Crafting a Meaningful Eulogy: Inspirational Resources and Ideas
Crafting a eulogy can be a challenging task, especially during a time of grief. To help you find the right words to honour your loved one, we've compiled this Inspiration Pack. It includes a variety of quotes, poems, and readings suitable for eulogies and funeral speeches. Use these to spark ideas, or incorporate them directly into your tribute. For more comprehensive guidance, you might find our How to Write a Eulogy page helpful.
1. Inspiring Quotes
Sometimes, a well-chosen quote can perfectly capture a sentiment or philosophy. Consider these options:
- "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell
- "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
- "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." - Marcus Tullius Cicero
- "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day." - Anonymous
- "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Irish Proverb
- "Legacy is not leaving something for people. It's leaving something in people." - Peter Strople
2. Poignant Poems
Poetry can add a touching and lyrical element to a eulogy. Here are some beloved options, and you can find more in our eulogy and funeral poem examples:
"Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow...
"Afterglow" by Helen Lowrie Marshall
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done...
"The Dash" by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend...
"Remember" by Christina Rossetti
Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land...
3. Thoughtful Readings
These longer passages can provide profound reflections on life and death:
"The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran (excerpt)
"For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?"
"Death is Nothing at All" by Henry Scott Holland
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room...
"The Dead" by Billy Collins
The dead are always looking down on us, they say, while we are putting on our shoes or making a sandwich...
"When Great Trees Fall" by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety...
4. Biblical Passages
For religious services, consider these comforting scripture passages. You can find more options in our guide to Bible verses and religious readings for funerals
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die..."
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..."
John 14:1-3
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me..."
5. Philosophical Reflections
These thought-provoking pieces can add depth to your eulogy:
"On Living" by Nazim Hikmet
Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel, for example— I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation...
"The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Conclusion
Remember, these are just starting points. The most meaningful eulogies often combine universal truths with personal memories and reflections. Feel free to adapt or be inspired by these pieces to create a tribute that truly honours your loved one.
If you're looking for musical elements to include in the service, our guides on funeral hymns, funeral songs for the older generation, and popular songs for funerals might be useful resources.
For more guidance on crafting a eulogy, visit our How to Write a Eulogy page. If you need help structuring your thoughts, our AI-assisted eulogy writing tool can provide personalised support.
We hope this Inspiration Pack helps you find the right words to celebrate the life of your loved one. Remember, the most powerful tributes come from the heart, reflecting the unique bond you shared.