to the grieving family can be challenging. What is the right thing to say? What can you do to help the bereaved get through this difficult time? There are many meaningful ways to recognize the life of the one who has passed away, whether it is with a simple sympathy card, a gift, or by just being there for the family. How you decide to express your sympathy depends on how close you were to the deceased and also your budget.

Following are ways in which you can help express your sympathy to the family of the deceased.

• Attend the visitation or funeral services.
• Send a sympathy card, Mass card or personalized note to the family.
• Send a flower arrangement. If you know the deceased had a favorite flower or color, you can make that prominent in the bouquet.
• Send a gift basket of edible treats or other thoughtful items.
• Donate to a charity in the name of the deceased.
• Offer to perform helpful chores for the family members such as grocery shopping, cooking dinner, washing dishes and babysitting children.
• Create a remembrance website displaying pictures and memories.
• Have a commemorative plaque engraved with the person’s name.
• Create a memorial garden in your yard or the family’s yard.
• Release balloons or butterflies in honor of the deceased.
• Dedicate a hospital wing, library or university building in the person’s name.
• Invite the bereaved out to the movies, to a restaurant or to engage in another activity to show your support and offer a sympathetic ear. This is especially important in the weeks after the funeral.

No matter what you choose to do, it is most important for people to show support, love and respect for the departed and the family left behind.