Memorable Eulogy Samples for a Beloved Mother

Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy.

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Writing a beautiful eulogy for your mother can take some time and patience, but it is such a special way to honor her life. Using tips and guidelines for writing a eulogy for your mother can help make the process a bit easier to manage.

What Do You Say in a Eulogy for Your Mother?

Short eulogy examples can be used as a template to help you get started, pick a general theme, and figure out what tone works best for your style. Keep in mind if you're not a fan of public speaking, it's a good idea to keep your speech on the shorter side, as emotions may run high on the day of the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. A eulogy should start by introducing yourself and then end with final thoughts about your mom. Fill in the middle with information personalized your mom, her life, and your relationship.

  • 100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye

Eulogy for Mother With a Degenerative Illness

If your mother passed away due to a degenerative illness such as dementia or cancer, you may or may not wish to include information about her experience with this illness in your speech. If you would like to include information abut your mother's experience with a degenerative illness, you may mention it briefly after the introduction, or before closing, but be sure not to solely focus on this. Examples include:

  • "As many of you know, (insert deceased individual's name) was diagnosed with (insert illness) back in (insert date). Despite this diagnosis, her passion for life and her contagious curiosity was no different. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to us all for living life to the fullest and not letting anything get in her way."
  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) kept her diagnosis of (insert name of illness) quite private. She never wanted to burden anyone with feeling like they had to take care of her, especially on her more challenging days. Her selflessness didn't just show up after her diagnosis- she has been this way her whole life, putting others first and wanting to be her family and friends' rock."

Eulogy for Mother With Mental Health Disorder

Similar to a eulogy for a mother who had a degenerative illness, it is up to you to decide whether you'd like to disclose your mother's mental health diagnosis. Be sure if you do include the diagnosis, that it is there for a purpose, not just to mention it. Examples include:

  • "As some of you may know, (insert deceased individual's name) had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis). Despite the challenges that this diagnosis created for her, she always persevered and continued to show her family that prioritizing self-care and mental wellbeing are significant aspects of creating a happy life. I will always hear her voice when it's time for me to check in with my own emotional well-being.We honor her memory today and every day."
  • "My mom has had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis) for as long as I can remember. Even though this has brought significant challenges her way, she always prioritized taking care of herself so she could be there for her family. Looking back, I am only now beginning to understand just how much she had to overcome to be the mother she was to us."

After mentioning the diagnosis, you can go into a more detailed story that illustrates who your mother was as a person. Personal anecdotes make a eulogy speech that much more meaningful and special.

Religious Eulogy for Mother

If your mother practiced a certain religion, or had a religious saying that was meaningful to her, you can consider adding it to your eulogy speech. You can do so by weaving in the saying or certain beliefs into the overarching theme of your speech. Examples of religious eulogies include:

  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) lived her life with a passion for love and acceptance of all people. She often would say (insert religious belief or saying) and she exemplified this by (insert specific example of her doing so). I am so grateful to have had her as such an incredible example of kindness, honesty, and strength."
  • "Religion has always been a huge part of (insert deceased individual's name) life. When any of us were experiencing a difficult moment in life, she tended to say, (insert religious saying). Through this saying, she taught us about strength and believing in ourselves."

Eulogy for a Difficult Mother

If you had an estranged or strained relationship with your mother, you will still be able to give a beautiful eulogy speech if you feel comfortable doing so. Try to focus on the positive characteristics of her and/or obstacles that she overcame. While you don't need to delve into the nitty gritty of your relationship, you can still capture positive aspects of her spirit in your words. You can consider saying:

  • "While my mother and I didn't have the closest relationship, I always admired her belief in herself and her ability to prioritize her needs. (Insert deceased individual's name) overcame a lot of hardship and poured herself into becoming who she wanted to be. I am grateful for the time we spent together."
  • "As many of you are aware of, my mother and I weren't as close as I wished we had been. Although we had our differences, I learned some incredible lessons from her about patience, strength, and respect. (Insert deceased individual's name) experienced many challenges in life and faced them head on with incredible strength and determination."

If you are struggling to come up with positive attributes, you can focus on her life chronologically and mention relationships that were important to her, her accomplishments, her hobbies, and her career.

Eulogy From a Son or Daughter

A eulogy written by a mother's son or daughter can be such a special tribute. An example of a eulogy from a son or daughter:

  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) was the kindest, most loving person I've ever known. She mothered everyone, so much so that friends would often call her mom. She took this as a compliment and never shied away from being there for others who needed support in one way or another. As her (daughter or son), I feel like I grew up with the most incredible role model who taught me to always be myself and to always push myself to learn more. I will miss her smile, her laugh, her sage advice, and her bubbly personality. I know all of us will miss her famous chocolate cake. Thank you again for being her today to honor her memory. She loved all of you and her memory will live on in all of us."

Eulogy for a Mother-in-Law

Examples of speeches for a mother-in-law include:

  • "There's a misconception that your in-laws are going to be trouble. That couldn't be further from the truth when it came to (insert deceased individual's name). She welcomed me with open arms and I grew fond of her extremely early on in our relationship. We ended up bonding over our love of animals and would spend our time hiking with our dogs and volunteering at local shelters together. While I don't feel ready to say goodbye, I know how lucky I am to have known her for the limited amount of time that I did. I miss her and so wish I got the privilege of spending more time with her."
  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) was a kind, free-spirited individual who loved to sing, dance, and cook amazing meals. She had a passion for many things, but most of all she had a passion for being a mom. I've watched her for the last several years be the most incredible mom to her children and when I came into the picture, she made an effort to make me feel welcome in her family right away. I have learned so many lessons from her about following your dreams and loving with all of your heart. I will miss her incredible presence and feel honored to be a part of her family."

Eulogy for a Step Mom

Eulogy examples for a step mom include:

  • "While we weren't technically related, I always felt like (insert deceased individual's name) was an incredible mother figure for me and my siblings. She was kind, soft-spoken, and had a deep love of reading. She loved to sit around and chat with us, always curious about not only our days, but our hopes and dreams. She was my guiding light through challenging moments and I will forever miss her gentle spirit."
  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) didn't come into my life until I was an adult, but I'm so happy she did. She was an incredible person who made a tremendous effort to get to know our family and seemed to fit in perfectly. She always made us laugh and was quick to offer support during difficult times. Her love of music was contagious, and she was constantly composing the most beautiful songs. I will miss her every day, but I feel so lucky to have had time with her."

How to Write a Eulogy for Your Mother

Writing a eulogy can feel like an overwhelming task for some individuals and can feel even more difficult during the process of grieving. Before you begin writing the tribute for your mother , pick a time when you feel motivated to write, instead of forcing yourself to do so when you aren't feeling up to it. Keep in mind that you can ask for help writing the eulogy from friends, family members, as well as the funeral director if you get stuck.

What Should Be Included in Your Mom's Eulogy?

Eulogies will vary based on a number of factors. In general, information in the eulogy should include mentioning your mother's close friends and family, her personality, her impact on your life, and special milestones. You can also add in a meaningful anecdote or special poem to honor your mom , too.

Coping With Grief When Writing

While writing and giving the eulogy speech may help a bit with closure, the grieving process is incredibly unique and complex. Whether you had an amazing relationship with your mom, an estranged one, or a complicated one, grief can still show up and may continue to do so for months to years after the passing. Find healthy ways to cope with your grief and reach out for help immediately if you are struggling with acts of daily living and/or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.

How Do I Write a Tribute to My Mother?

Writing a eulogy is a beautiful way to honor your mother at her funeral. Take your time as you write the eulogy and know that whatever you say in your speech will be enough.

writing a speech for mom's funeral

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Eulogy examples to help you write a eulogy for a memorial service

Funeral speech examples from around the world.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 10-05-2023

How do you begin to write a meaningful eulogy?

And how is it possible to say everything you want to about a person's entire life story in a few, very brief, minutes?

Both those questions are natural responses to having a eulogy to write for a funeral service.

Grief, together with the desire to honor your loved-one the best way you can, and the pressure of a tight timeframe, can make it feel like an almost insurmountable challenge. 

That's why reading what others have written in similar circumstances helps a great deal.

What's on this page:

Access to 70+ eulogy examples, the whys and wherefores of the collection: its background, a submission form to use if you want to contribute a eulogy and links to other useful pages on my site.

Quick links

  • I want to browse and read the example eulogies in the order they have been received . (The most recent is at the top of the list.)
  • I want to submit a eulogy I have written .
  • I want to read specific types of eulogies : eulogies for mothers, fathers, an older brother, a dear friend...
  • I want help with the eulogy writing process.

About these eulogy examples

I am fortunate to be able to make available to you a large, and growing, collection of funeral speech examples. 

They've been written by people from all over the world, who are just like you and me. They too have family and friends whom they care for deeply.

writing a speech for mom's funeral

Look and you'll find examples of eulogies for mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, mentors, colleagues, a close friend..., in short: loved ones.

The people who've written them have shared them to help people like yourself. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare, they know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, trying to find a starting point.

Some of the speeches are short. Some of them are funny. All of them are heartfelt, and they appear in the order I received them.

To see them, jump to  eulogy samples .  

Return to Top

 Help to find specific eulogy examples easily

If you're looking for an example of a eulogy for a particular kind of person, and don't want to browse your way through the chronologically ordered list below, use these links to go straight to a collection of:

  • eulogies for mothers
  • eulogies for  fathers
  • eulogies for  sisters
  • eulogies for  sons
  • eulogies for  grandmothers
  • eulogies for  grandfathers
  • eulogies for  friends
  • eulogies for  colleagues

I've grouped all the speeches I've received through this page according to their type on a new page here: sample eulogies . Whenever a eulogy is submitted, I add its link to the category it belongs to.

Collage of 12 labels: Eulogies for Mothers, Eulogies for Fathers, Eulogies for Sisters, Eulogies for Brothers...

The story behind this collection of eulogies

It began with two funeral speeches  I had written. 

Almost as soon as I put them online, they attracted an enormous number of visitors.

It was then I realized the need for more.  

I also knew my examples would not answer everybody's needs.

The one for my sister was different in approach.

The one for my friend and next-door neighbor was not what a grieving person with a eulogy speech to write for a close family member really wanted to see. 

My two were definitely not enough! 

Image: blue forget-me-not flowers. Text: What do forget-me-not flowers symbolize? Remembrance, enduring love, faithfulness

Offering a wider variety of funeral speeches 

To be really useful there needed to be a wider variety of funeral speeches. We needed eulogies for mothers, fathers, sons, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, colleagues, friends, people who died unexpectedly and suddenly...

And we needed them to reflect the diverse countries and faiths of the people visiting the site.

I decided to ask for more. Lo and behold, they began to arrive through my   eulogy submission form below.

Help to make writing a eulogy easier.

After you've read a few eulogy examples, and you want help to prepare your own speech you'll find it here:  how to write a good eulogy .

Image: bunches of white lily of the valley flowers. Text: How to write a eulogy step by step

The article has step-by-step instructions, examples, a very useful free 15-page printable eulogy planning template to download , as well as comprehensive answers for 13 FAQs about eulogies :

  • how do you start a eulogy ?
  • how do you end a eulogy ?
  • do you read a eulogy or memorize it?
  • how do you stop from crying when you give a eulogy ?

flower-divider

Why do people share a deeply personal speech?

The people sending their eulogies to me to publish fully appreciate that writing a funeral speech under pressure can be a difficult, sad and lonely task - sometimes one of the hardest things they've ever done.

They know from experience having examples to read can lessen that burden. It's a good way of starting to find the right words to tell their own personal stories and share their favorite memories about a person they have loved.

Theirs is a kind and generous act, one that's been repeated over 70 times already. 

Wonderfully, some of the people who've come searching for help to write their own eulogy, have returned to share what they've written.

(Read Craig's comment below his eulogy for his Grandmother, Bertha  or Byrona's below her  eulogy for her Dad  for verification.

Both were helped by funeral speeches they found here and wanted what they had written to assist others in the same way.)

So, if you've written a eulogy...

Would you consider sharing it.

It would help others enormously.

Every day people look for tips on how to a write eulogy or to find  eulogy examples  to read. I know because I see it reflected in my website visitor statistics.

I also know because of the comments people leave under speeches.  They are so very grateful to have found a eulogy expressing how they feel.

For instance, see the comments on Eulogy for my Son , on Eulogy for my Grandmother - Bertha , or Sharon Catley's poem for her Mother,  Journey's End .   

You know how it generally is with a speech of this sort. Typically, there is not much time to prepare, and you want to get it right.

Reading what others have done helps in the best possible way.

These eulogies inspire and give people the courage to do what they need to do.

Despite our differences what we all have in common is the desire to speak about our loved ones the very best way we can. 

The more examples we have, the more likely a person is going to find a speech that resonates and meets their needs.

You too could help by submitting the eulogy you've written. It's very simple to do.

Image background blue forget-me-nots. Text: Thank you for sharing.

When you're ready ...

PS. If you would like to share your eulogy but have privacy concerns around using your loved one's name you could either use a fictional one or write XXXX in its place. Be assured too, that although there is the possibility that people reading your speech might wish to respond, no comment goes live without my permission.

Enter the title of your eulogy

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)  

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Submit Your Contribution

  • Check box to agree to these   submission guidelines .
  • I am at least 16 years of age.
  • I understand and accept the privacy policy .
  • I understand that you will display my submission on your website.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Read recently submitted eulogy examples

Click the headline links below to read the eulogies or funeral speeches shared by visitors to this page...

Click here to write your own.

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writing a speech for mom's funeral

Eulogy Examples: How to Write a Eulogy for a Loved One

By Bernie Flowers

writing a speech for mom's funeral

How do you distill a lifetime of memories and experiences into a 15-minute eulogy? It’s an honor to hold the responsibility of eulogizing your loved one, but it can feel like a challenge to fit everything you want to say in one speech.

Instead of making the funeral attendees feel like they are reading an encyclopedia from cover-to-cover, look for ways to highlight the rich life experiences that matter most. A eulogy should be a sampling of the best the person had to offer including accomplishments, personality traits, and memorable stories.

When it comes to eulogy writing, you can search online for ideas and examples. But the most important thing you need to keep in mind: quality over quantity .

All this being said, we would advise having a professional write your Eulogy for you and you can avail of our Eulogy Writing Concierge Service

What is a Eulogy?

Giving a eulogy means that you are sharing a remembrance speech with the purpose of paying tribute to a loved one. This speech is given at the funeral or memorial service by a family member or close friend.

A good eulogy highlights the lasting impact of the person on their family and community. Through your speech, you’ll have an opportunity to share their unique qualities, as well as the ripple effect of positivity and change they created in the world around them.

How can you best honor  your loved one? A eulogy can be a part of your healing, and a beautiful way to reflect on the details that were most special about them.

Eulogy Examples

One of the simplest ways to write a eulogy is to review a eulogy speech example that matches your own preferred tone and style. What makes a eulogy unique is the unique details you’ll share about the person themselves, which is why it’s essential to customize your eulogy to honor and celebrate the personality of your loved one.

You may want to start with our primer on how to write a eulogy . Then, use the following outline and eulogy examples to create a strong speech  that communicates the message you want to share about the person who meant so much to you.

Eulogy Sample Outline

Using a eulogy sample outline is a proven way to create a great speech. Remember those Mad Libs books from your childhood? This process is similar: follow the outline and plug in the personal details applicable to your loved one. 

These eulogy samples help you overcome writer's block and keep you focused on the details that matter most. Aim to cap the eulogy at a maximum of 10 minutes total. The simplest eulogy outline can be broken down into three parts, so you’ll need to consider how much time to spend on each section:

  • Set the tone by beginning with a poem, quote, or scripture that was meaningful to the person.
  • Names they were known by, including nicknames and maiden names.
  • Cause of death (an optional detail).
  • A brief insight into your relationship with the individual.
  • Accomplishments
  • Major life events
  • Stories or fond memories
  • How the person affected others
  • Childhood years
  • Travel adventures
  • Marriage and children
  • Any other thoughts you want to share about the person
  • A final take away from your theme
  • How you want family and friends to remember the individual
  • What the person would want you to remember them for
  • Quote, scripture, or song lyric
  • Thank attendees for participating

Eulogy Examples for a Friend

It can be helpful to write this eulogy as if you were talking to a friend. Common talking points might include:

  • Common activities enjoyed together
  • What you like most about the person
  • Personality traits or phrases they often use
  • How you would describe the person
  • What will you remember them by?

Here is a eulogy example for a friend:

I can’t imagine how empty it will feel to spend time on the basketball court without Jim by my side. Our relationship was built with a basketball in hand, and evolved to share many family gatherings and other activities together over the years. With his passing, Jim is leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Jim shared good humor and a big smile with everyone he met. Even though people often cursed at his practical jokes, he was an integral part of creating a solid foundation of friendship in our group. When times were difficult, he could always put a smile on my face. He held his head high until the end, showing what it looks like to finish strong.

Eulogy Examples for Your Father

Writing a eulogy for your dad may be really tough. How do you memorialize your hero amid grief and emotion? We hope these tips and the example below will help you in your process. 

  • Share childhood experiences when spending time with dad
  • Talk about his best qualities
  • Capture his essence through “dad jokes” and the things that made you laugh
  • Tell about the things you will miss most about him
  • Describe his role in your upbringing

Here is a eulogy example for your father:

My dad was my hero. He could make every person feel like they were the most important person in the world. Growing up, I knew that I could always ask Dad for help – and he would be willing to drop anything to lend a hand. He was a rock of stability in my childhood and a source of strength for our whole family.

My father was a man who infused fun into the most mundane tasks. I remember how he would turn our bedtime routine into an adventure that included highlights from our favorite storybooks. He was a kind and thoughtful person. Every night at the dinner table, he encouraged us to talk about the things we were grateful for, and always had yummy treats for us kids hidden in the back of the pantry. I will miss you, Dad, and I’ll always hold onto the amazing memories we shared together.

Eulogy Examples for Your Mother

How can you ever do justice to a eulogy for your beloved mother – the woman who was always there with love and guidance through the ups and downs, the celebrations and challenging moments of your life? Here are a few tips for writing a eulogy for your mother:

  • Describe the way she showed her love for you
  • Celebrate the small ways she turned your house into a home
  • Highlight the impact she made throughout the community
  • Explain the smells, sounds, and feelings you felt when arriving home
  • Share stories from childhood and adulthood that reflect her character

Here is a eulogy example for your mother:

Today we are honoring, celebrating, and remembering {mom’s full name]. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something, like going back to school to become a nurse at age 40. 

My mother was truly my best friend and I am humbled by the challenge of describing the fullness of her beauty and caring here today. I don't know how she did it, but Mom always found the perfect balance between work and home. Even though she worked 40 – 50 hours a week to support us, she prioritized family dinner. That time was sacred to our family. Her love and kindness were infused in everything she did, whether she was baking cookies for a bake sale to help the hospital or sewing our Halloween costumes by hand year after year. 

She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into the room. No one who met her could forget her smile. And I’ll never forget the advice and the lessons she taught me. Her wisdom will forever guide the decisions I make through the rest of my life. I love you, Mom.

Eulogy Examples for Your Grandmother

How do you share the details about the love you felt through your relationship with a grandmother? Follow these tips to write a good eulogy for this important woman:

  • Talk about the fun traditions she brought for your favorite holiday
  • What was she known for in the community?
  • How did her influence touch your life?
  • What are the daily moments that will remind you of her?
  • Share funny stories that showcase her quirks or sense of humor

Here is a eulogy example for your grandmother:

My grandmother paid attention to the details – it was the little things that added the finishing touch to every experience. Whether she was setting out the treat jar on the kitchen table or clinking the glass while drinking her iced tea, she always prioritized food and drinks.

Since she loved to shop, grandma would often take us to the mall when we were visiting for the weekend. We would have fashion shows in the dressing rooms and often come home with bright, frilly dresses that were perfect for twirling.

When grandpa was away for the war, grandma was an example of always getting back up again when things get hard. She never complained; just worked hard and supported her family at all times. Despite the personal challenges, she always looked outside of herself – which is why she will be remembered as a beacon of light in this community.

Eulogy Examples for Your Grandfather

What are the details that make your grandfather larger than life? Here are a few ideas to help when writing a eulogy for this great man:

  • Explain the qualities that best describe his personality
  • Tell about the details that made him stand out from other grandparents
  • What hobbies or passions did he share with the family?
  • How will the neighborhood or community remember him?
  • Talk about stories that were life-changing moments for him

Here is a eulogy example for your grandfather:

Even though my grandfather didn’t like to be the center of attention, he had an undeniable impact on the community. If he was here with us today, he wouldn’t want us to share grief and sorrow. Instead, his desire would be to focus on the happy memories and joyful experiences shared over the years.

Grandpa was a man who set a lasting impression on everyone he met. His deep laugh and kind eyes warmed the room and brought life into the most boring daily activities. Grandpa loved spending time with his grandkids because he said that it made him feel young at heart.

He was a great teacher and a dependable friend. His advice and guidance will continue to carry me through the joys and challenges that life has to offer.

Eulogy Examples for Your Brother

Siblings share a special bond, giving you deep insights to share about your brother. Follow these tips for writing a good eulogy:

  • What was it like growing up in the same house together?
  • Describe the way your relationship changed in adulthood
  • Share funny stories about sibling rivalries
  • Explain the lasting impact he left on you and the family
  • List his favorite hobbies and food

Here is a eulogy example for your brother:

While it’s tragic to think about Kyle leaving us too soon, he left behind a lifetime of memories that we can celebrate. Kyle was always ready for a fun day with friends – he would have been the one showing up today with the perfect playlist for the event.

Even though my brother was a few years older than me, he always included me in the adventures with his friends. I never felt like the little brother he was dragging along. He made me feel special and included in the group, and helped me build confidence along the way.

Kyle was my best friend and I can’t imagine what life is going to be like without him sending me funny cat memes every night. But I know that his memory will live on when I eat his favorite pizza or hear his favorite band on the radio.

Eulogy Examples for Your Sister

If you’ve lost a sibling, we are truly sorry, Writing a eulogy for your sister can be a way to honor her through your memories of your childhood and growing up with her, as well as the milestones of her life. A few ideas for this eulogy include:

  • Share her notable life accomplishments
  • Retell your favorite stories from growing up together
  • Highlight the kind of person she was
  • Summarize your relationship in a few short words
  • Talk about what she meant to you and how she influenced your life

Here is a eulogy example for your sister:

My sister, Kim, might have been a little shy at the first introduction. But once she warmed up to a friendship, she always had plenty to say every time she talked. Kim loved to share stories from her time volunteering at the children’s hospital and she had a beautiful gift of making everyone feel like the most important person in the world.

We were only a year apart, which meant that I was the younger sister who was often stealing her clothes or listening in on her conversations with her boyfriend. Even though I was the pesky sibling who cracked jokes about her unique style, she was everything I wanted to be when I grew up. She was independent, strong, and beautiful. She was a free spirit who wasn’t afraid to act boldly, like moving to Paris after college and starting her own business. She was my partner in crime, and I could always tell her everything. She will never be replaced. . My dear sister, I love you and I will be forever grateful for every moment we spent together.

Short Eulogy Examples

Short and sweet is a good rule of thumb to follow when writing a eulogy. Consider these important talking points if you want to write a short eulogy:

  • Highlight the person’s passions or interests
  • What were the most memorable times you spent together?
  • Sum up the person’s character using a story or memory
  • Express your gratitude for the impact the person had on your life
  • Talk about their influence on family and community

Here is a short eulogy example:

The years I spent with Kathy in my life were filled with excitement and adventure. She showed up for life in the biggest way possible. From the moment she shared her cookie with me on the first day of kindergarten, I knew we would be best friends.

She spent many years working as a teacher, and her heart was big enough to offer individual attention to every child that walked into her classroom. Kathy made a difference in the lives of hundreds of children over the years, and her kindness and positivity will leave an unwavering legacy in this community.

Funny Eulogy Examples

Sometimes a bit of humor is the perfect way to lighten the mood and showcase the personality of your loved one. Consider these tips if you want to add a few jokes into the eulogy:

  • Point out the person’s comedic qualities
  • Be specific about sharing their jokes or pranks
  • Look for ways to communicate what the person would say if they wrote the speech
  • Find the right balance of humor to share laughs without being irreverent
  • Share a funny poem or a quote from the person’s favorite movie

Here is a funny eulogy example:

Anyone who met Josh quickly learned that there are always laughs to be shared. It was impossible to spend time with him without enjoying a gut-busting laugh at some point in the conversation. Josh was known as the class clown, and his jokes were quick-witted and hilarious.

