Eulogy template
A eulogy template gives you the order to follow: who you are, who they were, two or three memories, what they leave behind, and a short goodbye. Fill in the prompts below in your own words, or download the blank version and write by hand.
By the Lovingly Written team · Updated
For those who don't know me, I'm [your name], [their name]'s [relationship].
[Their name] was [three words]. [One image that sums them up.]
[Two or three sentences about their life: where they grew up, what they did, who they loved.]
[A memory that makes you smile, told as a short scene.]
[Something you're grateful to them for.]
[Something they used to say, in their words.]
[A short goodbye, spoken to them.]
- 1.
Who you are
Your name and how you knew them: "I'm Sarah, Margaret's eldest."
- 2.
Who they were, in one idea
Three words, or one image that sums them up.
- 3.
Their life, briefly
Where they came from, what they did, who they loved. Two or three sentences.
- 4.
A memory that makes you smile
One specific scene, told simply.
- 5.
Something you're grateful for
What they gave you or taught you.
- 6.
Something they used to say
Their words, exactly as they said them.
- 7.
A short goodbye
A sentence spoken to them, or what you'll carry forward.
How to use this template
Work through the sections in order, writing rough notes first. Don't worry about polished sentences until the end. Most finished eulogies are 400 to 700 words, three to five minutes when read aloud.
1. Opening (2–3 sentences)
Say who you are and how you knew the person. You might add one line about why you were asked to speak, or what you hope people take away today.
2. A short life outline (3–5 sentences)
Where they were born or grew up, the work or roles that mattered to them, and the people closest to them. Keep it brief; this is context, not a biography.
3. One or two stories (the heart of it)
Pick specific moments that show what they were like. Include a place, a time and something they said or did. One good story is better than five general statements.
4. What they gave to others (2–4 sentences)
What did they teach, give or change for the people in the room? This is where qualities like kindness or humor belong, backed by the stories above.
5. Closing (1–3 sentences)
Speak to them directly, share a line they used to say, or offer a hope for the people left behind.
Checking your draft
Read it aloud and time it. Cut anything that feels like a list. Check names and dates with family. Print it large, with space to breathe between paragraphs.