What to write in a grief anniversary card

Even as time passes, the anniversary of a loved one’s death is never an easy time. We understand that not everyone grieves in the same way, but if you want to do something on the day to remember them, then why not pick out a card and jot down a few words inside? 

Whether you’re writing it for yourself or someone else, we’ve come up with various suggestions on what to write in a grief anniversary card. From words of comfort to touching death anniversary quotes, we want to help you pay tribute to a loved one in a way that works for you. 

And if you’ve got a friend who’s missing someone, let them know you’re thinking of them with one of our thoughtfully designed sympathy cards:  

Annie Moon

Fox Card Co

Louise Tiler

Sundiva Designs

Fox Card Co

Duckduckle Design

Cloud Cuckoo Design

Kalm Lettering

The Girl Next Draw

We’ve also pulled together a guide on what to write in a sympathy card to help inspire your words.

Comforting death anniversary messages

Whether you’re writing a death anniversary message to commemorate a loved one or searching for words to let a friend know you’re thinking of them, here are some simple, comforting sentiments: 

1. No matter how many years pass, grief never leaves us. Take this day to cherish and treasure all the memories and good times you spent together.
2. Nothing can prepare us for losing a loved one and there’s no getting used to this feeling. While you may not be here physically, you’ll always be in my heart.
3. Grief looks different for everyone. However you decide to spend this day, make sure to prioritise yourself and focus on your own wellbeing.
4. Some years are harder than others, but I just want you to know that you’re never alone.
5. It feels like only yesterday that you were here, and I just wanted to say that of all the life lessons you taught me one of the most important has to be how to live life to the fullest.
6. You’re always in my thoughts, especially today. I’ll never get used to life without you, but I know you’re looking down on me.
7. It’s been [number of years] years since I last saw you and we had a proper conversation. All I know is that you’re in a better place and you’ll always be remembered.

Remembrance death anniversary quotes

It can be difficult to get your words out when it comes to writing death anniversary wishes, and sometimes it’s easier (and just as heartfelt) to find a lovely quote instead: 

1. “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” – Jack Lemmon
2. “You may not be with us in close proximity but in our hearts you are, like you had always been and forever and ever will be.” – Jean-Paul Malfatti
3. “Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.” – Paulo Coelho
4. “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
5. “Your memory feels like home to me. So whenever my mind wanders, it always finds it’s way back to you.” – Ranata Suzuki
6. “Words are like nets – we hope they’ll cover what we mean, but we know they can’t possibly hold that much joy, or grief, or wonder.” – Jodi Picoult
7. “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

Words of comfort on the anniversary of a death

Showing someone that you’re thinking of them on the anniversary of the death of a loved one is sometimes all we need to do. But if you’re stuck for ideas on what to say to someone who lost a loved one, here are a few different options: 

1. I know this day is really hard for you. From hearing about [insert name] from you I can tell he/she was such a special person in your life and even though I didn’t get to meet her/him, you’re both in my thoughts.
2. While I wish I could be with you today, I just wanted you to know that I’m still always here for you no matter what. Sending all my love to you and your family.
3. No amount of time can take the grief away and I’m always here if you need anything at all, even if it’s just the biggest and tightest hug.
4. There are no words that can truly help make you feel better on a day like this, and I can only imagine how you’re feeling. Just know that I’m only a call away and I’m thinking of you and your loved ones.
5. Thinking of you on this day, [insert name] would honestly be so proud of the person you are. Please take care of yourself.
6. My heart goes out to you today, I know how close you and [insert name] were. Losing a loved one is hard, but I genuinely believe that their soul lives on in our memories. If you ever want to share any stories, I’d love to hear them.

1st death anniversary messages

They say time can help with the grieving process, but on the first anniversary since their passing, it’s more than understandable if you’re going through all the emotions. So, if you’re not quite sure how to put your feelings into words, we’ve come up with some ideas for 1st death anniversary wishes:

1. Life has been filled with ups and downs since you’ve been gone but we’re thinking of all the happy memories today.
2. It’s been exactly a year without you, and I still feel it every day. We all miss you so much and it’s hard, but we’re keeping each other strong!
3. Today is a really hard day as it reminds us all that it’s been a year since we lost you. I just hope you know how much you were loved and that you’re dearly missed.
4. You’d love to know that you’re getting all the attention today and boy do I wish I could talk to you just one more time.
5. I can’t believe it’s been a year and I just wanted to say that you’re still in our thoughts and we’re always talking about how we miss you.