Who could forget the time Josh showed up to the family reunion wearing that ridiculous blow-up dinosaur costume? He chased the kids around the park until everyone laughed until they were crying.

Many funny memories came out of our family camping trips. He couldn’t sit down to enjoy a peaceful campfire. Instead, the s’more making always seemed to turn into a marshmallow fight – with white puffs flying through the air when you least expected it. Josh kept a smile on my face through the ups and downs of life, and I will keep on smiling in his honor.

Personalizing the Eulogy

As you read through these funeral eulogy examples, the most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a right or wrong way to write a eulogy. Instead, consider the best way to share the person in the way they would want others to remember them. It’s your chance to verbalize your love and honor the memories of your loved one.

Our Farewelling Editors are constantly reviewing and curating resources to help you with your planning.  We may receive a small commission from any purchases made through the links.

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72 eulogy examples.

Eulogies are pieces of writing or funeral speeches that are typically shared at a funeral or gathering for someone who has passed away. The speeches often contain a description of the person who passed away, the kind of person they were and personal memories that the person delivering the eulogy finds meaningful to share. That being said, eulogies can be fully customized to fit your writing style and needs and can come in all types of formats. Somber eulogies, eulogies filled with stories, short eulogies, and funny eulogies are all common. The best eulogy speeches are those that are written from the heart.

How to write a eulogy

Outstanding eulogies posted on ever loved, example eulogy templates, eulogy examples for a friend, eulogy examples for a father, eulogy examples for a mother, eulogy examples for a grandmother or grandfather, eulogy examples for a son, eulogy examples for a brother or sister, eulogy examples for a grandson or granddaughter, eulogy example for an infant, eulogy examples for a parent, eulogy examples for a wife, eulogy examples for a coworker, eulogy examples for various professions.

Not sure where to start? Don’t know how to write a eulogy for a mother? Friend? Sister? Grandfather? Try to relax and remember that many people don’t know how to write a eulogy, especially for someone important in their life. To start, the main parts to include in a standard eulogy are as follows:

Introduction

A brief introduction usually looks like “Thank you all for being here” or “Thank you all for coming”. You’re acknowledging the audience and thanking them for sharing this time with you and yours.

Short story

Including a short story about your loved one is customary and is usually a story that really shows their personality or what about them made them special. If you’re interested in a lighter eulogy, consider sharing a funny story. For more somber atmospheres, stories about lessons taught by the individual or a story about their achievements is a great alternative. Other popular story topics include major accomplishments, life events, the impact the person had on others, childhood memories and years, stories about traveling, marriage, family, children, or other important stories.

Favorite memories

Similar to the story, it’s not unusual to see eulogies include one or two favorite memories the person had with the deceased. These memories can be of simple or complex moments; this is up to you and what feels right.

Important quote

If your loved one had a favorite passage, verse, quote, or poem, you can include it in the eulogy itself. Alternatively, if you have a passage or quote that you feel is relevant and important to share, you can include that as well.

You can end the eulogy by summarizing the impact this person had on the lives of others and by acknowledging the family and those who chose to attend the services again. It may also feel fitting to end the eulogy with a treasured quote or passage.

Order a eulogy

If you're looking for examples of real eulogies that have been written and read by folks on Ever Loved, here are some outstanding examples. Reading through example eulogies can help inspire you and guide you when it comes time for you to prepare a eulogy.

Shannon McMasters' eulogy

Written by Stephen McMasters Shannon McMasters' eulogy, written and read by her brother, Stephen, is a beautiful testament to a woman who Stephen describes as a "shining star that burned out too soon". Shannon's life was far from easy, but reading about her perseverance, determination, and strength and hearing her brother recount meaningful moments in their life and the impact she had on him and those around her is powerful. Shannon's eulogy is an example for those who are looking to honor the struggles and difficulties their loved one dealt with while remembering other important aspects of their life. Visit Shannon's memorial website to learn more about her life.

Read Shannon's full eulogy below:

Shannon had such a big life and touched so many people, it’s hard to know where to begin. Other than our mother, Shannon was the closest person to me growing up. I was basically raised by my mom and sister. Many of my earliest memories are of the two of us, singing Disney songs together, watching The Breakfast Club on rerun, and of course, fights in the backseat of the car. Later in life, she was the cool big sister. And I wanted to be just like her. I have so many fond memories with Shannon, from the University of Florida to moving cross-country to Los Angeles and on to Atlanta. I would not have done many of these things if not for her. Shannon was my best friend. We laughed at everything together, our sense of humor was nearly identical. We bonded over music sharing two of our top three favorite bands. People even said we look alike, which I was never sure was a compliment or not. The bulk of my life was spent with Shannon; it’s hard to believe she’s gone. She was a shining star that burned out too soon. I don’t know too many people that met Shannon and didn’t have something wonderful to say about her. She truly had a gift to connect to people, understand them, make them feel special and like they mattered. I believe she got this gift from our mother who also had a knack with people. Everyone’s life was brighter having known my sister, especially mine. People think Shannon was lucky to have me, but I was lucky to have her. I know I would not be the person I am today without her. She was always positive and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Because of her, my dreams were bigger, my achievements were bigger, my life was bigger. Shannon was fearless in her pursuits; she accomplished so much in her short life. She graduated from UF, double-majoring in Political Science and Theatre. She then graduated from UCLA Law. She obtained degrees from both institutions while enduring bone marrow transplants. Later she went to cosmetology school at the Aveda Institute in Atlanta. I think it’s fair to say Shannon was dealt a rough hand from the start. In 1997, and again in 2004, she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, an extremely rare disease in which the bone marrow quits producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Even with a donor, chances of survival are still not 100%. Fortunately, I was a match. I was Bone Marrow Boy as Shannon liked to call me. Throughout both transplants, she had to undergo chemotherapy, hospital isolation, and months of recovery before returning to her normal life. Her oncologist declared her in remission in 2012, but she suffered from graft versus host disease, which caused numerous side effects both internally and externally. For years she took cancer-causing immunosuppressant drugs to suppress her immune system so her body would not reject my marrow. Not only did Aplastic Anemia do tremendous damage to her body, it wreaked havoc on her mind. Doctors told Shannon she would not live passed 40 and would likely be barren. I can’t imagine hearing this as an 18 year-old. Living more than half of her life with a terminal illness resulted in clinical depression and PTSD. She was also told she may develop mental disorders later in life due to her extraordinary illness. As a young adult, her way of dealing with the condition was to not be emotional or vulnerable. She dealt with her illness by pushing it aside and pursuing her academic and career goals, leading many of us to forget that she was ever sick at all. Music, painting, and dancing also played significant roles in my sister’s healing. Shannon viewed dance as therapy. In 2014, she was a research participant in one of my school projects. She tied her connection to music and dancing directly to her illness. She stated, quote, “It’s where problems don’t exist. When you’re not thinking of everything else going on in your life, therefore your anxiety is reduced. Moving and dancing to music makes you happy. You’re not feeling depressed. It’s all about the whole getting lost in the moment. That’s a lot of what Buddhist practice is, staying in the present.” My sister seemed to have found peace in those moments of presence on the dance floor. She also found peace through painting, which she spent a lot time doing the last five years. I think that’s one of the many reasons we all loved Shannon, she made us feel special every moment we were with her. We were present because we felt her presence. In the summer of 2015, Shannon had her first psychotic break. Later that year, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder borderline Schizoaffective Disorder. Mental illness would prove to be the battle of Shannon’s life. She really struggled those last few years. During this time, her mind was changing and she was helpless to stop or reverse it. She lost many of her close connections, not because she OR we didn’t want them, but because she was trying to navigate her new reality that included mania, paranoia, and delusions. Losing our mother in 2021 and her dogs Osa and Kiki back-to-back was just too much to handle. She was hurting and trying to survive the only way she knew how, but I know she did not want to hurt herself and what happened was an accident. She told me not too long ago that she knew she was never going to be the same again, and she hated her illness and what it had done to her. It just isn’t fair what happened to Shannon. In the end, I think she felt misunderstood and no longer accepted, and that’s what hurts the most. I think she felt alone, like she didn’t have anyone. That’s the tragedy of mental illness, not just because of what she went through, but it’s hard for us to understand and even when we try to help, relationships suffer. Unfortunately there were no easy answers or quick fixes, and I underestimated her ability to cope with her illness. The transplants may have saved her life before, I just wish I could’ve saved it again. Sometimes I feel I didn’t do enough and maybe I’ll always feel guilt for that. Shannon recently told me she prayed to God frequently to take her. I think she was ready to go. I think she has been ready for a while. She felt she had a bigger purpose beyond this place. She came into our lives briefly, laughed with us, cried with us, danced with us, made us smile, made us feel special, then left as quickly as she arrived. Maybe that was her purpose here, to have a positive impact on all of us by leaving us better than she found us. I suppose death is what makes life beautiful, knowing that our time here is finite, to make the most of it and remember what is important. Shannon reminded us of that. When she died, a part of me died too, but a part of her and our mother will always live on in me because they make up so much of who I am. While my heart is broken that she is gone and I will never see my sister again in this life, a part of me feels that she is no longer suffering and is at peace with our mother in God’s kingdom. Some birds simply aren’t meant for this world, their feathers are too bright. That’s how I’ll always remember Shannon, and God called her home to be with our mother.

Juanita Pearce's eulogy

Written by Christopher Cost Juanita Pearce's eulogy, written with love and forethought by her grandson Christopher, is a wonderful example for those who are looking for a unique way to deliver a eulogy for a loved one. Christopher gives beautiful insight into Juanita's life by describing one of his earliest memories, describing how she was throughout her life, and what kind of emotional impact she had on all those she knew. Her dedication to her family and willingness to sacrifice for the good of others is detailed throughout his tribute. Additionally, Christopher takes the time to address members of the family, a beautiful departure from the standard eulogy format that makes Juanita's eulogy incredibly heartwarming and unique. Visit Juanita's memorial website to learn more about her life.

Read Juanita's full eulogy below:

Good morning. I am Christopher, Juanita’s grandson from her daughter, Debbie. My nearly 42- year life is right about the length of the job she retired from. She made it to her 89th birthday and then some. From her birth in 1933 to her retirement was just around 60 years. I still have 18 years to get to that point. A lot can happen within that time span. Memory and Truth are funny things. My memory tells me that of all the family, I feel I may have spent the most time with her. The truth is that of all the people that have been in my life, my grandma is the one that has been the most present and participatory. One of my earliest memories of time with my grandma, which is a bit fuzzy at this point in my life, is going to work with her during a summer I was staying with her. She was a manager at Southwestern Bell and visitors had to wear a special badge. What I remember is that I was playing with the alligator clip on the badge and managed to pinch and hurt my finger. I remember my grandma and many other grandmas running to my rescue. I remember my grandma taking me to see these giant catfish that were bigger than me at the time. I remember that I was being a dumb kid and fell and hurt my wrist and she found a way to get me patched up. I still have the scar. My earlier memories may be fuzzy and even failing me, but the truth isn’t: my grandma was always there for me, no matter what. For many of you, perhaps family most of all, that knew grandma before our car accident in 2004, there may be memories of a woman with strong beliefs. You may have memories of her sharing her opinion, and perhaps even memories of some strong judgments and prejudices. For those of us that were especially close to her, we likely also have memories of her always learning and growing into a person that overcame her prejudices. What I remember is she became a woman that even with her opinions, and attitudes, and judgements, never let that get in the way of doing the right thing and rendering aide and support when it was needed. The truth is I’ve only collected two-thirds the memories that my mother and uncle can recall. Her elder sister and only surviving sibling Helen may be able to recall my grandmother’s entire lifetime as memories. The truth is memories are but glimpses and moments and no singular memory or even the collection of memories from a single person will ever adequately define an individual. A lot of you may be blessed by only the last few years of my grandma’s life. I dare say they may be some of the richest blessings you may receive. Truth be told, for as long as I have memories of her, they are made up of sacrifice and offering, one after another. Be it driving to Texas to take care of her grandchildren when my uncle and aunt had to go on a trip or an overnight drive into the mountains of Arkansas to help my mom care for me and my sisters. Or middle of the night runs to the emergency room when one of my sisters or myself had an emergency and mom needed support. No matter the reason, no matter what she was doing, my memories are of a woman who was always there for her family. These last 18 years of my grandma’s life were some of her most challenging. Yet, while she always brought her ornery and cantankerous personality, she also brought every bit of survival fight and strength of character to fill my memories with a woman who scaled an ever-increasing mountain of health and physical and mental challenges. For the 8- and one-half years I directly cared for my grandma following the accident, we tackled daily physical and occupational therapy at my parents’ house and then at the clinic until she could finally return to her own home. We later battled through a relocation to find her and me a new home that was better suited for her ongoing needs and care, to only then face breast cancer before getting into thyroid surgeries. My mother then took over for a few years on daily care before my sister Rebecca took over principal care and support in 2020, just as the pandemic hit. Most of you have your own memories of these last two or three years that I ask for you to recall as I share what I believe of the last few years of my grandma’s life. I believe the truth is that our individual and collective memories tell of a woman that continued to be there no matter what the situation was. They tell of her being a person of support, care, and growth both personally and as an example for everyone around her. And I believe that she will continue to be that person in spirit through the end of each of our lives and the lives of each life we touch. I would like now to speak directly to a some of our family that have been part of Grandma’s daily life and were crucial in the ongoing fight my grandma put up these last 18 years. Kylie, You may never understand how important you were to Grandma Juanita. You were born just ahead of our car accident that changed her life forever. By the time she came to your grandma’s and grandpa’s house for her recovery, you were a source of ongoing reason for her to keep going. I hope that you will from time to time calm your mind and heart to just let her example of love and value for family guide you as you enter your adulthood. RyLee and Lora, She didn’t play favorites often--I should know because I did spend so much time with her--but she does have a special connection with each of you. Ava, Your video calls lighted your Grandma Juanita’s day and gave her a bright smile. To Owen, You don’t understand this today, but Grandma Juanita will always be with you. You were her source of strength and inspiration to keep fighting when her life was turned upside down going from living alone to living with you, your two big sisters and brother, your mom and dad, and the dogs. It was not an easy adjustment for her, but she was able to make that transition because of you. And as your Grandma Debbie and mommy will remind you in the years to come, your partner-in-crime will always be with you, even if you cannot remember her. And, to Kaison and Gavin, the twins, You brought her fresh spirit when her life was yet again shaken with a relocation and then her stroke earlier this year. To my dad, David, Despite your own health, you found the energy to help grandma with her laundry and as always, the two of you continued to keep each other on your toes in conversation. To my brother-in-law Matthew, you helped to clean up messes and did a lot of the heavy lifting with RyLee to relocate her lifetime of things to the new house and storage. To her sister Helen, I know that having a close relationship with you, and your brothers Dillard and Dalford when they were still with us, was very important to her. And, to all of grandma’s family and friends with whom she spoke or saw, there have been so many “cooks in the kitchen,” but she was always grateful for each of you. You each played a role greater than you may know in her ability to continue bringing us blessings and love for 89 years. To my sister Rebecca, who possesses a soul of infinite compassion and caregiving, I want to thank you for the life you were able to let our grandma keep. I may have taken care of her first, but you stepped up and took care of her when she needed support and assistance that allowed her to retain her dignity and privacy in a way a grandson couldn’t provide. And, finally, to her daughter, my mother, You’ve been here as a coordinator and source of medical knowledge and wisdom that completed out and has been no less important than the direct care Rebecca and I provided. Life has thrown you one personal or family health challenge after another, and you have continuing challenges in front of you. Always remember that you too can always calm your mind and heart to allow your mom’s strength and guidance to pick you up when you’re in doubt or facing uncertainty. Death is not the end! It is merely another step we must all take. For those of faith and spirituality that believe Juanita is in Heaven with God, death on Earth is but her means to move to that eternal life. And, for all of us, her death is merely a transition to an ongoing presence on Earth for as long as we each continue to keep her memory within us and grow from her and for as long as you each keep her as part of your truth. In a few hours, some of us will go on a bit of drive to Anadarko to inter her body with her parents and two of her brothers. For as far back as I can remember, this was an annual pilgrimage over Memorial Day weekend. Each year, I can recall the same story as we would pass by Sonic on the highway. Grandma would always remind us that she grew up in a house behind that Sonic. I don’t think that specific Sonic is still there. But for any of you that join us for the burial this afternoon, as you enter Anadarko and see what looks like an old Sonic on your right, let it be a reminder of how precious memories are. For me, I will always remember my grandmother as the woman that took me to the store to get hamburger meat, go home and cook spaghetti and Ragu, spread towels on the floor in front of the TV, and watch movies while we ate on those towels. No matter what memory of her beliefs, opinions, and judgments, I will always know the truth is Grandma loved me, her family, and her friends. The truth is she wasn’t only present, she was actively participating when present. It is in great part through her example and pruning that I am the person I am today. I thank you, Grandma, for every gift and lesson and moment you gave me, and there are nearly 42 years of them to draw on. I love you and carry you with me always!

Barbara Burton Kleinert's eulogy

Written by Christine Maszkiewicz This beautiful eulogy is a wonderful example of how to interweave testament to someone's personality and character with the core occassions of their life. Barbara's eulogy is able to paint a thorough picture of what she enjoyed, what she was passionate about, how she was as a mother, her educational and career choices, and so much more. It's clear that anyone who had the privilege to listen to this eulogy (or to read it in its written form) was given a wonderful opportunity to learn deeply about who Barbara was as a mother, partner, friend, and person. To learn more about Barbara's life, visit her memorial website .

Read Barbara's full eulogy below:

Hello everyone, I am Christie Maszkiewicz, Barbara’s daughter. Today we come to honor and remember the life of Barbara Kleinert. My mother passed away four months exactly from the day my father passed away this year. We sit here in the same spot where we held his memorial back in February. It’s surreal. My family is still dealing with raw heartache from his death and now we are all feeling the pain from hers as well. They both left a void in our hearts. My brother and I are now without our dear parents. My nephews have lost both grandparents on their father’s side. It’s been a tough year so far so I want to thank you all for coming out to remember Barbara and to support this family once again while we are all trying to come to terms with such a great loss. I know many people could not make the trip to Colorado for health reasons or travel reasons. Barbara’s sister Laurie, brother Dave and niece Jenny all are here in spirit and watching online from the east coast and beyond. They wish they could be here today. They joined my brother and I and our spouses in the days leading up to my mother’s passing. We sat around her bed and talked with mom and reminisced about our time with Mom. At times I know for sure that Mom heard and reacted to what we were saying. She was surrounded with family and love in her last days and to me that is the most important thing. Love you Laurie, Dave and Jenny. Thank you, guys, for being there and for being here virtually today. My mom, Barbara was a sincere and warm person. She was a daughter, a grandchild, a niece and then a big sister. She was a close friend, a parishioner, a nurse and a teacher. She was a wife, a sister-in-law, an aunt, and a grandma. To many in her life she was a listener, a singer and a hand to hold. To me she was my mom. My mom loved to care for others throughout her life. My aunt Laurie told me one of her earliest memories was Mom, known as Barbie to Laurie, picking her up out of her crib when she was upset one night, holding and comforting her. During my mom’s childhood she grew up feeling unseen and unheard; she felt she didn’t really fit in or live up to her mother’s expectations. Her heart though was full of love, she turned those feelings of hurt into good. She reached out and helped others to make them feel seen, to make them feel heard. Her passion growing up was very much the church and music. She learned piano but found the guitar to be her instrument of choice and she used it throughout her life to bring song into a youth group or on a mission trip. When she was older, she went to nursing school to help others. Giving of herself was her calling. In her mother’s last year’s my mom was by her side and took care of her and the two eventually made peace. My mother was persistent about peace and understanding between those she loved. Mom was always involved in hobbies that helped others; she even met my dad through her volunteering activities. They met at the U.S.O. in New Jersey where she volunteered. Through her giving spirit she and my dad saw each other through some rough early years. Mom worked nights so dad could work and go to school. She juggled raising a young son while working long hours and supporting her husband. Eventually when a second child came along, she stopped working to be a stay-at-home mother and continue supporting her husband as he continued working and pursuing a Master’s Degree. My brother and I don’t have early memories of daycare, we have memories of being home with mom. Memories of being loved and cared for by her. That was a sacrifice she made, family was very important to her and I know we both appreciate the fact that our parents made that choice. When she went back into the workforce, she had to volunteer to get experience, since a Nursing degree wasn’t enough apparently. She volunteered and eventually worked in the school district with severely handicapped children. The passion she had for helping others became a lifelong career. Mom was always devoted to helping others, through her church St. Michaels in Colorado Springs, she joined the prison Ministry Kairos. I remember as a child answering the phone on weekends when mom was away on a Kairos Retreat. I very politely told the caller that mom was not here right now, she was in prison, could I take a message? My parents always got a chuckle out of that. As a child I connected with my mom’s fun spirit. She was childlike in the sense that she found wonder and beauty in the world where ever she went. She loved animals and nature. As child she had a bunny named Thumper that she adored. Later when she married my dad they acquired a pet skunk named Flower….I think we can figure out what name a pet deer may have acquired. Growing up we couldn’t have a dog or a cat since dad was allergic. With two kids and a wife wanting a critter he and mom figured out a way to make a guinea pig work with dad’s allergies. We had a spotted female named Cutie for a time and then we brought home Skeezics, a red spiky haired guinea pig. My mother had so much fun with him. We’d let him run around the living room and race down the hallway of the house. Many times mom had to help dad dismantle the huge sleeper sofa to get the guinea pig out from underneath where he was hiding. My mom would also sing various songs to the guinea pig, especially at treat time. That little pig would squeak so loudly when he heard the song….”What Shall we get for the Pig” since he knew he was getting a tasty treat. When we moved from CO to VA it was very hard on our family. Mom made sure to help us kids adjust and get involved in activities. As a horse crazy 8-year-old I wanted my own pony. The next best thing, riding lessons. My mom was at every single riding lesson camera in hand. She stood at the fence cheering me on as I learned new things like cantering or jumping. When I had my first fall she rushed to my side and as the old adage tells you, encouraged me to get back on. I’m sure as a mother that goes against many instincts to encourage a child to continue something that injured them. That next week she got me up early every morning so I could soak in a warm bath to ease my pain. In VA my mother continued with Kairos Prison missions but also got involved in Therapeutic riding for special needs children. I joined her a few times at the farm helping with the horses. She loved working with the children. They would come alive up on horseback, it relaxed them and they responded to the games mom and other volunteers played to engage the children. The smiles were just as bright on her face as they were on the children’s. My mother continued to love critters even after our family didn’t have any more pets. Our deck in the back of the house was not our deck. We didn’t have patio furniture or a hot tub out there. Nope, we had birds and squirrels lined up on every single railing eating the seeds and peanuts placed out there by mom. At night we ended up having raccoons at times. One evening there must have been 12 raccoons eating the seeds and other goodies mom fed to the critters. A special guest was Petey, a Virginia Opossum. This little critter loved noodles with BBQ sauce a specialty my mother whipped up for for her culinary delight. Mom spent hours taking photos of this sweet little creature. One day the opossum was still there in the morning and we watched her run off the deck to the underside of the front porch. She came back out with 10 babies clinging to her back and headed off into the woods. Mom made sure we all there to see it and she took pictures of the spectacle. Growing up loving animals just like my mother I didn’t have to look far to find a fuzzy or feathery friend to enjoy. My mother would often take in the birds that flew head first into the window. She would let them rest in a darkened aquarium until they came out of shock and then released them back to the woods. One such incident occurred with a little Tufted Titmouse, aptly named Tufty. He hit the window and needed help. When mom went to catch him, the little guy flew into the house and into the powder room that I was just exiting. My mom and I spent 15 minutes trying to catch that little bird to get him back outside. As I got older and moved on to college and beyond, I acquired the pets I didn’t have growing up, the fuzzy allergy triggering ones. My mother and father loved their grand-dog Spencer. He was a silly little Jack Russell Terrier. Mom never begrudged the fact that I didn’t want children of my own she accepted her four legged grandchildren. Every time I brought Spencer over you would hear the shrill voice of mom bellowing “Grand-Dog! Grand-dog”. He certainly was a spoiled grandchild. When I finally got my pony, my mother was there to meet her, happy as a clam to see me with Daenerys and to share the moment. My mother was constantly documenting our lives with photos. This was before digital photos which now everyone takes pictures of EVERYTHING. My mom invented that; out would come the camera and us kids would groan. Now we have boxes and boxes of memories to sort through that I know we will cherish as we walk down memory lane and thank her for being the shutterbug she was. Kodak stayed in business for a long time because of mom! My mother was the ever-present cheerleader and moral compass of our family. She brought a light to our lives, she often instigated fun but was also patient when we stepped out of line. Surviving my teenage years is a testament to the patience and love my mother had for her family. One hard part I’ve learned about losing someone is having to go through their belongings. Though I will state this act can shed light on memories that will warm the heart. So honestly this burden is one my brother and I are happy to take on. While looking through some books I came across a note mom wrote. She made many notes and comments in nearly every book she read. This particular note though was about parenting. She wrote that parents will make many mistakes. These mistakes shouldn’t really matter if the child knew they were loved. And mom, yes….we knew we were loved. Very much so. This year has been a hard year but with all the tragedy and difficult times we’ve had to endure, this year has been a year full of love, last moments and memories. I cherish these memories and they bring me comfort that there was so much love. I hope each of us can reflect on the memories we have of my Mom, Barbara….and that those feelings can bring us all comfort. We will love you forever Mom. We will love you forever.

