Browse our collection of memorial quotes for inspiration and comfort after the death of a loved one.
Below, you'll find memorial quotes for a wide range of uses, including urn or headstone inscriptions, eulogies, epitaphs, sympathy cards, condolence messages, and personal comfort.
These are organized into sections:
- Short Memorial Quotes (for anyone)
- Short Memorial Poems (for anyone)
- Memorial Quotes for:
- Dad
- Mom
- Grandma
- Grandpa
- Daughter
- Son
- Dogs (& Pets)
- Memorial Quotes About Losing a Loved One
- Memorial Quotes to Comfort a Friend
- Memorial Quotes for Death Anniversary
- Funny Memorial Quotes
We'll begin with some short memorial quotes that are ideal for anyone and everyone.
Short Memorial Quotes
Always in our hearts.
Forever in our hearts.
In Memoriam.
A life well lived.
Goodbye, my darling one.
Gone, yet not forgotten.
Until we meet again...
Well done, good and faithful servant. - Matthew 25:21
He/she fought the good fight. - From II Timothy 4:7
The best is yet to come.
Though gone from sight to memory dear.
Our hearts are with yours.
Forever loved, never forgotten.
Missing you.
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. - Dr. Seuss
The song is ended, but the melody lingers on. - Irving Berlin
When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.
If you're looking for tips and examples of what to put on an urn or headstone inscription, see here.
Personalized Memorial Bird Feeder Gift
Have your favorite quote, poem, or Scripture engraved onto one of our Personalized Memorial Bird Feeders. It's our most popular and endearing sympathy gift and memorial tribute.
Short Memorial Poems
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words
And missed beyond measure.
Gone, yet not forgotten;
Although we are apart,
Your spirit lives within me,
Forever in my heart.
Your presence we miss,
Your memory we treasure,
Loving you always,
Forgetting you never.
You left me many memories;
Your love is still my guide.
And though I cannot see you,
You're always by my side.
Everyday in some small way
Memories of you come our way.
Though absent, you are always near
Still missed, loved and always dear
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven
And bring you home again.
You are not forgotten, loved one;
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last,
We will remember thee.
A silent thought, a secret tear,
Keeps your memory ever dear.
Time eases the edge of grief;
Memory turns back every leaf.
Related: 101 Funeral Poems
Memorial Quotes for Dad
To the world you might be one man, but to me... you might be the world.
A life that touches others goes on forever.
Well done, good and faithful servant. - Matthew 25:21
I think about how much I miss him, and start to feel sorry for myself.... but then I think about all the people who never got the chance to meet him, and I start to feel sorry for them.
You weren't just my dad. You were also my hero.
I think of you,
I miss you.
I need you,
I love you.
Dad, I keep thinking about you even though it pains me. I’d give anything to relive the memories we made together. I miss you.
In conversation father can
Do many wondrous things;
He’s built upon a wiser plan
Than presidents or kings.
- Edward Albert Guest
One who possessed beauty without vanity,
Strength without insolence, Courage without ferocity,
And all the virtues of Man without his vices.
- Lord Byron
He fought the good fight
He finished the race
He kept the faith.
- From II Timothy 4:7
Say not in grief: ‘He is no more,’ but live in thankfulness that he was. - Hebrew Proverb
I still get a lot of hugs but none of them are as perfect as yours. I miss you, dad.
Dad, I miss you so very much. My tears explain what my words cannot.
No matter how old I get, sometimes a girl just needs her dad.
Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.
He asked for so little, yet gave so very much.
A father’s love is forever imprinted on his child’s heart. - Jennifer Williamson
And I hope my son sees in me
The kind of man you were to me.
- Adapted from Shannon Noll
My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it. - Clarence Budington Kelland
Lately I’ve been noticing
I say the same things he used to say
And I even find myself acting the very same way.
- Keith Urban
A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely. In the hour of need, when all else fails, we remember him upon whose knees we sat when children, and who soothed our sorrows; and even though he may be unable to assist us, his mere presence serves to comfort and strengthen us. - Émile Gaboriau
It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. - Johann Friedrich Von Schiller
I miss my dad. He loved me for who I was, and accepted me for who I was striving to become.
I used to be his angel; and now, he's mine.
Dads are strong for a reason. Their strength gives us a sense of protection. Now that you are in heaven, Dad, I know that you will continue to protect me. Thanks for being my Dad!
What I'd give if I could say,
"Hello, Dad!" that same old way.
To hear your voice, see your smile,
To sit with you and talk a while.
So you who have your Father,
Cherish him with care.
For you will never know heartache
Until you see his vacant chair.
We love you
We miss you
We grieve you
And so,
We live our lives
To make you proud.
This is the price you pay for having a great father. You get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you get the tears at the end, too. - Harlan Coben
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me. - Jim Valvano
Related: The 21 Best Funeral Songs for Dad
Memorial Quotes for Mom
To the world you might be one woman, but to me... you might be the world.
