1.) State to whom you are addressing your remarks: In the case of a large crowd always mention the immediate family first, spouse and children. Then a casual reference to whoever is the primary host, rabbi, priest, minister, etc.
2.) Immediately express sympathy, for example: I want to take this time and offer my deepest sympathy and sincere well wishes to you and the members of your family in this your time of loss.
3.) Show a sign of respect for life and that even in passing the departed is still with us: Your Mom has been and in many respects will continue to be an integral part of our lives.
4.) Then comment about the impact the departed’s life has had: She has been a rock, a corner stone in our support system. A person over a lifetime we have grown to depend on. An integral part of our routine occasionally and for many daily, to this extent she has been there for us, our mutual dependency demonstrates the deepness personal loss.
5.) Use the moment to bring hearts together: Each one of us will mourn in our own way. To a greater extent we will mourn together. She has been a vital part and a source of strength not just for us but for many.
6.) Always mention any strengths of the departed: May her strength, now weave us together in an effort to comfort one another. May her good heart, the love she so unselfishly gave and her profound sense of humor now fill us with a sense of joy and peace.
7.) Near your closing remarks always end with how much the departed will be missed: To this extent, I know she will be surely missed.
8.) Always mention that in this time a sorrow the departed’s life should be celebrated: Although I will not be with you to celebrate her life, please accept my fondest memories of her and this note as a sign of the deepest respect all share for your loss. Or if present, one can state. Please look to our fondest memories of her as a sign of the deepest respect as we all share in her loss
Putting It All Together
Join me as our hearts go out to Mr. Douglas, as well as Steve and Patricia son and daughter of the late Maria Douglas. I want to take this time and offer my deepest sympathy and sincere well wishes to you and the members of your family in this your time of loss. Your Mom has been and in many respects will continue to be an integral part of our lives. She has been a rock, a corner stone in our support system. A person over a lifetime we have grown to depend on. An integral part of our routine occasionally and for many daily, to this extent she has been there for us, our mutual dependency demonstrates the deepness personal loss. Each one of us will mourn in our own way. To a greater extent we will mourn together. She has been a vital part and a source of strength not just for us but for many. May her strength, now weave us together in an effort to comfort one another. May her good heart, the love she so unselfishly gave and her profound sense of humor now fill us with a sense of joy and peace. To this extent, I know she will be surely missed. Please in join me celebrating her life. Let’s look to our fondest memories of her as a sign of the deepest respect as we all share in her loss.
