A celebration of life service is a wonderful way to recognize the memory of a loved one who has passed. Unlike a traditional funeral, a celebration of life focuses on remembering the joys, accomplishments, and legacy of a life well-lived. The tone is more upbeat and the purpose is to celebrate rather than to mourn.

When planning a celebration of life service, many people wonder what kinds of sayings, quotes, and messages are appropriate to include in the speeches, tribute videos, invitations, and other elements. The key is to choose sayings that capture the personality and spirit of your loved one. 

Here are some popular types of celebration of life sayings with examples of each:

Inspiring quotes about life, love, courage, and following your dreams are perfect for celebrating someone who lived life to the fullest. Some examples:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

"Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it."

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

For those with spiritual or religious beliefs, including comforting sayings from Scripture or other religious texts can bring peace and hope. Some popular options:

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

"What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness."

Poetry has a special way of expressing the inexpressible. Short, uplifting excerpts from classic or modern poems can add beauty and meaning to a celebration of life. Some ideas:

* I am not there, I do not sleep."* - Mary Elizabeth Frye

“There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning."

*  It sounds from all things young,  *

*  From all that's fair, from all that's foul,   *

*  Peals out a cheerful song."* - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation."

*  I have only slipped away into the next room."* - Henry Scott Holland

Including some lighthearted humor, especially sayings the deceased was known for, can help make a celebration of life highly personal. As long as it's done tastefully, laughter through the tears is a great thing. For example:

"I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens."

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Mark Twain "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."

"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Comforting, hopeful quotes about death and the afterlife help provide a sense of peace and eternal perspective. Some popular sayings:

"The song is ended but the melody lingers on."

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.

"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories."

Celebration of Life Invitation Wording Ideas

When creating celebration of life invitations, choose wording that sets a tone of love and joyful remembrance. Some examples:

 Please join us for a celebration of the life of [Name] 

 A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Please join us in honoring a life well-lived 

Please join us to celebrate the beautiful life of [Name]

Gone from our sight but never from our hearts

As we share our favorite memories of [Name]

Please join us in celebrating all that [he/she] meant to us

Giving a speech at a celebration of life can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips:

1. Share happy memories and funny stories. Focus on capturing the person's spirit.

2. Don't be afraid to show emotion. Laughter and tears are both more than okay. 

3. Include their favorite sayings, songs, hobbies, phrases, etc. Make it personal.

4. Talk about the impact they had on you and others. How did they change your life?

5. Keep it relatively brief, around 3-5 minutes. Write it out but speak from the heart.

Remember, this is a celebration of a beautiful life. Speak with love, gratitude, and even humor. If you get choked up, that's okay - it means you were lucky enough to know someone special.

Q: What's the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?

A: A funeral is typically a somber event focused on mourning a loss, while a celebration of life is more upbeat and focused on joyful remembrance. But there are no hard and fast rules.

Q: Who usually speaks at a celebration of life?

A: Family members, close friends, colleagues - anyone who was close to the deceased and wants to share memories. There can be multiple speakers.

Q: Is humor appropriate for a celebration of life?

A: Absolutely! Funny stories and laughter are a wonderful way to remember someone. Just keep the overall tone tasteful and loving.

Q: Should we have the celebration of life right away or wait?

A: It varies based on the family's preferences. Some have it within a week or two of the death, while others wait a month or more. There's no right timeline.

Q: Can we have a celebration of life even years after the death?

A: Definitely. Some people choose to have a celebration of life on a special anniversary each year, such as their birthday, as an ongoing tradition.

Whenever and however you choose to have a celebration of life, the most important thing is taking the time to celebrate, honor, and remember the beautiful life of your loved one.

Ready to start planning a beautiful celebration of life? We can help you create the perfect invitations to set the tone for a joyful remembrance. 

Design beautiful celebration of life invitations with 

Celebrate your loved one with uplifting sayings and wording ideas for a celebration of life service. Get tips for speeches and design beautiful invitations.

Sayings for Celebration of Life: Praising a Life Well-Lived

The passing of a loved one is never easy. In times of grief and sorrow, we often turn to prayer to find comfort, hope, and healing. 

 are a beautiful way to honor the memory of the deceased and share meaningful prayers with family and friends. These small keepsakes feature carefully chosen funeral prayers, favorite Bible verses, or inspiring quotes that capture the essence of your loved one's life and legacy.

Funeral cards prayers serve several important purposes:

• They provide a tangible reminder of the loved one who has passed, which can be cherished for years to come.

• The prayers and verses offer words of consolation and encouragement to those who are grieving. 

• Prayer cards can be easily shared with a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances as a way of including them in the memorial.

• The act of choosing and customizing the card with personally meaningful prayers is itself a therapeutic and healing process.

