Should I address a sympathy card to the individual with the loss or him and his wife?

Question

Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the deceased.

Answer 1

If I understand you properly, you're asking whether you should address a sympathy card only to the person who suffered the loss of a parent or other family member, or whether it should be addressed to both the man and his wife?

The loss of an in-law can be very painful and upsetting to the spouse, so I think a card should express sympathy to both the husband and wife. Even if the spouse wasn't close to the in-law, it's still a polite acknowledgement of their loss.

MC's suggestion is an excellent one, by the way.

Answer 2

Boy, some ellucidationof the situation would have really helped here, as we don't know who you're talking about.

Why died?

What were their relations to the person?

Do you actually know the wife?

I would think that if your relationship is to the husband only, then addressing it to him, with a note to pass your sympathies, condolences, or whatever to the wife would be correct.

But a death in the family is a loss to the whole family, so there's no harm in including the wife upfront.

But in future, please explain the situation you're asking about so we can help you.

Answer 3

It's best to just address it to the family of so-and-so.

Singling one person out can hurt the relatives who may have known the deceased.

Answer 4

Both... you can also address it

TO THE FAMILY OF JIM JONES

Answer 5

I confused here!!!!