An anniversary of a loved ones death is always tough. It can open old wounds and rekindle memories that we haven't thought about for a long time.
The pain never fully goes and is often at it's rawest and most vivid on days like anniversaries. But whilst for some it's a day that brings back unwanted grief, for others it's a chance to celebrate someone's passing.
And if appropriate then you may want to offer your condolences on the anniversary of a loved ones death to their family or friends. Reaching out with a message or card can show they're in your thoughts and you're there for them.
If you aren't sure what to write as a death anniversary message for a card or what to say to someone on the anniversary of a loved ones passing then try some of the examples below.
You will find the best quotes and sayings to offer your sympathies or great wording examples for commemorating and remembering the anniversary of losing someone special from your life.
Quotes
One Year
Messages
Sayings
For Friends
Mother
Father
Brother
Sister
Loss of a Child
Death Anniversary Quotes
• “Death is never an end, but a To Be Continued…” – Renée Chae
• “They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies” – William Penn
• “The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living” – Cicero
• “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Hazel Gaynor
• “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow” – Unknown
• “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names” – Proverb
• “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil” – John Taylor
• “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sigh” – Rossiter Worthington Raymond
• “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity” – Terri Guillemets
• “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – A.A. Milne
• “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Thomas Campbell
• “In your life you touched so many, in your death many lives were changed” – Melinda Jones
• “Loss can remind us that life itself is a gift” – Louise Hay and David Kessler
• “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us” – Helen Keller
• “Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy” – Unknown
• “The pain passes, but the beauty remains” – Pierre Auguste Renoir
• “Love grows more tremendously full, swift, poignant, as the years multiply” – Zane Grey
• “It's not always the tears that measure the pain. Sometimes it's the smile we fake.” – Unknown
• “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
One Year Death Anniversary Quotes
The 1st anniversary of a death is usually the hardest. Time is a great healer but a year is still very recent so those feelings of grief and despair will still be lingering. These quotes and sayings may help with coming to terms with a death or to offer a small amount of comfort to a friend/family member who is facing a 1st year anniversary of a loved ones departure.
• A year has gone by and I still miss you more than I can possibly say. Rest in peace
• Even after an entire year your loss hurts more than ever. I will never forget you
• As each day passes we miss you more and more. Rest in peace
• A year doesn't seem like such a long time but without you here it has felt like eternity. Not a day goes by we don't long to have you back
• Even after a year my heart aches for you. You were the light of my life and I shall always remember our time together
• You will always have a place in my heart and, a year, two or even eternity won't see your memory fade. I love you my darling
• Those special memories we made help you to live on even though you're gone. I will use today, the 1st anniversary of your passing, to remember what a truly wonderful person you were
• Time moves so slowly and even after a whole year I don't think I've fully accepted you're gone
• The pain of losing you will never fade. After a year I'm still lost without you
• “I remember the first day without you… I've never been the same” – Jennifer Ross
• 1 year to this day heaven gained a new angel and I lost my soulmate. You shall never be forgotten my love
• A year of grief and pain yet you're still all I can think about. Rest in peace
• Since you left I've felt nothing but sorrow. I long to see you one last time and tell you how much I miss you
• On the one year anniversary of your death I will raise a glass to a true inspiration
• We mark a year of your passing with the same feelings as every other day – sadness that you're gone and wishing we could tell you one last time how much we care for you
Death Anniversary Messages
Use these messages to send or say to someone on the anniversary of the passing of a loved one. They will appreciate you taking the time to think of them on what is likely to be an emotionally hard day.
• Sending you my warmest thoughts and hugs on this anniversary
• Hoping you find strength on such a difficult day. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything
• May the love and support of friends and family help you find the strength to get through today
• You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong
• Goodbyes hurt when the story is not finished and the book has been closed forever
• Wishing you heartfelt sympathies on such a trying day
• I hope you can find some peace and think of happier memories on a day like today
• Please accept my most heartfelt condolences on such a tough anniversary
• Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love
• You never stop loving someone, you just learn to live without them
Death Anniversary Sayings
• Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.
