Eulogy for a Family Member – Examples and Ideas

Writing a eulogy for a cherished loved one can be a daunting and emotional process. Whether you’re writing a eulogy for your mum, dad, sibling or grandparent, it can be difficult to decide where to start. From childhood stories to precious moments that you shared together, a eulogy is a touching way to capture how truly special your family member was.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a short speech that is read out at a funeral service to commemorate the life of someone who has passed away. It’s usually read out by a family member or close friend, although there is no fixed rule as to who should deliver the eulogy. 

Every eulogy is different, and there is no set structure to follow. The speech should highlight the positive attributes of your family member, along with the special memories you shared together. You could include their achievements, hobbies, important milestones in their life and details of who they were as a person. Whatever you choose to write, make sure it comes from the heart.

Eulogy for dad

Writing a eulogy for your dad can be an emotional experience, and it’s often difficult to know where to start. Before you begin, take a sheet of paper or laptop and write down anything that reminds you of your dad. What words would you use to describe his personality? Did he have any favourite hobbies or particular interests? What did he do that would make you laugh? What was his favourite meal or favourite holiday location? 

Remember, you don’t need to just include your own memories. How would your siblings describe your dad? Or what about his partner? You could also include key moments within your dad’s life, such as his early years, any notable achievements and his career.

Below are some example sentences that could be included within a eulogy for your dad:

“Dad was quite possibly the friendliest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He would always put others before himself, no matter what the circumstance. In his later years, he was a keen volunteer for a number of local charities and he’d always tell us stories of the work he’d done. He never failed to inspire me with his positive mindset and kind personality.”

“My earliest memories of my dad are of being on holiday with him in Spain. He was an avid traveller and loved introducing me to new countries from a young age. From hiking up hills to swimming in the sea, we had so many special moments together. And it wasn’t just me that my dad got to spend so many happy times with. Over the years, he met many people from every corner of the globe, some of whom are sitting here today.”

Eulogy for mum

Mothers are, of course, such important people in our lives, which is why it can be so difficult to find the right words for a eulogy. Before you begin trying to structure your speech, take the time to jot down any memories you have shared together and any words you’d use to capture who your mum was as a person. Get in touch with family members and friends too – they’ll have their own unique perspectives of your mum that could help inspire you.

What were your favourite moments with her? How did she help you through difficult times? What did she do to make you feel loved? Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to eulogies. 

Below are some example sentences that could be included within a eulogy for your mum:

“My mum was truly my biggest inspiration. Throughout my life, she taught me to be confident, strong and kind – just like she was. She was always there for her children, always putting us before herself. And the same applied to her friends. Whenever someone needed a shoulder to cry on or a person to talk to, my mum was always there. I have so many fond memories of spending time with my mother, both when I was a child and as an adult. From Sundays spent baking her famous apple pie, to holidays at her beloved hometown, my mum always brought a smile to my face.”

“Although my mother and I didn’t have the closest of relationships, I still held so much respect for her. Despite the hardships of her early childhood, she became a strong, independent and extremely hardworking woman. Since her teenage years, my mother had always dreamed of being a nurse, and that dream came true during her 20s. Her hard work and determination are something I’ll always be so inspired by, she showed that if you have the motivation, anything is possible.”

Eulogy for sister

Finding a fitting tribute for your sister can be a challenge. How can so many memories be condensed into a short speech? When it’s time to begin drafting a eulogy, begin by writing down the best qualities that your sister had. Was she kind? Confident? Creative? Hardworking? What makes you proud of her?

Whilst writing a eulogy is an emotional process, it’s a lovely way to celebrate everything that made your sister who she was, along with sharing your favourite memories with family and friends.

Below are some example sentences that could be included within a eulogy for your sister:

“When I think of my sister, the first thing I think of her is her smile. She was always full of positivity and able to look on the bright side of life. As a child, my sister was always mischievous, playing pranks on our friends and making everyone around us laugh. Even in her career as a therapist, she had a way of making people smile and instantly feel at ease in her company.”

“Firstly, I’d like to thank every one of you for being here today, I know how much this would have meant to my sister. Ever since we were children, I can always remember my sister being the life and soul of the party. She was full of confidence and made new friends wherever she went. Even in her later years, she was still an avid fan of throwing parties and organising fun days out with her closest of companions.” 

Eulogy for brother

Perhaps he had a great sense of humour? Maybe he had some particularly special skills or talents. Or perhaps he was best known for his personality. Whilst it can be hard to decide exactly what to include in your eulogy, it can help to begin by thinking about what your brother meant to you and those around him.

It could be the things he accomplished or the effect he had on people, whatever you feel made your brother so special. 

Below are some example sentences that could be included within a eulogy for your brother:

“I always loved having an older brother. Someone I could go to whenever I needed support. Someone who was always there for me. And despite our difficult times (as all siblings have), I have countless fond memories of him. As I’m sure many of you will know, we both had a shared passion for animals, something which we carried into our later years.”

“If you ever needed a laugh, my brother was the person to go to. He had a unique way of making everyone around him happy. I remember when my parents first came home from the hospital with my new baby brother in their arms. I immediately felt a sense of pride, and that never faded.”

Writing a eulogy for a beloved family member is never easy. Knowing what to include, which memories to share and which words to use – it’s a difficult decision. We hope the above examples will help you to begin laying down some ideas for your eulogy. For more ideas, take a look at our blog post on how to write a tribute for a loved one’s funeral.