Eulogy Examples and How to Write a Meaningful Tribute

Key Takeaways

• A eulogy is a spoken or written tribute that reflects on the life, character, and impact of someone who’s passed.
• The three main parts of a eulogy are: the introduction, personal stories, and closing thoughts.
• A strong eulogy is specific, sincere, and well-paced.

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Introduction

Writing a eulogy is one of the most meaningful things you can do after someone dies. However, it can also feel like one of the hardest.

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place. A eulogy doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be sincere. Whether it’s long or short, formal or casual, the goal is the same: to honor the person who passed, and the impact they’ve had on others.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what a eulogy is, how to structure it, and how to choose what to say. You’ll also find examples to draw ideas from, and answers to common questions.

What Is a Eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute given during a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. It’s a chance to share stories, memories, and reflections that capture the essence of a loved one. 

Most eulogies are delivered by someone close to the deceased: a family member, friend, spouse, or spiritual leader. However, you don’t need a formal title or background in public speaking. 

Also, a eulogy can be serious or light, brief or detailed. It might even include humor. The only real requirement is that it feels sincere and true to the person’s life.

The Three Essential Parts of a Eulogy

In general, eulogies follow a simple structure with three main sections: an introduction, personal stories, and closing thoughts.

1. Introduction

Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person who died. Then, take a moment to acknowledge those who are gathered.

For example:

"My name is Maya, and I was lucky to call Sam my best friend for more than twenty years. Thank you for being here today to celebrate her life and reflect on what she meant to each of us.”

A clear introduction gives the audience context, especially for those who may not know you personally. It also helps ease you into speaking by starting with something straightforward. You might also briefly mention how you’re feeling, or how honored you are to speak. 

2. Personal Stories and Reflections

This section is the heart of the eulogy. Use it to paint a picture of who the person was: not just a list of accomplishments, but what it felt like to be around them. 

You might mention:

• A story that captures their sense of humor
• How they supported you or others during a difficult time
• A quality they were known for
• A favorite tradition they created or cherished
• A value they lived by
• How they made people feel seen and welcomed

For example:

“Whenever my grandfather noticed someone sitting alone, he’d invite them to join our family table. It didn’t matter if it was a holiday dinner, a busy restaurant or a backyard barbecue. He had this gift of making people he’d just met feel like old friends. It’s one of the things I loved most about him, and reflected the kindness and compassion that he carried into every part of his life.”

3. Closing Thoughts

End with a message that helps bring closure. This could be a comforting quote, a lesson they taught you, or a reflection on what they leave behind. You can also thank everyone present, and encourage them to continue honoring the person in their own way.

Example:

"We don’t move on from someone like John. We move forward with the things he taught us, the memories he gave us, and the example he left behind."

Tips for Writing a Strong Eulogy

Here are a few ways to write something that feels true to you and honors the person you’re remembering:

• Keep it focused. In general, eulogies are 3 to 7 minutes when read aloud, or about 500 to 1,000 words.
• Write how you speak. You don’t need to sound poetic or formal. Use your natural voice. Speak the way you would if you were sharing these stories with a friend.
• Be specific. Broad adjectives like “amazing” or “unforgettable” are okay, but try to accompany them with a few examples as well.
• Practice out loud. This helps you find the right pace and emotional rhythm. You’ll also catch things that don’t sound quite right.
• Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to pause, cry, or lose your place. You’re speaking from the heart, not performing a script.

Additional writing tips:

• Ask someone you trust to listen or read it with you
• Start with one memory, and build outward from there
• Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation in the first draft
• If you’re stuck, think about what the person taught you or how they made you feel
• Ask yourself: what would they hope to be remembered for?

Eulogy Examples

Below are some excerpts to help you get started. They’re ideas you can draw from, and adapt to your own experience.

For a Parent:

"My mother was the heart of our family. She had a way of making everyone feel safe, even when things around us were challenging. She loved without conditions, gave without asking for anything back, and made every room she was in feel kinder, brighter and more welcoming.” 

For a Friend:

"Jake had this gift of making people feel like they belonged. He remembered the little things you told him, made you laugh when you didn’t think you could, and always showed up when you needed him. He wasn’t just a good friend. He was the kind of person you feel lucky to have known at all."

