Son Death Anniversary Quotes: Best Wishes Quotes

35+ Ways to Acknowledge an Anniversary of a Death

Acknowledging the anniversary of a death is a sign of support and comfort to those who have lost someone. It’s also an important moment for those who have personally lost someone close to them. There are many ways to remember a loved one who has died; you can do anything from purchasing an anniversary of death card to sending a death anniversary gift. Even taking the time to write a small message of condolence or support to the person who lost someone can make a big difference. If you’re looking for information on how to remember a loved one on the anniversary of their death, here’s a list of ideas to get you started.

Sending out words of comfort or an anniversary of death card is a good way to get started. If the deceased has a memorial website, you can post your condolence there. If you’re unsure what to say, here are some words of comfort you can offer on the anniversary of death. Whether you’re offering words of comfort for a one year anniversary of a death or are sending your sympathies for any anniversary of a death, your support and thoughts can mean a lot during such a difficult time.

• I’m thinking of you, praying for you, and holding warmth in my heart for you on this difficult day. We think about [deceased’s name] fondly, and often. I wish you a day of peace and comfort.

• While I know words can’t express how difficult this day is, I did want to make sure you knew how much we all miss [name] and how important [he/she] was to those around [him/her]. We love you always.

• It’s been a year and it hasn’t gotten any easier. I miss seeing [deceased’s name]’s bright smile and hearing their laughter. I’m thinking of you and [him/her] today and always.

• I know that this anniversary is incredibly difficult for you and I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted to make sure you knew that I’m just a text away and am always here for you. I know [he/she] is watching you from above today and always.

• I know this day is always difficult for you. You have been in my thoughts since this morning. I know nothing can change the fact that [he/she] is gone, but I am always here for you and yours.

• Today we are smiling as we remember the beautiful person that [deceased’s name] was. [He/she] was truly a bright and shining star that we were blessed to have known.

• Just the other day I was talking to [person’s name] about the magnificence that was [deceased’s name]. How lucky I am to have had the chance to know [him/her]. They are always in my heart and in my spirit.

• I’m thinking of [deceased’s name] today and am drinking a beer in their honor at their favorite pub. We love and miss you.

• We’re hiking up [name of trail or park] today in memory of [deceased’s name]. [He/she] would always talk about how much they loved it here and we can see why.

Death anniversary quotes

If you’d prefer to leave the wordsmithing to someone else, you can consider posting an anniversary of death quote on the deceased’s memorial website. Some of these quotes can be used as one year death anniversary quotes, others can be used at any time, and all can be used in conjunction with other words of comfort you’d like to offer.

• "Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." - Richard Bach

• "What is lovely never dies, But passes into other loveliness." - Thomas Bailey Aldrich

• "Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life." - Anne Roiphe

• "While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil." - John Taylor

• "Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

• "Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts." - Dorothy Ferguson

• "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran

• "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." - Maya Angelou

• "Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." - Thomas Moore

Death anniversary ideas

To take it one step farther, consider purchasing a death anniversary gift. Coming up with one year death anniversary ideas or even death anniversary gift ideas in general can feel stressful or overwhelming. Someone lost someone, what gift could do that loss justice? It’s important to remember that just the thought of someone thinking of you on the anniversary of a death can be special in and of itself. The type of gift can often come secondary to the feeling of support one feels when receiving the gift.

Death anniversary event ideas

• Hold a BBQ. If it’s safe for you to do so during COVID-19 times, hold an outdoor BBQ get together with your friends and family in remembrance of your loved one who passed away. If you can host a BBQ for someone and alleviate the stress off of the immediate family, this may be seen as a huge relief and something that they’re able to enjoy as attendees rather than as organizers.

• Hold a picnic. A picnic in the park or another open outdoor space is a great idea to hold a socially distanced memorial get together. Ask those close to the deceased to bring their own favorite foods (or maybe even have people cook favorite foods of the deceased in their honor). During the picnic, share stories and memories to help everyone remember the best times of their loved one’s life.

• Go on a hike. Hiking can be a great introspective exercise that allows you to think deeply on things while enjoying nature. If your loved one was an outdoorsy type or had a favorite trail, invite people to go on a hike in their honor. If the hike is too intensive, you can always meet people at the beginning of the trail and make it clear that they don’t have to go the whole way.

• Go to the beach. Hold a small get together at the beach, enjoying nature and the strength of the ocean. Many people find visiting the sea to be a restorative experience, which makes this the perfect place to hold a get together in memory of someone who passed away.

• Go to their favorite restaurant or bar. Hold a memorial get together at your loved one’s favorite restaurant, bar, or pub in honor of their life. Share stories and a few drinks while you celebrate the life of someone who passed away. You can make this even more special by inviting everyone there to share a toast in the deceased’s honor.

