Lovingly Written

Guide

How to end a eulogy

End a eulogy with one short line that's easy to say: a direct goodbye, a phrase they always used, or a thank-you to them. Keep the final sentence brief enough to say in one breath. Then pause, look up if you can, and step away. The room doesn't need a summary; it needs a clear, gentle ending.

By the Lovingly Written team · Updated

Four ways to close

  1. Speak to them directly. "Thank you, Dad. We'll take it from here."
  2. Use their words. End with the phrase they always said, so the last voice in the room is theirs.
  3. Hand it to the living. "If you want to honor her, call your mom this week."
  4. Return to your opening. If you began with a picture (the kitchen table, the garden), go back to it.

10 closing lines you can adapt

These are original examples; change the details to fit.

  1. "Goodbye, [name]. Thank you for everything, especially [small thing]."
  2. "As [name] used to say at the end of every phone call: '[their phrase].'"
  3. "We'll keep the porch light on."
  4. "I'll miss you every Sunday. And most Tuesdays."
  5. "[Name], you were right about almost everything. We'll try to remember the rest."
  6. "If you'd like to do something for [name] today, [simple act: call someone you love / plant something / have dessert]."
  7. "Thank you for teaching me [skill]. I'll keep doing it the way you showed me."
  8. "Rest now, [name]. You've earned it."
  9. "We were lucky to have you. We knew it then, and we know it now."
  10. "That's all I wanted to say. [Name] would say I've said too much already."

What to avoid at the end

  • A long list of thank-yous to everyone who organized the service. The officiant or a family member usually does this separately.
  • Introducing a new story. If it matters, move it earlier.
  • A line that's hard for you to say. If a sentence makes you cry every time you practice it, swap it for something simpler.

If you get emotional at the end

That's normal. Pause, breathe, and read the last line slowly. If you can't finish, it's fine to say "Thank you" and sit down. Many speakers agree beforehand that someone will stand nearby with a copy. See our tips on reading a eulogy without breaking down.

Related