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Sympathy

Sympathy messages for a coworker

What to write in a sympathy card for a coworker or employee, from the whole team or just you, with short professional messages to copy.

By Thoughtful Spot · Updated · How we write

Messages21
OccasionSympathy
ForA coworker

For a coworker, keep it warm but simple, and take work off their mind.

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Card preview

Prints two pages on letter paper: print page 2 on the back of page 1 (two-sided, flip on short edge), then fold in half for a 5.5 x 8.5 in card. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

21 sympathy messages you can copy

Simple

  • I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
  • With deepest sympathy, and love to you and your family.
  • Holding you close in my thoughts during this hard time.
  • There are no right words, but please know I am thinking of you.
  • Sending you love and strength today and in the days ahead.
  • I am so sorry. [name] will be deeply missed.
  • My heart goes out to you and your family.

Heartfelt

  • I was so sorry to hear about [name]. Please take all the time you need; we have things covered here.
  • Thinking of you and your family. Everyone here is sending their love and support.
  • I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can take off your plate, just say the word.
  • Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are thinking of you.
  • You have been on my mind all week. I am so sorry about [name].

Faith

  • Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.
  • May the love of those around you, and the memories you share, bring you peace.
  • Keeping you in my prayers. May [name] rest in peace.
  • May God hold you close and give you strength in the days ahead.
  • Wishing you peace, and the comfort of knowing [name] is at rest.

Remembering

  • I will never forget how [name] always had time for everyone. The world feels quieter without them.
  • [name] had the best laugh. I am grateful I got to hear it so often.
  • So many of us carry a little piece of [name] with us. I hope that brings some comfort.
  • Remembering [name] with so much fondness, and thinking of you.

How to write it

  • Say you are sorry, simply. "I am so sorry for your loss" is enough to start.
  • Name the person who died if you can. Hearing their name is a comfort to most families.
  • If the card is from the team, start with "All of us at ..." and let each person add a line and their name.
  • Tell them not to worry about work, and mean it.

What to avoid

  • "Everything happens for a reason" or "They are in a better place": comforting to some, painful to others. Only use faith language if you know they share it.
  • "I know how you feel." Every loss is different.

About these messages

Every message here was written for Thoughtful Spot. Use them as they are, or as a starting point: one line that sounds like you is better than three that do not. Updated 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a sympathy card for a coworker?

Something short like "I was so sorry to hear about your father. Please take all the time you need; we have things covered here."

Should I send a sympathy card to my boss?

Yes. A simple, sincere note is always appropriate.

More card messages

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