• The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories, becomes a memory
• Remembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is heartache, that never goes away
• A thousand words won't bring you back. I know because I've tried; neither will a thousand tears, I know because I've cried
• Sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you're always there
• Your memories are a treasure I keep in my heart, but they can't answer the question, why did you have to depart
For Friends
Losing a close friend is so tragic. We never truly get over the important people we lose from our lives. So if you want to mark the anniversary of the death of a friend, or know someone who is also mourning a friends anniversary then these messages are a good way to reach or
• “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil”
• Sending all my love to you today. Be strong
• The hard part wasn't losing you, it was learning to live without you
• Praying you find some comfort and peace on such a hard day
• When someone you love dies you never quite get over it. You just learn to slowly go on without them. But always keeping them tucked safely in your heart
For Mother
The loss of a mother will be a time of tremendous pain and suffering. If you've lost your mom then you can use these messages to remember her life and all she meant to you and those around her. Commemorate her life with a touching mother death anniversary quote.
• You are forever in my thoughts mom, all these years later. Your memory is eternal and I miss you so much
• To my much missed mother – you were so special to me and even though time has passed it never diminishes your memory and spirit. They live on long after you. Rest in peace
• I feel your presence watching and guiding me mom. Even though your gone I know you're still always there to help if I need it
• I find comfort in remembering the countless good times we had mom. Whenever I think of you I think of us smiling and laughing. I miss you more than words can say
• I have cried so many tears mom, it's broken my heart to lose you. I miss you and hope you're up in heaven keeping watch over me
For Father
The loss of a father is just as distressing as losing your mother. These messages will help to remember his life or comfort others who have lost their own dad.
• Your memory will live long in our hearts dad. Rest in peace
• To one of the most incredible men – you may be gone but you will never be forgotten
• I still pray for you every day and find comfort knowing that your soul is in heaven watching over me. Rest in peace daddy
• We remember your passing today dad and celebrate your life. You were a truly special man and one who left a hole that could never be filled
• Here's to your father – I know he would be so proud if you
For Brother
Many siblings have relationships that are stronger and deeper than we might imagine. So when you lose a brother it can be absolutely devastating. The quotes and messages below will help to commemorate your brother and remember his legacy.
• Another year has gone since we lost you and still find myself inconsolable. I miss you terribly but will never forget your memory and your life
• Today I remember my brother, who was the most amazing person. He will never be forgotten
• My love for you grows stronger every year and I cherish the memories I have of you like no other. I miss you terribly bro
• You we're my big brother and the one I looked up to ahead of others. Losing you left a scar that will never heal
• We may have fought and got on each other's nerves but I loved you more than words will say, bro. Rest in peace
For Sister
Reach out to someone mourning the loss of their sister or commemorate your own sisters amazing life amidst the pain of missing her with these death anniversary quotes and messages.
• Today I remember my amazing sister. My sister was a wonderful person and today I will remember all the kindness and love she bought I my life. I miss her more every year
• To my dearest sister – every year I think it will get easier and every year it's just as hard. You were so special I can't let you go. I hope you're up in heaven looking down on us. RIP sis
• All the amazing times I had with my sister become so vivid today. She was a one of a kind and I miss her with all my heart
• Your sister was truly special and we all miss her dearly. I hope your coping today and I'm here if you need me
• Until we meet again, Rest in peace baby sister
For Loss of a Child
Possibly the most difficult loss to deal with is that of a child. As parents we should never outlive our children. So the anniversary of a son or daughters death can be amongst the most painful time imaginable for the parents. If you know of someone facing the anniversary of their child's passing or are dealing with it yourself then use these quotes to comfort and offer your support.
