Loading...

How to Write a Eulogy

Tending to Hearts. ♥

Opening

  • Introduce yourself and your relationship to your loved one.
  • Include a short poem, quote, or song lyrics that was a favorite of your loved one.
  • Mention a saying that they were known for using often.
  • Share a personal story that sums up their life, sense of humor, or passion.
  • Don’t be afraid to use appropriate humor to lighten the mood.

 

Body

  • Tell about the life of your loved one, perhaps from their childhood.
  • Describe positive traits about them.
  • Include Bible verses, poems, or eulogy quotes that will offer comfort.

 

Closing

  • Offer condolences to loved ones in attendance.
  • Consider ending with a quote or playing a favorite song. Remember to give your funeral director the song title and artist the day before so he or she can have it ready.

 

Helpful Reminders

 

Less is more

Don’t stress about the length of your eulogy, so keep telling yourself that "less is more."  Create a eulogy that you can deliver in around five minutes.

 

Keep it Personal

Share a story that illustrates something your loved one enjoyed—especially if you were also part of that story. If you can't think of a firsthand story to share, talk to a close family member or friend and borrow one from them.

 

Keep it Written

Even people who earn a living making speeches use a written copy of their remarks. If the professionals use a written copy of their speeches, then you should too. Remember to practice your eulogy to make sure it's long enough, but there is absolutely no reason to feel you must deliver your remarks from memory.

 

Tips

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Have a bottle of water handy, as well as a handkerchief or tissues.
  • Have a back-up plan. If you can't continue, have someone else on hand and prepared to deliver the speech for you. Give that person a copy of the eulogy before hand, just in case.
  • Remember that it's okay to show emotion. If you become emotional and start to cry, that's perfectly normal. Take time to regain your composure, but if you're unable, defer to your back-up person.

 

Example Eulogy

"My sister Elizabeth never took life too seriously. She was the first to offer a joke to lighten the mood or play a prank to get people laughing. Her positivity and cheerfulness shined through her speech and actions, even in her wardrobe. In fact, if she were here, she would probably be reprimanding us all for our dark and gloomy outfit choices.

 

Growing up, Liz was always finding ways to make people smile. Even when someone was having a terrible day, she knew just what to say to cheer them up. It’s a quality I’ve always admired and envied about my older sister. Her ability to care for people led to her career as a nurse. She spent her days caring for and consoling others. I have no doubt that she has touched many lives, including all of ours.

 

Some of you may not know that Elizabeth was also a very spiritual person. She loved to sing and often mentioned that she felt closest to God while singing from the choir loft. In honor of Liz, I’d like play her favorite song, It Is Well With My Soul."

Other Resources

Check out these resources for more information to help you write a eulogy:

•   Submit Your Wishes   •   Download Pricing   •

Owned and operated in Ohio by the Snyder family since 1922. ♡

 

                                 

 

Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Butler Chapel
81 Mill Rd, Bellville, Ohio 44813
(419) 886-2491

Snyder Funeral Homes, Stombaugh Batton Chapel
225 West Findlay St, Carey, Ohio 43316
(419) 396-7520

Snyder Rodman Funeral Center
101 Valleyside Dr, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 362-1611

Snyder Funeral Homes, Fredericktown Chapel
33 East College St, Fredericktown, Ohio 43019
(740) 694-4006

Snyder Funeral Homes, Richardson Davis Chapel
218 South Market St, Galion, Ohio 44833
(419) 468-1424

Snyder Funeral Homes, Lindsey Chapel
123 North Market St, Loudonville, Ohio 44842
(419) 994-3030

Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Ave Chapel
2553 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, Ohio 44904
(419) 884-1711

Snyder Funeral Homes, Finefrock Chapel
350 Marion Ave, Mansfield, Ohio 44903
(419) 525-4411

Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel
360 East Center St, Marion, Ohio 43302
(740) 387-9136

Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder Hall Chapel
347 West Center St, Marion, Ohio 43302
(740) 382-3612

Snyder Funeral Homes, Ingram Chapel
975 North Maple St, Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642-4861

Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel
67 North Main St, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 946-3040

Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel
201 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
(740) 393-1076

Snyder Funeral Homes, Flowers Chapel
619 East High St, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
(740) 392-6956

Snyder Funeral Homes, Lasater Chapel
11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
(740) 392-0005

Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel
637 State Route 61, Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 965-3936

 

© Snyder Funeral Homes, Inc.

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use | Accessibility