Opening a eulogy is a deeply personal moment that sets the tone for honoring a loved one. Here are three different approaches to starting a eulogy for various relationships (Mother, Father, etc.) to help you find the words that resonate most with your experience.
For a Wife
- “Today, I stand before you to celebrate the incredible woman who was my wife, my best friend, and my partner in everything, [Name].”
- “It’s hard to put into words how much [Name] meant to me. She was the light of my life, and I hope to honor her today as best I can.”
- “My wife, [Name], was my greatest blessing and my closest companion. She filled my days with love, laughter, and meaning, and I want to share her beautiful story with you all.”
See full sample eulogy for wife
For a Husband
- “My husband, [Name], was my rock, my guide, and my greatest joy. Today, I want to honor the man who meant the world to me.”
- “As I reflect on my husband’s life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and memories we shared. [Name] was truly one of a kind.”
- “Standing here today, I feel both immense loss and immense gratitude for the incredible life I shared with my husband, [Name].”
See full sample eulogy for husband
For an Adult Child
- “No parent expects to stand here, but today, I honor my child, [Name], whose life was a gift to everyone they met.”
- “Though [Name] was taken far too soon, their kindness, laughter, and spirit will live on in all of us who loved them.”
- “As a parent, I was endlessly proud of my child, [Name], and though their time was short, their life was filled with love and meaning.”
See full sample eulogy for husband
For a Grandfather
- “My grandfather, [Name], was the heart of our family and a source of wisdom, love, and joy. Today, I want to celebrate his remarkable life.”
- “It’s an honor to stand here and speak about my grandfather, [Name], a man who taught me so much about life, love, and kindness.”
- “My grandfather, [Name], leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, and I’m grateful to have had him in my life.”
See full sample eulogy for grandfather
For a Grandmother
- “My grandmother, [Name], was a remarkable woman whose love and warmth shaped our family. Today, I honor her beautiful life.”
- “To me, my grandmother, [Name], was not only a guiding light but also a source of endless comfort and joy. I am blessed to share her story with you today.”
- “Today, we celebrate the life of my grandmother, [Name], whose love and laughter will forever echo in our hearts.”
See full sample eulogy for grandmother
For a Stepfather
- “My stepfather, [Name], may have entered our family by choice, but he filled our lives with love and devotion that can never be forgotten.”
- “It’s rare to meet someone as generous and kind as my stepfather, [Name], and I’m honored to celebrate his life today.”
- “Though not my father by birth, [Name] chose to love and support me unconditionally, and I am forever grateful for his presence in my life.”
See full sample eulogy for stepfather
For a Stepmother
- “My stepmother, [Name], brought love, grace, and kindness to our family, and I am honored to celebrate her life today.”
- “Though she wasn’t my mother by blood, [Name] was every bit a mother to me, and her love and influence will stay with me forever.”
- “My stepmother, [Name], chose to be part of our family, and her presence made our lives infinitely richer and fuller.”
See full sample eulogy for stepmother
For a Child
- “Losing [Name] has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but today I want to celebrate the joy and love they brought into the world.”
- “My child, [Name], was my heart and soul, and though their time was short, their life was filled with beauty and meaning.”
- “It’s impossible to capture the essence of [Name] in just a few words, but I hope to honor their incredible spirit today.”
See full sample eulogy for child
For a Teen
- “Though [Name] left us far too soon, they filled their life with love, energy, and kindness that touched everyone who knew them.”
- “Standing here today, I want to honor the amazing young person [Name] was and the incredible impact they had in their time with us.”
- “My heart breaks for the loss of [Name], but their memory will forever live on through the love and joy they shared with all of us.”
See full sample eulogy for teen
For a Brother
- “My brother, [Name], was more than just family; he was my friend, my confidant, and a part of who I am. I’m here to honor his life today.”
- “As I stand here today, I think of the countless memories I shared with my brother, [Name], and I feel so grateful to have had him in my life.”
- “My brother, [Name], was a constant presence in my life, and his love, humor, and strength will always be with me.”
See full sample eulogy for brother
For a Sister
- “My sister, [Name], had a heart full of love and a spirit that brightened every room. Today, I want to celebrate her extraordinary life.”
- “Losing my sister, [Name], is one of the hardest things I’ve faced, but I stand here grateful for the memories and love she gave us.”
- “To me, [Name] wasn’t just my sister—she was my best friend, my cheerleader, and my inspiration. Today, I honor her life.”
See full sample eulogy for sister
For a Friend
- “My friend, [Name], was one of the most genuine, caring, and remarkable people I have ever known, and it’s a privilege to honor their life today.”
- “Standing here today, I reflect on the countless memories I shared with my friend, [Name], and the incredible impact they had on my life.”
- “To call [Name] a friend feels like an understatement—they were like family to me, and I want to celebrate the amazing person they were.”
See full sample eulogy for friend
For an Unexpected Death
- “We are gathered here in shock and grief over the sudden loss of [Name], but also to celebrate their remarkable life and spirit.”
- “Losing [Name] so unexpectedly has left us all heartbroken, but I hope to honor their memory by sharing the love and light they brought to us.”
- “Though we didn’t have time to prepare for this loss, [Name]’s impact on our lives is something we will carry with us forever.”
See full sample eulogy for an unexpected death
For a Father
- “My father, [Name], was a man of great strength and love, and his influence shaped me into who I am today. I want to honor his legacy.”
- “Today, I celebrate the life of my father, [Name], who taught me what it means to love, lead, and live with integrity.”
- “To me, my father, [Name], was a hero, a guide, and a source of unwavering support. I hope to do justice to his memory today.”
See full sample eulogy for father
For a Mother
- “My mother, [Name], was the heart of our family and a source of endless love and strength. Today, I want to honor her incredible life.”
- “Losing my mother, [Name], has been deeply painful, but I’m here to celebrate the love, care, and joy she brought to our lives.”
- “To me, my mother was everything—my guide, my inspiration, and my greatest supporter. Her memory will live on forever in our hearts.”
Each opening is written to provide options that reflect different tones and emotions while honoring the unique relationship and circumstances. Let your words come from the heart and feel authentic to your experience.
See full sample eulogy for father
Learn more about writing a eulogy.
