to ask for help composing message to bereaved friend

[RelationsAkin]

I put this on Bereavement but got no response, so here I am.

A woman I know, just a little, through a mutaul interest told me that her DM had died and the funeral was today.

I only have her email address but would like to send her a message, perhaps the day after the funeral. I know she has no close family and i'd just like her to know someone is thinking of her.

AIBU to ask for help to draft something for me as I'm really unsure what to say.

What did you say when she told you?

Say you are thinking of her. You are sorry for her loss. Then give her a ring in a week or two. It doesn't matter really what you say it is the fact that you have made an effort. Personally I found statements like: heaven, angels and things like that objectionable. Being told that you are thinking of them and sorry for their lose is fine. I hated it when friends did not get in touch because they did not know what to say.

It may not be brilliant, but i would go with something like

sorry to hear your sad news, we wanted you to know that we are thinking of you.

HTH, xx

Tell her what you've just sAid, you wanted her to know that you were thinking of her as you know the funeral will be hard.

What other people said is better :)

Yep, from experience, any attempt to be upbeat or inspirational won't be received well at such an emotional time. Something brief (they won't have time or energy to read a heartfelt essay) along the lines of, "life is shitty, just letting you know i'm here if you need me". Exact phrasing v much depends on your relationship with the bereaved.
Did you know her mother at all? Maybe nice to add something personal, to the effect that she was a lovely/kind/funny (insert appropriate adjective) lady?

Sorry just re-read OP and realised its unlikely you knew her mother so ignore last bit!

I've often used: "say not in grief that she is no more, but in thankfulness that she was"

How about something like, "I know things must be hard for you right now, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you"?

I think as long as you're not trying to inflict your own world view on anyone (heaven, angels, good innings, etc) then any message is welcome. Simply say that you are thinking of her. Handwrite a card if you know her address. Don't hide behind euphemisms "I was so sorry to hear that your mother died so very recently."

I think picak's message is great maybe add "I'm available if you want to talk", then follow up with a phone call in a week or two.

Many thanks for your suggestions- I'll keep it simple.