• Hold an online memorial get together.

• Make a piece of art. If you're artistically inclined, creating a piece of art to mark the anniversary of someone's passing is a great way to creatively express your grief. Art can be anything from painting a picture, taking a photo, writing a poem, or even quilting a blanket.

• Volunteer your time. Volunteering, especially if you can volunteer at a cause or place they cared about is an excellent way to mark the passing of a loved one while giving back to your surrounding community. You may feel powerful and positive after volunteering, especially if it's at an organization that your loved one cared about.

Death anniversary gift ideas

• Memorial stones. Memorial stones or memorial rocks are inexpensive and beautiful ways to remember someone. You can choose stones that have a favorite quote engraved on them, or go a step further by getting a quote and the name of the person who passed away engraved on them. Alternatively, you can choose stones you like and paint them yourself as a way of personalizing the gift.

• Memorial jewelry. Memorial jewelry comes in a variety of colors, types, and shapes and is a good way to keep the memory of a loved one close at all times. Memorial jewelry can also be engraved with a small quote, a name, and more, depending on the maker.

• Memory jar.

• A memorial video. If you have a lot of photos or clips of the person who passed away, you can collect them and edit them into a memorial video. (You could also save photos that others have posted on the memorial website and use these in your memorial video.) Once the memorial video is finished, you can post it on the deceased’s memorial website or send it directly to the person it’s intended for.

• Wind chimes. Wind chimes are wonderful presents that have small pieces made of metal, glass, shell, or wood that make a beautiful sound in the wind and breeze. You can also find engraved or personalized wind chimes online for an added personal touch.

• Cleaning package. See if any local cleaners near you offer packages or gift cards that you can gift to others. Sending a cleaning package to a loved one can let them get their house deep-cleaned during a high-stress time where they may be unable to handle all the necessary chores they’d otherwise be burdened with. Sending them a thoughtful gift card to one of these services can help alleviate stress and give them time to be with their thoughts.

• Make a donation. You can honor the life of the deceased by making a memorial donation in their name, either to a cause designated by the family or to a cause you feel the deceased would’ve appreciated. If they have a memorial website, you can easily make the donation on the memorial website itself. If they don’t, you can make a donation to an organization and send a few words to the family letting them know you’ve made a donation in memoriam and are thinking of them and theirs during the anniversary.

• Self-care package. Self-care packages can vary in size and content, but are focused on providing relaxation and relief to the recipient. A self-care package is a great option during a death anniversary, since it’s likely the recipient is grieving, stressed, and may not be focusing on their own self-care.

• Sympathy flowers. Flowers are a popular and thoughtful remembrance gift for someone who passed away. Send an arrangement to the family to let them know they’re on your mind and your thoughts are with them on this day.

If there isn’t already one, it’s a good idea to start up a memorial website for someone who passed away, even if it’s a year or more after their death anniversary. Memorial websites help people stay connected to each other after a loss and make it easy to share thoughts, memories, and condolences about the deceased. Starting a website takes less than 10 minutes and is a great way to remember someone who has passed.

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Do you have a friend whose baby died? Maybe she took a healthy baby home and months later her son died tragically of SIDS.

Or maybe he never got to meet his baby awake outside of the womb because his daughter was stillborn.

Maybe you have a friend who suffered a miscarriage more than once – but once is enough pain to endure.

Maybe you have a friend whose toddler, school age, or teenager tragically died.

If you do know someone who has been shaken to their core by the loss of their child, no matter what age, please take a moment and honor your friend and her or his child by remembering them.

Right now you might be saying to yourself, "I have a bereaved parent friend and I want to help honor their child’s memory but I just don’t know what to do."

As a bereaved mom whose child died two years ago, I have come up with some ideas I would love if a friend did for me.

I am sharing them with you in hopes that you will reach out to your bereaved parent friend and let them know that you are thinking of them and always remembering their precious child.

1. Say their child’s name.

When you grab that cup of coffee with your bereaved parent friend or you pass them at work, take a moment and say their child’s name in your conversations.

It doesn’t have to be formal – maybe just in passing. Bring their child’s name up if it seems appropriate.

For example, if you are at their house and see a picture of your friend and their child make note of it and say, "I love that picture of you and Susie."

Light a candle for them.

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day (I like to include ALL children no matter what their age) and is recognized around the world and you are invited to participate.

The remembrance ceremony can take place in your own home. It’s that easy.

All you have to do is light a candle at 7 p.m. your local time and leave it burning for an hour.