Barbara Fritsche Olmanson's eulogy

Written by Leif Olmanson Written in the form of detailed descriptions of different memories Leif had with his mother, Barbara's eulogy is a perfect example of the how the accumulation of small moments woven together end up creating a beautiful landscape of a life well lived. Leif's description of each memory that he cherished with his mom is a perfect way for the reader to gain an understanding of the type of woman Barbara was and the effect she had on those around her. For those looking to share a eulogy that's built on memories, Leif's eulogy is a wonderful place to gain inspiration. To learn more about Barbara's life, visit her memorial website .

Read the full eulogy below:

Remembrances of Mom: When she was ten years old our mother was baptized at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in New Ulm, but I think one reason she chose the Church of the Holy Communion for our family was because of the beauty of the church and its history. I recall being told that the ceiling was designed to look like an upside-down ship—basically a vessel to bring the parishioners to heaven. And that the stained-glass windows came from England by sailing ships and overland by ox cart. The Dodd family grave in the back of the church evokes pioneer history. Mom had a keen interest in local history, and this Episcopal Church building is a living reminder of that history. The obituary focuses on Mom’s love of travel, especially their long trip to Burma and their service to a disadvantaged part of the world under difficult conditions. I think this was a formative experience for them—at times a trial by fire. In some ways, they must have been different people by the time they returned to resume their life in St. Peter. It was a few months after they returned to St. Peter that I (Leif) was born, and my little sister Lori followed shortly. With six kids you would think that the adventures would stop, but that was not the case. Although sometimes they traveled without the kids, often they brought all of us or some of us along. There were memorable trips to the Boundary Waters, Canada, the Black Hills, Florida, Yucatan, and the Cayman Islands. These trips instilled a sense of travel in all of us. Long after we all left home, when Mom was 70 and my sister Trudi was 40, she decided to fulfill her bucket list. It started with Trudi and Thor traveling with my parents to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Other adventures included Peru - Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Panama (with Trudi and Eric), Norway and Germany (with Trudi and Eric), and Trinidad and Tobago (with Trudi, Leif, and grandkids Britta and Anders) where I made the mistake of calling my parents elderly when we were inquiring about a boat trip. I was set straight by Mom right away but had reason to be concerned since the docks were in bad shape and the captain had to time the waves to get them on and offboard. There were also several trips to Mexico with each of her children and several grandchildren joining them. The most memorable trip was for Mom’s 80th Birthday where Trudi and I were with them for the entire 21-day trip and all but one of the other siblings and Anders joined for a week. We started in Puerto Morales (a great discovery and location we returned to many times for easier traveling as our parents aged) and then went to Tulum. From there we headed to Xcalak (which was one mile from Belize) and ended up staying at a scuba diver training facility which was cool since they had students from around the world and for the diving trips, we were outnumbered by diving instructors. Mom and Dad enjoyed the snorkeling and bird-watching trip. For such a small fishing village they had some great restaurants with some interesting locally sourced gourmet dishes. We were having a great time and I was using my iPod to text my brother Thor to tell him to come to Xcalak. He misunderstood my messaging and indicated he would meet us in Punta Allen. When Mom heard that we were off to meet Thor in Punta Allen. The travel books said the road from Tulum to Punta Allen was anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on road conditions. Well from Xcalak we had a 4-hour drive to Tulum and what turned out to be another 4 hours to Punta Allen. (This long drive was the first time I noticed signs of Alzheimer’s in my dad.) Amazing how well my mom and dad were able to cover it from us. So back to the story. It had been raining so the roads were more like small lakes than a road. With mud puddles covering most of the road and as it turns out it was the route for the adventure Jeep tours you would see if you would go on a cruise or to a big resort. So, there we are in our Jetta size car with luggage and five passengers, Anders on the hump in the back seat. Since the few people that lived on this route did not like the jeeps ripping up the road, they would put in Jeep size road bumps to slow them down. So, every time we came upon one, I would stop and have everyone get out of the car to make it over the bump. After we finally got to Punta Allen the streets were not any better since they were also flooded. We met up with Thor and his girlfriend at the time and had a wonderful time with some great food and company. The adventure continued with Schelli, and Lori joining us Back in Puerto Morelos and trips to Chichen itza to recreate childhood photographs and Ek Balam. A great and memorable trip. Other memorable occasions: Dad and Amby were working on the Ford Model As that were being used for Schelli and Amby’s Wedding parade. Right before the ceremony, Mom saw Amby and took him into the bathroom of the church and said no man would marry her daughter with greasy hands, so she helped him scrub the grease off. When she was babysitting Marty when he was 3, he helped her pick berries and make jam. When Schelli picked him up, he had dark red around his mouth, and she said “the jam must have been good”. Mom gave her a funny look and brought a washcloth over and said, I think he got into a Woodtick that fell off the dog. Picking Morel mushrooms, canoeing, her amazing cooking inspired by traveling including braunschweiger dip, kawswe, elderberry Kiekle, Burmese curry, homemade sauerkraut, and her conch ceviche Mom was always willing to go, whether it was dancing, fishing, going to the lake and tubing behind the boat, and paddle boarding at 80, and they really enjoyed garage sales. Mom was an anchor for our family. She took care of us when we were sick, fed us, taught us about nature and history, and encouraged our interests. She was the keeper of holiday traditions, adapting her more German Christmas traditions by adventurously adding her husband’s annual Norwegian delicacy: LUTEFISK. Regular Christmas guests were: Violet, Charles, and Pauline Kinson (Violet’s shrimp paste), Bernie Bornhagen (black mustard for the lutefisk), and other friends we adopted along the way. One Christmas when we all arrived Mom said they had noticed an awful smell in the house. They remembered their Springer Spaniel dog (Spike) had a dead squirrel in the yard. Sure, that she must have brought the carcass into the house they did a thorough search of the house and to their surprise, they discovered a piece of lutefisk under a chair. The dog must have grabbed it out of the bucket it was soaking in. Dad told us that he rinsed it off and put it back in the bucket. We were pretty sure he was joking. Lots of great memories and we will miss her greatly!

Juliann Therese Weimholt's eulogy

Written and read by Josef Weimholt In Juliann's eulogy, Josef does an excellent job at delivering many of the details you'd find in a eulogy in a loving, descriptive, and beautiful way. In addition to thanking the community, describing his mother's impact on those around her and her character, Josef includes a beautiful and creative tribute to his mother with additional context and pledges for what he aims to do in the future to honor his mother. To learn more about Juliann's life, visit her memorial website .

Good morning. Before I begin, I want to take the opportunity, on behalf of our entire family, to thank all of you for being here today—in person, in this beautiful, old church that our mom loved so much, or virtually—to help us celebrate our mom’s life. We’d like to thank everyone who travelled from out of state to be here today, including those on our dad’s side of the family who traveled from as far away as California. Let that sink in for a second—there are people here today who flew from warm, sunny California. To Chicago. In February. To attend the funeral of an in-law, essentially. Now, I know they came in part to support our dad in his time of grief, but I think it really speaks to the impact our mom had on people. And that’s been evident as well in the flood of messages we’ve received since Mom passed, which have come not just from close friends and family, as you’d expect, but from those who worked with her briefly decades ago, those who met her only recently—including members of the Breakers community in Edgewater, where our parents have lived the past couple of years—from friends (and friends of friends) of my sisters and mine who may have met her only once at one of our weddings years ago. So many have reached out with a kind note, a memory, a heartfelt message about how our mom affected them. As everyone here can attest, to meet Mom was to know instantly what a beautiful person she was, inside and out; a kind, caring soul; sharp, funny, and fun to be around; someone who brightened the lives of all those around her. I heard it said recently that grief is simply unexpressed love. The moral, I think, is that grief isn’t something we should avoid or try to overcome, but something we should embrace. If grief really is just a reflection of the love we feel for the person we lost, then we should hope to always feel some measure of grief for our departed loved ones. I like that sentiment; I think there’s some wisdom there, and perhaps some solace for those of us who are grieving our mom’s loss so deeply still. But it got me thinking about that notion of "unexpressed love." Unexpressed love: that was a foreign concept to Mom. Like our dad, she never missed an opportunity to tell my sisters and I how much she loved us, how proud she was of us, how happy we made her, how lucky she was to be our mom. And we always reciprocated—in person, on the phone, over text (including, in recent years, through liberal use of heart emojis in any text with Mom). Now, I don’t know whether that has lessened our grief any, but I do know that I speak for my sisters, our dad, our Aunt Mary Kay, and everyone who was on the other end of those exchanges with Mom, when I say that we are incredibly grateful for each of those moments, each of those expressions of love that my mom would simply not let go unexpressed. It was in that spirit that I set out some time ago to put down in writing exactly what my mom meant to me—an impossible task, to be sure. I regret deeply that I didn’t finish it before she passed, but I’m grateful I can share it here today with her and with all of you. I initially intended for it to be a poem, as that’s the language that she loved best, but I’m afraid I didn’t inherit her poetic voice (or talents). So I ended up with something else, I’m not sure what exactly. But I call it, “My Mother’s Son.” My Mother’s Son I knew it was coming, every time I would visit Mom at work—usually to ask for money for the movies or to pick up the car to meet friends or for some other equally important reason—never just to say hi, or ask about her day, or tell her how much I loved her. (There would always be time for that later, right?) “You must be Julie’s son!” It was probably my nose or the shape of my face; perhaps the hazel eyes or brown, curly hair. At first, I was annoyed. I didn’t want to resemble a short, middle-aged woman—beautiful though she was—and rued the fact that I didn’t inherit a chiseled jawline or muscular physique instead. So I usually just smiled sheepishly. But beyond an amusement at the resemblance, there was something else evident in their tone. “You must be Julie’s son!” The front desk staff, her fellow nurses, the doctors and residents, the custodial workers—they always made sure to tell me how much they loved working with Mom—how kind and skilled she was with patients, how supportive and generous she was with colleagues. They were quick with an anecdote or an expression of admiration. Eventually, I came to embrace the comparisons—proudly wrapping my arm around her (and sometimes giving her a playful pat on top of her head, which by then came up only to my chest) whenever a new friend, colleague, or stranger remarked on the resemblance. In her later years, as her health declined and the Parkinson’s loomed like a storm cloud growing nearer and more ominous by the day, I would reflect often on the connection I shared with my mom, on what it meant to be her son. Apart from any physical traits she may have passed down, I knew she would be leaving for her children and grandchildren something truly precious and rare. Something that couldn’t be simply inherited, but would need to be earned—brought to fruition through the countless small acts and daily decisions that make up a person’s life. Now that she has passed, and I think about the man I strive to be for my own family—for my wife, Sarah, and our daughter, Tessa, who will grow up without having truly known her Ama—I find in my mom’s legacy a clarion call, a beacon guiding my way, a pledge I must continually renew: I will be kind to friends and strangers alike—especially the less fortunate, the marginalized, and the forgotten among us. I will be generous with my time, energy, and resources, and will commit to causes greater than myself. I will laugh, loud and often. My patience will know no bounds. I will smile constantly and exude warmth so that others are uplifted even when I’m down. I will be selfless and unfailingly loyal. I will not swoon at the sight of blood, but will swoon over a mariachi band (or really any live music). I will create. I will nurture. I will dance with enthusiasm. I will be open to all things, and constantly seek out new adventures, foods, cultures, and people. I will find happiness in the simple things, and peace in nature. When my health fails me or curveballs inevitably come my way, I will put on a brave face to spare my loved ones their worry, and will fight with a strength and tenacity that will make them proud. I will laugh some more, through everything. I will be grateful for all that I have been given. I will love, and be loved, and the world will be a richer, better place for my having been here. I will, I pray, truly and forever be my mother’s son.

Richard "Dick" Floyd Messalle's memorial speech

Written and read by Renee Messalle In this memorial speech, there are plenty references to memories, passions, hobbies, and delights that Richard took part in during his time. These references help paint a loving and broad picture of what Richard's life was like and the kind of person he was. In addition to the personal stories shared, Renee also includes a beautiful poem at the start which kicks off the metaphor of the Train of Life for the rest of the memorial speech. To learn more about Richard's life, visit his memorial website .

Welcome everyone. Thank you so much for coming today. Carl and I wanted to share a few memories about our Dad before the service started. I wanted to start off by reading this lovely poem that I saw recently. Train of Life At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents, and we believed that they would always travel by our side. However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train, leaving us on life's journey alone. As time goes by, some significant people will board the train: siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we won't realize that they vacated their seats! This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way -- loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing. When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty -- we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life. And let’s remember to thank our God for giving us life to participate in this wonderful train ride. I am so glad that I was on my Dad’s train for 51 years. And thanks to those that joined the train at one time or another. His stop and his step down was so very unexpected for us – but he left so many great memories, and we are so grateful he stepped off on a high note! We have all loved hearing what others thought of my Dad – and am so happy that it was what we knew of him. The prevailing theme – he was such a kind and gentle and smart person. And several people said he was a “Renaissance Man”. And I totally agree – he loved to learn and knew a lot about everything. He was so happy in his recent move to Greenspring where he had a big office surrounded by at least 1,000 of his books, all in one room. And most importantly my Dad loved math and data. He had a bachelor and master’s degree in Math. He worked for the Navy using his math skills. And in going through things in his office – we saw that my Dad doodled math everywhere. And he did at least a sudoku a day. I have great memories of him helping us as kids with homework, which he enthusiastically did, and especially of course with math. My high school friends even fondly remember his tutoring us in math. After retirement, he even spent many years tutoring various students – even his grandsons. Just recently he helped Brandon and me with some math homework and sent us detailed descriptions and steps to help us. And he was still the volunteer Treasurer for the Four Corners neighborhood association, which he had been doing for many years. After grad school with his advanced degree in Mathematics, he met my Mom on their first day of work at US Navy, David Taylor Model Basin as they were both trying to find the math lab! My Mom worked there until I was born. And then, when I was looking for a summer job in college, I decided to apply where my Dad worked. This turned out to be the start of my government career as well, and I eventually worked in the same Directorate with my Dad for the summers and then for 7 years after college. It was a great chance for us to know and see each other in different ways, learn what my Dad did at work, have similar co-workers, etc. After my Dad retired, he had so much fun taking liberal art classes at the community college. He also loved going to see plays with my Mom, so they both ushered at various local theaters for over 30 years. And he even directed and acted in some community theater plays. Despite my Dad’s quiet demeanor – he definitely had had a wild and adventurous side …. He loved rollercoasters. Even as recent as about 5- 10 years ago, he was still going on roller coasters and rides at Disney and Universal with my husband and niece and Brandon, and even on the water slides at the water parks. When we were younger, he took us on a hot air balloon ride. He loved to bike – biked to work, biked with friends, biked long distance rides of 100 miles, and biked as a family. He did Hang gliding for a while – and even bought one. I remember playing in fields while my Dad would hang glide off of small hills. He even bought a Unicycle. He also loved science fiction, and he introduced us to Star Wars as kids. And I was able to take my parents to the new Disney Star Wars theme park in February, right before Covid. And I just took him to the movie theater at Thanksgiving to see the new Dune movie, which he loved. My Dad was always around and involved when we were younger. We always had family dinners, he made breakfast every Sunday (where I was introduced to and then loved scrapple), he washed the dishes every night for my Mom, and was always willing and around to assist us with our school and homework. And then he continued to be present and involved in my life as a grandfather to Brandon, especially since we lived somewhat close by. He set such a great example for me of what a father and what a spouse should be. And I am so happy that he met the love of his life, and that he and my Mom had such a wonderful marriage of 53 years – best friends - truly soul mates. In summary, my Dad had a fun life on that train for 79 years, sharing 55 of those years (70% of his life) with my Mom! He left many great memories for me and for others. Thanks Dad – I love you and you will be missed.

Following you will find some eulogy examples, with most of them being short eulogy examples. Shorter eulogies can become longer simply by adding in stories and memories that you hold dear or different aspects of your loved one’s life you’d like to share.

Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to share this time with [Name]’s friends, family, and others in remembering [his/her] life.

I met [Name] [number] years ago at [description of meeting location]. I immediately liked [Name]’s [sense of humor / personality / presence] and knew we would make fast friends. Once, when we were [description of memory], [Name] turned to me and said “[Quote]”.

[Longer description of memory]

After we met, I [description of life after meeting person] and [he/she] went on to [description of what they did]. When [Name] met [spouse], everything changed. [He/she] became [description] and was one of the best [husbands/wives/fathers/mothers] a family could ask for.

I know I’ll always miss my best friend and that no one can replace [him/her]. With that, I’d like to leave you all with one of [Name]’s favorite quotes, by [author]: “[quote]”. Thank you.

[Name] was my best friend, confidante, partner in crime, and one of the best people I’ve ever had the honor to know. I first met [Name] in [location] and we quickly became fast friends. We shared a love of [hobby] and a desire to [description], something that very few others connected with me on.

[Name] taught me a lot about [description], something I will never take for granted. Our other friends refer to [Name] and describe [him/her] as [description]. What I know for certain is that anyone who knew [Name], knew how [brave/special/funny/kind/unique] they were. You don’t meet someone like that every day.

One of my most cherished memories with [Name] was the time we [description]. If not that, then it’s definitely the time we [description].

I want to thank you all for gathering today in honor of [Name], I know it would’ve meant the world to [him/her]. Let’s honor [his/her] memory by continuing to spread love in this world and to try our best each and every day. Thank you.

For those who don't know me, [Name] and I have been friends for practically our entire lives. We grow up in [town] together, lived down the street from one another, and went to the same schools from elementary to high school. We planned on going to the same college together (but [Name] was smarter than I and got into some schools I didn't). We weren't just friends, we were [brothers/sisters].

When I was younger, [Name] used to take me to [area]. We'd play [game] and sit out in the field, talking about [subject] for hours on end. [Name] was there for my life's most important events. [He/she] was there for [list out important life events] and always remembered my birthday and other important anniversaries. [He/she] was beyond thoughtful -- [he/she] was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I've ever met and will ever meet.

Losing [Name] is akin to losing a family member. [He/she] is irreplaceable and their loss is felt deeply, more than words can ever describe. At the same time, I know [Name] would hate it if they saw me up here crying, talking only about their loss and ignoring all the wonderful things [he/she] did with their precious time here on Earth. So, I'd like to take this time, to thank [Name] for everything [he/she] taught me: [list out lessons or important takeaways]

Let's honor [Name's] memory today (and all days) by being kind to one another and remembering the struggles that we all have to face during our time here.

Joie and I met before we were born -- our mothers were in the same prenatal group and bonded over their hatred of the lack of sushi in their lives. We were born only a few days apart, spent our first years of life held by each other's moms and had almost no chance in not becoming great friends. Little did our moms know -- they'd given us more than friendship when they became friends. They'd made us family -- sisters.

Both of our families had decided to only have one child, so Joie and I filled the void that every only-child experiences. She was my sister, through and through. I was there for every one of her life's major accomplishments (and letdowns). She returned the favor in kind. Joie was my support through my first relationship, my first heartbreak, my first degree, my first marriage (and second!) and my first child. I was there for so many of her firsts, seconds, and thirds in life. That's the kind of person Joie was. Supportive. Constant. Foundational. She was my rock and the rock for so many people around her.

Even in death, Joie knew we'd be lost without her support. Her husband, Robbie, is constantly finding small notes that Joie left behind, just little reminders that she still cares for him and is supporting him, despite this complication we call existence. Two days after Joie was diagnosed with cancer, she gave me a call. She told me to sit down and to get ready for the "shit to hit the fan". I thought it was just another rant about her job or some stupid thing she saw at the store or a 30 minute monologue on the downfall of American reality TV.

When she told me she had cancer, I nearly passed out. But she explained to me that now, more than ever, she needed me to be the strong one. Not just for her, but for her husband, for her family, and for myself. She told me not to embarass her in this eulogy, so I'll restrain myself from doing that by going over the top. Please just know, if you're here today, you meant something to Joie. If you're here today, you matter and are important. If you're here today, please honor Joie's memory by being the rock for someone else in your life.

Joie, I love you so, so much. I can't wait to see you again.

Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to share this time with our friends, family and community and join in remembering [Name]'s life and ongoing legacy.

I met [Name] at [location] around [number] years ago and instantly knew we'd become lifelong friends.

We spent all our time during that summer [description of activities] and the following years were spent periodically visiting [location] and inviting friends out for our annual [description of trip].

[Name] was the kind of person who you never forget. [He/she] was [describe personality]. [He/she] instantly made people feel like [description]. [He/she] was endlessly [selfless, loving, caring, etc.].

I know this loss is one that runs deep for many of us gathered here today, but I also know that [Name] wouldn't want us to sit around mourning [his/her] loss and instead would want us to look towards the future and think on what we can do to make this world a better place.

In [his/her] memory, let's try our best.

For those who don't know me, [Name] was my childhood best friend. We met when we were [age] and instantly connected. We bonded over [subjects], we spent summers at [location] and I could almost always be found at [his/her] house on the weekends. I spent so much time at [Name]'s house that I was known as [his/her] [brother/sister], even by [his/her] parents own admission.

A lifelong friendship is incredibly hard to find and even harder to live without once you've experienced it. To say that this loss is hard is an understatement. [Name] was one of the [describe personality] people I've ever met. [He/she] was unique. [He/she] was hilarious. [He/she] was irreplaceable.

For all those that are gathered with me today, I ask that you join me in honoring [Name]'s life by practicing the values they held so dear. Be kind, be loving, enjoy life, and live life slowly.

Before I get started, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for showing up to honor and remember the incredible life of [Name]. If you knew [Name] (which, if you didn't, why are you here?), you know how magnetic they truly were. Standing up here with only a few minutes to speak on how amazing they were and what they meant to me feels impossible. How can I describe [Name] in a way that's accurate? How can I sum up the impact they had on me, on those around them, on the field of [career field], on the world? It's a near impossible task, so I decided to list out the top 10 things I appreciated most about [Name]. I plan on integrating these top 10 things into the way I treat others as a way of honoring their memory.

Things I learned from [Name]:

Thank you for joining me and listening to me today. I hope you take some of these values and ways of being with you.

Memories of [Name]

Instead of a standard eulogy, I wanted to use this time to share some of my most cherished memories of [Name]. These are ones I've picked out intentionally as I feel they best represent the type of person [Name] was, at least to me. While not all of these memories are ""positive"", they are the ones that have stuck with me the most.

[List memories]

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable young man, who was taken from us far too soon. [Name] was a 25-year-old Marine, who loved hunting, woodworking, and theater. He had a stoic, but kind personality that drew people to him, and he had a deep passion for nature, exploration, and family.

[Name] was a skilled hunter, who spent many hours in the woods, quietly observing the world around him. He had a deep respect for nature and all of its creatures, and he loved nothing more than being out in the wilderness, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the sun on his face.

In addition to his love for hunting, [Name] was also a talented woodworker, who enjoyed creating beautiful objects out of wood. He had an eye for detail and a steady hand, and his creations were always stunningly beautiful.

But perhaps most of all, [Name] loved theater. He was a gifted actor, who had a way of bringing his characters to life, and he had a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. He loved nothing more than being on stage, basking in the spotlight, and entertaining his audience.

Throughout all of his endeavors, [Name] was guided by his dedication to his family. He was a loyal son, a devoted brother, and a loving friend, who always put the needs of others before his own. He had a heart of gold, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need.

[Name] was a remarkable young man, who touched the lives of all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved. Rest in peace, [Name]. You will always be remembered.

First, I want to thank everyone here for showing up today. It means a lot.

Losing my dad is one of the most difficult hardships I’ve ever had to go through. That being said, this process has made me realize just how lucky I was to have a father like [Name]. Without his example, encouragement, advice, and love, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am eternally grateful for his life as an example for how I should live my own.

