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
Death is a weird part of life. Without death, we can not appreciate life. However, death is the most painful experience in life. It is never easy to say goodbye to the people you love, especially when that goodbye is for good. Read the following remembrance death anniversary of mother messages and death anniversary quotes for mother or loved ones. The above remembrance messages for death anniversary can be some quotes you can use to post on your social media platforms in remembrance of those loved ones who left us. Let the world remember them and pray for them; they really need our prayers.
A death anniversary is a peculiar sort of holiday.
After all, how can you “celebrate” a life that is gone, one you so dearly miss? How do you grieve, yet heal? Can you remember a loved one without becoming overwhelmed, or should you try to ignore or forget the day they died?
Or what if you are the friend of someone whose spouse or child has died. How do you comfort them on the anniversary of their loved one's death? Should you do or say anything?
Here are some thoughts on how to remember loved ones as the years go by.
We have ideas for those who grieve, and for those who want to support and be there for a grieving friend.
here for more details.
Should You Celebrate a Death Anniversary?
In my view, yes. But we should be careful with the word “celebrate.” Perhaps commemorate, honor, remember, or observe would be better.
But the idea is the same: On the anniversary of a loved one's death, it is good to acknowledge the loss. The form of grief will change over time, but that empty place will always be there.
The person who died was real. They actually lived, and they deserve to be remembered, cherished, and honored. Even if they had their faults (and we all do!), their life impacted many people in many ways. It is healthy to acknowledge this.
So however you do it, large or small, and whatever you choose to do, from a quiet time of journaling to a full-on party, yes, you should celebrate a death anniversary.
Death Anniversary Guide
So yes, you should commemorate a death anniversary. Let's talk about ways to do this.
First, we'll talk about how to observe your own loved one's death anniversary.
Second, we'll provide a guide on how you can be there for a grieving friend when their loved one's death anniversary is approaching.
Part I: Observing Your Loved One's Death Anniversary
It's been one year since your beloved passed away. Perhaps more. How can you honor their life on the anniversary of their death?
Here are some creative ways.
First Death Anniversary Ideas
Take the Day Off
It's going to be a tough day. It's been a year; it feels like just a day or two. The grief may have subdued a little, but especially on the “day of” you will probably feel raw. Plan some time to mourn, contemplate, pray, journal, walk, or just bury yourself in the couch.
Take the day off from work. Don't plan any big activities, and feel free to skip some daily chores. Set aside time to remember.
Read
Get a pamphlet or book that will provide some help and guidance from those who have experienced loss themselves. When you read the thoughts of others, you learn and grow in ways that you cannot do on your own.
• A Grief Sanctified
Write
Today is a good day to journal your thoughts. Write down a poem, or memories of your loved one. What would you say if your loved one was here, right now?
Keep the notebook or digital file, and add to it at least once per year, on the anniversary. Over time, you'll be able to look back to previous entries and see how your grief and mindset has evolved.
Write Thank-You Notes
Some people are highly motivated go-getters. If that's you, maybe the first anniversary is the time you could go through all the sympathy cards and write thank-you notes.
Sometimes, this type of “work” can be a healthy source of healing and consolation, as you complete a task and get to review all the messages of comfort from family and friends.
Print Photos
The first death anniversary is a good time to get started on this. Before then can feel too soon; over a year and many of these things will be lost to time.
Personalize Memorial Jewelry
Donate or Volunteer for a Cause
For some, serving others is the best way to honor a loved one's memory on the anniversary of their death. If your loved one had a heart of gold and loved to serve others, this is a beautiful and meaningful tribute.
Death Anniversary Ideas
The anniversary of your loved one's death is the ideal day to set aside for contemplation, reflection, prayer, and perhaps even starting a tradition. Here are a few ideas.
Visit Their Final Resting Place
The traditional way to commemorate the day of your loved one's passing is to make a trip out to the grave site and pay your respects.
Hold a Remembrance Ceremony
Invite family members and friends to a special anniversary ceremony. No doubt many of the people close to you will feel unsure about whether they should talk about your loved one's death; when you invite them, be sure to tell them that you want to keep your loved one's memory alive and that they are welcome to share their own memories and thoughts.
Anything that you might do at a funeral or memorial service you can do at a death anniversary remembrance. Just do it on a smaller scale, with a little less formal feel to it.