Death anniversary words for mum

Mums tend to hold the fort down when you’re growing up and losing them can leave a massive gap to fill. However, their anniversary can also bring comfort as you remember all the good times. So, here are some anniversary of death messages that are perfect for honouring your wonderful mum:

1. I hope that you’ve been looking down on me and that I’m doing you proud. We all really miss you, mum!
2. Mum, losing you was the hardest thing I’ve gone through but I’m so grateful for the time we did get together.
3. Even though you’re not here anymore, I just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for me. Rest in peace mum.
4. This day never gets easier and brings up memories both happy and sad, but it does bring me peace to know we’ll be reunited at some point in the future!
5. The woman who had the biggest impact on me and my life, you’ll always have the most special place in my heart. I love you mum!

Death anniversary messages for dad

Death may be an inevitable part of life but even as an adult you really do think your dad is going to live forever. If the anniversary of his passing is coming up, let him know he’s always in your heart with one of these death anniversary wishes:

1. My superhero, inspiration, and biggest supporter, nobody will ever come close to being as great of a man as you were! Miss you so much dad.
2. It’s quiet without you dad, we all miss you terribly.
3. Today’s really hard and my one wish would be a big bear hug from you. But you’ll be happy to know that it brings us closer together as a family.
4. Certain things don’t feel the same without you dad, I’m not sure they ever will. Missing you more each day.
5. Thank you for being the most amazing dad I could’ve ever asked for. Today especially, I shall be thinking about all your best qualities and funny memories we made together!

Remembrance messages on death anniversary of brother

Maybe you know your brother wouldn’t want you moping about on his death anniversary? Then use the day as a celebration of his life and pen down one of the following: 

1. Wow, it’s crazy to think that today is the anniversary of the day that you left us. No matter where I go, I’m always thinking of you.
2. You were my first ever best friend and nobody else will get me the way you did.
3. A brother really is an irreplaceable role although I’m glad to know that you’re at peace and looking down on us.
4. I always wanted a baby brother and you made my wish come true. From inside jokes to the stupid sibling arguments, I really do miss having you here.
5. You’re the reason I’m so strong and I know you’re still watching over me to this day, thank you and I love you lots!

Death anniversary wishes for sister

Losing a sister can leave an unimaginable gap in your life, so we’ve pulled together some words to help you commemorate her and let out your feelings: 

1. Today all the memories we share really do come flooding back. I truly do miss you, sister!
2. My sister was one of a kind and heaven really did gain an angel when we lost you.
3. We’re all reminiscing on the good times we had with you, sister, and it warms my heart to know what an impact you had on everyone!
4. Sister, I can only dream of being as great of a person as you were. 
5. We may no longer be able to have sisterly chats, but I can sense that you’re watching over me and being my guardian angel.

Grandparent death anniversary wishes 

Full of wisdom, humour, and a whole lot of love, grandparents play a huge role in shaping who we are as people. So, if you’re looking for a way to honour your grandma or grandpa’s life, here are some thoughtful words: 

1. I hope you know just how much of an impact you made on me grandma/grandad. I’ll miss you forever. 
2. How lucky am I to have shared so many wonderful memories with you. Thank you for the endless stories, wisdom, and hugs. 
3. Even though you’re not here anymore I know you’re still looking over me, so I’ll do everything I can to make you proud. 
4. From my very first steps right through to my teenage years, you were always cheering me on. Thank you for everything grandma/grandad, miss you more and more every day. 
5. Another year without you, and I still miss you just as much. I promise to keep talking about you, reminiscing about the good times, and smiling (just as you would’ve wanted). 

Anniversary of death messages for a friend 

If you’re missing a good friend and are wondering how to express your thoughts, writing things down can be a great idea. Feel all the feelings, and let them know just how much they meant to you by letting the words flow: 

1. We had some pretty brilliant times together, didn’t we? Miss you more than words can say, and I hope you’re causing plenty of chaos up there. 
2. I’m the luckiest person on earth to have had a friend as brilliant as you. I miss you every day. 
3. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’ll always wish you were here by my side. Miss you mate. 
4. I still catch myself laughing at our old jokes and reminiscing on all the hilarious times we shared. Life just isn’t the same without you. 
5. Some friendships are forever. 

Partner death anniversary messages 

If you’re looking for the right words to honour your late partner, here are some ways you can express just how much you miss them: 

1. I still carry you with me in everything I do, and I know you’re up there looking out for me. 
2. Wish you were standing here next to me. Miss you and love you always. 
3. The world lost someone truly incredible the day that you left. 
4. Missing the little things the most right now (your smile, terrible jokes, and how you always knew exactly what to say). 
5. I’ll never stop missing you, and I’ll never stop being grateful for all the times we shared together.

Figuring out an appropriate death anniversary message can be hard, but the most important thing to remember is to write from the heart, and say exactly how you feel. 

And if you’ve held some sort vigil or remembrance event for your loved one and want to let those who attended and supported you know how grateful you are, you might want to take a look at our other blog full of thank you messages after a funeral.

The thortful blog is full of inspiration for all occasions, including everything from what to write in a thinking of you card to ideas on gifts to cheer someone up.