How to Write Funeral Thank You Note Cards
Losing a loved one is a time where your friends, family, and community will likely show up to support you in any way they can. This support often comes in the form of lending an ear, donations, condolences, general availability, and flowers, among many other gestures. No matter the gesture, sending out thank you notes is an easy and quick way to share your appreciation. If you have an Ever Loved memorial website, you can easily send out thank you notes to everyone that contributed to your memorial fundraiser. You can also add a personal note on your memorial website, so that anyone visiting can immediately see the note from your family. In addition to that, you can privately message anyone who has attended the funeral, left a note on the site, or has added themselves to the community on your site. Below are some situations where it might be considered customary to thank others for their support and some ideas on how to phrase your gratitude.
Thank you notes for funeral attendance
Sending out thank you cards and thank you notes can be a great way to show your appreciation for the attendance of loved ones at a funeral. It’s a way to connect with your community and has the added benefit of helping them feel connected to the family during your time of need and grief. You can send out thank you notes to anyone, but usually send them out to those who went above and beyond in some way during the funeral or following the death of a loved one. This can include those who participated in the funeral (such as readers, clergy, caterers, floral partners, etc.). There are many ways to word a thank you card, but if you’re stuck, here are some templates to get you started:
For a friend, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Please accept our family’s gratitude for your attendance at [deceased’s first name]’s service earlier this [week/month/year]. [Deceased’s first name] mentioned you often and considered you one of [his/her] closest friends, we were so glad you could make it to the services. You are a special friend to our family and we’re glad to have you in our lives.
With love,
[Family name]
For a friend, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for attending [deceased’s first name]’s service earlier this [week/month/year]. [Deceased’s first name] mentioned you often and considered you one of [his/her] closest friends, I am so glad you could make it to the services.
With love,
[Family name]
For a family member, from the family:
Dear [First name],
We wanted to send our thanks to you for being able to make it to [deceased first name’s] funeral. We hope you know how much you meant to [deceased’s first name] and how much it meant to us that you were there. Hoping to see you soon.
Love,
[Family name]
For a family member, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to send over my thanks to you for coming to [deceased first name’s] funeral. I hope you know how much you meant to [deceased’s first name] and how much it meant to me that you were there. Hoping to see you soon.
Love,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Thank you so much for attending [deceased’s first name]’s funeral earlier this [week, month, year]. It meant a lot to our family that you were able to make it and we know it would’ve meant a lot to [deceased’s first name]. We truly appreciated your presence.
All the best,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to send over my thanks for attending [deceased’s first name]’s funeral earlier this [week, month, year]. It meant so much to me that you were able to make it and I know it would’ve meant the world to [deceased’s first name] that you were there. I truly appreciated your presence.
All the best,
[Family name]
Thank you notes for donations to a charity
If contributions went towards a charity, it’s nice to let them know how their donation supports the organization (if you haven’t already). If you’re not really sure what to reference, think of some responses to these questions to get you started: If you asked for donations to go towards a special designation at the charity, what was the special designation? What distinguishes it from the organization as a whole? Why was the charity special to the person who passed away? What kind of impact does this organization have on the community? Why did your family choose this organization? What was the organization able to accomplish with your donations?
Answering those questions will give you a foundation to start crafting your thank you note cards for any charitable contributions. Below are some templates to get you started:
For a friend, from the family:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, our family wanted to send our deep appreciation for your contribution to [Organization Name] in [deceased’s First name]’s name. We chose [name of organization] due to [reason why you chose organization] and the profound impact it had on [deceased’s first name]’s life. With your help, they were able to [purchase/support/fund/ explanation of where funds went]. You are a dear friend and we are eternally grateful for your support during this difficult time.
With all our love,
[Family name]
For a friend, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, I wanted to thank you for your generous contribution to [Organization Name] in [deceased’s First name]’s name. [Name of organization] was important to [deceased’s first name] and I know [he/she] would be over the moon to see how much support everyone has shown in [his/her] absence. You are a dear friend and I am so grateful for your support during this difficult time.
Many thanks,
[Your name]
For a family member, from the family:
[First name],
First and foremost, we wanted to send our deepest thanks for your help in supporting [Organization Name]! [Organization name] was important to [deceased’s first name] and we know [he/she] would be humbled to see how much support everyone has shown during this time. We love you and are so grateful to have you in our lives during such a difficult time.
Love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from an individual
[First name],
First and foremost, I wanted to send my deep appreciation for your contribution to [Organization Name] in [deceased’s First name]’s name. I chose [name of organization] due to [reason why you chose organization] and the profound impact it had on [deceased’s first name]’s life. With your help, they were able to [purchase/support/fund/ explanation of where funds went]. I love you dearly and am so grateful to have you in my life during such a difficult time.
Love,
[Your name]
For a coworker, from the family:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, our family wanted to send our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to [Organization Name] in [deceased’s First name]’s name. We chose [name of organization] due to [reason why you chose organization] and because the work [organization name] does meant a lot to [deceased’s first name]. With your gift, they were able to [purchase/support/fund/ explanation of where funds went]. We are so fortunate to have individuals like you supporting our family during this difficult time.
With gratitude,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from individual:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, I wanted to send my deepest thanks for your generous contribution to [Organization Name] in [deceased’s First name]’s name. I chose [name of organization] because the work [organization name] does meant a lot to [deceased’s first name] and [another reason why you chose the organization]. I am so thankful to have people like you supporting me during this difficult time. It means a lot to me that [first name] meant so much to people like you.
