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Losing a mother is one of the worst things that can happen to you, especially if you are close to your mom. My mom not being there anymore is something I can’t quite wrap my head around, and I’m fortunate that my mom is still here for me (even though she’s chronically ill).
But my friend's mom passed away a little while ago, and I was stumped on what to say to her. How can words accurately express my sorrow and convey the sympathy I have for her loss?
I had to think long and hard about the words of sympathy for loss of mother that wouldn’t (accidentally) come across as insincere and thoughtless.
Are you in the same boat? Looking for words of sympathy to share with a friend, colleague, or acquaintance when they’ve lost their mom?
That’s exactly why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on why you need words of sympathy, what they mean to a person whose mom is no longer around, and the best sympathy phrases you can pass along in person, a text message, an email, or a sympathy card.
Pssst … Before we get into it, I want to point out that you can use these sympathy words in situations where a mother-in-law, caretaker, or grandmother passed away too. We have more mother figures in our lives than we sometimes realize, and some of these women can very much be like a mom to us too.
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Why Give Words of Sympathy?
Words of sympathy are expressions you share with a person who’s lost someone, be it their partner, child, family member, friend, colleague, teacher, or mentor. When you express sympathy, you offer your condolences, concern, and compassion for the bereaved.
It’s a way to tell the person you are there for them, that you are offering your support, love, and care during this difficult and sad time, and that you are thinking of them.
It’s often not easy knowing what exactly you should say to the bereaved, because it’s so easy for your words to become jumbled up and come out wrong. The last thing you’d want during this time of loss is to hurt the person who has lost someone who means a lot to them.
So it’s essential to use the right words and convey your message in the appropriate tone (and medium). Words of sympathy can offer some measure of comfort for the person who’s lost someone they loved so they know they have your love and support during this dark time.
Why Words of Sympathy Is Important for Someone Who Has Lost Their Mother
Losing a mother is one of the most unfathomable things I can think of. For many of us, our mom is the first person you meet when you are born, she is the person who supports, loves, and cares for you, and she has a special place in our lives and hearts.
The same is true when you lose a mother figure – a grandmother who was just as special and played as big a part in your life and who you’ve become, or a mother-in-law who feels like mom #2.
Put yourself in the shoes of someone whose mom has died, and think about what you would need from the people around you during this heartbreaking time. Think about how much their support, compassion, and care would mean to you, and even knowing that you are in their thoughts and prayers.
So when you express sympathy (or empathy) for the child (young, adult, or mature) who’s lost their mother, you bring them a bit of comfort, and they’ll be thankful that you’ve taken the time and made the effort to think of them.
53 Words of Sympathy for Loss of Mother
You want the best expression of sympathy when your partner, cousin, aunt, friend, or colleague has lost their mom, so here is a list of heartfelt and sincere sympathy messages for the loss of a mother so you can help honor their memory.
Here are words of sympathy you can use when you know someone’s mom has passed on:
1. I’m sorry for your loss. I know this must be a heartbreaking time for you and your family, but I hope that you’ll find some comfort in your memories of your beloved mother.
2. Your mother was an amazing woman. I remember how she taught me the art of decorating a cake and shared some trade secrets that one time I was really struggling with cake decoration. I’m going to miss her a lot.
3. “[You] have an angel watching over you. She is [your] mom.” ~ Unknown.
4. May your mom’s soul rest in peace, and may she watch over you.
5. I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I want you to know that you have my love and support – whatever you need is yours.
I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I want you to know that you have my love and support – whatever you need is yours.”
6. I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope it brings you some comfort to know that when you miss your mom, you are remembering her too. “In Vietnamese, the word for missing someone and remembering them is the same: nhớ.” ~ Ocean Vuong
7. “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings to infinity.” ~ Terri Guillemets
8. My heart broke when I learned the news of your mom’s passing. In fact, my heart’s still broken for you and your family. I’m here if you need me.
9. You really put everything you could into caring for your mom, from the moment she was diagnosed until the very end. She was blessed to have a son/daughter like you.
10. We always need our moms, no matter how young or old we are. I’m keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts.
11. I can even begin to imagine what you are going through at this moment. Know that you are loved and you have a family and community who’ll do anything to support you.
12. In your time of sorrow, I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to you.
13. I already miss your mom dearly. She was such an inspiration and had a huge impact on who I’ve become. I wish you comfort and peace during this sad time.
14. I’m truly blessed and honored to have known your mother and have her be part of my life journey. She was beautiful and always did whatever she could to help others. She’ll be deeply missed.
15. It’s difficult to grieve the passing of a loved one, and especially the passing of a woman as wonderful as your mom. We all care about you, and we share in your grief.
16. With friendship and love, we’re thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow.
17. Your mom was one of my best friends, and she could always help us find hope and meaning when the going got tough.
18. Your mom’s infectious laughter, warm smile, and open heart will never be forgotten. She was truly amazing, and I can see where you get your loving spirit from. Her legacy lives on in you.
