A Helpful Guide

How to Write a Bereavement Thank You Note

Flowers, memorial gifts, casseroles, visits, calls and prayers – the outpouring of love families receive after the death of a loved one is tremendously appreciated. And with the gifts comes the responsibility to write thank you notes.

Here are some suggestions of how to express thanks for the generosity you have received:

  1. The note can be as brief or as lengthy as you like. A long letter isn’t necessary, but you may want to say more to a close friend than a distant relative.
  2. Use custom stationery (with your name or initials), or notes from the funeral home with your loved one’s name on them. This personalizes the note before you’ve even written a word.
  3. Personalize each note to the recipient by name, so it’s clear you’re not using a form letter.
  4. Identify in the note what you received, as well as your response to the gift.
  5. Acknowledge how your loved one would have appreciated the thought that went into the gift
  6. End with a simple salutation

 

Sample copy 1

Dear Mary,

Thank you so much for the flowers you sent to mother’s funeral. Daisies were her favorite flower, and you were so thoughtful to select an arrangement that featured this heirloom bloom. She would have loved it. It was also nice to see you and Tom at the service. I know getting off work isn’t easy, and we all appreciated the effort you made to be there for our family. Please know how much you mean to us and how much your support over these last few months has meant.

With love,

Susan

 

Sample copy 2

Dear Mr. Smith,

Thank you for the donation you made on my father’s behalf to the SPCA. He selected this organization because of his love of animals, and I know he would be happy to know your gift can be put to good use. You were very generous to remember him and we do appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Susan and Bob Jones