You can do this on birthdays, anniversaries – snap a picture and send it to your friend to let them know you're remembering with them.

3. Send a card.

You know that section in the store where the cards are that say, "Thinking of You" – that would be a perfect sentiment to send to let them know that you remember their child.

I’m sure it would brighten their day.

As a bereaved mom, every card I still receive from family and friends that acknowledges my child and my pain as a grieving mother is almost like a hug in the mail from my daughter.

I see it as my little girl working through you to get to me. Maybe your friend will feel the same way, and that is powerful stuff.

4. Call up your friend

Say, "I wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking of you and wanted to tell you about how I think of your child often."

You could also go on to ask if there was anything they might need from you or like for you to do with them in remembrance.

5. Do a RAOK (Random Act of Kindness) in their child’s name.

What better way to show that your friend’s child’s life has impacted others than by continuing to do things in his/her name?

So this October, do a RAOK. Maybe buy a cup a coffee for the guy in line behind you with a note that it’s in remembrance of your friend’s baby that died.

Let the mom in line at the grocery store go ahead of you and tell them all about how Timmy, your friend’s child would have done the same.

Be creative. The possibilities are endless and you will do it all in your friend’s child’s name.

Don’t forget to let your friend know. It might just bring tears of joy to their eyes.

6. Participate in a Remembrance Walk with them

There are so many out there especially during the month of October. As a bereaved mom, I find remembrance walks to be powerful experiences.

It’s just so moving when your family and friends come out to support you and honor your child that you are missing.

I know this might sound weird to the non-bereaved parent, but for those few hours, during that one time of year, when my feet pound that 5k course, I get to really "be" my child’s mom that day.

People acknowledge me as "Nora’s Mom" and I get to publicly parent her in ways I never will get to in life.

7. Stop in for a visit and spend time with your friend.

Don’t forget to mention why you are there. Maybe bring over some baked goods or a meal to share.

8. Invite your friend to a remembrance service or ask if you can go with him or her to one they might be attending.

See if there is a remembrance ceremony being held in your neighborhood and ask your friend if they would like to come along.

It would be a wonderful gesture and if you are uncomfortable bringing up the topic of their child that died it’s a nice way of segueing into the conversation.

10. Donate an item to a child in need and in the name of their child who died.

Something that bereaved parents often do around the holidays, their child’s birthday, or the anniversary of their child’s death is to donate a gift in their child’s name to a child in need that is around the same age their child would have been or was when they died.

It’s a nice way to give back to others who need a helping hand while also remembering the child that is no longer with us.

Maybe you could do this as a special gesture this month as a way to honor your friend’s child. It just might make them smile.

Whatever you end up deciding to do in honor of your friend’s child that died, remember even though it may seem like a small gesture to you, it just might mean the world to your friend.

———

Reader Interactions

My baby was actually born on October 15 2022 and she died October 21 2022 I wear my pink and blue ribbon in her honor this month Gabrielle MyLisa Ann Young I'll love you for a lifetime rest easy My Love

Thank you so much for this. My best friend just lost her child a month ago. I want to be there for her now and forever and this info is so helpful. I have a question for you. I guess i wonder how much is too much caring. This has been so hard for me, i think about her every day and it hurts to think how much pain she is in. And all i want to do is send her some type of love every day. I realize i probably shouldn't do that, so i have been trying to do a weekly contact. What would be your advice? What is appropriate?

in response to Ashley. my best friend of 30 years just lost her daughter oct 14 a month and a half before her 16th birthday. I know exactly what your feeling right now, everyday I think of them 2 and every day i cry for my friend. my heart hurts so bad for her and I just want to as you would say send her love every day. I also know I cant. and she doesn't want me there 24 /7 I don't blame her. I was going every other day then once a week and now I go when she calls me. she knows ill drop whatever and be there whenever. but she has a very large support team I'm like one of over 10 women that do this. im so sorry for your loss. I hope you and your friend find the peace your searching for.. god bless.

I am trying to think of ideas to do annually in remembrance of my son Caeden which I lost when I was six months pregnant. He survived for about an hour and we miss him terribly. He is my only son. We have not been able to conceive again as of yet. We would like to do something to say add to every year too or etc. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing this.nmy daughter passed away on September 14th of last year. I work with a wonderful group of people, but, often find them struggling to be around me or actually being able to say anything when I'm sad or I bring up her name. The saddest part for me is that I have a best friend in Florida that lost her son July of 2022 and I would call her but struggled to say anything. Now, I realize what she was going through and how she felt when people would avoid her son's name. It's just so lonely when all I do most of the day is think of my daughter and wish I could talk about everyday all the time.

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Son Death Anniversary Quotes