19. Your mom had such an impact on us; she was a wonderful soul and I’ll never forget her. And “a great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” ~ Maya Angelou
20. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom is finally at peace and her suffering has ended. I hope you’ll find some comfort in that thought.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom is finally at peace and her suffering has ended. I hope you’ll find some comfort in that thought.”
21. Sending love and sympathy to you and your family. Your mom was inspirational and had a deep, lasting impact on the lives of many. We’ll all remember her fondly.
22. It’s incredibly overwhelming to lose your mom. I’m sending all my love to you during this trying time.
23. I hope you remember I’m just a call away. I’m here to listen, keep you company (even if you want to sit together in silence), and for you to lean on.
24. During this time of great sadness, I hope you can make time to take comfort when you think of all the memories you and your mom made over the years.
25. May you remember your mom and how much she loved you. As Elizabeth Postle said, “One day we will remember how lucky we were to have known their love, with wonder, not grief.”
26. Know that your mom is always with you; first during your life journey and then in your memories of her.
27. Your mom was one special lady; everyone loved her a lot. We’ll all miss her dearly.
28. I’m saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. I know there were a lot of ups and downs, and she fought valiantly till the very end.
29. My deepest condolences to you. Know that your mom is looking down on you and will be there for you in spirit during all the peaks and valleys of your life.
30. Your mom’s caring nature, generosity, and kindness were simply contagious; she brought joy to everyone she met. I know her memory will live on.
31. I was truly shocked when I heard of your mom’s passing. I know how much she meant to you.
32. Your mom was like a mother to me too, and I know we can both relate to this quote from Alphonse de Lamartine: “Sometimes, only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated.”
33. I can’t imagine how difficult a time this must be for you. Your mom was amazing, and she loved you very much. I’m thinking of you.
34. We’re all going to miss your mother a lot. She was a gift to us all, and I know her kindness lives on in you.
35. Your wonderful mom is now an angel (or star) in the heavens, and she’ll continue to guide you with love.
Your wonderful mom is now an angel (or star) in the heavens, and she’ll continue to guide you with love.”
36. My sincerest condolences. No one can ever replace the kind, amazing, and caring person that was your mom.
37. Know your mom is resting in peace, and may she continue to watch over you.
38. Your mom was a great colleague and an even better friend. I know her legacy will live on because she was such a loving presence in the lives of many.
39. Your mom is watching over you and will continue to guide you and protect you, just as she did when she was alive.
40. “Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.” ~ C.S. Lewis. May her absence be easier to accept as time goes on, but may your mom’s memory live on forever.
41. My deepest sympathy for the unexpected passing of your mom. Let me know if I can support you or be there for you in any way.
42. My heart goes out for you during this sorrowful time.
43. Your mom was such a pleasure to have around. I always admired her courageous and selfless nature.
44. Your mom was an admirable person. I was in awe of how her integrity inspired others to live authentically and strive to be the best they could be.
45. Extending my deepest condolences to you and your family during this sad time. I hope your faith will bring you comfort and strength.
46. Your mom’s passing is a great loss. She was one of the warmest, kindest, and most caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
47. “There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible – a wound that will never quite heal.” ~ Susan Wiggs
48. The news of your mom’s passing saddened me deeply. I’ll always fondly remember the time we spent together.
49. Losing your mom is a tragic loss. I always looked up to your mom, and she was always there when I needed mentoring or someone to talk to.
50. “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” ~ Eskimo proverb
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” ~ Eskimo proverb
51. I offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother, but I also know that my words aren’t enough. They can’t help bring your mom back or truly help you with your grief. But I am here for you, whatever you need.
52. Sending you my heartfelt sympathy. I’m holding you close in my heart and thoughts.
53. “Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” ~ Vicki Harrison. I know it may not seem like it now, but you will learn how to carry the loss of your mom with you. And I hope you know that I’m here for you, always.
Final Thoughts about Words of Sympathy for the Loss of a Mother
You can find inspiration from these words of sympathy for the loss of a mother, or if your mind is coming up blank, you can use these expressions to help convey your sorrow, concern, and support for the bereaved.
They will appreciate you taking the time to be there for them.
Maybe you need other expressions of sympathy or comfort? Then have a look at these comforting words of encouragement when someone is going through a hard time. Or maybe you’ve recently lost someone you love, and wonder how you reply when someone shares their sympathy for your loss? These 31 things to say when someone says “sorry for your loss” will help.
And if you're looking for more resources on expressing sympathy, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- Sympathy VS Empathy: 5 Basic Differences with Examples
- 115 Words of Encouragement for Comforting a Sick Person
- 25 Things to Say to Comfort Someone at a Funeral
Finally, if you want to want to see MORE free coloring pages?, then check out these 31 spring coloring pages that all adults and kids can enjoy<.