My dad was difficult to sum up in a few words, but some that come to mind are: [hardworking/gentle/loving/caring/strong/hilarious/funny/serious/crafty/intelligent]. When I was younger, we’d spend time [description of memory]. That’s where I first learned to [description of skill].

I remember once when I was younger, we [description of memory].

Dad, you will never be forgotten. Our family is eternally lucky to have had you as the head of our family. We will honor your memory by [way you’re going to honor memory].

Thank you all for coming today.

Growing up, my father was always [description of attitude / personality]. My friends would always say that he was [description of friends’ thoughts]. His coworkers would describe him as [description]. But to me, he was just my dad.

One of my favorite memories with him is when we [memory description].

Another time, we went to [memory description].

Those are the times that I keep in mind whenever I think of my dad, some of the best times of my life. It’s impossible to describe the amount of love I hold in my heart for my father, so I’ll leave it to someone else to describe for me. In the words of [author name], “[Quote]”.

Hello, everyone. Before I get started, I just wanted to acknowledge everyone's presence today. It means so much to me and to my family that you decided to be here with us today to remember my father's life. I know he's smiling on us from above and is absolutely thrilled that so many of you showed up today to remember him.

My dad is impossible to sum up -- we'd be here all day if I had the opportunity to share with you all all the wonderful things he did, taught, and accomplished in his life. To spare you all from that (and to shield you from watching me cry for a few hours) I've decided to restrict this to a short list of some of my favorite qualities of my dad. Without further ado, here's the things that made my dad the man he was:

  • My dad taught me and my brothers the meaning of what is was to be a man.
  • He was compassionate and kind, funny yet stoic, bubbly yet reserved, and quietly bonded our family together through difficult storms and joyful moments.
  • He was the BEST on the grill and 5 year winner of the Best Chili award at our annual chili cookoff.
  • He hated the Patriots, with a passion.
  • He'd sneak out in the middle of the night when we were younger to take us to midnight premiers of our favorite movies -- much to Mom's dismay.
  • He once drove over 500 miles to help me move out from an ex's apartment -- again, in the middle of the night.
  • He was known by my entire group of friends as "The Cool Dad".
  • Even during his last months, he was ensuring me and my brothers knew what to expect, knew what was coming, and what our responsibilities to each other were.
  • His family was the most important thing in his life.
  • My mom was the love of his life and never failed to put a twinkle in his eye.

My dad is the reason I am the person I am today. He was endlessly encouraging, loving, caring, and intelligent. To lose him is to lose a piece of who I am, though I know he's with me in spirit. Thank you once again for showing up to support our family and remember this great man.

[Author] once said, "[Inspirational quote]". Little did he know, this quote would go on to be the foundation of my father's life.

While most knew my dad as a [descriptor] person, those closest to him knew him for his [kindness, bravery, love, caring, tenderness, softness, etc]. A man of few words and many talents, my father spent much of his life in [work / career description] and caring for [his children/family/wife/etc.]. His greatest love in life was [Name] and his favorite pasttime was [pasttime]. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and not a day goes by that I'm certain the world is worse off without him in it. Losing my dad has taught me two things: [list lessons]

Thank you all for joining me, please tell your parents how much they mean to you and please do kindness, wherever you can.

My father was not an easy man. He was someone who hated the idea of small talk, celebrated people who worked hard (but knew when to take a break), and would be more than happy if no one talked to him for months, leaving him to read through his favorite detective novels.

His life could also not be described as easy. My father grew up poor, he lost his own father at the young age of 8 and had a mother who could be described as absent (at best). His youth was spent attempting to make ends meet through illegal jobs he held while attending school. He ended up dropping out of highschool in order to pursue a job as a dishwasher and support himself.

It was at this point that he met my mother, who seemed to be one of the only people on the planet who could charm my dad. He described her as "The first sense of relief I felt on this earth." and would refer to her as the love of his life for the rest of his life. He did his best to shield me and my brothers from the harsh upbringing he endured. He pushed us to attend college, he pushed us to stay in school, and he pushed us to cherish those in our family -- something he never had.

He worked hard to get to where he was and without a doubt, could be described as a successful man. My father was resilient, generous, and reserved. Though he was a man of few words, he made sure that my brother and I knew we were important, were loved, and were cherished.

I love you Dad and I hope you rest easy. You did a wonderful job.

Lessons from [Name]

Instead of delivering a 20 minute eulogy on my father, that I know he would've hated, I've instead decided to share some of the lessons he taught that could go on to help others. These are lessons that have helped me navigate this life and are lessons I'll cling to now that he's gone. If they resonate with you, please feel free to take them for your own. I love you, Dad.

[List lessons]

My father laid the foundation for my life as a man. He took the lessons his father taught him (rather harshly), picked them up, brushed them off, and buffed them, turning them into the lessons he shared with me (much less harshly than his father did). He was patient. He was kind. He was handy. He was incredibly intelligent and well-spoken, yet preferred to let others speak. If there was a party, you'd often find him on the balcony, in the backyard, or in a corner somewhere, people watching and smiling kindly at anyone who wandered near him. He preferred learning above all else and would most often be seen in his study, with ten different books at varying stages of being read. I owe my father everything and I credit my success in life to the way he raised me, each and every day. To lose him, means to lose a piece of myself. Dad, I love you.

To say my dad meant the world to me is an understatement. A man of few words, and even fewer faults -- he was the stoic figure in my life, the foundation that stayed true no matter what was thrown at him, and the reason I became the woman I am today. I learned to let things go, to love people who loved me back, to befriend those without, and to stay close to those who mattered. My dad meant everything to me, and more. Rest in peace, Dad.

We all dream of having a mother who is kind, loving, and genuine. [Name] was exactly that type of mother. She guided us through years and years and years of hardship, difficulty, joy, and achievement. Our mother was the foundation of our family and without her, it’s difficult to know what to do or what comes next.

I’ll miss her [laugh/smile/generosity/humor/jokes/other descriptor], but am lost without her [guidance/thoughts/advice/other descriptor]. I know we’ll all miss her [insert personality trait or something she was known for].

One of my absolute favorite moments was when my mom [description of memory].

Another one of our family's favorite memories with [Name] was when she [description of memory].

Thank you all for showing up today to honor my mother’s memory and legacy. I know it would’ve warmed her heart to see you all here and I appreciate it greatly. In the words of my mother, “[quote]”

It is an impossible feat to sum up the importance that one’s mother has in one’s life, so I’d like to instead, share some of my favorite memories that I had with my mother. Before I start, let me give you a breakdown of the type of woman my mom was. [Name] was [hardworking/intelligent/ferocious/hilarious/kind/gentle/etc.]. She was always [description] and she never [description]. Her top three favorite things were: [name three things]. One of my favorite memories with my mom was the time we [description]. This is followed closely by the time we [description]. Her [smile/laugh/voice] would light up a room and bring joy to those around her. Her presence was deeply felt and her loss is almost too much to bear. So thank you to everyone who decided to come here today, it means the world to me. One of my mom’s favorite quotes is from [name of author]. It reads, “[quote]”. I’d like to leave you with that today as we celebrate my mother. Thank you.

Thank you for joining me today as I navigate the impossible task of summing up the life of someone incredible, in only a few minutes.

I guess I'll start by sharing one of my favorite moments with [Name]. I was [age] and had just [descriptor]. My mom took me to [location], one of my favorite spots. We had just gone to [location] the previous year, so this was a nice change. We spent the day [descriptor], working on [descriptor] and eating [food]. At night, we [description] and met with [people you met with].

Nights like this weren't uncommon with Mom -- she constantly made sure we had the most fun possible whenever we could. Her free time was spent supporting us, cheerleading for us, driving us to various activities, picking us up, hosting sleepovers, paying for our (many) mistakes, and being known to all as "the best Mom". My friends have all insisted I was blessed with her as my mom, and I know this to be true.

Today, I want us to join together to remember that. To remember the kind of woman she was and the kind of person she taught me and everyone who knew her to be. A woman of joy, light, kindness and warmth. A woman of love and positivity and a ray of sunshine that will be so desperately missed from this world. Mom -- I love you.

To my mother,

I miss you so much. You were the glue that held our family together. You were always there for me when I needed you. I am so grateful to have had you in my life.

You were an amazing woman and an even better mother. I will never forget all the things you taught me. I will never forget your unconditional love and support.

I know you are in a better place now, but I still wish you were here with us. I know that we will see each other again one day, but until then, I will cherish all of our memories together.

I love you, mom.

My mother was the most incredible woman I have ever known. She always supported me in everything that I did, and she was my biggest cheerleader. I know that she is up there looking down on me now, watching over me and guiding me as I navigate through life without her by my side.

Although my mother is no longer with us in this life, I know that she lives on in the memories that I have of her, and the love and support that she gave me throughout my life. She was strong, kind, and warmhearted, and I will always treasure the time we spent together.

I know that it is difficult to lose someone so important to you, but my mother's memory will live on forever in my heart. In her honor, I plan to spend the rest of my days living a life full of kindness and compassion, just as she did. She will never be forgotten.

I am so grateful to have had such an amazing mom, and I know that I will never be able to forget all of the wonderful things she taught me throughout my life. We will cherish all of the amazing memories we have of her until we meet again someday.

Hello all. Before I get started, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has decided to join us today (and even those who reached out and mentioned they couldn't make it). We're gathered in this beautiful location to celebrate my mom's life. For all of those who decided to travel long distances, who reached out to us during our time of need, and who took the time to help us get this set up -- you have no idea how much this has meant to our family.

What's been most clear to me during this difficult time is simply the staggering amount of people my mom influenced, cared for, and loved. So many folks, even those she hasn't seen in over a decade, have written in and let us know the impact she had on their lives. To say she made you feel loved, seen, and appreciated at all times was an understatement. She was the pillar of our family, a pillar of her community, and would take each and every opportunity available to her to make those around her feel supported and seen.

This has been one of the hardest times our family has gone through and I'm so warmed to know all these bright and smiling faces here today. Thanks for coming to honor my mom.

To lose a mother is to lose a piece of your soul. My mother was no exception. Some would say our relationship was too close and my father used to warn me against "relying" on her too much, since he was trying to protect me from this exact day. My mom was the center of my life and without her, I feel lost. I'm angry, I'm confused, and I miss her so, so, very much. I want to ask each and everyone one of you visiting today, who took the time out of your busy schedules to show your support to my family -- please huge your parents. Please resolve any unresolved issues you currently have, if you love them -- none of it matters. Once you don't have the opportunity to make amends, it feels like everything was so silly. Mom, I miss you, I love you, and I'm lost without you.

Friends and family, today we gather to remember and honor the remarkable life of a woman who truly made a difference in this world. She was a devoted mother, a compassionate humanitarian, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

As we heard from her obituary, this incredible woman faced immense tragedy at a young age, losing her husband in a tragic accident. But instead of giving up, she channeled her grief into a powerful force for good. She joined the Peace Corps, dedicating her life to helping those in need in underdeveloped countries around the world. Her commitment to service was unwavering, and she spent years traveling the world, spreading love and kindness wherever she went.

But she was not only a humanitarian. She was a devoted mother to her son, who was her greatest joy in life. She instilled in him the values of kindness and compassion, and he is a testament to her incredible parenting.

Though we mourn her loss, we can take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on. She touched so many lives with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will always be a source of inspiration for us all. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Chef Kimmino, a beloved chef who has left us too soon. Chef Kimmino was a true culinary artist, whose passion and creativity inspired all who had the pleasure of experiencing their dishes.

Sadly, Chef Kimmino's battle with breast cancer came to an end at the age of 45. But let us not mourn their passing. Instead, let us celebrate the life they lived and the joy they brought to countless individuals through their delicious and unforgettable meals.

Chef Kimmino was a true master of their craft, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques to create dishes that were both innovative and mouth-watering. Their culinary creations were a reflection of their adventurous spirit, and they were never afraid to push the boundaries of traditional cooking.

But Chef Kimmino's impact went beyond their culinary talents. They were a mentor and inspiration to many aspiring chefs, always encouraging them to pursue their passion and follow their dreams. They were also a philanthropist, using their talents to give back to the community by donating their time and resources to various charities and organizations.

Chef Kimmino's passing is a great loss to the culinary world and to all who knew and loved them. But we can take comfort in knowing that their legacy will live on through the countless lives they touched with their passion and generosity.

So let us honor Chef Kimmino's memory by continuing to share their love of food and cooking with others. Let us keep their spirit alive by embracing their adventurous approach to life and always striving for excellence in all that we do.

Rest in peace, Chef Kimmino. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

We’ve all heard the heartwarming stories many have about just how great their [grandmother/grandfather] was, but I’m here to tell you today that mine was the best. Our [grandma/grandpa], [Name] was such a classic [grandma/grandpa] that it’s almost too difficult to believe. [She/He] was the best at [baking/cooking/fixing things/trips/parties/crafts/giving advice/etc]. [She/He] made the most amazing [food/hobby]. [She/He] also was a part of many clubs, including [list of clubs]. Loved by everyone around [him/her], [name] was the star of the show from the very beginning. When [she/he] was young, [she/he] participated in [activity]. As [she/he] grew older, [she/he] became a fan of [description of hobby/interest]. As [her/his] grandchildren, we were lucky enough to spend time with [him/her] doing [description of time spent]. Now that [she’s/he’s] gone, a hole is left in our hearts and in our souls, but we know we will see [her/him] again soon. One of [name]’s favorite passages was, “[passage]”. I think that sums up who [she/he] was quite well. Thank you all for being here today and I know that [Name] would’ve been in tears just seeing all of you who loved and cared for [her/him] show up for [her/him] today.

My [grandmother/grandfather] was one of those women who [description]. [She’s/He’s] incredibly difficult to sum up in just a few words so I’ll do my best. To start with, my [grandmother/grandfather] was most known for [his/her] [description of something they were known for]. Every single person who came into contact with [her/him] would tell me stories about how [he/she] would [story] and [story].

My favorite memory with [her/him] was the time we went to [description of memory].

I’ll always remember [her/him] as a [loving/caring/kind/gentle/wise/intelligent/hilarious] soul who would try [her/his] best each and every day to put a smile on the faces of others.

For those of you who knew my [grandmother/grandfather], you knew just how special and important [she/he] was to our family. I thank you all for spending time with us here today in honor of [her/him] and the person [she/he] was.

My grandmother was an amazing woman. She was always so kind and loving, and I will never forget all of the wonderful moments we shared together. I am so grateful to have had her in my life, and I know that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was a strong and independent woman, who always put others first. She was always there for me when I needed her, and she was such an important part of my life. I know that she is now at peace, and I take comfort in knowing that she will always be with me in spirit.

Those who knew her, knew how much she loved her family, and she was always so proud of us. She was the heart of our family, and we will never be the same without her. We will cherish all of the memories we have of her, and keep her in our hearts always.

Thank you for everything, Grandma. I love you so much.

My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life and the lives of so many others. Never one to back down from a fight, she spent almost her entire life dedicated to trying to improve our system, to the best of her ability.

Whether this was through community service, time spent volunteering, or simply being a listening ear to those who needed one, her time spent on this planet was time spent caring for others.

I want to honor my grandmother's legacy by continuing in her footsteps and ask all here to do the same. Be kind to each other. Find ways to help those who cannot help themselves. Figure out how to invite joy into your life and how to cultivate it in the lives of those around you.

Grandma, thank you so much for being the bright soul that you so were. I adore you always and forever.

Before I get started, I wanted to say thank you to every single one of you who has shown up today to honor the life of my grandmother, [Name]. Each and every one of you meant something to her and I know that you know that, without a doubt.

Now, to the hard part -- summing up the life of such an accomplished, loving, and special woman. [Name] -- you were one of the most unique and special souls that has ever graced this earth. Everyone who encountered you immediately felt like one of your best friends. You held that special talent of conversing easily with strangers, of making newcomers feel like oldtimers, and of holding space for anyone and everyone that needed it. I have run into so many people that have said to me, "I'm so sorry for your loss, [Name] was one of my best friends." I've heard this phrase so often it's astounded me -- how did [Name] have so many best friends?! It's because she was special and she knew how to make others feel just as special.

To say the loss we've suffered is great is an understatement -- there is no way to describe the hole that is left by her passing. That being said, I aim to honor her life and legacy by attempting to make others feel just as loved, held, and cared for as she made them feel. I invite everyone here, to do just the same. Thank you.

I know my grandmother would be rolling in her grave if she could see me up here giving her even the slightest bit of praise. Always one to tut at any kind of recognition of her good deeds, she'd absolutely hate that we were all gathered here today to do just that. I can say, without a doubt, that my grandmother was the love of my life. She was the first person to make me feel like I had a home and a place in this world. She encouraged me to pursue my passions, no matter what they were. She was the first person I called when I decided to switch majors at college. She was the first person I called when I needed relationship advice, or advice on how to fix my toilet, or instructions on how to change a tire. She was endlessly crafty, knowledgeable, loving, and hilarious. She hated sad movies and loved a good horror film. Her church group referred to her as "The Old Commander" because she was so stringent in getting them to submit their projects on time. It didn't matter if it was for a church potluck or a wedding reception, she kept people in line and kept all of us in her orbit. Grandma, I love you endlessly and have no idea how I'm to navigate this scary world without you by my side. But I know you're out there, somewhere, looking over me. I love you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family, we gather here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, a loving grandfather, and a proud veteran - [Grandfather's Name]. He lived a full and fulfilling life, filled with joy, laughter, and countless precious memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.

[Grandfather's Name] was born in San Francisco and spent his early years exploring the city and all that it had to offer. He was an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things and see new places. When he was called to serve in World War 2, he answered the call with bravery and honor, defending our country and our way of life. His service to our nation was a testament to his character, and it was a source of great pride for him throughout his life.

When [Grandfather's Name] returned home from the war, he began a new chapter in his life, one filled with family, friends, and all the things he loved. He was blessed with five grandchildren, and he cherished each and every one of them, spending countless hours camping, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors with them. His love of nature was second only to his love of his family, and he always took time to share his knowledge and appreciation of the natural world with those he loved.

[Grandfather's Name] was also a talented artist and woodworker. He spent many hours in his workshop, creating beautiful pieces of art and furniture that will be cherished by his family for generations to come. His passion for creating was matched only by his love of giving, and every year he donned a Santa Claus suit to bring joy to children in his community.

In the end, [Grandfather's Name] passed away peacefully in Florida at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family. He left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Today, we say goodbye to a beloved grandfather, a proud veteran, and a true friend. May he rest in peace and may his memory live on in our hearts forever.

Today, we gather to honor and remember the life of Louis Pereira, a Senior Program Manager and passionate writer. Louis had a love for writing, a passion that he was able to pursue in his final years, penning over six short novels that were close to his heart.

Though Louis may be gone, his legacy lives on through his family, particularly his two beloved grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, and love will continue to guide them throughout their lives.

Louis's dedication to his work and his commitment to his passions serve as an inspiration to all of us. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his compassion and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

As we say goodbye to Louis, we take comfort in the memories he has left behind and the impact he has had on our lives. May he rest in peace, knowing that his spirit and his legacy will live on through his family and his writing.

You were always determined to be the best – on the field, on the court, in the classroom. You set your sights high and worked hard to achieve your goals.

I am so proud of everything you have accomplished in your short life. You were an amazing son, brother, and friend and you will be deeply missed.

You had a passion for sports and a natural talent for competition. You were always driven to win and I know that you would have gone far in your chosen field, no matter what that ended up being.

I will miss watching you play and excel at what you loved so much. You brought joy to everyone around you and I am grateful to have been a part of your life.

Rest in peace, my son. You will be forever in my heart.

First, let me take this moment to thank each and every one of you who showed up today (and to those who are joining us online). It means so much to our family to have this support system in place after the sudden passing of our beloved son, [Name].

I'm not a person of many words, but at this point in time it feels almost like there aren't enough words in the English language to describe how I feel or the impact my boy had on those he met throughout his short life. From the day he was born, I knew he was something special. It was in the glint of his eyes when he couldn't figure out a problem, in the sound of his laughter as it reverberated through our home, in the shine of his smile whenever he came home from school. He was special. I know every parent feels that way about their kid, but it's true -- [Name] was unique.

Losing him is the hardest thing I've ever dealt with and I know the spot left behind by him is irreplaceable -- I will deal with that for the rest of my days. At the same time, my son was absolutely not the kind of person who would want his friends, his family, and his loved ones to stand by and let grief consume him. He would want his memory to be celebrated and honored through love, laughter, adventure, and a deep appreciation of everything our lives have to offer.

In honor of my son, please hug your children a little tighter today. Please take a few minutes to appreciate what this planet has to offer. And please, most of all, be kind to one another.

I knew from the second I held you in my arms for the first time, how special, unique, and incredible you were going to be. And I was right.

My heart was overflowing with love and joy each and every time I saw your sweet face. Every time you said "Mom!", even if it was said in anger or frustration. I knew how much you loved me, our family, and life itself. Our talks were some of the most special moments of my life -- whether they lasted 2 minutes or were one of our infamous "loving debates" that lasted hours.

Your mind was brilliant, your passion for justice was admirable, and you were everything I wish I could've been at your age. I love you so very much son and to say this loss is unimaginable is simply an understatement.

I will follow your trajectory through life and attempt to celebrate your spirit in everything that I do. You are my sweet boy and I cannot wait until I get to see your sweet face and hold you in my arms once again.

I love you, son.

[Name] was my [youngest/oldest] [brother/sister] and one of the most important people in my life. I know [he/she] would’ve been amazed to see all of you who have come out today in support of [him/her] and us as a family. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name]. From the very beginning, [Name] and I were inseparable. I loved having [Name] as a [brother/sister] more than anything else in my life. I’ve tried to protect [him/her] as though [she/he] was my own [son/daughter] throughout our lives and it is incredibly painful to be here letting [him/her] go today.

Even though [Name] was taken from us too soon, I know that I will see [him/her] again soon. [He/she] lived a full and happy life, one that touched the lives of so many people. I take comfort in knowing that [his/her] legacy will live on through the lives of others.

I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes that I feel sums up [Name] perfectly: “[quote]”

Thank you all again for coming.

Today we’re gathered in memory of [Name], my [brother/sister] and biggest supporter. I’m [name], [Name] [oldest/youngest/older/younger] [brother/sister]. When we were younger, [Name] & I had a difficult relationship. Lots of fights, screaming, yelling; things that siblings tend to do. As we got older, I started to realize how important [Name] was to me and how much of a supporter [he/she] was to me as an individual.

A couple years ago, we went to [location] for [reason]. We [description of memory]. Another moment that I’ll always remember is the time we went to [description of memory].

[Name] was nothing but [generous/kind/loving/helpful/hilarious/determined/accomplished] and was the pride of our family. [He/she] was my best friend, my partner in crime, and someone I knew I could always rely on. Our family is not the same with their loss, but we will press on and live our best lives as a way of honoring [his/her] memory.

Thank you all for joining me and for allowing [Name] to have a space in your heart and in your life.

Every day, after school, my brother would wait (sometimes over an hour) for me to get out of my last class. He would stand at the bus stop, a huge smile on his face every time he heard the bell ring and saw me running towards him. This tradition continued all the way from when I was around 6 to my very last year of high school.

He was one of the most protective, kind, smart, annoying, hilarious, and goofy individuals I've ever known and will surely, ever meet. Going out of his way to stand at a bus stop just to make sure I had some consistency in my life, a friendly face at the end of the day, and a safe way to get back home was the kind of person he continued to be throughout my life (and throughout the lives of his own family).

Everyone who knew him knew what it meant to him to protect those around him, and that kind of protection was one he enacted until the day he passed away. Without my brother here, I feel a piece of me has shuttered itself away. At the same time, his loss has sparked a desire in me to be better. For him, for his family, for my family, and for myself. His impact on others was incalculable and immeasurable; his life is equally difficult to sum up in just a few words in just a few minutes. I don't doubt I'll be sharing small stories from his life for the rest of my own, but I do want to make sure I make one thing extremely clear.

My brother was the best of us and this world is less bright now that he has passed. Please, keep him in your memory and in your thoughts. Honor his memory by being kind and trying your absolute best. Thank you for coming and for joining my family in remembering my brother.

If I were to say that my sister was the most important person in my life, it might be a bit of a life. (Technically, my mom is the most important person in my life.) I didn't consider my sister as a separate individual -- she was part of me. We were two parts of a whole. Together, we were a full being. Without her, I feel as though half of me is gone.