For a Spouse:

“Being loved by Jane was the greatest gift of my life. No words can capture the depth and beauty of her spirit. She brought so much light into the lives of others, and the truth is, I don’t know how to move forward without her. But I do know this: I’ll always carry her with me, and try to live each moment in a way that honors her and everything she believed in.”

Using ChatGPT to Help Write a Eulogy

If you’re not sure where to begin, tools like ChatGPT can be a helpful partner. It can take the memories, stories, and feelings you share and shape them into a strong draft of your eulogy.

Think of ChatGPT as a way to get past writer’s block. You provide the details and tone you’re looking for (warm, reflective, lighthearted, …), and it’ll give you a structure to build from.

Here’s a prompt you can try:

“Help me write a eulogy for my [relationship, e.g., mother/friend/spouse]. Her name was [name]. She was known for [specific qualities, habits, or values]. Some of my favorite memories are [list a few memories]. I want the tone to feel [tone, e.g., loving, funny, comforting]. Please write a draft that is about [word count] words.”

You can take the draft ChatGPT provides and adjust it with more of your own voice, adding personal stories or important moments. The goal isn’t for ChatGPT to write every word, but to give you a starting point that makes the process feel less intimidating.

Full Example: Eulogy for a Friend

Good afternoon, everyone.

My name is Alicia, and I had the honor of calling Nora my friend for more than fifteen years.

Some people enter your life and instantly change it for the better. That was Nora. She had a laugh that could break tension in an instant, a gift for listening without judgment, and this incredible ability to turn everyday moments into something you’d remember for years.

One memory I always come back to is a night we spent sitting in her backyard during a power outage. The whole block was dark, but we lit a few candles, wrapped ourselves in blankets, and talked for hours. Those were some of the best conversations I’ve ever had. And even now, I still remember thinking how lucky I was to have her in my life. That was something that Nora gave to so many of us: she made us feel seen, heard, and truly understood.

These past few days have been incredibly hard. The truth is, I don’t know how to move forward without her. But what brings me some comfort is knowing that parts of her are still with us. You can feel it in the way we treat each other with more kindness. In the way we slow down and really listen. In the love we continue to share because of the example she set.

So today, I’m not just saying goodbye. I’m saying thank you. Thank you, Nora, for your friendship, your generosity, your laughter, and the way you made every one of us feel like we belonged.

We’ll miss you more than words can express. But each day, we’ll carry you with us: in the choices we make, in the kindness we show, and in the lives we lead. Your impact is woven into who we are. And through each of us, the love and beauty that you brought into this world keeps moving forward.

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FAQs

1. Is it okay to read the eulogy word for word?

Yes. Many people choose to read directly from their notes. Generally, there’s no expectation that a eulogy will be memorized.

2. What should I avoid saying in a eulogy?

Overly detailed stories that might confuse or exclude listeners, private conflicts, or anything that might unintentionally upset others. Focus on what’s kind, true, and honoring.

3. What if I cry or get overwhelmed while speaking?

That’s perfectly okay. People understand that this is emotional. You can pause, take a deep breath, or ask someone to join you at the podium for support.

4. Can I print copies for others to read later?

If you have the family’s approval, yes. It’s a very thoughtful gesture; some people may want a copy for personal reflection or to share with those who couldn’t attend. 

5. Can I write a eulogy even if I’m not speaking at the service?

Absolutely. Writing can be a powerful way to process grief and reflect on your relationship. You can keep it for yourself, give it to the family, or share it in a personal letter or memory book.

6. What if I don’t know where to start?

Try beginning with a single memory or feeling. Write as if you were telling a story to someone who never met the person. The rest will often flow from there.

Conclusion

Writing a eulogy isn’t about finding the perfect words. It’s about honoring someone through reflection, and the love for them that you continue to carry.  

Their story deserves to be remembered, and your contribution helps make that happen. Even the simplest lines can leave a lasting impact when they come from the heart. 

So take your time. Trust your voice. And know that what matters most is not the words themselves, but the care, sincerity and thought behind them.

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