I miss our talks.
Mom, I'll always remember the things you taught me and how much you love me.
Mom, could you come back and stay a while?
I want to hear your voice and see you smile.
I want to hold you tight and never let go,
And tell you how much I love you so.
Mothers hold their children's hands for a while, but their hearts they hold forever.
I miss you, Mom. You gave me a love that no one could ever replace.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
A mom's hug lasts long after she lets go.
A mother's love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring, and her wisdom live on in a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you now and bring you peace.
When a mother dies, we lose a piece of who we are. We lose the person whose story provides the beginning of our own.
Your wings were ready but my heart was not.
She asked for so little, yet gave so very much.
My mother taught me everything, except how to live without her.
I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me. I love you, mom.
I am a strong man because a strong woman raised me. Thank you, mom.
She was there when I took my first breath, and I was there when she took her last. Mom, your life was a precious gift. I miss you so much.
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. - Irish Proverb
You were my home, Mother. I had no home but you. - Janet Fitch
The mother memories that are closest to my heart are the small gentle ones that I have carried over from the days of my childhood. They are not profound, but they have stayed with me through life, and when I am very old, they will still be near. - Margaret Sanger
I miss saying “Mom” out loud. I miss not being able to find that special card for you and then having found it, writing “To Mom” on it for yet another cherished Mother’s Day. - Millie P. Lorenz
She fought the good fight
She finished the race
She kept the faith.
- From II Timothy 4:7
The world changes from year to year;
Our lives, from day to day.
But our memory of you, my dear,
Shall never pass away.
If I had a flower for every time I thought of you
I could walk in my own garden forever.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord, please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms,
And tell her they're from me.
Tell her I love and miss her;
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day.
But there's an ache within my heart
For I am missing her today...
- Anonymous
You can only have one mother
Patient kind and true;
No other friend in all the world,
Will be the same to you.
When other friends forsake you,
To mother you will return,
For all her loving kindness,
She asks nothing in return.
As we look upon her picture,
Sweet memories we recall,
Of a face so full of sunshine,
And a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus, take this message,
To our dear mother up above;
Tell her how we miss her,
And give her all our love.
- Traditional Irish Funeral Prayer
Related: The 21 Best Funeral Songs for Mom
Memorial Quotes for Grandma
Note that many of the quotes for mothers and grandfathers can be adapted meaningfully for a beloved grandmother.
To the world you might be one woman, but to me... you might be the world.
You have left my life but you will never leave my heart.
I’ve always wished for a guardian angel who would look over me from the Heavens above. I never knew you’d go all out to make my wish come true. I miss you, Grandma!
My grandma taught me everything... except how to live without her.
If our love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
A grandmother's love lives forever in the heart.
Grandmothers always have time to talk and make you feel special. I'll miss that most of all. I love you, Grandma!
I see you in the clouds above,
Hear you whisper words of love.
We'll be together before long,
Until then, I listen for your song.
- Adapted from Christy Ann Martine
Grandma, I love you more than the stars in the sky
More than the fish in the sea
More than the trees in the forest, Grandma,
You mean the world to me.
May the winds of heaven blow softly
And whisper in your ear
How much we love and miss you
And wish that you were here
There will never be a day when I don't think of you and wish you were here by my side. - Narin Grewal
Whenever I am missing you, I also remember how fortunate I was that you were in my life. I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. - Cindy Adkins
Related: The 21 Best Funeral Songs for Grandma
Memorial Quotes for Grandpa
Note that many of the memorial quotes for fathers and grandmothers can be adapted to honor a beloved grandfather.
To the world you might be one man, but to me... you might be the world.
Not a day goes by when you are not loved and missed.
In memory of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.
There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone. I love you, Grandpa.
My grandpa taught me everything... except how to live without him.
Grandpa, you always brought a little wisdom, a little happiness, a little warmth, and a lot of love to every life you touched.
A grandpa has the wisdom of long experience and the love of an understanding heart.
All my life I'll keep with me memories of us two; and I'll never forget how lucky I am to have had a grandpa like you.
We'll always remember you, Grandpa, because there will never be another one to replace you in our hearts and the love we will always have for you.
I know now why you always told me to be strong... because you knew that one day I would need the strength to bear your loss.
Grandpa has ears that truly listen,
Arms that always hold,
Love that's neverending,
A heart that's made of gold.
A golden heart stopped beating;
Hardworking hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
We had a wonderful grandfather,
One who never really grew old;
His smile was made of sunshine,
And his heart was solid gold;
His eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in his cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful grandfather,
And that’s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
He’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
He will like what he sees.
Related: The 21 Best Funeral Songs for Grandpa
Memorial Quotes for Daughter
Please note that many of the memorial quotes for sons (below) can also be adapted to honor the memory of a daughter.