When faced with the daunting task of planning a funeral, selecting the right prayers for the prayer cards is one small way to infuse the service with your loved one's unique spirit. It's an opportunity to reflect on what mattered most to them - their faith, their values, their favorite passages of scripture or literature. The care and thought you put into the funeral prayers will shine through and be deeply appreciated by all who receive them.

Choosing the Right Prayers and Bible Verses  

Many beautiful and uplifting prayers, poems, and Bible verses can bring light in the darkness of grief. Here are some popular choices to consider for your funeral prayer cards:

• Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

• Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

• Saints of God, come to his/her aid! Come to meet him/her, angels of the Lord! Receive his/her soul and present him/her to God the Most High.  

• Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

• O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, send your holy Angel to watch over this grave. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brother/sister [name] into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his/her heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

• O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant [name], being raised with Christ, may know the strength of his presence and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Almighty God, look on this your servant, lying in great weakness, and comfort him/her with the promise of life everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother/sister [name]. In the sight of this world he/she is now dead; in your sight may he/she live for ever. Forgive whatever sins he/she committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant him/her everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.  

• God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

• What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller

• Death is not extinguishing the light, it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. - Rabindranath Tagore  

• Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. - Mary Elizabeth Frye

• "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

• "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4

• "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4  

• "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." - John 11:25-26

• "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

• "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

• "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

These are just a sampling of the many moving prayers, poems and verses available. Let the faith and personality of your loved one guide you to the selections that will bring the most comfort and capture their memory most beautifully. Don't be afraid to look beyond traditional sources for inspiration as well - you may find the perfect passage in a beloved novel, a favorite song, or a personal letter or journal entry. Trust your heart.

Designing and Personalizing Your Funeral Prayer Cards

Once you have chosen the prayers and verses for your funeral cards, the next step is designing the layout and personalizing them with special touches. 

 offers a variety of templates, color schemes, and customization options to help you create the perfect keepsake.

• A photo of your loved one - either a recent picture or one from a special moment like a wedding or graduation

• Their full name and dates - date of birth, date of passing, or years of life (e.g. "John Smith, 1945-2023")  

• A short epitaph, quote, or phrase that encapsulates their spirit - "Forever in our Hearts", "Loving Father & Friend", "In God's Care"

• Carefully chosen imagery - crosses, doves, landscapes, or other graphics that were meaningful to them  

• Quality cardstock and professional printing to create an enduring memento

Work with your chosen provider to explore the possibilities and design funeral prayer cards that will do justice to your loved one's memory. Don't feel rushed to make a decision - give yourself time to collect the elements and fine-tune the details until it feels right to you. These small tributes will bring comfort to many, so pour your heart into them.

As you go through the process of selecting and designing your prayer cards, a few common questions may arise:

This will depend on the size of your circle, but it's generally a good idea to order more than you think you'll need - around 50-150 for a typical funeral. It's better to have extras than to run out.

Can I include a personal note or thank you message on the prayer card?

Absolutely - many templates include space on the back for a longer message. This is a perfect place to share a special memory or express your gratitude for the love and support you've received.

What if I can't find a pre-written prayer that feels right?

You can always write your own personal prayer or message - simply speak from the heart. If you get stuck, try focusing on a favorite memory of your loved one and the impact they had on others.  

How can I involve other family members in selecting the prayers?

Choosing the prayers for a funeral card can be a very healing group activity. Share some options with siblings, children, or close friends and get their input. You may be surprised at the meaningful suggestions they have.

What is the typical size of a funeral prayer card?

Most cards are roughly the size of a business card (2x3.5 inches), though larger sizes are also available. Consider what will fit best in a wallet, purse, or pocket as these are meant to be kept close at hand.

Can I have different prayers or designs printed on either side?

Yes, most providers will allow you to customize both the front and back of the card with different prayers, images, or design elements so you can share multiple meaningful messages.  

Lamination is a great option to increase the durability of the cards, especially if you'll be sharing them with a lot of people. Many retailers offer this as an add-on service.

*What if I notice a mistake on the cards after ordering?  *

As long as you catch it quickly, most printers will allow you to review a digital proof and request changes before the cards go to print. Don't hesitate to ask for a revision if something doesn't look quite right.

• Funeral prayer cards are a heartfelt way to honor a loved one and bring comfort to those who are grieving.

• Carefully choose prayers, Bible verses, and quotes that reflect your loved one's spirit and provide consolation.  

• Involve other close family and friends in selecting the prayers to make it a healing group activity.

• Personalize the cards with special photos, meaningful imagery, and a short epigraph about your loved one.

• Order enough cards to share generously with your entire circle, and consider including a personal note on the back.  

• Work with your chosen provider to design and print cards that will serve as beautiful, enduring reminders of the one you've lost.