When we were young, we would stay up until way past our bedtime, whispering down the hallway to each other as we slept in separate beds. We would share our dreams, our fears, our anger, and our joy for a few hours each night. I learned about her dream to be a veterinarian and she celebrated my desire to be a janitor. (We were young!)

Each summer we would go to summer camp together (which we hated), prompted by our parents' need to get some much needed alone time. We were fused at the hip and made almost no friends during summer camps (much to our joy and delight). When we'd get home, our parents would ask if we made new friends and had a great time, we'd lie and make up names for the friends we never made.

When we graduated from college (we both attended [name of college]), she was right behind me on the stage, clasping her degree in [subject] while I held mine in [subject] -- far from our dreams as children.

Throughout our 20's we played around with moving apart and traveling but would ultimately reunite in our hometown every two years or so. When we lost [name], we lived only 20 minutes from each other and would see each other nearly every other day. She was the first person I called when I needed someone to hear me out, someone to listen to me rant, someone to comfort me as I cried, and someone to advocate for me when I wasn't kind to myself.

Losing my sister is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I will never feel whole again. At the same time, I know she would want me to remember her in a bright light and know that I carry her with me at all times. I truly aim to do this. In her memory, please give your loved ones a hug today and let them know how much they mean to you.

Many of you attending today know my sister through her immensely successful career as a nurse, some of you know her through her brief stint as a filmographer, and many of you know her because she made a deep impression on you at some point during our childhood. To say she was a lifelong friend to many wouldn't be doing her justice. My sister was the kind of person who somehow found the stragglers, the outcasts, the nerds, the misfits, and the people who didn't feel like they had a community -- and gave them one. She opened up her home to those in need, rented out (and sometimes just lended out) her extra rooms, constantly helped people find jobs, resources, and connections when they were new to the city. She was everything to so many and I'm so blessed to see you all here today. Please try your best to fill your life with generosity and gratitude as a testament to her and her life. Thank you.

Thank you for joining me today in honoring my sister's memory. From a young age, I knew my sister was special. She would pick me up each and every day from school. When I went to college, she was there to drive me to the dorms. When I graduated, she drove me across the country. Without her constant and unrelenting support, I wouldn't have made it through the last 40 years of my life. She showed me how to be a better sister, a better person, and a wonderful mom. I owe everything to her and don't know how to navigate life without her.

My grandson, [Full Name] was an amazing young man. He made his family immensely proud of him every single day he lived. A teacher, an educator, a passionate writer, and a talented artist, his multifaceted personality and talent arsenal impressed everyone he met.

He was a strong and independent man, who always put others before himself. Even when he was younger, he'd be the first of my grandkids to ask how he could help. If I was fixing the car, he'd want to watch. If I was working in the garden, he'd want to help. If the lawn needed to be mowed, he'd be up on a Saturday morning taking care of it. When his grandmother, my wife, had hip surgery, he was the one to run and grab us groceries every week. All of this without complaint and without making us feel as though we were burdens.

I am so proud of the man that he had become and only wish he had the opportunity to live out the rest of his days. A rare and special soul, he will be missed so very much.

Thank you for everything, [first name]. I love you and miss you so much.

To my beautiful granddaughter,

You were the light in my life – always happy, always smiling. You lit up a room every time you entered it and I will miss that light so very much.

I am so proud of the woman you were becoming and I know that you would have accomplished great things in your life. You had such a bright future ahead of you and I am heartbroken that it has been cut so short.

I will cherish all the memories we have together – from your first steps, to your first day of school, to your high school graduation. You were always my pride and joy and I will miss you more than words can say.

Rest in peace, my sweet granddaughter. You will be forever in my heart.

Example # 3

Those of you who know me, know how much my grandson meant to me, our family, and our community. [Name] was a rare individual -- someone that, in today's day and age, is becoming increasingly more rare. He thrived on connecting with others and building up his community in any way he could. Countless hours were spent volunteering with the food bank, the humane society, setting up various cancer walks and runs and trying his hardest to do good in this world and to provide a sense of togetherness with the few precious years he had on this planet. His loss is deeply felt by everyone in our family and of course, many of those who are not (but according to him, would be called family). Please consider honoring [Name]'s memory by volunteering your time in any way that you find meaningful. Maybe that means setting up a walk or run (or any other fun activity) for a charity that you hold dear. Maybe that means picking up trash on the road. Maybe that means spending time in the community garden. In any case, know that any time spent building up the lives of others is time spent remembering and honoring the life of [Name] -- and for that, we are forever grateful.

When I gave birth to [Name], my life was permanently changed. I'd heard how this can happen from friends and family, stories about how having a child changes your life. I'd known this would happen but no amount of warning could've prepared me for how rapidly and totally my world was consumed by my baby. When I held her in my arms for the first time, I knew. I knew my life's purpose. I understood the unspeakable bond that tethers a mother to her child. I was hesitant to release her, to let anyone else but me hold her, even her father. I was obsessed.

With each day, she grew into the bright, confident, and cheerful little girl she ended up being. Every flower was a burst of laughter, interactions with puppies and dogs was a cause for joy, she cried incessantly and wouldn't let me sleep for over 2 months -- but it was so worth it. Seeing her bright, chubby cheeks light up as I turned the corner into her room made it so very worth it.

My daughter was my world and I have no idea how I am to cope with her loss. No parent should undergo the rage and grief that accompanies picking out a casket for your small child. Her life was tragically taken from her and I'll never get to know what kind of person she would've been -- though I have theories. I know she loved every day she got to spend on this earth and I know she felt loved for each and every day.

What I learned from her was to embrace joy, to find a spark of happiness in each and every day, and to cry it out when you have to. [Name], sweet girl, you are so loved and so very missed.

Thank you for joining me and my family today to celebrate, remember, and honor the life of [Full Name]. [Name] was a [man/woman] of [describe characteristics] with a penchant for [description] that always showed itself whenever [he/she] would [description]. A [man/woman] of many talents, [Name] showed us that it was never too late to start [hobby/career].

My [father/mother/sister/brother/relation] was, without a doubt, my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my constant supporter. When I was interested in [hobby], [she/he] showed up to all the events. When I decided I was obsessed with [hobby], [he/she] went out and purchased [item]. When I decided to [description], [she/he] was the first person to [description].

My [mom/dad/relation] was an unforgettable and truly remarkable human being. I endeavor, with all my heart, to follow in [his/her] footsteps for the rest of my life. I will honor [his/her] time on Earth and [his/her] contributions to our society by [describe how you'll honor their life]. I ask that everyone here today join me in this endeavour as we aim to honor the life of [full name]. Thank you.

To my wife,

You were my best friend and my partner in life. We shared everything – our hopes, our dreams, our lives. You were the love of my life and I will miss you forever.

We had so many happy years together and I am grateful for every moment we shared. You brought joy to my life and I will cherish our time together always.

I am so proud of the woman you were and I know that you touched the lives of everyone around you. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, my love. You will be forever in my heart.

Choosing a favorite moment from my life spent with my wife is impossible. Was it the time that we went to Lake Minetonka and passed out on the shores after sharing a box full of wine? Was it when she surprised me with tickets to see The Black Crowes in concert, only two months after I'd mentioned it to her? When I'd wake up in the morning to a hot cup of coffee and a brief rant on the political state of the world? The way she mothered our children effortlessly and still took the time to ask me about specific relationships at work? My life has been full of these warm memories -- I can't land on one. What I do know is that my wife emanated love each and every day. Every single day I felt loved, supported, and known. It made me want to make sure she was taken care of in each and every way. I did my best. I tried to give her the life she so deserved, but even if I could give her the life of a queen, it wouldn't have been enough for what she deserved. My wife was everything and is the center of my joy. I miss her each and every day and I know I will see her again.

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be married. I was obsessed with any and all films of prince charmings, beautiful and big weddings, and women being swept off their feet. I was convinced that my time would come by the time I was 20 (how naive!). I went through college and by the time I was 32 realized I'd never had a boyfriend. I'd never been courted. I wasn't even sure I liked men. My desire to be swept off my feet dwindled and I became secure in myself.

Until I met [Name].

Immediately, within the first 20 minutes of meeting [Name], I was absolutely smitten. I thought of almost nothing else when we were apart -- and we hated each other! She was competing with me for the same promotion at work and we were both tenacious and fierce women. She was stubborn, confident, and sure of what she wanted -- much like myself.

After she got the promotion I so desperately wanted, she invited me out for a conciliatory drink -- a move I never would've made. She would go on to refer to this as our first date, though I considered it the first brick towards building a bridge away from dislike and towards camaraderie.

I was swept off my feet, in a completely unexpected way. During our first years of dating, I found myself wanting to provide for her, take care of her, make her smile at all possible moments. When she ranted about work, I wanted to defend her. When she managed to burn chicken each and every time, you wouldn't hear a peep from me. When she suggested we get married, I wanted her to be the star of the show. I wanted to show her off to every important person in my life. She'd lovingly refer to me as her ""Princess Charming"" -- a role I happily inhabited.

My wife brought joy, kindness, love, courage, strength, and purpose into my life. Without her by my side, I feel an unhealable void. At the same time, in her way, she prepared me as best she could. I ask those gathered here today, in her memory, to help me keep her presence alive. Please spread joy in all the ways you can. Tell people how you feel. Advocate for yourself. Be free.

My life's greatest years were spent with [Name], the love of my life. She loved everything about life, even the downsides -- she embraced it all. Life was hard, but it was also worth it for her. From the moment I met her, I knw my life would be different and that I'd found the one.

[Name] made such a massive difference in the community around her, especially after becoming president of the charity she worked for. Her favorite things in life were witnessing others transform their lives for the better, helping people access community resources wherever possible, and advocating for those less fortunate. Go out today and try your best to emulate everything she did, and more.

I am so saddened by the loss of [Name]. We didn't always see eye to eye, but I always respected [him/her] as a hard worker and a great person. [She/He] was always so kind and helpful, and I will never forget all of the times [she/he] went out of [him/her] way to help me. [She/He] will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing [him/her].

When we first met at [company], [name] was one of the first people to make me feel welcome. I’ll never forget how [she/he] took the time to get to know me and helped me feel like I belonged there.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with [him/her], and I know that [she/he] has left a lasting impression on everyone [she/he] met. [She/He] was an amazing person, and I know that [she/he] will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything, [name].

May you rest in peace.

Throughout my career, I've met plenty of personalities, characters, and people -- but none as special as [Name]. When [Name] first entered the front doors to our building, I immediately knew we would get on. [Name] was the type of person you'd easily become friends with. People who met [him/her/them] would immediately want to work alongside them. As one of my first direct reports, I can't tell you how many people would come to me on the side and request to be paired with or on a team with [Name]. Why? [He/she] was special. People gravitated towards them. People wanted to be in their sphere of influence. People wanted to work alongside them and get to know them.

That's rare. This is the first time I've seen the majority of my company in one room that wasn't our building -- and it's for the funeral of our very special friend and colleague -- [Name]. Thank you to [Name's parents] for raising such an incredible human being. Please know that your [son/daughter/child] changed the lives, every day, of so many people around them. I have never in my 50 years of managing imagined running into someone like [Name] and I am blessed to have known them. Rest well and peacefully, [Name], you did well.

Today we come together to honor the life and legacy of a beloved retired musician, who touched so many lives with his passion for music. He was a kind-hearted man who enjoyed pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons. He was an avid traveler, having visited countries all over the world. He also had a strong connection to animals, particularly cats. His home was often filled with cats of all shapes, sizes and colors.

He had a variety of musical influences, which he blended together to create his own unique sound. He was an incredibly talented musician who could play various instruments including the guitar, piano and flute. He wrote some beautiful melodies that will live on long after him.

He was also a generous soul, always ready to lend a helping hand. He had an open door policy and welcomed people into his home with open arms. More than anything else, he loved sharing stories and swapping ideas with those around him.

Today we celebrate the life of this incredible man who left behind a beautiful legacy of music and of kindness. He will be remembered for all that he has accomplished and the many lives that he touched. May we strive to follow in his footsteps and honor his memory by living our own lives with love, humility and caring. Thank you.

These eulogy examples are for those who would like to focus on a loved one's profession or career choices as their way of honoring their life's work.

Eulogy for a speech pathologist

Dear friends, family, and colleagues,

Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Sarah Kwambe, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many people during her time with us. Sarah was not only a skilled speech pathologist but also a former professional soccer player who had to leave the sport she loved due to a career-ending injury. However, Sarah didn't let that setback stop her from pursuing her passion for helping others.

Sarah's journey began in South Dakota, where she lived with her beloved cat, Sam. She dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of young people, particularly middle schoolers, whom she worked with as a speech pathologist. She had a remarkable ability to connect with her students and inspire them to achieve their full potential.

Despite the challenges she faced early on in her life, Sarah never gave up on her dreams. She was an accomplished athlete who excelled in soccer, but when her injury put an end to her career, she channeled her passion and determination into her studies. She pursued a degree in speech pathology, and her dedication to her work was evident in everything she did.

Sarah was a compassionate, caring, and selfless person who always put others first. She was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a source of inspiration to everyone who knew her. She had a warm smile and a kind heart that could light up a room, and her love for her students was evident in the way she interacted with them.

Although Sarah never had children of her own, she had a deep love for her cat, Sam, who was always by her side. Her commitment to her feline friend was just one of the many examples of her kindness and compassion.

In conclusion, Sarah Kwambe was a truly remarkable person who touched the lives of many people in ways that will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on through the countless students she helped, the colleagues she inspired, and the friends and family who loved her dearly. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest in peace, Sarah Kwambe.

Eulogy example for an environmental activist

Dear friends and family,

Today, we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Rachel Chen, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to protecting and preserving our environment. Rachel was an accomplished environmental scientist, mother of three children - Irina, Bliss, and Mario, and a loving partner to her husband of many years.

From a young age, Rachel had a deep love and appreciation for nature. Her passion for the environment inspired her to pursue a career in environmental science, and she quickly became a respected expert in her field. She spent many years working tirelessly to protect our national parks, and her dedication to this cause never wavered.

Rachel was also an avid gardener, and she had a remarkable ability to bring beauty to everything she touched. Her love for nature was evident in everything she did, from the way she tended to her garden to the way she spoke about the natural world.

As a mother, Rachel was loving, patient, and kind. She instilled in her children a deep respect for the environment and a desire to make the world a better place. Her children were the light of her life, and she was so proud of the people they had become.

Rachel's passing is a great loss to us all. She was a remarkable person who touched the lives of so many people in countless ways. Her legacy will live on through the countless national parks and natural spaces that she helped to protect, as well as through the love and memories that her family and friends will always carry in their hearts.

Rachel, we will miss you dearly, but we know that your spirit will live on through the beauty of nature that you cherished so deeply. Rest in peace.

Eulogy example for a young adult

Today, we come together to celebrate the life of Zach Peterson. Zach was a talented mechanic, a loving son, and a loyal friend. He passed away far too soon, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Zach had a passion for auto maintenance that was unmatched. He loved nothing more than working on cars, and he was always happy to help a friend in need. His skills were truly remarkable, and he had an uncanny ability to diagnose and fix any issue that came his way.

But Zach was more than just a mechanic. He was a gentle soul who cared deeply about those around him. He had a warm smile that could light up a room, and he was always quick with a joke or a kind word. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included, no matter who they were.

Zach's passing has left a void in our lives, but we take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on. We will remember his kind heart, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering loyalty. Zach was a special person who made a lasting impact on the world around him, and we are all better for having known him. Rest in peace, Zach.

Eulogy for an infant

With heavy hearts, we gather here today to mourn the loss of a precious child who has been taken from us too soon. We know that God has a plan for each and every one of us, but it is still difficult to understand why a young life has been cut short.

As we come together to remember this beautiful child, we take comfort in knowing that they are now in the loving embrace of our Lord. Though their time with us was brief, they brought immense joy and love into the world, and we will cherish the memories we have of them forever.

We know that this is a time of deep sorrow, but we can find solace in the fact that this child is now at peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. May we all find comfort in our faith, and may we hold this precious child close in our hearts as we navigate this difficult time. Rest in peace, little one.

Eulogy for a grandmother

Today we gather to remember a truly remarkable woman - my grandmother. She was a woman of many talents: a masterful cross-stitcher, an incredible fudge-maker, and a loving grandmother to a whole gaggle of grandchildren.

Grandma was the kind of woman who made you feel like you were the only person in the world when she was talking to you. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, and she had a way of making even the most mundane tasks seem like an adventure.

And oh, her fudge! I think we can all agree that Grandma's fudge was a work of art. It was creamy, decadent, and so rich that you could only eat a tiny piece at a time - not that it stopped any of us from trying to eat the whole batch in one sitting!

But beyond her talents and her love of fudge, Grandma will be remembered most of all for the love she had for her family. She was a guiding light for all of us, a source of wisdom and strength when we needed it most.

So, as we say goodbye to this incredible woman, let us not mourn her passing, but celebrate the incredible life she lived. She was one of a kind, and we were all blessed to have known her. Rest in peace, Grandma - we will never forget you.

Eulogy for a farmer

Today we gather to celebrate the life of a man who loved nothing more than working hard under the sun, watching his land grow and thrive. [Name] was not just any farmer - he was a tireless advocate for agricultural reform and change. His passion for sustainable farming practices, conservation, and education knew no bounds.

He was never afraid to get his hands dirty or put in long hours because he believed that every crop mattered; every seed planted had the potential to make a difference. His dedication inspired those around him and helped shape the landscape of our community.

[Name] will be remembered by all as an honest, kind-hearted man who always put others first. I’ll miss his unwavering determination to better this world through agriculture and his infectious smile that brightened up everyone’s day.

One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when he taught me how to plant corn by hand while sharing stories about his childhood on the farm.

Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when he organized a fundraiser for local farmers affected by droughts and natural disasters.

Thank you all for being here today to honor my friend’s memory and legacy. In [name]’s words “Farming is not just a profession but also an art form”. May we carry on this art form in honor of him.

Eulogy for a teacher

We are gathered here today to say goodbye to someone very special: A teacher who dedicated her life towards social justice inside her classrooms, making sure each student felt valued and respected regardless of their background or ethnicity. She empowered students from underserved communities with access to quality education - she showed them they could achieve anything if they worked hard enough.

[name]'s legacy lives on through every student she touched during her career as an educator, instilling confidence in them whilst fighting against systemic oppression within school walls.

I’ll miss her contagious energy, witty humor, and deep compassion for everyone she met.

One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when she invited me to speak in her class about my personal experiences and background, empowering me to share my story confidently.

Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when she organized a rally with her students for Black Lives Matter movement that brought people together from all walks of life.

Thank you for being here today, honoring the memory and legacy of someone who dedicated their life towards ensuring social justice inside classrooms. In the words of [name], “Education can change how we view ourselves, other people, and the world”. Let’s carry on this legacy in honor of her.

Eulogy for a foster dad

We gather here today to celebrate the life of a man who was known for his unwavering dedication towards family, golfing and fostering kids - [name]. If there’s one thing that everyone knows about him- it's that he loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved and helping those in need.

[name] had an infectious personality which brought joy to all those around him. He made sure to always put his family first no matter what, while also making time for the sport he was passionate about: Golf.

He would often take foster kids along with him on these trips; providing them a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I’ll miss his contagious laughter, generosity, and his commitment to living every day to its fullest potential.

One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when we went out golfing together by the lake, enjoying each other’s company over some good shots.

Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] is when he organized a youth-golf tournament fundraiser raising funds for underprivileged children.

Thank you all for being here today honoring someone who lived their life so fully dedicated towards their passions - Family, Golfing & Fostering Kids. In the words of [name], “Life is like a round of golf; try your best from tee to green but don't forget to enjoy the moments along the way."

Eulogy for a soldier

Today we come together as friends and family members mourning the loss of someone whose bravery knew no bounds- [name]. A soldier who sacrificed everything including her own life during deployment serving her country valiantly.

Her courage has inspired us all and reminded us that freedom sometimes comes at great cost—she gave up everything she had just so others could have something better tomorrow.

She will be remembered not only as a hero but also as a friend whose selflessness touched countless lives on and off-duty alike. Her positivity knew no bounds even in times where things felt like they couldn’t get any worse.

I’ll miss her infectious energy, unbreakable spirit and her ability to inspire people around her even in the darkest of times.

One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when we went on a vacation together after she returned from deployment, catching up on life post-duty and just enjoying each other’s company.

Another one of our community's favorite memories of [Name] was when she organized a fundraiser for veterans who had been wounded during active duty.

Thank you all for being here today. We celebrate someone whose profound sacrifice has given us the freedom that we enjoy today- Freedom which comes at great cost. In [name]'s words: "Duty first; self second." Let us never forget this sentiment as we honor those brave men and women who serve their country valiantly.

Eulogy for an animal activist

Today marks the passing away of a woman whose compassion for animals was unmatched - [name]. She served as President at local ASPCA chapter where she inspired others through her dedication towards animal rights advocacy and protection. Her tireless efforts led to increased awareness within our community regarding animal welfare issues such as abuse or neglect.

[name] will be remembered not only as an advocate but also as a friend to all animals; big or small. Her kindness knew no bounds and it extended beyond just domesticated pets like dogs or cats- advocating for wildlife preservation too!

I’ll miss her infectious energy, unwavering passion and her ability to inspire empathy in those around her.

One of my favorite memories with [Name] is when she rescued several abandoned kittens outside our office building during lunch breaks.

Another one of our local communities’ favorite memories with [Name] was when she coordinated fundraisers which helped raise funds for medical treatment costs associated with pet care amongst low-income families.

Thank you all for being here today honoring someone who made it their mission to ensure well-being among some oft-forgotten members in society: animals. May we strive each day to extend kindness towards them, carrying on what [name] started so passionately.

Eulogy for a writer

Thank you so much for attending the services today as we gather to say goodbye to Kaleb Morris, an incredibly talented author and journalist. His work delved into the darkest corners of human behavior, shining a light on the most heinous and unthinkable crimes. Kaleb had a gift for telling stories that not only captivated readers but also helped to shed light on important issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Tragically, Kaleb's life was cut short in a boating accident, leaving behind his child and former wife, Shareece. Though we grieve for the life that has been taken from us too soon, we can also take comfort in the legacy that Kaleb leaves behind.

His writing was not just a means to entertain, but a way to make a difference in the world. Kaleb shone a light on issues that needed to be addressed, and gave a voice to those who had been silenced by violence and tragedy. He was a gifted storyteller, and his impact on the true crime genre will be felt for years to come.

Kaleb will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his work will live on as a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. Rest in peace, Kaleb.

Eulogy for a nurse practitioner

We gather to remember and honor Cherish Abrams, a beloved nurse practitioner who touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues during her 25 years of service. Cherish was known for her compassion, dedication, and expertise, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.

Cherish was like a ""grandma"" to the NICU where she worked, comforting and caring for infants and families during their most vulnerable moments. Her gentle touch and kind words provided solace and hope to those in need, and her wisdom and guidance were invaluable to her colleagues.

Cherish's tragic passing is a reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. But even in death, she continues to inspire us with her selflessness, her unwavering dedication to her patients, and her love for her profession.

Cherish's memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy will continue through the lives of the countless patients she cared for and the colleagues she mentored. May she rest in peace, knowing that she made a profound difference in the world and that she will be deeply missed.

To capture more memories of your loved one, consider creating a memorial website . Memorial websites are excellent tools that help you share event details, post an obituary, collect memories, and raise funds in someone’s name. They’re easy to set up, easy to use and completely free.

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writing a speech for mom's funeral

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A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

By: Author Camila Steinfeld

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Writing Prompts

A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service.

Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. It requires some forethought and planning.

A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will not soon be forgiven.

The ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of a Funeral Speech

writing a speech for mom's funeral

When you sit down to decide what you’re going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration.

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In writing your speech , it’s important to demonstrate the personal relationship you shared with the deceased. It’s necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the person’s life as it related to your own.

If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceased’s life, do so tastefully.

Your aim is not to deliver a stand-up comedy routine, but rather, a poignant and potentially somewhat humorous view of who the deceased was and what they meant to you.

A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if you’re feeling over-emotional. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment.  

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That’s not to say that you cannot show your emotions and grief. But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared.

Finally, don’t use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased.

Outline: How to build a funeral speech

writing a speech for mom's funeral

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Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceased’s life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker.

A Eulogy for a Mother

writing a speech for mom's funeral

The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mother’s funeral.

Despite the fact that she was ill, and we knew her passing was inevitable, it has still come as a shock to us as a family.

My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite.

We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. That doesn’t mean that raising us was easy, nor always enjoyable.

My siblings and I gave her a lot of gray hairs along the way. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us.

And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again.