Remembrance ceremony ideas include:
• Share memories and stories
• Have a moment of silence
• Ask others to print out and bring photos of your loved one
• Ask others to write down their memories to keep in a memory jar
• Leave out photo albums and scrapbooks for people to browse
• Drink a toast to your loved one's memory
• Share a meal, appetizers, dessert, or potluck together
Journal
Get a special notebook and write in it every year on the death anniversary. You can write sayings and stories as you remember them, journal where you're at in the grief process, or just write down your thoughts and feelings.
Go Through Memories
Open up your keepsake box, go through old social media posts and photos, or get out the photo albums. If you haven't already started a scrapbook or memory jar, you may as well start now.
On future anniversaries you can pull out your treasure trove of mementos and enjoy anew the memories you shared.
Listen to Their Favorite Music
Play their favorite song, album, or symphony. Sit back and listen and let the music wash over you. If the two of you had a “special song”, listen to that as well.
Create Art
Express your emotions and honor your loved one's memory through art. If you're a painter, sculptor, or woodworker, create something each year. You can keep and display it, give it to family members or friends, or donate it in memory of your beloved.
If you're a writer, poet, or musician, compose something. It can be as short as a few sentences (even a haiku) or a full-length biography (or epic poem). Compose new words to a favorite song, or write a completely new piece of music.
Use your art to remember your loved one on this special day.
Death Anniversary Quotes to Contemplate
Here are a few meaningful quotes to ponder as you think about your loved one on day of remembrance.
• Gone from my life forever, but never gone from my heart.
• You are my today and all of my tomorrows.
• The pain of losing you cannot be measured; but I know I will see you again in God's great kingdom.
• It's already been a year and I still can't believe you're gone. It feels like you're about to walk in the door with open arms, ready for my embrace.
• It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
Part of me went with you, where ever you may roam.
• Remembering you is easy; I do it every day.
Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.
• Today marks the anniversary of the day when I lost a piece of my heart.
• I realize now just how fragrant you made my life. I miss you, my love.
• Death is more universal than life. After all, everyone dies; but not everyone lives. You lived, and you lived well.
• There are some who bring a light so great to those around them that even after they have gone, the light remains.
• Death ends a life, not a relationship. – Robert Benchley
Part II: What to Do & Say On a Death Anniversary (Comforting a Friend)
You want to be there for your friend. What do you do? What should you say? How can you support and comfort your grieving friend without being pushy or invasive?
Here are some ways you can help your grieving friend as the anniversary of their loved one's death approaches.
Tips to Bring Comfort on a Death Anniversary
Put the Date In Your Calendar
At or around the time of death, put a reminder in your calendar for the death anniversary. Set it to repeat yearly. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Put the Decedent's Birthday in Your Calendar
The same thing goes for the person's birthday. It will be a tough day for your friend, as they don't get to be with their loved one on a special and meaningful day.
This is an important date to remember so that you can be there – in person, through text, or by sending a ‘thinking of you' birthday card – for your your grieving friend.
Say SOMETHING
Don't ignore your friend's grief. Yes, the funeral is over, and life has gone back to the (new) normal of routine and daily living. But the pain is still there; the loss is still real.
Acknowledge your friend's grief. Mention their loved one's name, and let your friend know that you're thinking of both of them. It could be as simple as a text that says, “Hey, I know today is one year since [name] died. I just want you to know I'm thinking of you. [S]he was a really special person who left an amazing legacy. Love you lots.”
Text (or Call) First and Ask
You don't want to spring anything unexpected or overwhelming on your grieving friend. You're not there to take over, but rather to come alongside. So, before you do anything major, ask.
Be Persistent and Intentional, But Not Pushy
While it's important to ask, you need to go a step further than just saying “let me know if there's anything you need.” No one in the history of the world (at least, as far as I know) has ever let anyone “know what they need”.
So you have to go just a little beyond that to make it clear that you intend to be there for your friend. Be more specific – “I'd like to come over and just be with you for a while, if that's ok. Can I bring lunch? Or would you rather have coffee, or maybe some chocolate?”
Death Anniversary Ideas to Comfort a Friend
Share a Favorite Memory or Story
Write a card or simply text them. Any time you talk about their loved one, it's a way to affirm the reality of their life and the grief your friend is feeling.
Plus, you might have a story they haven't heard before, and that will always be a wonderful gift.
