Funerals ~ Cremations ~ Gatherings
Blog Layout
How to Write a Thank You Note After a Funeral to Fully Convey Your Gratitude
Beinhauer Funeral • Jan 27, 2020
Whenever someone from your immediate family dies, you may be surprised by how much emotional support you receive. Even those you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while are likely to send their condolences and offer to help during this difficult time.
Although technology makes it easier than ever to send a quick “thank you” – whether it’s via text, email or instant messaging – to those who donated flowers, food or money in honor of your loved one’s funeral, the importance of a handwritten thank you note shouldn’t be overlooked.
Why a Thank You Note?
Simply put, there’s no more sincere, genuine way to convey gratitude than with a handwritten card. It shows the receiver that you took the time to carefully craft, and mail, a personalized message.
Whether an individual made a charitable donation in the name of the deceased, cooked your family a meal or was simply there for support when you needed someone, his or her actions shouldn’t go unnoticed.
However, never send a mass-produced, typed thank you note that was produced using a word processing program. It comes off as generic and shows that you didn’t care enough to personalize each message. And even if your intentions were in the right place, their meaning may be misconstrued by the receiver.
The Components
Funeral thank you notes don’t have to be long, formal pieces of prose. In fact, the most touching and gratifying ones are those that are written from the heart and are more focused on sincerity than trying to fill space.
Sometimes less words hold greater meaning than substance if they’re presented in the right way.
Most thank you notes typically contain an opening sentence which thanks the addressed individual for their contribution or service, followed by a paragraph that explains why you’re thankful for that person’s action. A closing that once again reinforces your appreciation completes the composition.
If you’re stuck and can’t think of the right words to say, consider putting pen to paper and see where you end up. You’ll be surprised how cathartic and productive a free-flowing writing session can be.
It’s important to keep in mind that you should sign your first and last name when sending the card to people whom you aren’t close with (i.e. coworkers or friends of the deceased).
Yet, if it’s someone you know on a personal level, just having your first name below the salutation is acceptable.
Sample Sympathy Thank You Note
Dear [individual’s name],
Thank you so much for the home-cooked meal you prepared for my family and me after the death of [name of the deceased].
The meal was much appreciated, especially since I wouldn’t have had time to run out and grab dinner for us between the afternoon and evening viewing.
We are all very appreciative of your thoughtfulness and consideration, and want to say “thank you” for all you have done for us during this challenging time.
Thanks again,
[your name]
For more funeral etiquette tips, or to learn about Beinhauer Family Funeral Home’s services, call us at 724-941-3211.
Explore the differences between full-service & simple cremation at Beinhauer Funeral Homes. Find compassionate, personalized care that fits your budget.
Discover the benefits of pre-planning and pre-paying for your funeral. Ensure peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones. Click to learn more!
We’ve put together a list of 25 of the most popular funeral songs to help you find the perfect music for your loved one, no matter their style.
If you are considering cremation as part of your end-of-life plan, there are a variety of things to consider when making your decision for yourself or a loved one. Cremation can be an excellent option for those who do not want all the services that typically come with a funeral and want only to be cremated. Others can choose to have the traditional visitation and funeral service followed by cremation.
A funeral is a somber occasion, therefore it is important to be aware of tradition and cultural expectations when you decide what you are going to wear to a funeral or memorial service. It’s important, because in some societies, certain colors mean celebration while here in the United States, we may not associate it with a funeral. Read on so that you can make an informed decision the next time you attend a funeral. The last thing you want to do is worry about your clothing after the death of a friend or a loved one.
Losing a pet is a challenging and painful experience. If you know someone who has recently lost a pet, you may be trying to figure out the best way to be supportive, especially if you never experienced this or never owned a pet before. Because pet deaths can be traumatic for your friend, you may be struggling to find a way to help them through their grief.
While veterans know about the many education and healthcare benefits available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs: Tricare and the GI Bill, there are numerous other benefits available to veterans and their families. Many of these unknown benefits can help ease the financial burden of medical care and funeral expenses.
At Beinhauer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, we believe the men and women who have served our nation deserve the same dedication and respect in return. We have gathered some information about Veteran’s Burial Benefits to help ensure families understand the options and resources that are available for their loved one’s funeral arrangements.
Starting over after the death of a loved one can be difficult, but it is important to keep in mind that self-care is an essential part of the grieving process. To help you make a fresh start and focus on self-care, we have put together a list of a few things you can do to get started.
Birth and death are both profoundly personal journeys for the loved one and the family and friends who are involved. Commonly, a doula is someone who is there for the woman during pregnancy and during and after the birth of the child, providing physical and emotional support during this personal and in some case traumatic period of the mother’s life. While doulas can assist with the pregnancy and birth experience, they can also be a source of support during the end of life. An EOL doula serves to provide support with a type of grief counseling for the dying and their families before death and after.