One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. That meant that she had very little time to herself.

And even with the little ‘me time’ she had, she never used it for herself. She’d always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed.

What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love.

My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we could’ve hoped to have.

A Eulogy for a Father

writing a speech for mom's funeral

My father was a quiet man. He seldom said much. That’s why, when he did have something to say, we listened.

That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth.

He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements.

Whether it was scoring a home run in a Little League baseball game or getting a bursary for a university, he delighted in our successes.

As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. In fact, right now, that’s the place I wish I was more than anything else.

He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didn’t want to do it properly.

My father had an incredibly dry sense of humor. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didn’t get it.

But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said.  

40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate

He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously.

He was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to take sides.

He’s left a gap in our lives that we can’t even begin to contemplate filling.

A Funeral Speech for a Best Friend

writing a speech for mom's funeral

Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-grader’s, on the first day of school – ever.

Something drew us to each other though. We could never quite figure out what it was, but it’s lasted a lifetime.

As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much.

We just understood each other. Even if you put us on either side of a big room full of people, Jennifer and I would always find our way back to each other immediately.

We survived high school together. I’m not sure if either of us would’ve made it without the other. We laughed and cried together so many times.

There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what – no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there.

We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. We lived far away from each other and I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.

I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.

But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like we’d never been apart.

It’s that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had.

A Eulogy for a Wife

writing a speech for mom's funeral

I don’t know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samantha’s passing has left in my life.

It feels like half of me has vanished in an instant, and I’m not sure I’ll ever feel whole again.

Samantha was an amazing woman. She had such an infectious zest for life that she could always find the humor or a silver lining of any situation, regardless of the gravity. Anything seemed possible with her attitude.

The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational.

Samantha and I met quite by accident. I walked into her office in error – and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction.  

40+ Other Ways to Say I Love You Dearly

I knew there and then that I would never be able to stay away from her, and that my life would not be complete without her in it. She didn’t make it easy.

I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. But when I look back on the life we’ve shared, it was more than worth it.

Our children were the center of Samantha’s world. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today.

I wish I’d had more time with her, I really do. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life.

A Funeral Speech for a Husband

writing a speech for mom's funeral

The thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor. He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry.

Whenever I’d get angry or upset with him – for whatever reason – I’d always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it.

As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did.

Like when I decided that the patio needed to be refurbished. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though I’m sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio.

In fact, I know he would have preferred to spend his weekend resting and relaxing. But he never let me down. Tired or not, he’d help me with all my ‘projects’.

Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner.

I couldn’t have asked for a better father for my children. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies!

The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction.

He supported them every step of the way. He picked them up when they fell or failed.

He encouraged them to keep going. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become.

My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephen’s presence by my side.

A Eulogy for a brother

writing a speech for mom's funeral

I’m not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up.

There were times I wished he wasn’t my brother. And I’m sure there were times he wished I wasn’t his sister.

We seemed to have a knack for pushing each other’s buttons, sometimes with some amusing consequences, sometimes not.

From the outset, David stood out as an individual. He did not march to the beat of society’s drum. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it.

One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier.

He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face and the mischievous grin on David’s.

As we grew older, I began to see David for what he truly was. He was a caring brother who’d do anything to protect me.

He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. He was the only one who understood my hurt and confusion when our parents divorced.

David was a loyal and kind person who’d never let you down.

He’d have given anyone the shirt off his back. I’m proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother.

A Funeral Speech for a Sister

writing a speech for mom's funeral

My sister Janet never met a challenge she didn’t conquer.

Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until she’d overcome it.

Of course, she drove me crazy. Having a little sister who wanted to tag along was, at times, infuriating.

She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard.

When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. Her lips and teeth were full of lipstick, and there was mascara everywhere. I was furious at the time. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry.

Anytime she’d open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldn’t stay angry with her.

She’d open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. And I couldn’t stay angry with her.

Janet was an exemplary student. She had an incredible work ethic. If she didn’t understand something, she’d work at it until she did.

Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. She had so much left to offer the world.

But wherever she is, I know that she’s looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile.

A Funeral Speech for a Close Acquaintance (e.g., a teacher, boss, coworker)

writing a speech for mom's funeral

I’d like to start by offering John’s family my sincerest condolences.

Your loss is so great. You had a special man in your midst, and I’m can’t imagine the depth of loss you must feel.

John was my high school English teacher, so you might wonder why I refer to him as John and not as Mr. Robinson; it was at his insistence, as soon as I graduated.

When I first called him Mr. Robinson after graduation, he’d turned around and said, “Is my father standing behind me?” When I replied in the negative, he’d said, “Then why are you saying his name?”

John taught me so much more than English. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value.  

40 Best Examples for a Thank You Note to Teacher

He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today.

John’s work ethic influenced me greatly. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. I took those lessons to heart.

His passion for teaching English was contagious. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. He made the written word come alive in class.

He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. He was like a father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one.

He shaped me into the man I am today. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary

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How to Write a Eulogy For Mother

Last Updated: September 2, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by David I. Jacobson . David I. Jacobson is the founder of Chicago Jewish Funerals, an independent Jewish owned funeral provider that evolved into two funeral homes in the Chicagoland area. With over 30 years of experience serving families, David is a leading expert on Kavod Hamet, the Jewish traditions of honoring and respecting the dead. David is an active funeral director that serves people planning and in need of funerals, lecturing to congregations, community groups, and schools extensively about the values of the Jewish funeral as well as the dying process and the value of one’s legacy.  This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 286,629 times.

Writing a eulogy for your mother can be emotional and difficult, but it also gives you the opportunity to celebrate her life. Everyone at the funeral or memorial service will most likely be gracious and interested in hearing your stories and reflections. Write a eulogy for your mother by gathering and organizing the information you plan to share and writing out what you want to say.

Organizing the Content

Step 1 Think about the goal of the eulogy.

  • An obituary is a short announcement of your mother’s passing that appears in the newspaper, while an elegy is a poem or song of lament.
  • A eulogy is a speech containing a tribute to your mother's life, which may contain a brief story of your mother's life. Make your eulogy tell your own story about your mother rather than cater to what everyone else is telling you to write.

Step 2 Brainstorm memories and facts.

  • Questions you could ask yourself to help you brainstorm include, What one quality of my mother do I remember most?
  • Try asking yourself, What is something my mother always used to do to comfort me?
  • Once you have your list, whittle it down to stories and memories that achieve the goal you have set for the eulogy.

Step 3 Interview your close relatives.

  • Ask them questions like, What is your favorite memory of my mother?
  • Another question could be, What life lessons did my mother teach you?

Step 4 Organize the body in the outline.

  • For example, instead of in order of occurrence, you could group your anecdotes by type: personal memories, others’ memories, her favorite things, her influence on your life, her influence on others’ lives, and concluding with how much she will be missed before giving the conclusion.
  • You might also use poems or songs performed by other family members for the body. [2] X Research source

Step 5 Have an introduction and conclusion.

  • For example, you could open with, "Hello everyone, my name is Sam and I am Mary's son. I am honored to be sharing her eulogy with you today."
  • You could end with, "Thank you for coming to honor my mother today. I know she would be so grateful."

Composing the Eulogy

Step 1 Write for reading out loud.

  • Focus on writing the way you speak. Simply reading a script to an audience can feel dry and ultra-formal, an effect you may want to avoid.
  • Try writing your eulogy in a list format, leaving room for improvisation so that you are not constantly looking down at the paper.

Step 2 Begin with the body of the eulogy.

  • Keep in mind that you will likely write several revisions before coming up with a copy that you are happy with. [4] X Research source
  • Ask relatives and friends to read over or listen to you read your rough drafts to help make the eulogy stronger.

Step 3 Choose a tone for the eulogy.

  • Consider the personality of your mother. Was she vibrant and energetic? Warm and loving? Think about making the tone of your eulogy match your mother’s personality.

Step 4 Understand what not to include.

  • You will probably want to exclude negative things. If you were angry with her when she passed, forgiving her before penning the eulogy can help you focus on positive aspects.
  • Stay away from trivial facts that do not contribute to the main theme of your eulogy, such as her daily habits.

Step 5 Avoid striving for perfection.

  • If you tend to be a perfectionist, try to lower your expectations by imagining how you would expect a sibling to do this, or another relative. Treat yourself as you would them (i.e., have compassion for mistakes).

Including Meaningful Extras

Step 1 Share the legacy you believe she left.

  • Think about if your mother ever told you what she wanted to be remembered for, or ask others if she talked to them about this.
  • If she never told anyone what she wished to be remembered for, think about the main theme of her life. What did she spend the most time doing? What did she sacrifice the most for? Is there anyone who is grateful to her for a service she performed?
  • For example, your mother's favorite sayings or life philosophy, or what she said was her proudest achievement.

Step 2 Detail some of her achievements.

  • Achievements can be both tangible and intangible.

Step 3 Bring in touching anecdotes.

  • Get ideas from your friends and relatives.

Euology-Writing Help

writing a speech for mom's funeral

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Expert Q&A

David I. Jacobson

  • Remember to thank everyone for coming. You can do this at the beginning or end of your eulogy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Be sure to practice your eulogy at least once before delivering it at the memorial service. You can do this on your own in front of a mirror, or in front of relatives to get their feedback. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Keep some water with you when you deliver your eulogy, as well as tissues. It is okay to get emotional or to stop and take a breath. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

writing a speech for mom's funeral

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About This Article

David I. Jacobson

Writing a eulogy for your mother is an emotionally difficult process, but it can also be a chance to celebrate her life in your own words. Start by introducing yourself with something like “Hello everyone, my name is Sam and I’m Mary’s son. I am honored to be sharing her eulogy with you today.” Then, talk about things like your favorite memories, facts about her life, or the lessons she taught you. Finally, close the eulogy with something like “Thank you for coming to honor my mother today. I know she would be so grateful." For more tips, like how to choose the tone of your eulogy, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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writing a speech for mom's funeral

Sample Eulogy - Mother

What can I say about my Mom?  For those of you that knew my mom, she was not only the life of the party but often the reason for the party.  She use to always say to us "Don't be so serious, life is too short, just have fun". In her late 30's, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  As some of you may know, Parkinson's disease affects the brain and muscular control of the person that has the disease.  I remember when Mom was diagnosed over 15 years ago, she was firm, gentle, hopeful, yet well aware of the way her life was changing.   There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, and over the years that followed her diagnosis, I admired her spirit and the way she woke up each day, drove us kids to school, and was standing at the door smiling when we got home from school.

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Over the last few years, we all saw how her health deteriorate.  Her spirit of fun, and zest for life was always present.  She insisted on being present at all family functions whether it was a graduation ceremony, a friend's wedding, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, or just a regular Saturday family gathering. On our last night with our mom, we spent the whole night praying with her.  She was always a spiritual person, and I know it was her faith that helped her through those last few months.  When I left my mom that night, she called my name as I walked out the door.  When I turned around, she just smiled, and I know she had made and found her peace with Life.  As I was cleaning out her house, I found this poem in her nightstand.  I wanted to share it with you all. Poem of Life Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what's to be, A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay... Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey's quicker, For some the journey's slow. And when the journey finally ends, We'll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord. Author Unknown I think this poem gives us an inside look into how our mom viewed the world both in life and death.  It has provided our family with great comfort.  I know that as we all gather today, our Mom is with us.  She would not have missed the Party.

Also See: How to Write A Eulogy Eulogy Writing Checklist Sample Eulogy for Mother Sample Eulogy for Father Sample Eulogy for Grandmother Sample Eulogy for Friend

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The Remembrance Process℠ - From Grieving to Remembrance

Eulogy for a Mother

To everything there is a season, a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

-Ecclesiastes

We are gathered here today in the memory of my mother, Martha Aquario, so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that her life was to us, and the pain that her passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy.

Martha was only 59 when she passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 4 th in Colorado Springs. It’s hard to say goodbye. We wish that we had more time, and perhaps that during the time we had we had spent more of it together. We wish that so much of her life had not been lost to her illness, that things could have been different for her, and for us. While we know that she is at peace and that her struggles are at an end, there is pain and sadness. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance. The ways she touched our lives will remain, and I ask you to keep those memories alive by sharing them with me and with one another.

One of the most important things in Mom’s life was gardening, and she took great pride in her flowers. Gardeners are special people. It takes patience and perseverance and a love for living things to grow a garden or a beautiful flower. Gardening is tedious and hard work, but there is something that gardeners know and experience that others sometimes do not. There is a beauty and a satisfaction in seeing the result of our labor grow and come to fruition. There is a peacefulness that can come over us as we care for and nurture the flowers and plants in a garden. In nurturing living things and helping to bring beauty and peace to the world, gardeners make a difference in the world and make their lives and the lives of those who see their gardens richer and fuller. I think that for Mom, maybe working in the garden was a way to be the careful nurturing person that she didn’t really get the chance to be.

Here is a poem by Helen Steiner Rice entitled ‘Spring Garden’

So when I looked at those flowers, I was looking at God For they bloomed in His sun and grew in His sod And each lovely flower was a “voice from above” That whispered a message of Kindness and Love For I feel in my heart, and I know you do, too, That God speaks to us all through the kind things we do And when I looked at those flowers I couldn’t help but feel That they brought heaven nearer and made God so real.

Mom is survived by the four of us and her 5 grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends. This family, and her role as mother and grandmother, was the most important thing to Mom. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with her family was what Martha enjoyed most of all. Her life had many obstacles, and she struggled for 20 years with a devastating illness. Yet through it all, her love and caring for her family remained her focus, and in so many, many ways, she was able to show that love to us. This perseverance through adversity is a powerful lesson for us, and I believe it is her legacy. What a wonderful lesson she gave us. Keep your priorities straight. Keep that which is most important in focus. Love and care for your family. Let them know in all the ways you can show them that you love them. Don’t let adversities or setbacks or any of the distractions of the world keep you from this most important aspect of life.

How many people in this world have it so much easier than our mom did. How many never had to face half the trouble she faced, and yet lose sight so easily of what is truly important. Many of us get distracted by insignificant things in life, many of us brood and focus on our little problems, and forget that which is most important.

But through everything Mom went through, she managed to keep her priorities straight. What can be more important than loving and showing your love for your family? How can some of us who are blessed with so much forget to be thankful to God, while somehow Mom kept her faith through all of her trials.

This is a wonderful legacy. This is a wonderful example to follow. Keep focused on what is truly important, not only when your life is easy, but when it is difficult too.

Knowing how much her family meant to her, and also how she loved to garden and grow flowers, I think it was such a special blessing that just before she passed away, Mom was able to spend a wonderful and unusually long time with us gardening at Peg’s house. The plants she nurtured and the love she showed to all of us will live on and be with us even now that she has gone to be with God.

We’ll close today with the 23 rd psalm ‘the Lord is my shepherd’, but before we do, on behalf of myself and rest of the family, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today.

The Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

  • Loss Of Mother

How to Write a Eulogy for Mom from a Daughter + Examples

Updated 12/7/2023 Published 04/2/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

If you're a daughter who just lost her mother, check out these steps for writing a eulogy and examples for inspiration.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Our deepest condolences go out to you if you’ve recently lost your mother. Many women say that losing their mom is the hardest thing that they’ve ever experienced. The mother-daughter bond is often very deep. Even if you didn’t have a close-knit relationship, the death of your mom may leave you feeling lost, angry, or devastated.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Step 1: give yourself time, step 2: think about your memories of your mom, step 3: reflect on other aspects of your mother’s life, step 4. get inspired by the words of poets, step 5: write an outline of your thoughts, step 6: get feedback, step 7: practice, eulogy for mother from her daughter examples.

As you plan for your mom’s funeral, you probably are looking at eulogy examples online for help on how to write an appropriate tribute for the woman who taught you everything. 

Let us help you with this difficult task. Keep reading to gain insights on how to write a eulogy for the most important woman in your life. 

If you'd like some help sorting through all of the responsibilities and tasks you might be facing after the death of your mother, check out our post-loss checklist .

Make sure you give yourself an appropriate amount of time to write a eulogy for your mom . This may be the hardest thing that you will ever have to write. Unless you have a lot of experience with the written word, it’s going to take time to sort through your feelings and organize your ideas. 

Your mom may still be alive — but may have experienced a lengthy illness and isn’t expected to survive. In that case, you may consider working on the tribute before she is gone.

Planning for a funeral takes a lot of time and organization. Besides writing the eulogy, you will also need to pick out a casket or urn, make arrangements with the officiant, fill out paperwork, and create a slideshow of photos to play during the wake.  

Pro tip: You may notice that you’re unable to think clearly when you’re grieving. This “brain fog” can result from a variety of reasons, and it’s rather common. This is why it’s essential to give yourself plenty of time for the task. It may take you longer than you anticipate.

Your thoughts of your mother may bring you back to your childhood. You may think about the feel of your mom’s cool hand on your fevered brow. You may remember how much your mom loved decorating for Christmas or how excited she always was to take out the boat for the first time in the spring. 

Maybe the memories of your mother will bring back particular smells or tastes. Perhaps you associate a specific music genre or song with your mom, and you know that you’ll think of her every time you hear “Yesterday” by the Beatles.

If you have been living on your own for a while, think about how your relationship with your mom has changed since you have grown. Perhaps you’re reminded of advice that your mom gave to you as an adult or how much she loved being a grandma. 

Pro tip: Not all your memories may be good. After all, a mother-daughter relationship may be frustrating at times. As you write the eulogy for your mother, only include references to the happy times. Doing otherwise would be considered inappropriate. 

As daughters, most of us have a rather narrow view of our mothers. We tend to think of our moms by how they relate to us instead of thinking of them as full-fledged women with their own thoughts, dreams, beliefs, and ideas. 

It may be hard for you to imagine, but your mom wasn’t always a mother. Chances are, your mom had interests, activities, and work outside of you. 

Pro tip: Before you write your mom’s eulogy, interview her coworkers and friends. Talk with your mom’s siblings and parents, if they are still alive. Your mom had many different facets, and you may want to expand your view of her not only to write your eulogy but also to have a greater understanding of this woman.

You’re probably already looking at online eulogy examples but may also want to spend time reading grief-inspired poetry. There are a lot of verses in books and online that are written by professional and amateur poets. Their words may inspire you to create your own poetry, or you may simply use one of those pieces in your mother’s tribute.

Make sure you explain where the poem came from if you are using another author’s words. For example, if you use the popular funeral poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” introduce the verses this way: “I think the poet Mary Elizabeth Frye describes best how my mom would want us to act on this occasion. Allow me to read Frye’s poem, ‘Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.’”

Pro tip: There are a lot of online lists to assist you in finding a poem about your mom’s death . 

As we mentioned earlier, your mind may be a jumble of thoughts since your mother’s death, and you may have an abundance of material to write about for your mom’s eulogy. To keep from presenting a long, rambling tribute speech , create a simple outline of your points to organize your thoughts.

For example, perhaps you want to divide your speech into certain years of your mom’s life. Maybe the first part of your talk will be stories from her childhood and school days, and you can end your speech by discussing her golden years. 

Or, you may want to organize your tribute by her characteristics. At first, you can give examples and stories that show what a selfless person she was. Next, you can talk about her creativity, and finally, you can talk about how she had a big heart.

Pro tip: Make sure you use plenty of examples and entertaining stories in your speech instead of speaking in generalities. For example, instead of saying that your mom was kind-hearted, tell how she was a foster mom to dozens of kids, adopted many animals from the pound, and volunteered at a homeless shelter once a week.

This step is critical. Make sure you get feedback from several other people on the text of your speech. While it would be helpful if those people knew your mother, it is not necessary. One benefit of having someone who knew your mom is that he or she may give you examples of stories to add.

Ask them to correct your eulogy’s grammar and word choice. You may also ask whether or not the stories present your mom in the best light possible. 

Pro tip: Run your speech through a high-end grammar program like Grammarly — even though a speech doesn’t need to follow all grammatical conventions like a published piece of writing. Grammarly will also alert you on redundant phrases as well as give you ideas on how to vary your word choice.

Make sure you practice giving your speech to a small audience before giving it during the funeral service. You may be worried that you will cry while delivering your address. If tears come, your audience will be understanding. If you are worried that you will not be able to get through the text, you may ask a friend to be on standby to take over if you can’t finish.

Pro tip: Present the speech in front of a mirror or record yourself giving it. Watch your posture, mannerisms, or expressions that may distract from your message.

Here are some quick examples of text to inspire you as you write your mother’s tribute. 

“My mom gave my siblings and me a glorious childhood. My mom would play games, teach us songs, and take us on fun outings all over the community. Everyone from our neighborhood remembers our fantastic light displays, and although many people thought that dad put up the lights, it was actually our mom.”

“It wasn’t until I was an adult that I understood how hard of a time my mom had during her early life. Even though I think she suffered a lot, she never once complained. She just worked hard to make sure our family was content and happy.”

“Vivacious. That is one word most people would use to describe Mom. She was always the first one to volunteer at PTA functions. She was the one who would lead my classmates in singing ‘The Flintstone’s’ on field trip bus rides. Mom always had a joke, and her laughter often rang through our house.”

When Words Don’t Come

We hope that we’ve given you sound advice on writing a eulogy for your mother. Even so, you still may find yourself struggling to find the perfect words.

The reality is that your audience will understand if you struggle. Everyone knows that losing your mom is a traumatic event. You may even still be in shock. Do the best you can, and then let it go.

It is also important to remember that you don’t have to complete this task. Most officiants or ministers are happy to write the eulogy. An officiant or minister may even ask to interview you to learn about specific memories you want to include.

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Eulogy for a Mother from her Daughter

I hope this eulogy which I have written for my mother will help you at a very difficult time if you find yourself trying to write one for your own mother. 

When my mother died in 1970 at the age of 64, I went into denial.  ( You can read about that here ).  She had been living with me for over a year while she was fighting cancer and I was looking after her. She had only recently gone home as she wanted to be in her own home when she died.  Because I was in such as state, I found it impossible to get involved in the funeral arrangements, let alone write a eulogy at that time.  Writing it now, 48 years later has been an emotional trip down memory lane and a wonderful way to remember my mother. I hope this page can honour her as a memorial to my very special mother.   I have written it as if I was speaking it at her funeral in 1970.   As they say, it's better late than never.  

Eulogy for Ellen, My Mother

Thank you for being with us today, to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, my mother Ellen. There are no lessons about 'The Art of Mothering' we can only do our best and hope that we do it well. My mother certainly got an A ++ in this.

She was a caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Yet she was shy and unassuming and always said of herself "I am just a housewife". 

No she was not. She was a homemaker in the true sense of the word. Every room in our home had rugs on the floor that she had made. She had wallpapered or painted each room herself. Every time I or anyone in her family put on socks, gloves, scarves, cardigans or jumpers she had knitted them. All evidence of her many skills. Her budgeting was remarkable. We always had hot meals, soups, scones, cakes and although we were financially poor we never went hungry. 

She kept our home warm during the cold north-east winter. The quality of our lives was rich. 

Dearest Mother. I feel honoured and privileged to be your daughter.  Meme with dark sky and moon.

My mother was born in March 1906, the third youngest of 12 children. Sadly only 5 survived to adulthood. My mother's oldest sister had children nearer to my mothers age and they lived around the mining town of Washington, Tyneside where her father worked in the mines.

Ellen was clever at school and the teachers all wanted her to go on to college from the grammar school. However, her parents could not afford the uniforms and books, even if she got a scholarship. At the time many thought a woman would marry, have children and education was a waste of their time. She followed the path of many girls at that time and went into service, caring for a family. The father was an officer in the Army. The family were good to her and she was happy there. My father was the driver for the officer and this is how my parents met when he collected him at the home. Mum and Dad started meeting on her days off. The family were moving abroad and wanted my mother to go with them. However Dad was about to leave the Army and they had decided to get married.

They moved to Teeside and Dad started work at the large ICI chemical plant. They were offered accommodation and had 3 houses to choose from which was amazing really.

They married on New Years Eve 1932 and their first child, a boy, was born a year later, but sadly was stillborn. This was a very sad time for her. Then a close family member, an unmarried mother, had a child, a boy, and it was a huge scandal in those days. My parents adopted him and I treasure my wonderful brother. How fortunate we were to have him in our family. I came on the scene 6 years later. I was born in 1939 at the start of the war. Dad had to go back into the Army and mum coped alone for the next few years, though she had her younger sister and her 3 children with us for months, due to the bombings in London. That was seven to feed with rationing and poor wages - it could not have been easy.

I was only 6 at the end of the war, but I can remember being woken in the night to be taken into the air raid shelter, which we shared with neighbors. One night was really scary when there was a banging on the door of the shelter. It was Dad, home for an unexpected leave.

