Eulogy

A good eulogy highlights the lasting impact of the person on their family and community. Through your speech, you’ll have an opportunity to share their unique qualities, as well as the ripple effect and change they created in the world around them.

• Think about the theme you chose and examples of how your character demonstrated the theme in their words and actions. (For example: How did Macbeth show revenge or manipulation in his life? Give clear examples in your speech and how it effected others.)

• First Section – Introduction: In the opening section, you need to cover a few basic pieces of information before moving onto the main section of the eulogy.

  • Set the tone by beginning with a poem, slogan or quote that was meaningful to the person.

  • Names they were known by, including nicknames and maiden names.

  • Cause of death (an optional detail).

  • A brief insight into your relationship with the individual.

• Middle Section – Main Part of the Eulogy: Now that the introduction is over, you can move onto the most important part of the eulogy. This section will be the longest part of the eulogy. Highlight the person’s life using your theme to choose the stories about them. The meat of the speech can include a variety of talking points:

  • The theme that was represented in their life and actions

  • Accomplishments

  • Major life events

  • Stories or fond memories

  • How the person affected others

  • Childhood years

  • Travel adventures

  • Marriage and children

  • Any other thoughts you want to share about the person

• End Section – Summarizing the Person’s Life: The end is typically the shortest section of the eulogy. This is a quick wrap-up that sums up the theme of the person’s life. Finish the eulogy with a few of these options:

  • A final take away from your theme

  • How you want family, friends and the community to remember the individual

  • What the person would want you to remember them for

  • Quote, slogan or song lyric

  • Thank attendees for participating

Here is a eulogy example for a friend:

I can’t imagine how empty it will feel to spend time on the basketball court without Jim by my side. Our relationship was built with a basketball in hand, and evolved to share many family gatherings and other activities together over the years. With his passing, Jim is leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Jim shared good humor and a big smile with everyone he met. Even though people often cursed at his practical jokes, he was an integral part of creating a solid foundation of friendship in our group. When times were difficult, he could always put a smile on my face. He held his head high until the end, showing what it looks like to finish strong.

Here is a eulogy example for your father:

My dad was my hero. He could make every person feel like they were the most important person in the world. Growing up, I knew that I could always ask Dad for help – and he would be willing to drop anything to lend a hand. He was a rock of stability in my childhood and a source of strength for our whole family.

My father was a man who infused fun into the most mundane tasks. I remember how he would turn our bedtime routine into an adventure that included highlights from our favorite storybooks. He was a kind and thoughtful person. Every night at the dinner table, he encouraged us to talk about the things we were grateful for, and always had yummy treats for us kids hidden in the back of the pantry. I will miss you, Dad, and I’ll always hold onto the amazing memories we shared together.

Here is a eulogy example for your mother:

Today we are honoring, celebrating, and remembering {mom’s full name]. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something, like going back to school to become a nurse at age 40.

My mother was truly my best friend and I am humbled by the challenge of describing the fullness of her beauty and caring here today. I don't know how she did it, but Mom always found the perfect balance between work and home. Even though she worked 40 – 50 hours a week to support us, she prioritized family dinner. That time was sacred to our family. Her love and kindness were infused in everything she did, whether she was baking cookies for a bake sale to help the hospital or sewing our Halloween costumes by hand year after year.

She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into the room. No one who met her could forget her smile. And I’ll never forget the advice and the lessons she taught me. Her wisdom will forever guide the decisions I make through the rest of my life. I love you, Mom.

Here is a eulogy example for your grandmother:

My grandmother paid attention to the details – it was the little things that added the finishing touch to every experience. Whether she was setting out the treat jar on the kitchen table or clinking the glass while drinking her iced tea, she always prioritized food and drinks.

Since she loved to shop, grandma would often take us to the mall when we were visiting for the weekend. We would have fashion shows in the dressing rooms and often come home with bright, frilly dresses that were perfect for twirling.

When grandpa was away for the war, grandma was an example of always getting back up again when things get hard. She never complained; just worked hard and supported her family at all times. Despite the personal challenges, she always looked outside of herself – which is why she will be remembered as a beacon of light in this community.