Losing someone dear is one of the most profound experiences we go through in this life. While nothing can take away the pain of that loss, celebrating their legacy and finding comfort in prayer can soothe even the deepest grief. Funeral prayer cards are a simple yet powerful way to do just that.  

So take heart, have courage, and use this opportunity to create something that will touch many lives. Honor your loved one in this special way and let the prayers you choose be a balm for broken hearts. Let them be a reminder of the love, joy, and light that your loved one brought to this world - a love that will never die.

 today and share a piece of your loved one's legacy with all who mourn them. Let these treasured keepsakes be a source of healing, hope, and remembrance for years to come.

Honor your loved one's memory with personalized funeral prayer cards. Find comfort in meaningful prayers, Bible verses & poems. 

Prayers for Funeral Prayer Cards: Honoring Your Loved One's Memory

Losing a mother is one of life's most profound losses. In the midst of grief, writing an obituary to honor her memory can feel overwhelming. Yet crafting a thoughtful tribute is an important way to celebrate your mom's life and share her story with others. This guide will walk you through what to include in a mother's obituary and provide several examples to inspire your own heartfelt memorial.

The Importance of a Well-Written Obituary for Mom

Writing an obituary for your mother is a final act of love. It's an opportunity to reflect on her life story, share cherished memories, and highlight the qualities that made her special. While the task may feel daunting, this guide will help you craft a meaningful tribute that captures your mom's essence.

What to Include in an Obituary for Your Mother

When writing an obituary for mom, consider including the following elements:

Remember, while these elements provide a comprehensive framework, you can customize the obituary to best reflect your mother's unique life and personality.

Obituary Examples for Mom: Inspiration for Your Tribute

To help you craft a meaningful obituary for your mother, here are several examples showcasing different styles and approaches. Use these as inspiration to create a personalized tribute that honors your mom's memory.

Mary Elizabeth Johnson (née Smith), 78, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 3, 1946, in Little Rock, Mary was the eldest daughter of James and Sarah Smith.

Mary graduated from Central High School in 1964 and went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Arkansas in 1968. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Robert Johnson. They married on August 12, 1969, and shared 55 wonderful years together.

A dedicated nurse, Mary spent 40 years caring for patients at Springdale Memorial Hospital, retiring in 2008 as head nurse of the pediatric unit. Her compassion and gentle touch comforted countless children and families over the years.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Robert; children Michael (Lisa) and Jennifer (David); and five grandchildren: Emma, Ethan, Olivia, Sophia, and Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger sister, Patricia.

Outside of her career and family life, Mary was an avid gardener, transforming her backyard into a colorful oasis that was the envy of the neighborhood. She also volunteered at the local animal shelter and was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for over 30 years.

Mary's kindness, warmth, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She taught us the importance of family, the power of a caring heart, and the joy of finding beauty in everyday moments.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on June 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Springdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Springdale Animal Shelter in Mary's memory.

This example provides a chronological overview of Mary's life, highlighting key milestones, her career, family, and personal interests. It paints a picture of a woman who was dedicated to her profession, family, and community.

Example 2: A More Personal, Anecdotal Approach

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Sarah Jane Miller, left this world for her heavenly home on July 2, 2024, at the age of 82. If you knew Sarah, you knew that she never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything – especially if it involved her grandkids or her prize-winning tomatoes.

Born to Italian immigrants Antonio and Maria Rossi on April 15, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Sarah brought a touch of New York sass and a whole lot of love to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when she moved here in 1965 with her husband, the late Frank Miller.

Sarah was many things to many people: a loyal friend, a fierce mama bear, the best pizza maker this side of the Mississippi, and the undisputed Scrabble champion of Tulsa County. But above all, she was the heart of our family, always ready with a warm hug, a listening ear, and usually a plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies.

For 35 years, Sarah taught second grade at Lincoln Elementary, where she was known for her creative teaching methods and her uncanny ability to wrangle a classroom of 7-year-olds with nothing more than a raised eyebrow. She touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom still kept in touch with their beloved "Mrs. Miller" long after leaving her classroom.

Sarah leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and perfectly seasoned pasta sauce. She is survived by her children, Michael (Emily) and Lisa (John); her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Sophia, Luca, Ava, Noah, and Mia; and her cherished cat, Mr. Whiskers, who will undoubtedly miss their daily "conversations."

A celebration of Sarah's colorful life will be held on July 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church. We kindly ask attendees to wear bright colors – Sarah always said life was too short for boring outfits. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tulsa Literacy Program, a cause close to Sarah's heart.

Mom, we'll miss your Sunday dinners, your terrible puns, and the way you could always make us laugh, even on our worst days. We know you're up there now, probably reorganizing heaven's library and teaching the angels how to make a proper tiramisu. Save us a seat at your table – we'll see you again someday.