It is hard to imagine now how difficult it must have been for the wives at home, never knowing where their husbands were, or when they would see them again.

The war finished and my father resumed his job at ICI.  He works shifts and is rarely off sick despite his Bronchitis. You always supported us Dad and we are very proud of you.

No-one is ever as proud of you as your mother.  Meme with sunrise.

Mum and I were close and I would help her around the home or with the shopping. We would go to the Stockton markets or to Middlesborough on the Transporter Bridge. Mum was small and one day the wind picked her up and blew her a few feet in front of me as we were walking up to the bridge which was really scary. I did not like the cold markets in the winter but mum wanted the cheaper vegetables. 

We did not get electricity in the house until I was 9. It is hard to believe we had no washing machine or hoover. The iron heated on the one open fire and washing dried around it on the many wet days. The tub and wooden plunger came out on Monday wash day then the mangle to hand turn. It was a way of life and we just accepted it. However it was an exciting day to be able to flick a switch for light instead of matches and gas mantles. Though it was a while before we could afford the washing machine. Mum had always wanted a fridge. It arrived while she was in hospital last week so she never even saw it.

However, despite the hardships, our lives were filled with music, singing and laughter. Dad always has his country music playing on the radio and he sings along. Mum played her piano often and we would sing. Mum, Dad and I would go to the cinema at least once a week and we went to many concerts at churches, schools and town halls.

We would have family discussions at meal times. There was little traffic in the street so we could all play safely, lots of children together, we had second hand bikes and roller skates. 

Coal was delivered by horse and cart in the early years and everything paid for in cash. Fresh milk delivered each day and a very good regular bus service but there were many changes during Mum's life time.

My mother loved dogs and we always had one around the home. Judy, our present dog makes us laugh as Mum would say "Shut the door Judy" and off she would go and shut it by pushing it with her nose. 

Two of Mum's sisters are older than her and you know how often she visited you, even in the winter, when one year the snow was piled up on the side of the road and was higher than the coach we were in she still wanted to check you were well. You were always good to her and she enjoyed her weekends visiting you even bringing bags full of coal back sometimes, but always some of your cakes or scones.

Her friends know how helpful she was when they felt unwell. She would do shopping for them and take meals. Strangers would tell her their life histories or troubles even during a short wait at a bus stop, she had that approachable trusting nature.

White lilies funeral flower spray

My brother finished his apprenticeship at the shipyard and went into the merchant navy at age 16. I had the opportunity to start a cadet nursing course when I was 16 in the South of England. My parents agreed and a friend and I went. Looking back we were young and some parents would not have allowed it. Her love gave me the freedom to go. She too had left home at a young age to go into service so perhaps it was easier for her to understand. Dad and Mum had many holidays visiting me during my time near the sea in Essex.

Where they were was always home to me and I knew whenever I wanted to return home I would always be welcome. I hope my children will feel the same. Both parents instilled confidence in me by their unconditional love. I would never do anything to hurt them.

Mum then got a job. She was so proud of it. She worked in a newsagents for many years near the shipyard. They were very busy from 6 am getting newspapers ready for the men going in for the early shifts and for the newspaper delivery boys and girls.

I have lost my wonderful mother, companion, adviser and mentor. I am so honored to have been her daughter. I am grieving for the amazing relationship I had with her. I am grieving for my father who has lost the best wife it is possible to have had, for my children who have only known this wonderful grandmother for such a short time in their lives, for my brother and his family who have lost a true friend, mother and grandmother. We have all suffered a huge loss.

She taught us all what is really important in life - to love, support and care for friends and family in our lives. We are all better off for having known her. It was a great privilege to be her daughter.

I can understand why this church is so full today. Thank you all once again for supporting our family today.

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Eulogy for a mother

By kevin kaiser.

Welcome to all of you. I am Kevin Kaiser and I’ve been offered the opportunity to speak for a few minutes about my mother, whose life we are celebrating here today together. I realized as I set about this task, that a son sees his mother in a different context than those of you who are lifelong friends or professional colleagues. It is even difficult to speak on behalf of my siblings, but I will try to represent the shared feelings of love, devotion and admiration we all felt towards our mother.

My mother would be very pleased and honoured to see that you all could make it here this morning to share in this with us, as it was her family and friends who were the most important focus of her life. It was also your continued support, well wishes and prayers which were so valuable to her in her final weeks.

In addition to your presence here, we have received many, many expressions of condolence from among the thousands of people my mother touched over the years. Their and your words match those that echo in my head with examples of her tireless and determined support of her friends and family throughout her life., The words that come to mind include: independence, courage, generosity, sensitivity, integrity, dignity, whimsy, and indeed the word ‘life’ itself – for few people I have ever known, lived life as fully or as well as my mother did.

I could talk for hours and provide numerous examples demonstrating her remarkable independence, including, of course, her desire to live alone in the woods for so many years. Her decisions to run for MPP, to restart her life in her mid-30s and get into and complete law school as a single mother of four high-maintenance children were further evidence not only of her independence and determination, but also of her courage and willingness to tackle any challenge.

Her generosity with her time, her energy, her advice, and in so many other ways provided invaluable support to a remarkable number of people. Over the years, and over the past few days, I’ve heard many stories of the friends, relatives, neighbours, clients and even strangers to whom my mother provided help and support in their times of need. One recent example, earlier this Spring a young woman came to my mother’s attention as she is working on a Master’s degree and whose thesis includes studying the turtles in the area. “Would you like to borrow a canoe for the summer?” my mother offered, “There are two of them down by my shore”. The woman accepted the offer gladly. Such acts of spontaneous generosity were typical of my mother. Unfortunately, in an act equally typical of my mother, the canoe she lent was actually my brother Ted’s, a fact which escaped her at the time.

Among the other words which come to mind to describe her character, her uncompromising integrity and honesty have proven to be among the most important guides for myself in my professional and personal life. Whenever I face a situation in which I am unsure about which direction to take, I have always had a tool to guide me in the form of a simple question: – “Would I be willing to tell my mother what I have done if I choose this path?” (In truth of course, her adventurous nature wouldn’t necessarily result in the most prudent or sensible path being chosen.) Life forces us all into positions of compromise and presents challenges to our honesty and our integrity, and I observed my mother rise and meet those challenges one after the other throughout my life with courage and a toughness and a sense of right and wrong which was awe inspiring. It was her values and her commitment to community and people which led her into politics and then law and which kept her involved in local politics and community service in all respects to the very last months of her life.

Her sense of dignity was never so tested nor so well demonstrated as in the final weeks and days of her life. Even with a body riddled with cancer she still was not asking for the normal allotment of painkillers as she wished to maintain full control of her faculties and to preserve her lucidity and maximize her ability to interact with the family and friends showing up to visit. I struggle to imagine myself being able to meet death with even 1/10th the dignity that I observed in my mother over the past weeks and which swelled me with pride each minute that I spent with her.

Finally, and perhaps the key to her happiness, was her whimsical approach to life. She was always in pursuit of another experience, a little more fun or a new adventure. It must be said that her appreciation for red wine didn’t exactly hurt her whimsical nature. Her belief in fairies, her decisions at nearly 60 years old to take up roller blading or try skiing again after a 20-year absence, and her delight in her new bright red kitchen, reflected the child who still lived and breathed within my mother. To her last day, she was always able to crack a joke and even more able to laugh at herself in ways which had so many of us laughing in stitches so much of the time we were around her.

Her final months were focused on designing, building and moving into her new house. She moved in a week ago today and was so happy to be in her dream home in her final days. We are so grateful to all of those who helped make it possible: building, cleaning, packing and moving. Thank you so much for your efforts. Those of you who provided support throughout her life and in her final days are too numerous to mention but I would like to especially thank Karen O’Connor who was a rock of support from mother’s diagnosis through the preparations of the funeral today and to mother’s dear friend Loretta MacKenzie who came to spend time with her friend and wound up as her 24-7 homecare support in Mother’s final weeks.

My mother pursued a lifelong effort to build family connections and explore our genealogical roots. She came to know so many people and has given us all an extraordinary collection of family knowledge. We are all the product of our parents, grandparents and ancestors and while I cannot speak of the more distant past, nor of my mother’s mother who died the year I was born, I can say that, like her father before her, my mother had a character of the highest caliber who represented sensitivity and consideration towards all people, near and far, as well as extraordinary generosity and an unparalleled level of community and family involvement and dedication. It is with extreme sadness that within the past year we have had to say good-bye to, among others, John Laughland, my mother’s brother Paul and now my mother, each of whose lives, professionally and personally, reflected an embodiment of these values worthy of our deepest admiration and respect.

As a parent and friend, my mother had an extraordinary ability to make each of us feel stronger and more confident in our own identity, giving us our own sense of independence and mental toughness which, speaking for myself, has been such an asset in so many ways in my life. She will live in our memories and our hearts forever and I am will always be extremely proud to call myself the son of Mary Francis O’Connor Kaiser.

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How to write a eulogy for a mother

Share this article, what is a eulogy for mother.

A eulogy is a short funeral speech where you share memories and reflect on a person who died.

At this sad time of your mother’s death, you might have been asked to write and deliver her eulogy. You’ll want to do your best to write a heartfelt piece that honours her memory.

A good eulogy will capture your mother’s important life events in just a few short minutes. It’s a chance to share your feelings about her and a few stories with the people who also love and care about your mum.

Writing a eulogy for your beloved mother can be empowering and help you through the initial stage of grief.

There’s no score to aim for or an exam to pass. Any eulogy delivered with love and respect is a good eulogy.

On this page we cover everything you need to know about how to write a eulogy for your mum. But if you want to start working on the eulogy now, download a copy of our Eulogy Workbook. It includes suggestions for what you could write.

[Download the work with eulogy samples now]

Planning the eulogy

Brainstorming ideas for your mother’s eulogy and planning it out will make it so much easier to write. Spending a bit of time upfront thinking about what you want to say and gathering the facts about you mother’s life will make the overall process much simpler.

By reflecting and taking notes, you’ll see the big picture that connects your memories with the important aspects of your mother’s life and the person she was.

Brainstorm ideas

Think about the people who will be at the funeral and the kinds of things they’d like to hear about your mother. A funeral is not the time to shock or embarrass people with revelations. Be honest but focus on the positives.

Maybe the people who will attend don’t know much about her earlier life and you can fill in the gaps for them. Or perhaps they haven’t seen her in recent years and want to know how her last years unfolded.

Write down your significant memories of you mother.

When you spend time with your other family members and her close friends, ask them to share their memories. Take notes.

Identify a theme

After reflecting on your mother’s life, you’ll probably see a central theme emerge. It might be about her kindness and how she was always looking out for others. It might be about her marvellous sense of humour or her mischievous streak.

Once you have identified a theme, you can write your eulogy around this. You can use the theme to filter out the stories and information that don’t fit.

While a theme isn’t necessary, it can help tie together the important events of her life and your memories.

Write down significant life events

As well as your own memories, ask family members and friends about the big events they remember from your mum’s life.

Make a note of things like her:

  • favourite things she liked to do
  • children and grandchildren
  • volunteering activities

Decide on your tone

The tone you use will depend on the circumstance of her death and your relationship with your mother.

If your mother died at the end of a long and happy life, then there’s much to celebrate with warmth and good humour.

But if your mother is quite young and dies tragically or unexpectedly, then the funeral is likely to be a sadder and more somber occasion.

However, it’s always good to aim for an informal, conversational tone in your eulogy as though you’re talking to friends, which you will be.

How long it should a eulogy be?

Eulogies are short speeches. They usually run from 3 to 5 minutes, but sometimes they are as long as 10 minutes.

A 5-minute speech is around 600 to 750 words, which is not long. This works out to be around 2 or 3 A4 pages.

It might feel like a challenge to have to fit someone’s whole life into a short speech, but you don’t need to. Others will speak at the funeral and share their memories of your mother, too.

By planning the eulogy before writing it can help you fit the most important pieces of information and choose the best memories to share.

Writing the eulogy

Opening statement.

In the opening statement, address why you’re there. State who your mother was and what she was known for.

Share who you are and what your connection to her is.

Thank people for coming, especially those who travelled a significant distance to be there.

State your mother’s basic biographic details

You can state your mother’s biographical details in chronological order, but it doesn’t have to read like an obituary. These basic details include things like:

  • her full name (including her maiden name if she changed her name)
  • nicknames and what other relatives called her
  • who her parents were and their names
  • where and when she was born.

There might be other details you think are important to include here, too.

Mention loved ones

Mention other loved ones who were close to your mother. This could be her husband or partner, siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

If pets were an important part of her life, you could mention them, too.

Mention her close friends, the special people in her life who she enjoyed spending time with and who had a positive impact on her.

Talk about significant life events

Look back at the memories you brainstormed with your family and her friends. Find the significant events in your mother’s life. If there are many events, consider reducing the list to only those that fit with your overall theme.

When you mention the event, use memories and share the stories that help convey what you think and feel about your mother. Relate the event to what was happening in the world at these different times in her life.

Using gentle humour in a eulogy

Using humour in a eulogy is a personal choice. If you choose to use humour, it should be heartfelt and amusing, not poking fun at your mother in a mean-spirited way.

A warm and funny anecdote can help break some of the sadness and tension people might be feeling during the funeral.

Review the memories you brainstormed and find the funny and amusing stories that fit with your overall theme. Include them in the eulogy.

The conclusion

A eulogy’s conclusion offers comforting words to the people who love your mother and will miss her terribly.

In your final goodbye, you can address the people at the funeral, your mother directly, or both.

To help you find the right words, return to your overall theme, or think about what your mother would say to comfort everyone.

Funeral speech for mother from daughter

The bond between a mother and her daughter can be deep and special.

A eulogy for a mother from her daughter need not be structured differently to any other eulogy.

You might choose to focus more on your relationship with your mother when sharing memories. You might want to talk about the impact of her parenting on your life and if you have children, how she influenced your parenting.

When preparing for the funeral and writing a eulogy for mother, poems or special readings can add a lovely touch. If she had a favourite poet or if you find a poem that captures how you feel, include it in the funeral service, but separate to your eulogy.

But overall, there are no special rules.

Review your eulogy

Ask trusted friends and family members to review what you write, especially the stories, memories and anecdotes you share.

Be open to their feedback, but this is your eulogy and you have the final say.

Prepare to deliver your mother’s eulogy

The key to feeling confident about delivering your mother’s eulogy is to practice. Read it out loud, many times.

If you’re worried about being overcome with emotion, know that you can take a short break and few deep breaths to help regain a feeling of control. There’s no need to rush. Taking a sip of water might also help.

Make eye contact with your audience. They’ll remind you that they feel for you in this moment. No one is there to judge you.

Print out the eulogy in a large font to make it easy to read. If you’re too overcome by emotion, someone else will be able to continue on your behalf.

Download our Eulogy Workbook

To help you craft a eulogy that will remember your mother with love, warmth and respect, download a copy of our eulogy workbook with examples of what you could write.

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  • February 7, 2024

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Funeral Speech For Mother From Daughter Examples Table of Contents

Understanding the mother-daughter relationship, reflecting the unique nature of the mother-daughter relationship in the eulogy, key elements to include in a funeral speech for a mother, structuring the funeral speech for a mother, examples of funeral speeches for a mother from a daughter, navigating emotions while delivering the eulogy, eulogy assistant: crafting legacies of spiritual guidance, frequently asked questions.

The relationship between a mother and daughter is often complex, textured by a depth of emotion that is simultaneously the source of our greatest strength and at times, our most profound struggles. It is a bond like no other, steeped in shared experiences, unconditional love, and lessons that shape us throughout our lives. When a mother passes away, it is not just the individual that we lose, but also the profound influence that has shaped our identity. The loss is monumental, leaving us with a gaping void that words often fail to encapsulate.

Delivering a eulogy for a loved one is never an easy task. It demands us to confront our grief head-on while finding words to express the inexpressible. The task of summarizing a lifetime of love, lessons, and shared memories into a single speech can feel overwhelmingly daunting. As a daughter, trying to put pen to paper to commemorate your mother, the person who has known you your entire life, can be a Herculean task fraught with emotional hurdles. You may feel a pressure to deliver a tribute that does justice to the person your mother was, that encapsulates her essence and her role in your life. But remember, it's the sincerity of your words, not their eloquence, that will truly honor her.

This article is designed to guide you through this challenging process. It aims to serve as a comforting hand, holding yours as you navigate through this sea of emotions, helping you find the words that resonate with your feelings. Through this journey, we will explore the unique intricacies of the mother-daughter bond, discuss the essential elements to include in your eulogy, and provide guidelines to structure your speech effectively. We'll also share examples of heartfelt eulogies from daughters to their mothers to inspire and guide you.

We understand the weight of grief you are carrying and the difficulty of the task ahead. In these moments, when sorrow seems all-encompassing, know that it's okay to seek help and lean on others. This article is one such resource, aimed to walk beside you in this journey of remembrance and tribute.

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Writing a eulogy is not just about paying tribute to your loved one; it can also serve as a step towards healing. It allows you to express your feelings, remember the beautiful moments you shared, and celebrate the life of the person who meant so much to you. In this spirit, we hope that the following guidelines and examples will help you find the words to express your love, your loss, and the indelible impact your mother has had on your life.

The bond between a mother and daughter is often characterized by an exceptional depth and complexity that can oscillate between extremes. This relationship encompasses a unique blend of unconditional love, deep connection, understanding, shared experiences, and at times, conflict or tension. Its essence lies in its dynamic nature, its evolution over time, and the multilayered interactions that define it.

From childhood to adulthood, mothers often serve as the first role models for their daughters. They provide a lens through which daughters initially perceive themselves and the world around them. From mothers, daughters learn about resilience, compassion, strength, femininity, and much more. It's a relationship that plays a pivotal role in shaping a daughter's self-identity, beliefs, values, and behavior.

However, like any relationship, the mother-daughter bond is not devoid of challenges. There may be moments of friction, misunderstandings, or disagreements. These challenging times, though often tough to navigate, contribute to the depth of the relationship, making it even more unique and robust. They introduce lessons of forgiveness, acceptance, and compromise, teaching daughters about the complexities of human relationships.

The unique nature of the mother-daughter bond offers a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and memories to draw upon when writing a eulogy. It's a relationship that deserves to be honored in all its depth and complexity.

When preparing your eulogy, consider the different facets of your relationship with your mother. Remember, it's not just about commemorating her as an individual, but also about acknowledging her role in your life. You might reflect on the lessons she taught you, the values she instilled in you, the shared experiences that brought you joy or even the challenging moments that strengthened your bond.

In your eulogy, don't shy away from expressing the depth of your emotions—both the love and the grief. It can be comforting for others who are grieving to hear words that resonate with their own feelings. It's okay to share your sorrow, just as it's okay to share your beautiful memories.

Don't feel obligated to present a picture-perfect portrayal of your mother. Authenticity resonates more deeply than perfection. If your relationship with your mother was complicated, it's okay to acknowledge this. You might choose to focus on the positive impact she had on your life, the resilience she imparted, or how the relationship shaped you as a person.

Remember, your eulogy is a reflection of your unique relationship with your mother. It's about honoring her life from your perspective as her daughter. By drawing on your shared experiences and emotions, you can create a heartfelt tribute that truly represents the bond you shared.

Shared Memories and Experiences

One of the most compelling elements of a eulogy are the personal anecdotes and shared experiences that beautifully encapsulate the essence of the deceased. In a funeral speech for a mother, these shared memories can serve as a poignant reminder of the times you spent together, the special moments you experienced, and the intimate bond you shared.

These stories can range from everyday mundane interactions to milestone events and memorable family occasions. They may encompass laughter and joy, or poignant moments of shared sorrow and support. Perhaps you might recall your mother's comforting presence during challenging times, her contagious laughter in joyous times, or even simple moments such as shared meals or bedtime stories. These anecdotes not only bring your mother's character to life, but also provide comfort and connection to those present, reminding them of shared memories and common experiences.

The Influence of Your Mother on Your Life

Mothers shape our lives in countless ways, and this influence often continues long after we've grown up. Acknowledging your mother's impact on your life can be a profound way of honoring her memory and expressing your gratitude.

Reflect on how your mother influenced your values, your outlook on life, and your growth as a person. What qualities did you admire in her? What strengths did she exhibit that you've tried to embody in your own life? Perhaps she was a strong woman who taught you resilience, a compassionate soul who instilled in you a sense of empathy, or a determined spirit who encouraged you to chase your dreams.

This aspect of your speech is a tribute to your mother's legacy - the lessons she taught, the values she upheld, and the ways she helped shape the person you have become. It's a testament to her enduring influence and the lasting footprint she left on your life.

Acknowledgement of Grief and Expressions of Love

Delivering a eulogy is a deeply emotional task, and it's essential to acknowledge these feelings during your speech. Conveying your grief can provide solace to others who share your sorrow, creating a collective sense of understanding and sympathy. It's an affirmation that it's okay to feel overwhelmed, to miss your mother deeply, and to mourn her loss.

Alongside expressions of grief, it's equally crucial to voice your love for your mother. Despite the sadness, a funeral is ultimately a celebration of a life lived. Share your love openly - talk about what you admired in your mother, what you will miss about her, and how you will remember her. Let your love for her shine through your words, painting a picture of a woman who was deeply cherished and will be profoundly missed.

Expressing grief and love can be challenging, but remember that there's no right or wrong way to do it. Speak from the heart, and your words will resonate with those present. Ultimately, a funeral speech for a mother from a daughter is an intimate expression of love, a personal tribute to a deeply cherished relationship, and a testament to an unbreakable bond.

Guidelines on Organizing Thoughts and Memories Effectively

Arranging thoughts and memories in an orderly manner is vital for a coherent and meaningful eulogy. Start by jotting down all the memories, anecdotes, and characteristics you associate with your mother. Don't filter these thoughts - let them flow naturally. Once you have a list, look for common themes or patterns, which will help structure your speech.

There are different ways to organize your eulogy - you can present it chronologically, thematically, or even around a memorable quote or a poem that captures your mother's essence. Each memory or anecdote you share should offer a glimpse into your mother's life, personality, values, or your unique bond with her.

The Importance of Writing the Speech Beforehand

Writing your eulogy beforehand has several advantages. It allows you to carefully choose your words, ensuring that you communicate your feelings accurately. This pre-written speech can serve as your guide during the emotionally overwhelming moment of delivery. It can help you stay focused, maintain the flow of your thoughts, and prevent you from forgetting important points.

Writing in advance also gives you the opportunity to revise and refine your speech, making sure each word, each sentiment aligns with what you wish to convey. It can be beneficial to share your draft with a trusted friend or family member for feedback and emotional support.

The Role of Practicing the Speech

Practicing your speech before the funeral is a crucial step. It not only helps you become familiar with the flow and rhythm of your words but also allows you to manage your emotions better during the actual delivery. Hearing your own words can be an emotional experience, and practicing can help you prepare for this.

Rehearsing your speech can also help with timing, pacing, and emphasis on certain parts of the eulogy. You might choose to pause at specific moments for dramatic effect or to compose yourself. Remember, it's okay if you become emotional while delivering your speech - it's a natural and human response. Practicing can, however, provide you with a certain level of confidence and control over the process.

In conclusion, structuring and preparing your funeral speech is not just about creating a sequence of well-arranged words. It's about creating a heartfelt narrative that does justice to your mother's memory, resonates with the audience, and provides comfort - not just to others, but to you as well.

Example 1: A Tribute to a Loving Mother

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,

As I stand here today, I am enveloped in a myriad of emotions – sorrow for the loss we all bear, gratitude for the time I was blessed to have with her, and a profound sense of honor to be able to speak about my mother. She was not just the woman who brought me into this world, but also my mentor, my confidante, and my best friend. My mother was a tapestry of love, strength, and grace, and today, as her daughter, I want to share with you the essence of the incredible person she was.

Born on [Mother's Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth], my mother was a beacon of light from her very first breath. Her childhood, spent in [Place of Childhood], was filled with the joys and challenges that sculpted her into the formidable yet compassionate person we all knew. Her life was a journey of learning, loving, and imparting wisdom, and every step of that journey was taken with a heart full of love.

From my earliest memories, Mum was my guiding star. She had this innate ability to make even the mundane seem magical. Her laughter was a constant in our home, a sound that could turn the dreariest days bright. One of my most cherished memories is [share a personal story or anecdote that highlights a special moment with your mother]. This memory is a vivid reflection of her spirit – always finding joy in the little things and teaching me to do the same.

