What to write in sympathy card

[Limth]

Hi all

My uncle died this week. We weren't particularly close but he was fairly constant in my childhood. I haven't seen him for 20 years.

I bought his widow a sympathy card but I'm struggling with what to write in it. I don't want to just put "To Mary. From Limth"
But I also don't want a gushing message or sharing memories which would feel disingenuous.

What's a good middle ground between these two?

Sorry if this is a daft question!

Dear Mary,

I was saddened to hear about the loss of X.

I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

take care, Limth

Thats it. You dont need flowery language or faux memories.

Thinking of you at this sad time
Sending love
My thoughts and love are with you

Dear aunt …
I was so sorry to hear about uncle … I have such fond memories from childhood of seeing you both at granny’s/ cousins wedding/ relatives birthday party (wherever you remember meeting up).
sending much love to you and all the family,

I think sharing a sincere memory of him or kind words is entirely appropriate. Just a sentence or two like the poster 'somethingischasingme' said.

I mostly remember my uncle bunging me a quid every week he came to our house to collect my grandad for the pub 🤣

Thanks for the suggestions

We were so sorry to hear the sad news about bob. Our love and thoughts are with you all, love jane

Say that it’s a nice memory!

I'm late to this, but put the lovely suggestions by PPs in a letter, not a card. While your intention is not to be a star, the trouble taken to write is always, always valued.