What to write in a grief anniversary card

Losing a loved one is difficult, and even as time passes the anniversary of their death is never an easy time for close friends and family. We understand that not everyone grieves in the same way, but if you want to do something on the day to remember them then you might want to send a card with 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 caring thinking of you messages and touching death anniversary quotes, we want to help you pay tribute to a loved one on their Remembrance Day.

Comforting death anniversary messages

Whether you’re writing a grief anniversary card for yourself or someone else, if you’re looking for words of comfort on the anniversary of the death of a loved one to include in your sympathy card, we’re here to help.

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

Sometimes you might not know what to say on the anniversary of a death of a loved one and find it tricky to put down your thoughts in just one message. Don’t worry, sometimes it’s easier (and still just as heartfelt) to find a lovely quote instead.

Here are some touching remembrance quotes for death anniversaries that you might want to include in your card:

8. “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” – Jack Lemmon
9. “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
10. “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
11. “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
12. “Your memory feels like home to me. So whenever my mind wanders, it always finds it’s way back to you.” – Ranata Suzuki
13. “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
14. “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. Sending them one of our thinking of you cards complete with a caring message will help make them feel less alone, especially if you can’t be there in person.

In case, you’re not sure how to phrase your message below are some of our suggestions for words of comfort on the anniversary of a death:

15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Thinking of you on this day, [insert name] would honestly be so proud of the person you are. Please take care of yourself.
20. 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. If you’re not quite sure how to put your feelings into words yet, we’ve come up with some ideas for 1st death anniversary messages:

21. Life has been filled with ups and downs since you’ve been gone but we’re thinking of all the happy memories today.
22. 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!
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.

If your mum was at all sentimental then we’re certain she’d appreciate some death anniversary words just for her like these:

26. I hope that you’ve been looking down on me and that I’m doing you proud. We all really miss you, mum!
27. Mum, losing you was the hardest thing I’ve gone through but I’m so grateful for the time we did get together.
28. Even though you’re not here anymore, I just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for me. Rest in peace mum.
29. 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!
30. 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 your dad’s passing is coming up, let him know he’s always in your heart with a death anniversary message.

31. 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.
32. It’s quiet without you dad, we all miss you terribly.
33. 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.
34. Certain things don’t feel the same without you dad, I’m not sure they ever will. Missing you more each day.
35. Thank you for being the most amazing dad I could’ve ever asked for. Today especially, I shall especially be thinking about all your best qualities and funny memories we made together!

Remembrance messages on death anniversary of brother

Likely having grown up together with many shared formative childhood memories, losing a brother might have really hit you. However, maybe you know he wouldn’t want you moping about on his death anniversary? Then use the day as a celebration with some remembrance messages on the death anniversary of your brother.

36. 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.
37. You were my first ever best friend and nobody else will get me the way you did.
38. A brother really is an irreplaceable role although I’m glad to know that you’re at peace and looking down on us.
39. 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.
40. 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, and you might find it helpful to reach out on the anniversary of her passing. If you’ve never done so before, our death anniversary wishes are a great place to start when commemorating her life and letting out your feelings:

41. Today all the memories we share really do come flooding back. I truly do miss you, sister!
42. My sister was one of a kind and heaven really did gain an angel when we lost you.
43. 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!
44. Sister, I can only dream of being as great of a person as you were but everything I do is in your honour.
45. 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.

While figuring out what to say on someone’s death anniversary can be hard, the most important thing is remembering and celebrating the life of the person you are missing. If you know someone who is currently going through a difficult time our other guides on the thortful blog including what to write in a sympathy card and what to write in a thinking of you card might help if you can’t quite find the right words yourself.