This example takes a more personal, anecdotal approach, highlighting Sarah's personality traits, quirks, and the impact she had on those around her. It gives readers a vivid sense of who she was as a person, beyond just the facts of her life.

Margaret Anne Wilson, age 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on August 10, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center following a brief illness.

Margaret was born on November 22, 1933, in Des Moines, to George and Helen Brown. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Iowa in 1955.

On June 18, 1956, she married James Wilson, who preceded her in death in 2018. Margaret taught English at Washington High School for 30 years before retiring in 1995.

She is survived by her children, Thomas (Susan) Wilson and Karen (Robert) Davis; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Margaret was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and volunteered regularly at the local food bank. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

A funeral service will be held on August 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Visitation will be on August 14 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation.

This example provides a concise overview of Margaret's life, focusing on key dates, family information, and basic biographical details. It's a more traditional, formal style of obituary that still manages to convey the essence of Margaret's life and interests.

Key Elements That Make These Obituary Examples Effective

Let's break down some of the elements that make these obituary examples for mothers effective and touching:

: Each obituary provides specific information about the mother's life, including birthdate, hometown, education, and career. These details help paint a picture of who she was and where she came from.

: All examples emphasize the mother's role in her family, listing surviving family members and highlighting her dedication to her children and grandchildren.

: The obituaries go beyond just facts, describing character traits that made each mother unique. Words like "compassionate," "dedicated," and phrases like "never met a stranger" give readers a sense of the woman's personality.

: Whether it's a long nursing career, years of teaching, or community involvement, each obituary highlights the mother's accomplishments and the impact she had on others.

: Hobbies, passions, and interests are mentioned, adding depth to the portrait of each mother's life. These details help readers connect with the deceased on a more personal level.

: The tone of each obituary matches the personality described. From warm and heartfelt to more formal, the writing style reflects the individual being memorialized.

: Each obituary touches on the lasting impact the mother had on her family and community, ensuring her memory lives on.

: Practical details about the funeral or memorial service are included, along with information about where to send donations if desired.

When it comes time to write your own mother's obituary, keep these tips in mind:

: Before you start writing, collect all the necessary information about your mother's life. This includes dates, names, career details, and any other significant facts.

: Decide whether you want the obituary to be more formal or personal in tone. This often depends on your mother's personality and your family's preferences.

: Begin with the most important information – your mother's name, age, and date of passing. This immediately informs readers of the key facts.

: Move chronologically through your mother's life, highlighting important events, achievements, and relationships.

: Include details that showcase your mother's personality, values, and the things that made her special.

: List surviving family members, as well as those who preceded her in death. This helps readers understand her family connections.

: Provide clear information about the funeral or memorial service, including date, time, location, and any special instructions.

: Ask other family members to review the obituary for accuracy and completeness. It's easy to miss details when you're grieving.

: While you want to honor your mother fully, be mindful of potential word limits if you're publishing in a newspaper. Online obituaries often allow for more flexibility.

: Consider ending with a meaningful quote, a favorite saying of your mother's, or a brief message from the family.

Sometimes, writing an obituary for a mother can involve navigating complex family dynamics or addressing difficult life circumstances. Here are some tips for handling sensitive situations:

Remember, the obituary is ultimately a celebration of your mother's life. Focus on the positive impact she had and the legacy she leaves behind.

Using Technology to Create a Lasting Memorial

In today's digital age, there are more options than ever for creating and sharing obituaries. Consider these modern approaches:

: Many funeral homes offer online obituary pages where friends and family can leave condolences and share memories.

: Sharing the obituary on social media can help inform a wider circle of friends and acquaintances.

: Create a video montage of photos set to your mother's favorite music as a visual complement to the written obituary.

: Some families are adding QR codes to printed obituaries or memorial cards, linking to a more extensive online tribute.

: Platforms like Google Photos or specialized memorial websites allow you to create digital scrapbooks of your mother's life, incorporating photos, videos, and written memories from multiple family members.

FAQ: Common Questions About Writing a Mother's Obituary

Q: How long should an obituary for my mother be?

A: The length can vary depending on where it will be published. Newspaper obituaries often have word limits, typically 200-600 words. Online obituaries can be longer, allowing for more detail and personal touches.

Q: Should I include the cause of death in my mother's obituary?

A: This is a personal choice. If the death was due to a long illness, some families choose to mention it. For sudden or traumatic deaths, you may prefer to simply state that she "passed away unexpectedly."

Q: How do I list family members in the obituary?

A: Typically, you'd list the spouse first (if applicable), then children, grandchildren, siblings, and parents (if still living). You can also mention predeceased family members.

Q: Is it appropriate to include humor in my mother's obituary?

Discover how to craft a meaningful obituary for your mother with examples, writing tips, and FAQs. Honor her memory and create a lasting tribute to her life.

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