Sympathy Letters

All Purpose Sympathy Letter

Write this type of letter for any situation in which you are communicating your compassionate, understanding sentiments toward someone who has experienced a difficult time or loss of a loved one. You will likely need to modify this letter sample at least somewhat so that it most closely matches what you want to communicate. Include in your letter any pertinent details. Fill in the blank areas in the letter sample included here, and remove the blank lines from your letter. Information in brackets in the sample letter provides further instructions and prompts for you; delete this information before sending your letter.

[Your letterhead, if desired; if not, your return address]

[Date of letter-month, day, and year]

[Recipient's first and last names]
[Company name]
[Street or P.O. box address]
[City, State ZIP code]

Dear [recipient's name]:

I just wanted to take a moment today and write to you about ______________________ [reason for writing-specify the details of the reason why you are writing, including the situation about which you are expressing your sympathies]. This ___________________ challenge __________________________ [mention any additional and pertinent details about the circumstance].

Please ___________________ [accept my sincere compassion, let me know if there is anything I can do to help, call me anytime when you need to talk, etc.]. ____________ [any additional details]. I hope to talk with you soon, and again, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.