Bereavement Quotes and Messages - Sympathy Quotations and Verses

Coming up with the right words to express condolence to a bereaved family or friend can be difficult. A card with a thoughtful message is one way to express your feelings. Choosing a sympathy quotation or verse might bring great comfort at such a difficult time.  

 Short, Comforting Condolence Messages in Times of Bereavement  

Short words that might bring comfort to the bereaved:  

• “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – From a headstone in Ireland.
• “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
• “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” – John Taylor.
• “Heaven is a place nearby, so there’s no need to say goodbye.” – Lene Marlin

  Bereavement Verses   Verses expressing emotions at a time of bereavement:  

• “Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. …Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, Comfort in the midst of pain.” – Anonymous
• “Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, Just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
• “We pray God will Comfort you, And send Angels from above, Giving sweet peace within your heart, Surrounding you with Eternal Love. We are sorry for your deep loss, There's so little we can find to say, You are in our thoughts and prayers, As we grieve with you today. With Our Heartfelt Sympathy. – Leona Miller

  Condolence Messages and Messages of Sympathy   Condolences expressed through thoughtful quotations:  

• “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. – Rossiter Worthington Raymond
• “You don’t get over it, you just get through it. Your don’t get by it, because you can’t get around it. It doesn’t ‘get better,’ It just gets different. Everyday grief puts on a new face.” - Wendy Feireis 
• “Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am a diamond's glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds circled in flight. I am the soft star that shines at night.
• Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die.” – Mary Elizabeth Frye

  Words of Comfort from Classic Writers  

• “Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, Of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, Rather find strength in what remains behind. - William Wordsworth
• “Like a bird singing in the rain, Let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
• “Peace, peace! He is not dead, he doth not sleep, He hath awakened from the dream of life … 'Tis we, who lost in stormy visions, keep with phantoms an unprofitable strife.” – Percy Shelley

  Coming to terms with death is the greatest challenge on this life’s journey. A sympathy quotation or verse and the sentiments in the words may help to express your condolences and might comfort the heart and soul of the recipient.   Sources  

• Frank, L.R. Inspiring Quotes. New York: Gramercy Books. 2005
• Knowles, E. Oxford Dictionary of Modern Quotations. OUP Oxford. 2008.
• McLellan, V. Wise Words and Quotes. Cambridge: Tynedale House Publishers. 2000.