• So long my baby. Everyday I miss you and it hurts like the first day you gained your wings
• Losing you was the hardest thing that's ever happened my angel, and even after all these years the pain is still there. I'm forever thinking of you
• Words fail to express how much I miss you. My lonely comfort is the knowledge I will see you again. Until then your memory helps me through another year. Rest in peace angel
• I offer my most sincere condolences for your loss and the pain you must be feeling on this anniversary. Don't think twice about reaching out if you need anything or just to talk
• Remember as much of the good times as you can and know your family and friends are here to support you today
Happy Wedding Anniversary Quotes
• There is no end to a wedding anniversary when love is always full and growing each and every day. Byron Pulsifer
Inspirational Quotes
• Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Aristotle
• Those monumental anniversary celebrations aren't what ultimately determine the actual direction of our marriage. Rather, it's the here and now. It's those daily decisions we make individually and together that influence how our relationship actually fares in the long run. Ashleigh Slater
Relationship
• Love is not blind - It sees more and not less, but because it sees more it is willing to see less. Will Moss
Encouraging
• The secret to having a good marriage is to understand that marriage must be total, it must be permanent and it must be equal. Frank Pittman
Quotes to Live By
• An anniversary is not divided into mere hours of a day but measured in each moment when two never stop being one. Byron Pulsifer
Time
Anniversary Quotes for Parents
• The two of you make a difference in our lives. You give us an example of what a happy marriage looks like. Wishing you many more years. Happy Anniversary. Kate Summers
Make A Difference
Happiness
• Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. The two of you are role models for what a good marriage looks like! Kate Summers
Good
• Memories you have created, a home of love you provided, the two of you deserve much happiness. Happy Anniversary to the World's Best Parents Ann S. Butler
Parents
Happy Anniversary Quotes for Husband or Wife
Travel
• I found true friendship the day I married you. Happy Anniversary to my best friend and soulmate! Catherine Pulsifer
Friendship Quotes
• If I had only one anniversary to celebrate, I would want it with you. Byron Pulsifer
• I was lucky to meet someone who has the same drive and wanted the same things in life... We have created 4 beautiful children and I couldn't wish for a more loving and caring mummy for them... Happy anniversary, I love you. David Beckham
I Love You
• As the Irish Novelist, Elizabeth Bowen, once said:
"When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out."
Happy Anniversary!
Irish Quotes and Sayings
• We have seen so many changes over the years, but I felt our love for each other would never change. But it has - it gets stronger every passing year. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! Catherine Pulsifer
Change
• Our anniversary reminds me that when we married there were just the two of us, but now look at our family - children and grandchildren that we love and cherish. What we created together is worth more than anything in this world and our love for each other and for our family just gets stronger each day. Robert Rivers
Family
• Grow old along with me the best is yet to be… Robert Browning
• For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home. Stephanie Perkins
Home
• I wouldn't change a thing, as happiness you bring.
You are my soulmate. A marriage made by fate. Catherine Pulsifer
Inspirational Poems
• I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else. John Keats
Love
• For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.
Judy Garland
Short Love Poems
• And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you. Kiersten White
Choice
• I will spend an eternity loving you, caring for you, respecting you, showing you every day that I hold you as high as the stars. Steve Maraboli
Respect
• Anniversaries are not made just for two married people but, instead, are made for soul mates; you, my sweetheart, you are that one and only soulmate. Byron Pulsifer
Romantic Poems
• In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.
In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.
Maya Angelou
Valentines Poems
• If I know what love is, it is because of you. Herman Hesse
• I ask you to pass through life at my side - to be my second self, and best earthly companion. Charlotte Bronte
Husband
• I wish there was a word more than "love" itself to convey what I feel for you. Faraaz Kazi
• If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever. Alfred Lord Tennyson
Thinking
• I feel so loved and truly blessed. My best friend,my love. The kindest man who inspires me every day. Happy Anniversary to the best husband and daddy in the world!! EVER! Victoria Beckham
Kindness
• All that you are, all that I owe to you, justifies my love. Marquis de Lafayette
Anniversary Quotes That Are Funny
• A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin
Marriage
• A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year. Paul Sweeney
Funny
• Never strike your wife – even with a flower. Hindu Proverb
• The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. Audrey Hepburn
Cute Couples Quotes
Quotes That Make You Smile
Anniversary Quotes for Friends
• Celebrate today, remember tommorrow and may your love for each other continue to grow with each year in the future. Theodore W. Higginsworth
Future
• The expression of love to another is not reserved for a single day or for a special event or occasion like an anniversary for a birthday. The celebration of love is more about how you live each day with the one you love and care for. Byron Pulsifer, Only Valentine's Day Love
Words of Encouragement
• I remember one of my uncles advising me with some powerful lines of wisdom on the occasion of his silver wedding anniversary: "You can't live a superficial life for long - just like water, which will always find its natural path." Sumeet Jain, Life is a pack of 52 cards
Wise
• Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years. Simone Signoret
Encouraging
• Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu
Quotes about Being Strong
• There are many gifts that we give through the course of a year ... Sometimes, these gifts are really no more than an acknowledgement of friendship, or those given to commemorate a special day like a wedding anniversary or a birthday. Byron Pulsifer, Gift Of Love In Many Ways
Meaningful
• But to sustain a marriage for 50 years, you have to get real a little bit and find someone who is understanding and who you can grow with. My mom always says, 'Marry the man who loves you a millimeter more.' Ali Larter
Motivational
• The best of happiness, honour and fortune keep with you. William Shakespeare