Bring a Meal
Your grieving friend may not be up to doing much. So cook for them! Or pick up take-out, or have something delivered.
Ask what they would prefer, and also ask if they would like you to come spend time with them or if they would prefer to be alone. They'll appreciate it!
Make the Departed One's Favorite Meal
The same idea applies here, but instead of just bringing a meal you can bring the groceries and cook up an extra-special meal for your friend.
Make it together, or cook for your friend while they sit and relax, talk with you, or just take a nap.
Bring a Gift Basket
There are plenty of gift baskets you can buy, but this is one gift that's easier (and more meaningful) when you do it yourself.
Fill up a basket, bag, or plastic bin with comforting gifts and delectable treats. Go with a spa theme, chocolate and fruit, journals and art supplies and coffee/tea, or get a popcorn tub and fill it with movies and movie snacks.
Babysit the Kids
If they have young children, offer to watch the kids (at your place or theirs) so that they can get some alone time. Maybe they would like to go out on a long walk or hike.
Perhaps they just need some quiet time to be able to journal, pray, read, scrapbook, think about their loved one, or even just nap and veg out a bit. If it's a couple who lost a little one, watch the other kids so they can go out together and strengthen their relationship in the midst of their remembering.
Whatever the case may be, anyone with kids will appreciate the gesture (and probably take you up on it).
Make a Donation In Memory
If there was a cause or organization that was important to the decedent, consider making a donation in memory of your loved one's friend on the anniversary of their death.
This might include:
• Homeless shelters
• Veteran support organizations
• Adoption agencies
• Pregnancy resource centers
• Disability support organizations
• Medical awareness foundations or research
• Environmental protection groups
Share a Special Activity
This can be any number of things. Talk about it first, to make sure the activity isn't too overwhelming, but you'll be able to figure out something meaningful.
Go with your friend on a walk or hike to visit a favorite spot. Take them out to the restaurant where they had their first date. Binge a favorite show together. Substitute your presence where their loved one used to be – not that you're taking that person's place, but rather you're enabling your friend as they experience some of those things they used to do.
What you're doing is walking together with your friend as they grieve, and that can be an immensely meaningful way to show your love and support.
Death Anniversary Messages
If you're looking for something specific to say, text, or write to your friend, you're not alone. Here's how to acknowledge the anniversary of death.
Quotes to Share
• Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. – Dr. Seuss
• The song is ended, but the melody lingers on. – Irving Berlin
• When words are most empty, tears are most apt. – Max Lucado
• Though gone from sight to memory dear.
• It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.
• When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.
• Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
• There are some who bring a light so great to those around them that even after they have gone, the light remains. [Name] was one such person.
• Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to help you face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Messages to Write or Text
• [Name] was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Thinking of you today.
• It's been a year today… I'd like to bring some food so you don't have to cook, what's your favorite?
• I have no words… But I want you to know I love you and am here for you.
• Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you today, and remembering [name].
• [Name] was a special person and I miss him/her too. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you.
• I know that today might be a rough day. I have the day off; can I bring you some coffee, or take you somewhere? Or can I watch the kids so you can have a nap or a walk?
• Remembering [name] today. Just want you to know I'm here. Anytime you want to talk, text, or just get out, let me know.
• God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Thinking of you today, dear friend, and remembering [Name]!
• I know today is an important day. I'm thinking of you. Want to get together?
• Today's the anniversary; here's something beautiful [attach picture of flowers, a pretty sunrise, etc]
• Wishing you a beautiful [Name] Remembrance Day. Thinking of both of you today.
• Just wanted to share my favorite photo of [Name] with you. She had a great smile and I'll miss her a ton. [Attach photo]
• I know this is hard. I love you.
Death Anniversary Gift Ideas
Here are our five favorite gift ideas for a death anniversary. If you're looking for some meaningful death anniversary ideas to comfort a grieving friend, these are some of the best.
Favorite Recipe Cutting Board
Garden Memorial Stone
What do you call the anniversary of a death? Is there another term for it?
The most common term is simply death anniversary.
Other terms and phrases people use include:
• Anniversary of Death
• Death Day
• Remembrance Day
• Commemoration Day
• Promotion Day (they were ‘promoted' to heaven)
• [Name's] Memorial Day
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1 thought on “Death Anniversary: How to Remember & Celebrate Your Loved One”
Great resource. Thank you.