Eulogy

3 replies

Kerplonker · 04/09/2023 09:47

I lost my DM to cancer 3 weeks ago & the funeral this week. I said that I would do the eulogy - no one else in my family wanted to or has any public speaking experience.
It feels so important to get this right, it’s the last thing I will do for her. But I am so stuck writing it. I have (luckily) not been to many funerals & just don’t know what to say. Does anyone have experience of this? And how did you get through it on the day?

OP posts:

Stratocumulus · 04/09/2023 09:56

I’m sorry for your loss OP. I’m not saying this is the right formula but it might create some ideas for you?

Try thinking back through her life based on what you and others know. A bit of historical context, where she was born and what sort of childhood she had? Make notes to add bits to in your draft.

Move your thoughts onwards through what you know about work and family life. Just jot down some bullet points and flesh them out. A few words about her character and what sort of mother she was.

Finally, draw it to a close with maybe some kind words about her bravery in the face of her illness?

I’ve written two eulogies. Keep it short, add some anecdotes and if there’s a funny story, lightly touch on that?

You’ll be ok. You will do your mum proud. 💐

Stratocumulus · 04/09/2023 10:00

Look on the Saga website. Google “How to write a eulogy?” The Saga website offered good advice.

Rebootnecessary · 04/09/2023 10:11

Stratocumulus · 04/09/2023 09:56

I’m sorry for your loss OP. I’m not saying this is the right formula but it might create some ideas for you?

Try thinking back through her life based on what you and others know. A bit of historical context, where she was born and what sort of childhood she had? Make notes to add bits to in your draft.

Move your thoughts onwards through what you know about work and family life. Just jot down some bullet points and flesh them out. A few words about her character and what sort of mother she was.

Finally, draw it to a close with maybe some kind words about her bravery in the face of her illness?

I’ve written two eulogies. Keep it short, add some anecdotes and if there’s a funny story, lightly touch on that?

You’ll be ok. You will do your mum proud. 💐

This is really good advice. Other things to think about including:

any family traditions that she upheld - maybe around Christmas or birthdays or holidays

any habits or sayings or quirks - parts of her character that others would recognise

I'm really sorry for your loss, it’s tough writing a eulogy for your parents but strangely quite satisfying too. It’s something I was really proud to do for both my mum and dad.

Flip