To the world you might be one small girl, but to me... you might be the world.
Beloved, wherever you are, you are gone from me but never forgotten.
You were everything to me. I miss you with all of my heart.
As long as I breathe, you will be remembered.
There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.
I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in Heaven.
And while she lies in peaceful sleep
Her memory we shall always keep.
Every day, in some small way,
Memories of you come our way.
Though absent, you are ever near;
Still missed, still loved, and ever dear.
In our home she is fondly remembered,
Sweet memories cling to her name;
Those who loved her in life sincerely,
Still love her in death just the same.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye;
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
There is a sad but sweet remembrance.
There is a memory fond and true;
There is a token of affection, daughter,
And a heartache still for you.
Yes, sadly we miss her, and try not to grieve;
A little while longer we too must leave,
To meet her on that beautiful shore
Where parting's unknown and life's evermore.
Our lives go on without you
But nothing is the same;
We have to hide our heartaches
When someone speaks your name.
Sad are the hearts that love you,
Silent the tears that fall;
Living our hearts without you
Is the hardest part of all.
You did so many things for us,
Your heart was kind and true:
And when we needed someone
We could always count on you.
The special years will not return
When we were all together,
But with the love within our hearts
You will walk with us forever.
Memorial Quotes for Son
Please note that many of the memorial quotes for daughters can be adapted to honor the memory of a son.
To the world you might be one small boy, but to me... you might be the world.
Go to God, Little Angel.
I miss you so, so much.
Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not.
Those we have held in our arms for a little while we hold in our hearts forever.
Treasured with a love beyond all feeling; missed with a grief beyond all tears.
I no longer see you with my eyes but I can feel you in my heart... forever.
You may have left my life, but you will never leave my heart.
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
There are some who bring a light so great to those around them that even after they have gone, the light remains. I love you, son.
Your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words
And missed beyond measure.
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of me went with you
The day God called you home.
Goodbyes are not forever;
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again.
Now cracks a noble heart.
Good night, sweet prince;
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
- William Shakespeare
Memorial Quotes for Dogs (& Pets)
In memory of a faithful friend and companion.
To the world you might be just a dog, but to me, you meant the world.
You left your paw prints all over our hearts.
My heart will always wear the paw prints left by you.
Faithful, loyal, and loving companion.
You were my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.
No longer by my side, but forever in my heart.
You smiled with your eyes,
laughed with your tail,
and loved with your heart
Missing your unconditional love and playful paws,
We are now apart.
You're gone from our lives,
But never from our heart.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. - Roger Caras
Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes. - Gene Hill
Related: Pet Loss Quotes, Poems, & More To Honor Your Furry Friend
Memorial Quotes About Losing a Loved One
No longer by my side but forever in my heart.
You are my today and all of my tomorrows.
Remembering you is easy;
I do it every day.
Missing you is the heartache
That never goes away.
When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.
We do not remember days, we remember moments. - Cesare Pavese
Death ends a life, not a relationship. - Robert Benchley
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. - Thomas Campbell
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. - A.A. Milne (from Winnie the Pooh)
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
- Christina Rossetti
Memorial Quotes to Comfort a Friend
It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where our loved ones shine down and let us know they are happy.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to help you face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
[Name] was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Thinking of you today.
Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.
When words are most empty, tears are most apt. - Max Lucado
Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim. - Vicki Harrison
Memorial Quotes for Death Anniversary
Gone from my life forever, but never gone from my heart.
You will forever by my always.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
Part of me went with you, where ever you may roam.
Remembering you is easy. I do it every day.
But there is an ache within my heart that will never go away.
Sometimes memories of you sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.
As I sit here and whisper, “I miss you,” I believe somehow you can still hear me.
May the winds of heaven blow softly
And whisper in your ear
How much I love and miss you
And wish that you were here
May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while. - The Princess Bride
I'll remember you. When I've forgotten all the rest.
You to me were true. You to me were the best.
- Bob Dylan
It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone. - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
Funny Memorial Quotes
Remember the trees.
Remember the grass.
Remember me:
The pain in the ass.
We didn't realize we were making memories. We were just having fun.
He was a simple man who died of complications.
A friend of mine stopped smoking, drinking, overeating, and chasing women - all at the same time. It was a lovely funeral.
He died from not forwarding that message to ten people.
He made some good deals, and some bad ones. But he really went into the hole with this last one.
Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh. - George Bernard Shaw
Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped. - Groucho Marx
May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows you are dead. - Traditional Irish Blessing
If you want the best laughs for a funny memorial quote, really the best way is to just ask people at the funeral (or, perhaps more appropriately, at the reception) to share a funny story about the deceased. You'll laugh much more (and more appreciatively) at those stories than any of these humorous quotes.
Related: 20 Hilarious Funeral Humor Memes