What do you say to someone on the anniversary of a death? You want them to know you’re thinking of them.
You want to offer them some comfort on this painful first death anniversary. You’re just not exactly sure what words to use.
We’ve been there.
So, we’re glad you’re here.
This post is all about helping you honor a death anniversary with words that bring real comfort to those who are grieving.
It’s also about helping you steer clear of words that do the opposite.
How to Acknowledge The Anniversary of a Death
Death anniversaries are a vulnerable time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
You recognize this, so you’re looking up “words on the anniversary of a death” to avoid the biggest pitfalls and find a message that would bring them comfort.
Consider the following actions you can take to show you care:
Enjoy, send, or share a treat the deceased used to enjoy.
Ask your grieving friend if you can treat them to a coffee/tea/meal.
Send a “Thinking of you” care package with self-care items, etc.
Donate to a cause that mattered to the departed loved one.
Offer to sit quietly together (reading, watching a movie, etc.)
Set an annual reminder on your phone, so you’ll remember future anniversaries.
25 Thinking of You on the Anniversary of a Death Messages and Quotes
Here’s a quick list of beautiful quotes and messages to offer as words of comfort on the anniversary of a death. Include these in a card you mail, the card on flowers you send, or just a text message to your friend or loved one.
1.“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies”– William Penn
2. “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.” – Unknown
3. “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sigh” – Rossiter Worthington Raymond
4. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.” – Anonymous
5. “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us” – Helen Keller
6. “The pain passes, but the beauty remains” – Pierre Auguste Renoir
7. “In the gardens of memory, the palaces of dreams, this is where we will meet.” — Alice Through the Looking Glass
8. “If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.” — James O’Barr
9. “When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.” — William Shakespeare
10. “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” — Maya Angelou
11. “Say not in grief that they are gone, but give thanks that they were yours.” —Hebrew Proverb
12. “No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.” — Terry Pratchett
13. “When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” — Kahlil Gibran
14. “If there is ever a day where we aren’t together, keep me inside your heart, and I’ll be there forever.” — Winnie the Pooh
15. “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” — Mitch Albom
16. “For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” – Khalil Gibran
17. “Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.” – Haruki Murakami
18. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi
19. “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.” – Albert Einstein
20. “The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living” – Cicero
21. “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity” – Terri Guillemets
22. “Loss can remind us that life itself is a gift” – Louise Hay and David Kessler
23. “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” – Jack Lemmon
24. “Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
25. “Long after her death I felt her thoughts floating through mine.” – Vladimir Nabokov
The right words on the anniversary of a death can be elusive. You don’t want to repeat what you’ve already said, but you’re not sure what your friend really wants to hear.
Looking through the following do’s and don’ts — nine helpful tips in total — can help you find words that comfort and avoid those that don’t.
DO remind them you’re thinking of them.
Whatever words you choose in your death anniversary message for a friend, know that it means a lot that you remembered in the first place. But they won’t know that unless you tell them.
With that in mind, here are a few examples of things you can tell them:
“You’re on my mind today on the anniversary of [loved one’s] passing.”
“Hard to believe a year has already passed since… How are you doing today?”
“It’s been a year already, and you’re on my mind today. Sending you love!”
DO keep it simple.
You don’t have to write a long, complicated, or emotionally-charged message to communicate your empathy and concern.
Sometimes, a brief, simple message is best. And if you know each other, simple, meaningful expressions will say more than flowery words.
Here are a few examples:
You’re on my mind today.
I’m thankful whenever you’re on my mind. And you’re there a lot today.
I know this Christmas will be more challenging for you. I’ll do what I can to make it easier.
DO offer to treat them to something when it’s convenient for them.
If you’re hoping to bring some comfort to their hearts, it can’t hurt to bring some refreshment or warmth to their bodies with a hot, soothing drink or a wholesome meal.
If they decline the invitation to go out, you can send them a thoughtful gift.
“I’d love to meet with you this week to bring you something and catch up.”
