Announce the Death of a Family Member to Other Family Members, Close Friends, and Acquaintances • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
1 | Make the announcement in a direct, yet sensitive, way. |
Guides
For extended family and close friends who live out of town, handwritten notes are appropriate, and the tone should be very personal. Sometimes printed announcements (often black-banded) are sent to other out-of-town friends and acquaintances. These announcements are somewhat more formal. Both contain essentially the same information, but differ in degree of familiarity. For those who may want to attend the funeral, an immediate telephone call will usually be necessary in place of or preceding the announcement.
Example Letter #1
We are sorry to be the bearers of sad news, but our grandfather Doe passed away last Saturday from complications following heart surgery. He had been experiencing chest pains for several weeks. The surgery was intended to alleviate the problem.
Following his wishes, we held a graveside service with his children and grandchildren at the Doe family plot in the Springfield City Cemetery. Grandfather was a modest, private man and wanted it that way. Grandmother Doe is holding up well.
Example Letter #2
Our family is deeply saddened to inform you that Grandmother passed away in her sleep Wednesday night. As many of you know, she has been suffering from kidney failure for some time now. We are relieved that her passing was peaceful and painless. Her funeral will be held on Saturday at the Doe & Sons Funeral Home in Springfield at 12:30 p.m.
Example Letter #3
It saddens me to announce the untimely death of our beloved aunt Jane Doe. Aunt Jane died of complications following a burst appendix and emergency appendectomy on Tuesday, November 19. There will be a short memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Friday in the Springfield Funeral Chapel at 1600 Main Street. Aunt Jane's will specifies that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Doe Scholarship fund.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
Make the announcement in a direct, yet sensitive, way.