Help needed writing letter of condolence

[albert]

The mother of my boss has just passed away, and as the only native English speaker in the office (apart from my boss) I have been asked to write a letter of condolence on behalf of all the staff in the office. As far as I know, no-one ever met the mother. What on earth should I put in the message, I don't even know where to begin. TIA for any advice you can give.

ooohh tough one. does it have to be a letter? can it be a card in which you say..so sorry to hear of your loss.we all thinking of you at this sad time .if there is anything we can do to help then please don't hesitate to ask.????
short and sweet?

what country are you in?
if a catholic country like spain or italy then perhaps a mass card?

I'm in Italy but the boss and his mother are (were) British, I don't think they are Catholic. The staff are talking about sending a fax or telegram rather than a card (which personaly I think is rather 'off') so I guess it could be fairly short but the Italians do tend to get very emotional and ramble on in these events!

i would go for a card ...say to them this is the way we do it in england! you can't get emotional and rambly when you don't know the person.the purpose of the letter is to just to let your boss know you are thinking of her/him.short and sweet is best i think.

I think you're right. I shall impose my Britishness

I would go for a card since the family are British. Maybe the Italians send telegrams in these circumstances - they do in Greece.

yes.. become very 'proper'!!!