“Thinking of you today. Can I take you to lunch this week?”
“Thinking of you and I found a little something you can use whenever you like. When can I bring it to you?”
Add a comment like, “What they did/said meant so much to me,” or “I really miss their sense of humor.” Let your friend know you remember the good things about the one who passed.
If they’re open to it, you can take turns recalling good memories.
“I remember the first time I met [loved one]. I’ll never forget the kindness they showed to everyone around them.”
“I’ve never met someone so confident of their gifts without being conceited about them.”
“One thing I will always treasure about [loved one] is how quick they were to forgive and to express genuine gratitude.”
DO remember the departed on important days other than death anniversaries.
The death anniversary isn’t the only day of the year your friend will find difficult.
Think of holidays they enjoyed together, or wedding/relationship anniversaries, or the age at which the loved one passed.
“May this birthday bring you more joy than tears. I would love to bring you something if you know of a good time to come by.”
“I know this age has special meaning for you, and I send the warmest of hugs. I’d love to deliver one in person this week.”
“Thinking of you on your wedding anniversary and sending a hug. I know you miss him. Tonight’s dinner will be provided by me, if you’ll allow it and if you’ll be home for a special delivery.”
DON’T tell them their loved one is in a “better place.”
Avoid saying anything like this. It comes across as dismissive and even shaming the one who’s grieving.
It’s as if you’re telling them, “You shouldn’t be sad about this person dying because now, they’re better off than when they were with you.” Yikes.
“Just think of how happy they are, now. Try to be as happy as they are.” (Ugh!)
Instead, put yourself in their shoes, imagine you just lost someone important to you, and think of what you’d want others to say (or not say).
DON’T ever suggest they’re taking too long to grieve.
Imagine you’re grieving the loss of someone important to you, and someone marks the anniversary of their death by saying something like, “So, what have you been doing this year to help you get past your grief?”
The death of a loved one is not something anyone is obligated to “get over.”
Trying to rush the grieving process only sends the message, “I’m tired of talking about this person, and this grieving business is getting in the way of something I want.” Not a good look.
DON’T compare your grief to that of the one you want to comfort.
This is similar to the previous warning against rushing the grieving process, but this approach attempts to persuade the grieving friend that their grief could not be more painful to them than yours is to you — and look at how well you’re handling it!
“No one grieves the loss of [so-and-so] more than I do.” (Doubtful.)
This isn’t a grief competition. Your friend doesn’t want to hear that your grief is equally strong (or possibly even stronger). They just want to know you’re there for them.
DON’T say you know how they feel.
This suggestion is a follow-up from the previous point. You know it’s a bad idea to tell your friend your grief is just as intense as theirs.
Here’s an example of another big no-no.
“I know how you feel right now because I feel the same way — which is why I brought cake and wine. Which one you wanna start with?”
I mean… cake and wine aren’t bad ideas, but no. You don’tknow what they’re feeling right now, even if you’ve lost someone, too. That said, you can still be the friend they need.
How Do You Help Someone on a Death Anniversary?
Even if you can’t be physically present for them, and it’s too late to have something delivered in time, you can send love to a grieving friend in any of the following ways:
Send them a text message or email to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Write down your favorite memories of their loved one and share them.
Send an e-card with the same message, possibly with a follow-up e-gift card.
Call them and talk to them on the phone — or over a webchat, if they’re up for it.
Let them know something is coming their way (late) in honor of this day.
Ask if they’ll be home and order them a special lunch or dinner delivery.
Even if they decline that last offer, they’ll appreciate your wanting to do that for them, just to honor the memory of their loved one with them, while also giving them some space.
How will you acknowledge the anniversary of a death?
Now that you know the best and worst things to write to someone on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, which responses sounded the most helpful and heartfelt?
After all, the goal of this post is to help you show your grieving friend some love to help them through the most challenging days of the year. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes, your silent presence at their side is better than the best words you can think of.
Start by just letting them know you’re thinking of them.
