Funeral eulogy ideas: 5 pre-written examples to help spark ideas
Have you been tasked with writing a funeral eulogy? Explore 5 examples to help you get started.
Most funerals include a eulogy. This is a speech written to honour the life of the person who died and express sorrow at their passing.
A typical eulogy is delivered by a close family member or friend. It often includes details about the person's life, their qualities and values and the impact they had on those around them.
Being asked to write a eulogy is an honour – but it's not one that comes naturally to most people. You only have to search for "help writing a eulogy" online to see how many people look for guidance in this task.
We won't give general writing tips in this article. Instead, we provide you with five pre-written examples of eulogies. These five excerpts represent different parts of the eulogy.
Writing a eulogy isn't always easy – but it can help give a person you loved the send-off they deserve. We hope these examples help you with the writing process.
Example one: Grace (introducing a eulogy)
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Louise, and most of you here will know me as Grace's daughter. On behalf of all our family, I want to thank you all for being here today to remember Mum and to celebrate her life.
Mum was always popular, so it's only fitting that so many of you have come to honour her memory today. I know that she would appreciate such a generous turnout. On her behalf, I'd like to extend special thanks to those of you who've travelled far to be here.
Example two: Amy (sharing details about the person's life)
Amy was born in Kings Heath, Birmingham, in 1956. She lived, learned and played there for 16 years. Those who knew her at that time remember her kindness and humour. But above all, they remember her ambition.
It was clear from her school days that Amy wanted to succeed. Of course, her picture of success changed rapidly. One day, she wanted to be a marine biologist; the next, a concert flautist. But whatever the object of her ambitions, she threw herself into her interests with enthusiasm.
This appetite for hard work is a hallmark of Amy's life. It can be seen in everything from her career as a cancer researcher to her parenting, from her involvement in local groups and clubs to her annual half-marathons. No one who knew Amy could deny that when she wanted something, she went for it with all her energy.
Example three: Rohit (describing the person's qualities and values)
What kind of a person was Rohit? Everyone here will remember him differently. But speaking to family and friends since his passing, one word kept coming up: courage.
Rohit wasn't somebody who could sit by when he saw someone being mistreated. He would always intervene kindly but firmly. He carried this passion for justice into his extensive involvement in local politics.
He was also modest. We might see Rohit as someone who stuck his neck out and took risks. But he saw it as something that just had to be done.
I'll never forget seeing Rohit interviewed on the local news in the run-up to his election as councillor. He was articulate, fearless and kind. This is the side of Rohit that has always inspired me and which has been uppermost in my thoughts since his passing.
Example four: Jayne (describing the person's impact on the people around them)
Jayne once told me that her biggest fear was "sitting on the rocks". That was a phrase she used to describe sitting apart from people – away from the action and away from the fun. Instead, she wanted a peopled life – and boy, did she have one.
Many of you here today will know Jayne from her love of painting: the workshops, exhibitions and friendships that grew out of her abiding love for oil on canvas.
Jayne was an inspiring teacher. Some remember her as gently encouraging, others as fiercely critical. But whatever tone she took, you were always sure of one thing. To Jayne, painting mattered – and the people she painted with mattered, too.
She was also someone you could turn to for help. She would always lend a listening ear and offer material support when she could. She didn't just want a peopled life for herself. She wanted to do all she could to ensure the people around her were also living their lives to the fullest.
Example five: Maxim (finishing the eulogy)
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye to Maxim. He is gone but never forgotten. We will carry forward his memory not only in our hearts but also in our thoughts and actions.
Maxim brightened our days and touched the lives of everybody in this room. As a father, husband, firefighter and friend, he made the world around him a better place to be.
Goodbye, Maxim – and thank you for everything you were. You will be sorely missed.
Frequently asked questions:
Is a eulogy the same thing as an obituary?
No. A eulogy is a written tribute read out at a funeral. An obituary is a written account of someone's life after they've died. Obituaries often appear in newspapers and online.
Can a eulogy be funny?
In some situations, a eulogy can be funny. Whether that's appropriate will depend on the personality of the person who has died and the people who attend the funeral.
Who should give a eulogy?
Anyone can give a eulogy. Usually, the task is given to an immediate family member or close friend.
AFD is an independent funeral director based in Edgware, North London. We work with people from all walks of life and offer a compassionate listening ear at all stages of the process. If you need our support, please don't hesitate to call. Our lines are open 24/7.
