After the spouse of someone has passed away, do you still acknowledge their wedding anniversary?

Question

Is it proper ettiquette to still send the surviving spouse an anniversary greeting card or mention their Anniversary in a phone conversation?

Answer 1

Sending a "Thinking of You" card or making a phone call to the windower is very appropriate and thoughtful on their wedding anniversary.

Answer 2

If you are a close friend, sending a "thinking of you" card would be appropriate. Saying something in the card, or on the phone like, "I know this is a hard time for you and just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you."
I wouldn't do the anniversary card - it isn't an anniversary once one spouse has passed. Don't worry that you are going to make her sad - she's already thinking about her anniversary. Very often, they don't want to talk about their spouse because they're afraid of making you uncomfortable, but would love to talk about her memories with a friend.

Answer 3

I would not send an anniversary card, i may however, send some flowers, or a card letting them know I am thinking about them or perhaps if they live close take the time to take them to dinner. This would be a very difficult day for the surviving spouse. Good luck and God bless

Answer 4

It all depends. Generally, no, the person is no longer married and my have moved on-entered a new relationship or marriage-and sending an anniversary greeting would be a bit out of place, even inappropriate.

It really all depends on the wishes of the widow. If they say that it is not necessary, don't do it. You can stir up negative emotions in someone who is really trying to get on with life. Use you best judgment and always do what is in the best interest of the widow and not so much what you think is appropriate because it may not be what the widow wants.

Answer 5

A "thinking of you" card would be more appropriate. Celebrating or bringing up the anniversary, birthday, deathday, etc of the deceased just makes for painful memories for the surviving spouse.

Answer 6

When My father passed from cancer a yr. ago everyone my mother knew was sending a thinking of you card to her wishing her best wishes. Not just family but friends as well. My whole family called since I was living at home at the time I was already there consoling her and she knew it. She will visit his grave on the anniversary they shared the anniversary he died Holidays and his birthday. It is very comforting to see so many people care for you. a wishing you well or Thinking of you card should do it with some nice consolidating phrases inside.

Answer 7

If I know that the existing spouse still have celebration their wedding anniversary, I will. On the other hand, the existing spouse does not try to remember that day, I will give up.

Answer 8

My father passed away one month before my parent's 60th anniversary. Mom made mention that what was sad is that days like that are then ignored by others, where in her mind it was a very real, memorable day. I would react based on the specific person. (I got my Mom a card on that day.)

Answer 9

God, no. But on the first anniversary after the death it would be thoughtful to phone them to see how they are and have a chat or meet up if they so wish.

Answer 10

When my dad passed away (unexpectedly), we kids called my mom on their wedding anniversary. We knew she was thinking of him on that day and was feeling lonely. After a few years passed, she said she was doing o.k. on that day and we didn't have to call. We did anyway.

So, my answer is - you can send a card and write inside that you are thinking of that individual. You can call, too- if you want. I think that is nice gesture.