How do you write a sympathy note to a colleague?

Question

Her father recently passed away. And what stationey should I use? I have never done this before and I'm too embarassed to ask my boss. Please Advise.

Answer 1

i would go to a card shop and pick out a sympathy card as opposed to writing a note....a note seems a little too informal for the occasion...and also a card will have a nice sentiment on it so you don't have to think of anything to write...you can just sign it "thinking of you..."
if the colleague is some-one you are really close to, you might consider offering to pick up any of his/her shifts to help out

Answer 2

Be straight forward and polite. Find a nice sympathy card at any card shop that sort of looks like your relationship. Flowery? Simple? Religious? NOT? You;ll know when you see it. Go with your gut feelings. And then ...
Just say it. Dear work colleague, although I never knew your dad, I want you to know that I am thinking of you. If you need someone at work to talk to when you get back, I'll be here.

If she ever talked about him, recall what she told you. If she was worried because he was sick... mention that. "I know how much you were worried while he was sick." Try to avoid cliches, like "He;s in a better place now...:" no one buys that...

Be sincere, and honest. "I can';t imagine how you must feel, but I do know that losing your dad must make you feel very sad. I am sorry."

How's that?

Answer 3

I usually buy a Sympathy card and write a short note on it. You really need to say very little other than: I am sorry for your loss. I know how much he meant to you.

If you decide to send a note instead of a card, use plain stationery, though no one is going to be criticising what you use. All that matters, especially to the recipient, is that you remembered them during their sad time.

Answer 4

Buy her a sympathy card instead of sending a note and choose one that says what you want to say to her in the verse. You then just need to put something like, "thinking of you" and then sign it.

A nice poem I came across on a card once was:

"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,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."

I have sent that to a lot of people in their time of need and they all seemed to take some comfort from it.

Basically, any heartfelt sentiments will be appreciated by your colleague.