With my gratitude,
[Name]
Thank you notes for donations to a personal cause (such as funeral expenses)
Sending out thank you cards to those who helped you pay for funeral expenses is a wonderful way to show your appreciation, especially if their support helped cover some of the unexpectedly high costs of a funeral (like a casket). If you’ve set up a memorial fundraiser, you can use the thank you notes feature included in the website. This will automatically send out an email to all users who donated to your memorial fundraiser. It’s a good idea to send out this email at the end of your fundraiser as a quick and easy way to acknowledge your community’s support. If you’re thinking of ways to get started, feel free to browse the templates below:
For a friend, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Our family wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for your donation towards our funeral fundraiser. We were completely caught off guard by this loss and were not prepared for all of the unexpected expenses that come along with a funeral. Thank you so much for supporting our family during this difficult time. You are a true friend.
With all our love,
[Family name]
For a friend, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, I wanted to personally thank you for your kindness in helping me cover funeral costs. It made a world of difference and I am so grateful to have you in my life. You are a dear friend, thank you so much for your support.
Love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from the family:
[First name],
First and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your generosity during this difficult time. Being able to have a service that [deceased first name] wanted was such a blessing, especially since we wouldn’t have been able to hold one without everyone’s contributions. Thank you so much, we’re hoping to see you soon.
With love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from an individual
[First name],
I wanted to send my deepest thanks for your support during such a difficult time. I’m so thankful to know that [deceased first name] was supported by everyone, even after passing away. Your donation genuinely relieved a massive burden and helped me get through this. Thank you so much.
With love,
[Your name]
For a coworker, from the family:
Dear [First name],
First and foremost, our family wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for your generous contribution to our memorial fundraiser. With your support, we were able to hold a beautiful service, one that [deceased first name] deserved. Thank you for lifting such a burden off of our family and for supporting us.
With gratitude,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to send you my deepest thanks for your generous contribution to [deceased first name]’s memorial fundraiser. I wouldn’t have been able to hold a service for [him/her] if it wasn’t for people like you. [First name] was lucky to know you and I am lucky to have had your support during such a difficult time.
With my gratitude,
[Name]
Thank you notes for funeral flowers
Families, friends, and coworkers are always looking for ways they can support someone after a loss. Flowers are a common way to show support to a family and you might even find yourself running out of room for all of the arrangements you’re likely to receive. Funeral flower arrangements aren’t exactly cheap, so sending over a thank you note is generally a good idea. If you’re unsure where to start, check out some of the following thank you notes for funeral flower templates:
For a friend, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Our family wanted to thank you so much for sending over the beautiful arrangement. We’re so grateful to have friends like you during such a difficult time. The flowers were beautiful and brightened our day.
With all our love,
[Family name]
For a friend, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to thank you for sending over such a beautiful flower arrangement for [deceased first name]’s services. I’m so thankful to have friends like you during such a difficult time. The flowers were stunning and brightened my day.
Love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from the family:
[First name],
Thank you so much for the beautiful arrangement you sent over, it brightened an otherwise dark time. We’re so grateful for your support and for thinking of us as we go through this.
With all our love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from an individual
[First name],
I wanted to thank you for the floral arrangement you sent over last [week/month]. The flowers were absolutely beautiful and brought warmth and light into my life. I’m so thankful for your support and hope to see you soon.
With love,
[Your name]
For a coworker, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Our entire family wanted to send over our deepest appreciation for the beautiful flower arrangement you sent over. The flowers were wonderful and brightened all of our days. Thank you so much for your support during such a difficult time, it’s more than appreciated.
With gratitude,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to let you know that your floral arrangement was one of my favorite arrangements at the services. The flowers were beautiful and I greatly appreciate you thinking of me and my family during this difficult time.
With my gratitude,
[Name]
Thank you notes for kindness, support, and condolences
Many times individuals want to show their support for the family simply by showing up, sharing their condolences and letting you know that they’re there for you. Even during difficult times, it can help to know that if you need, support is there. It’s useful to find specialized communities to support you through your grief, but it’s also helpful when your own community shows up for you in your time of need. Here are some ways to share your thanks:
For a friend, from the family:
Dear [First name],
Our family just wanted to send over a heartfelt thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time. Please know that it’s incredibly appreciated and we’re glad to know we’re in your thoughts and prayers.
With all our love,
[Family name]
For a friend, from an individual:
Dear [First name],
I wanted to say thank you for your kindness, support and warmth during this difficult time. It means so much to me to have you in my life. You are a true friend.
Love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from the family:
[First name],
Thank you so much for your kind words and support during this time. It means a lot to us to know that we can lean on you and the rest of the family to get through this. Hoping to see you soon.
With all our love,
[Your name]
For a family member, from an individual
[First name],
I wanted to say thank you for your kind words and for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. This has been such a difficult time and having the support of you and everyone else has been a blessing.
With love,
[Your name]
For a coworker, from the family:
Dear [First name],
We wanted to thank you for your kindness, your support, and your heartwarming words during such a difficult time. Our family is grateful to know that even [deceased first name]’s coworkers and family at work are sending our family love and support.
With gratitude,
[Family name]
For a coworker, from individual:
Dear [First name],
I just wanted to thank you, deeply, for your kindness and your support during this difficult time. It means a lot to me to know that [deceased first name] had such a profound impact on everyone around [him/her]. I’m grateful to you and wish you well.
With my gratitude,
[Name]
If you’re overwhelmed, unsure of where to start, or just want to let everyone know that you’re grateful for their support all at once -- consider creating a memorial website, if you haven’t already. Memorial websites on Ever Loved have a section for you to leave a personal note from the family; personal notes are shown to everyone who visits the website and is one of the first things they see. Many families use the personal note to easily share their appreciation and gratitude for the support of their community, without writing out individualized cards to everyone they came in touch with.