Mum was a woman of incredible inner strength and resilience. She faced life’s many adversities with a calm and steady hand, always managing to see the silver lining in every cloud. Her ability to remain positive, even in the most challenging times, was one of her most admirable qualities. [Mention a specific instance where she demonstrated this strength]. In these moments, she taught me more about courage and perseverance than any book or lesson ever could.

As a mother, she was unparalleled. Her love was unconditional – it knew no bounds. She was always there for me, offering a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a hand to hold. She was my first teacher, my first friend, and my forever confidant. Her advice, often delivered with her trademark blend of humor and wisdom, guided me through every stage of my life.

Mum had a passion for [mention her hobbies, interests, or profession]. In her pursuits, she demonstrated the same level of commitment and enthusiasm that she did in every other aspect of her life. She believed in following one's heart and living life with purpose and passion. Her dedication to [these activities] was not just a pastime; it was an extension of her love for life.

Her role as a [mention other roles, e.g., wife, sister, friend] was just as filled with love and dedication as her role as a mother. She had a special bond with each person in her life, always making time for those she cared about. Her ability to nurture and maintain relationships was one of her most extraordinary gifts.

Today, as we bid farewell to my beloved mother, we do so with a mix of sorrow and celebration. We mourn her physical absence, but we also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. She may have left this earthly realm, but her spirit, her teachings, and her love will continue to live on in each of us.

In closing, I am reminded of [a quote, poem, or saying that your mother loved or that reflects her life philosophy]. These words beautifully encapsulate the essence of my mother’s life – a life lived with love, grace, and an unending capacity for kindness.

Mum, thank you for the love, the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy. You were my rock, my inspiration, and my guiding light. Your memory will forever be a part of me.

Rest in peace, my beautiful mother. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Thank you, [Mother’s Name], for everything. Your spirit will forever guide us, and your memory will always be our treasure.

Analyzing Example 1

This eulogy effectively incorporates key elements: personal anecdotes, expressions of love, and acknowledgement of grief. The daughter reflects on shared experiences, demonstrating the unique bond they shared. She discusses her mother's influence, showcasing her resilience and strength. This eulogy is a blend of personal reflections and universal sentiments, making it both intimate and relatable.

Example 2: Honoring a Mother's Spirit

To all who have joined us in mourning and celebration,

Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with both sorrow and love, as we gather to bid farewell to my beloved mother, [Mother's Name]. As her daughter, I find myself grappling with the loss of the woman who was my guiding light, my pillar of strength, and my source of unconditional love. In this eulogy, I aim to honor her memory, celebrating the life of a woman who was as extraordinary in her everyday actions as she was in her unwavering love for us.

Born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth], my mother's life story was one of compassion, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. She grew up in [a brief background about her upbringing], where she cultivated the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of family – values that she would later pass on to me and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

My earliest memories of Mum are filled with moments of joy, laughter, and the warmth of her presence. She had an incredible talent for turning the simplest of days into beautiful adventures. I fondly recall [share a specific, memorable story that highlights a unique aspect of your mother], a memory that I hold close to my heart as a testament to her love and the magic she brought into our lives.

Throughout her life, Mum faced challenges with a grace and courage that were truly inspiring. Whether it was [mention a particular challenge or hardship], she navigated these with a positive outlook and a strength that seemed to know no bounds. Her resilience wasn't just for herself; it was a beacon of hope for us, teaching us that no hurdle was too high to overcome.

As a mother, she was everything one could hope for and more. Her love was a boundless ocean, comforting and all-encompassing. She was my confidant, my mentor, and my greatest supporter. Her wisdom, often imparted through shared moments and thoughtful conversations, guided me through life's complexities. She was not just raising a daughter; she was nurturing a soul.

Mum's passion for [mention her hobbies, interests, or vocation] was a reflection of her zest for life. She believed in pursuing what brought joy and in sharing that joy with others. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and through her passions, she taught us the importance of embracing life with open arms.

In her relationships, whether as a [mention her other roles, e.g., wife, friend, community member], Mum's presence was a gift. She nurtured her relationships with the same tenderness and dedication that she put into every aspect of her life. Her ability to connect, to empathize, and to love unconditionally was a rare treasure.

As we say goodbye to my mother, we not only mourn her absence but also celebrate the remarkable life she led. We celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and the countless small acts of kindness that defined her. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit, her teachings, and the love she shared will forever remain in our hearts.

In closing, I am drawn to [a quote, poem, or saying that resonates with your mother's life or philosophy], words that encapsulate the essence of my mother's journey through life. These words resonate deeply today as we remember a woman of incredible strength, love, and grace.

Mum, your departure leaves an irreplaceable void, but the legacy of your love will continue to guide and inspire us. Thank you for the unwavering love, the invaluable lessons, and the beautiful memories that will continue to light our paths.

Rest in peace, my dearest mother. You were loved more than words can express and will be missed more than you could ever have imagined.

Thank you, [Mother’s Name], for every moment we shared. Your memory will live on in our hearts, today and always.

Analyzing Example 2

This eulogy provides an honest yet respectful portrayal of the mother, highlighting her resilience and optimism. The daughter shares specific words of wisdom her mother imparted, underlining her influence. The expressions of grief and love are well-balanced, offering a holistic view of the mother's life and legacy.

Managing Grief During the Speech

Losing a mother is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching experience. Even more so when you are tasked with summarizing her life and your relationship in a few short minutes. It's only natural to feel a wave of emotions overwhelming you. Here are a few suggestions to help you manage your grief as you deliver the eulogy:

Accept Your Feelings

Understand that it's perfectly okay to be emotional during the eulogy. Grief is a testament to the love you had for your mother. It's alright to pause, collect your thoughts, or even shed a tear or two. This is not a sign of weakness; rather, it's a genuine expression of your feelings.

Practice the Speech

Going through your speech a few times before the actual day can help you become more comfortable with the emotional content. This practice may not eliminate the emotions but it can help you manage them better when delivering the eulogy in public.

Focus on Your Breathing

Simple breathing exercises can be a powerful tool to regain your composure. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a moment, breathe in deeply, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. This can help to calm your nerves and regain your focus.

Creating a Balance in the Eulogy

While the loss of your mother is undoubtedly a moment of sorrow, the eulogy can also be a celebration of her life. It's important to create a balance between expressing your personal loss and honoring her life.

Celebrate Her Life

While acknowledging the loss is important, focusing on your mother's life, her qualities, and the happy moments can create a comforting atmosphere. Sharing funny anecdotes or heartwarming stories about her can evoke smiles amidst the tears and help everyone remember her fondly.

Reflect on Her Legacy

Think about what your mother left behind - the values she imparted, the love she shared, and the impact she had on others. Speaking about these can help shift the focus from the sadness of loss to the pride and gratitude for having had her in your life.

End on a Positive Note

Conclude the eulogy with a positive or hopeful note. This could be a lesson you've learned from her, a way she continues to live on through you or others, or even a beautiful quote she loved. This approach can offer a sense of closure and uplift the spirits of those present.

Remember, it's your love for your mother and your unique relationship with her that will guide you in delivering a touching and memorable eulogy. Trust in your own emotional strength and resilience during this challenging task.

The journey of writing and delivering a funeral speech for your mother is a profoundly emotional and personal one. It's an opportunity to express your love, grief, and gratitude for the special bond you shared. It's a chance to honor her life, her influence, and her legacy.

Honoring the Light of Spiritual Mentors

In the solemn moments before we share our parting words, the task of encapsulating the essence of a spiritual mentor in prose can seem as formidable as capturing the depth of the night sky on canvas. The endeavor of commemorating such a profound presence is a deeply spiritual act, merging reverent admiration with the sincerest forms of emotion. Eulogy Assistant accompanies you on this heartfelt journey, intertwining tributes of respect with genuine warmth, and transforming treasured memories into everlasting tributes.

Our dedicated team, masters in the compassionate craft of eulogy writing, is committed to assisting you in paying homage to the serene wisdom and inspirational guidance of your spiritual mentor. At Eulogy Assistant , we extend beyond the bounds of typical services to offer a partnership characterized by understanding and compassion, as you honor a life of significant spiritual influence.

Weaving Narratives of Spiritual Depth and Enduring Bonds

Eulogy Assistant is built on the conviction that the most meaningful eulogies emerge from a collaborative spirit. By marrying your personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections with our expertise, we construct a tribute that not only venerates but deeply connects, faithfully capturing the legacy of your spiritual mentor.

Our approach is rooted in authentic collaboration and mutual creativity. Your personal stories and insights are invaluable, essential in crafting a narrative that truly reflects the spirit and indelible impact of your spiritual mentor. This task transcends mere biography; it's an homage to their profound influence and the wisdom they've imparted.

Together, our aim is to create a narrative that authentically represents your spiritual mentor—a eulogy that elevates beyond conventional accolades to include deep respect, personal connections, and heartfelt emotion. Our collective endeavor results in a tribute that is a poignant testament, mirroring the love and reverence your spiritual mentor has inspired.

Expressions of Gratitude: Client Reflections

The soul of Eulogy Assistant is best captured through the genuine expressions of thanks and stories from those we've had the privilege to assist. These testimonials from our clients affirm our dedication to offering comfort and guidance in their moments of tribute.

"Approaching the challenge of commemorating my spiritual mentor was overwhelming, but Eulogy Assistant was a beacon of support, enabling me to craft a eulogy that genuinely honored their spirit and legacy," says Jordan, grateful for our guidance.

"The empathetic and skilled guidance from Eulogy Assistant was a source of solace in my grief, assisting me in crafting a tribute that was not just a recounting, but a heartfelt homage to my spiritual guide," shares Sam, thankful for the compassionate support.

These reflections highlight our commitment to creating eulogies that are not merely expressions of homage and respect but are heartfelt commemorations of the spiritual mentors who have significantly shaped our lives. We are honored to assist you in this journey, paying homage to the distinctive legacies of those who have deeply influenced our spiritual paths, and crafting eulogies that stand as enduring tributes to their guiding light.

Let’s unite to create stories that are deeply personal, imbued with respect, and truly encapsulate the essence of the spiritual mentors who have illuminated our journeys.

What is a Funeral Speech for a Mother from a Daughter?

A funeral speech for a mother from a daughter is a heartfelt tribute given at a funeral, expressing the special bond, memories, and impact of a mother on her daughter's life.

How Do I Start Writing a Funeral Speech for My Mother?

Begin by reflecting on your relationship with your mother, recalling fond memories, significant experiences, and the lessons she taught you.

What Key Elements Should I Include in a Funeral Speech for My Mother?

Include personal anecdotes, her character traits, memorable life events, the impact she had on your life, and the legacy she leaves behind.

How Long Should a Funeral Speech for My Mother Be?

A funeral speech for a mother should typically last around 3-5 minutes, balancing depth of emotion with respect for the audience's attention.

Can I Share a Personal Story About My Mother in the Speech?

Yes, sharing personal stories that reflect your mother's personality and your relationship with her can add depth and personal touch to the speech.

Is It Appropriate to Include Humor in My Mother’s Funeral Speech?

If it suits your mother’s personality and the tone of the service, including light humor can be appropriate and endearing.

How Can I Personalize the Speech for My Mother?

Personalize the speech by including specific memories, her life lessons, and how her qualities were reflected in her role as a mother.

Is It Okay to Express Grief in the Speech?

Expressing grief is natural and appropriate, as it shows the depth of your bond and the impact of her loss.

How Should I Conclude the Funeral Speech?

Conclude with a final message of love, a memorable lesson she taught, or a reflection on her lasting impact on your life.

Should I Mention My Mother’s Hobbies or Interests?

Yes, mentioning her hobbies or interests can paint a fuller picture of her personality and the things that brought her joy.

How Do I Handle My Emotions While Delivering the Speech?

Speak from the heart and allow your emotions to be part of the tribute. If you become overwhelmed, it’s okay to pause and collect yourself.

Can I Include a Poem or Reading That Was Special to My Mother?

Including a poem or reading that was meaningful to your mother or resonates with your feelings can add a special touch to the speech.

How Do I Make the Speech Relatable to Other Attendees?

Focus on shared experiences, common values, or stories that others can connect with to make the speech relatable.

What Tone is Suitable for a Funeral Speech for a Mother?

A tone that is respectful, loving, and reflective, capturing the essence of her life and the impact she had on yours and others.

Should I Talk About How My Mother Influenced My Life?

Sharing how your mother influenced your life can be a powerful way to honor her memory and the lessons she imparted.

How Do I Address the Audience in the Speech?

Address the audience with empathy and warmth, recognizing the shared loss and the collective memories of your mother.

Can I Mention Challenges or Hardships My Mother Overcame?

If relevant and respectful, mentioning challenges or hardships can highlight her strength, resilience, and the lessons learned from her life.

How Do I Prepare for Delivering the Funeral Speech?

Prepare by writing down your thoughts, practicing your speech, and reflecting on the memories and feelings you wish to convey.

Is It Appropriate to Encourage Others to Share Their Memories?

Inviting others to share their memories can be a thoughtful way to collectively honor and remember your mother’s life.

What Should I Avoid Saying in the Funeral Speech?

Avoid any topics that might be controversial or upsetting to the family and other attendees, and steer clear of negative stories about your mother.

Can I Use Quotes or Literary References in the Speech?

Using relevant quotes or literary references can add depth, especially if they were significant to your mother or resonate with your feelings about her.

Throughout this article, we have delved into various aspects of this delicate task. We've explored the unique dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, the key elements to include in your speech, and the importance of structuring and practicing the eulogy. We've provided examples to illustrate how these elements can be woven together into a touching tribute. Finally, we've discussed strategies to navigate the torrent of emotions you may experience during the delivery of your speech.

Remember, there's no 'perfect' eulogy. Your speech doesn't need to be an exhaustive narrative of your mother's life. Instead, it should be a genuine reflection of your bond, your shared experiences, and the lessons she taught you. It's about painting a picture of who your mother was through your eyes and expressing the impact she had on your life.

Writing and delivering a eulogy for your mother can be cathartic, allowing you to process your grief while celebrating her life. It's an emotional journey, and it's okay to lean on others for support. Whether you find solace in the company of loved ones, a professional counselor, or a support group, remember, you're not alone.

In the end, your eulogy will be a beautiful testament to the love you shared with your mother, and a touching tribute to her life. It's a final gift of words to someone who has had an inestimable influence on your life. Trust in your strength and resilience as you embark on this emotional task - for yourself, and in honor of your mother.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

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NCIS 2024: Ducky's Death & Tribute Explained

David McCallum, NCIS

NCIS ' return to TV in 2024 will come with a highly emotional tribute to a staple of the show, Ducky, after the character's death.

In September 2023, CBS shared heartbreaking news regarding the passing of NCIS staple David McCallum, who passed away due to natural causes at the age of 90.

McCallum boasts more episode credits than any actor in NCIS ' two decades on the air at 457, starring in all of the show's first 20 seasons as the team's medical examiner. He was the last member of the original cast remaining on the show through Season 20 before he died.

[ NCIS 2024: Release Date Schedule of New Season & Spin-offs (Confirmed) ]

NCIS' 2024 Tribute to David McCallum's Ducky

David McCallum's Ducky in NCIS

Following NCIS Season 21's premiere episode on Monday, February 12, Episode 2 is confirmed to feature a tribute to the late David McCallum, who spent the first 20 seasons portraying the fan-favorite character Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard.

CBS released a 22-second promo video celebrating February 19's new episode, showing Brian Dietzen's Dr. Jimmy Palmer visiting a corgi named Ducky in honor of his fallen mentor.

The entire core NCIS cast is then seen in a flower-filled autopsy lab celebrating Ducky's life, remembering their colleague and friend while working a case tied back to the late medical examiner following his death.

The logline for the new episode, titled "The Stories We Leave Behind," reads as follows:

"As NCIS mourns the loss of Ducky, the agents find comfort in working on one of his unfinished cases involving a woman whose father was dishonorably discharged from the Marines."

Speaking with TV Insider , showrunner David J. North dove into the new episode's story, noting how important the new case was to Ducky as the team looks to "relive their memories of a coworker and a man" who was vitally important to them.

The aforementioned Dietzen also had the honor of co-writing the new episode, with North reminiscing on how the star "shed tears writing it" while the rest of the NCIS crew cried bringing the episode to life:

"The case was important to Dr. Mallard. In [investigating it], they’re going to relive their memories of a coworker and a man who meant so very much to them. Brian shed tears writing it; the cast and crew shed tears shooting it."

Fans are already hoping to see any number of emotional tributes to Ducky, which could come with old characters returning, flashbacks to a younger version of the TV mainstay, and a true reflection on Ducky's place on this long-standing team.

When McCallum first passed, a couple of his former castmates shared touching tributes to their fallen friend.

Abby Sciuto actress Pauley Perrette (Seasons 1-15) shared images of herself with McCallum on Instagram , dubbing him "a legend" and offering her love to his family while celebrating his legacy:

"Oh David. What a life. What a legend. What a journey. And your legacy will always be the love you have for your family. Love to Katherine and the kids and the grandkids, your absolutely very favorite things."

Current star Wilmer Valderrama also offered a touching message on Instagram , telling McCallum how it was "an immense honor to share the screen" with the Hollywood veteran:

"David, what an immense honor it was to share the screen with you. Your professionalism and ability to effortlessly take every one of us on a journey through your art will be felt forever. I will miss you my friend."

Episode 2 of NCIS Season 21 will debut on CBS on Monday, Feb 19, at 9 pm ET, and it will subsequently be available to stream on Paramount+ .

Read more about the NCIS franchise below:

[ Full Cast of NCIS: Hawaii 2024 - Season 3 Main Characters & Actors (Photos) ]

[ Full Cast of NCIS 2024 - Season 21 Main Characters & Actors (Photos) ]

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  1. This was my Mother’s Day speech 😂🫶🏼

COMMENTS

  1. What To Say At A Funeral Speech For A Mother

    1. Express gratitude 2. Introduce yourself 3. Share personal anecdotes 4. Speak about her accomplishments 5. Reflect on her character 6. Share her impact on others 7. Offer words of comfort 8. End with a message of love Example 1 - Funeral Speech for a Beloved Mother Example 2 - Eulogy for a Cherished Mother Example 3 - Eulogy for an Admired Mother

  2. How to Write a Tribute Speech to Your Mother: Step-By-Step

    Writing a tribute speech is one of the best ways to memorialize your mom. Recognizing your mom's legacy is a gift to one of the most important people in your life. A speech is a great way to praise her and a great way of laying her life to rest. Jump ahead to these sections: Step 1: Do Your Research Step 2: Think About Impact

  3. How to Write a Beautiful Eulogy for a Mother

    Saying goodbye to your mother is heartbreaking. It can feel like you are alone in your grief. And learning to navigate life without their physical presence can be very difficult. While you are processing the immediate grief, you may also have to . Don't let those details fill up all your time.

  4. Memorable Eulogy Samples for a Beloved Mother

    I will always hear her voice when it's time for me to check in with my own emotional well-being.We honor her memory today and every day." "My mom has had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis) for as long as I can remember.

  5. Funeral Speech Examples for a Heartfelt Eulogy

    Guidelines for Writing Funeral Speeches: First of all, we have put together the following simple guidelines to help you to think of things to say: Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person Describe the person's qualities Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions

  6. Funeral Speech For Mother

    1. Begin with a moment of reflection 2. Set the structure of your speech 3. Paint a picture of her personality 4. Express your gratitude and love 5. Mention her achievements and interests 6. Include quotes, sayings, or religious texts Example: A Mother's Love Never Ends

  7. Things to Say at Your Mom's Funeral

    - "Thank you all for being here today to honor my mother and celebrate her remarkable life." - "I am incredibly grateful for the love and support we have received during this challenging time." Need a Eulogy? Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One

  8. How To Write A Eulogy For A Mother

    Learn more . Writing a eulogy for a beloved mother is a rare opportunity to share with your friends, family, and loved ones the importance of your mother's life in your own (and in the lives of others). For those who have never written a funeral speech for a mother, this may feel like a lot of pressure.

  9. Eulogy examples

    Jean M. Wilkenson 7/3/1926 to 9/1/2005 For those of you who may not know me, I am Connie, the lucky person who had Jean as her mother. Thank you …. Eulogy Poem for Mother. The funeral or eulogy poem below was written by Canadian poet Sharon Catley to honor her mother Alberta Stoley.

  10. Eulogy Examples: How to Write a Eulogy for a Loved One

    Here are a few tips for writing a eulogy for your mother: Describe the way she showed her love for you. Celebrate the small ways she turned your house into a home. Highlight the impact she made throughout the community. Explain the smells, sounds, and feelings you felt when arriving home.

  11. 72 Eulogy Examples

    Eulogies are pieces of writing or funeral speeches that are typically shared at a funeral or gathering for someone who has passed away. The speeches often contain a description of the person who passed away, the kind of person they were and personal memories that the person delivering the eulogy finds meaningful to share.

  12. A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

    By: Camila Steinfeld Last updated: October 20, 2023 Writing Prompts With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared.

  13. How to Write a Eulogy For Mother: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

    Once you have your list, whittle it down to stories and memories that achieve the goal you have set for the eulogy. 3. Interview your close relatives. Ask your relatives if they have any stories they want to contribute to the eulogy. More than likely, you will get quite a few anecdotes to add to your brainstorm list.

  14. Sample Eulogy for Mother

    Sample Eulogy - Mother What can I say about my Mom? For those of you that knew my mom, she was not only the life of the party but often the reason for the party. She use to always say to us "Don't be so serious, life is too short, just have fun". In her late 30's, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

  15. Eulogy for a Mother

    In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy. Martha was only 59 when she passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 4 th in Colorado Springs. It's hard to say goodbye. We wish that we had more time, and perhaps that during the time we had we had spent more of it together.

  16. How to Write a Eulogy for Mom from a Daughter + Examples

    Step 2: Think About Your Memories of Your Mom. Step 3: Reflect on Other Aspects of Your Mother's Life. Step 4. Get Inspired by the Words of Poets. Step 5: Write an Outline of Your Thoughts. Step 6: Get Feedback. Eulogy for Mother from Her Daughter Examples.

  17. A Heartfelt Eulogy for a Mother

    Thank you for being with us today, to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, my mother Ellen. There are no lessons about 'The Art of Mothering' we can only do our best and hope that we do it well. My mother certainly got an A ++ in this. She was a caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend.

  18. Words To Say At A Funeral For Mum

    1. Start with an Engaging Introduction 2. Share Memorable Stories and Moments Shared 3. Highlight Your Mum's Legacy and Impact 4. Thank Your Mum and Say Your Goodbyes 5. End with a Strong, Engaging Outro Eulogy Assistant: Honoring the Guides of Spiritual Insight Frequently Asked Questions

  19. Eulogy for Mum

    It was also your continued support, well wishes and prayers which were so valuable to her in her final weeks. In addition to your presence here, we have received many, many expressions of condolence from among the thousands of people my mother touched over the years. Their and your words match those that echo in my head with examples of her ...

  20. How to write a eulogy for a mother

    A eulogy's conclusion offers comforting words to the people who love your mother and will miss her terribly. In your final goodbye, you can address the people at the funeral, your mother directly, or both. To help you find the right words, return to your overall theme, or think about what your mother would say to comfort everyone.

  21. How to write a eulogy

    Here's everything you'll need to know about writing a speech for a funeral, along with some examples to inspire you. To give a eulogy literally means to praise someone. A funeral eulogy helps people to reflect on and celebrate a person's life. Eulogies can come in all shapes and sizes. Some people use it as an opportunity to tell stories ...

  22. Funeral Speech For Mother From Daughter Examples

    Understanding the Mother-Daughter Relationship Reflecting the Unique Nature of the Mother-Daughter Relationship in the Eulogy Key Elements to Include in a Funeral Speech for a Mother Structuring the Funeral Speech for a Mother Examples of Funeral Speeches for a Mother from a Daughter Navigating Emotions While Delivering the Eulogy In Closing

  23. How to write a eulogy for your mother

    In your eulogy, you could introduce your mother by saying something like, "My mom, Linda, was smart, witty, funny, and honest, but above all, she was kind. Everyone who met my mother would always tell me how warm and loving she was, and I couldn't agree more. Because of her, I'll always remember to choose kindness every day.".

  24. NCIS 2024: Ducky's Death & Tribute Explained

    NCIS' return to TV in 2024 will come with a highly emotional tribute to a staple of the show, Ducky, after the character's death.. In September 2023, CBS shared heartbreaking news regarding the passing of NCIS staple David McCallum, who passed away due to natural causes at the age of 90. McCallum boasts more episode credits than any actor in NCIS' two decades on the air at 457, starring in all ...

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