speech for a mother's funeral

Memorable Eulogy Samples for a Beloved Mother

Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Writing a beautiful eulogy for your mother can take some time and patience, but it is such a special way to honor her life. Using tips and guidelines for writing a eulogy for your mother can help make the process a bit easier to manage.

What Do You Say in a Eulogy for Your Mother?

Short eulogy examples can be used as a template to help you get started, pick a general theme, and figure out what tone works best for your style. Keep in mind if you're not a fan of public speaking, it's a good idea to keep your speech on the shorter side, as emotions may run high on the day of the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. A eulogy should start by introducing yourself and then end with final thoughts about your mom. Fill in the middle with information personalized your mom, her life, and your relationship.

7 Heartfelt Obituary Examples for Mothers
100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye
60+ Loving Quotes for the Anniversary of a Mother's Death

Eulogy for Mother With a Degenerative Illness

If your mother passed away due to a degenerative illness such as dementia or cancer, you may or may not wish to include information about her experience with this illness in your speech. If you would like to include information abut your mother's experience with a degenerative illness, you may mention it briefly after the introduction, or before closing, but be sure not to solely focus on this. Examples include:

"As many of you know, (insert deceased individual's name) was diagnosed with (insert illness) back in (insert date). Despite this diagnosis, her passion for life and her contagious curiosity was no different. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to us all for living life to the fullest and not letting anything get in her way."
"(Insert deceased individual's name) kept her diagnosis of (insert name of illness) quite private. She never wanted to burden anyone with feeling like they had to take care of her, especially on her more challenging days. Her selflessness didn't just show up after her diagnosis- she has been this way her whole life, putting others first and wanting to be her family and friends' rock."

Eulogy for Mother With Mental Health Disorder

Similar to a eulogy for a mother who had a degenerative illness, it is up to you to decide whether you'd like to disclose your mother's mental health diagnosis. Be sure if you do include the diagnosis, that it is there for a purpose, not just to mention it. Examples include:

"As some of you may know, (insert deceased individual's name) had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis). Despite the challenges that this diagnosis created for her, she always persevered and continued to show her family that prioritizing self-care and mental wellbeing are significant aspects of creating a happy life. I will always hear her voice when it's time for me to check in with my own emotional well-being.We honor her memory today and every day."
"My mom has had a diagnosis of (insert diagnosis) for as long as I can remember. Even though this has brought significant challenges her way, she always prioritized taking care of herself so she could be there for her family. Looking back, I am only now beginning to understand just how much she had to overcome to be the mother she was to us."

After mentioning the diagnosis, you can go into a more detailed story that illustrates who your mother was as a person. Personal anecdotes make a eulogy speech that much more meaningful and special.

Religious Eulogy for Mother

If your mother practiced a certain religion, or had a religious saying that was meaningful to her, you can consider adding it to your eulogy speech. You can do so by weaving in the saying or certain beliefs into the overarching theme of your speech. Examples of religious eulogies include:

"(Insert deceased individual's name) lived her life with a passion for love and acceptance of all people. She often would say (insert religious belief or saying) and she exemplified this by (insert specific example of her doing so). I am so grateful to have had her as such an incredible example of kindness, honesty, and strength."
"Religion has always been a huge part of (insert deceased individual's name) life. When any of us were experiencing a difficult moment in life, she tended to say, (insert religious saying). Through this saying, she taught us about strength and believing in ourselves."

Eulogy for a Difficult Mother

If you had an estranged or strained relationship with your mother, you will still be able to give a beautiful eulogy speech if you feel comfortable doing so. Try to focus on the positive characteristics of her and/or obstacles that she overcame. While you don't need to delve into the nitty gritty of your relationship, you can still capture positive aspects of her spirit in your words. You can consider saying:

"While my mother and I didn't have the closest relationship, I always admired her belief in herself and her ability to prioritize her needs. (Insert deceased individual's name) overcame a lot of hardship and poured herself into becoming who she wanted to be. I am grateful for the time we spent together."
"As many of you are aware of, my mother and I weren't as close as I wished we had been. Although we had our differences, I learned some incredible lessons from her about patience, strength, and respect. (Insert deceased individual's name) experienced many challenges in life and faced them head on with incredible strength and determination."

If you are struggling to come up with positive attributes, you can focus on her life chronologically and mention relationships that were important to her, her accomplishments, her hobbies, and her career.

Eulogy From a Son or Daughter

A eulogy written by a mother's son or daughter can be such a special tribute. An example of a eulogy from a son or daughter:

"(Insert deceased individual's name) was the kindest, most loving person I've ever known. She mothered everyone, so much so that friends would often call her mom. She took this as a compliment and never shied away from being there for others who needed support in one way or another. As her (daughter or son), I feel like I grew up with the most incredible role model who taught me to always be myself and to always push myself to learn more. I will miss her smile, her laugh, her sage advice, and her bubbly personality. I know all of us will miss her famous chocolate cake. Thank you again for being her today to honor her memory. She loved all of you and her memory will live on in all of us."

Eulogy for a Mother-in-Law

Examples of speeches for a mother-in-law include:

"There's a misconception that your in-laws are going to be trouble. That couldn't be further from the truth when it came to (insert deceased individual's name). She welcomed me with open arms and I grew fond of her extremely early on in our relationship. We ended up bonding over our love of animals and would spend our time hiking with our dogs and volunteering at local shelters together. While I don't feel ready to say goodbye, I know how lucky I am to have known her for the limited amount of time that I did. I miss her and so wish I got the privilege of spending more time with her."
"(Insert deceased individual's name) was a kind, free-spirited individual who loved to sing, dance, and cook amazing meals. She had a passion for many things, but most of all she had a passion for being a mom. I've watched her for the last several years be the most incredible mom to her children and when I came into the picture, she made an effort to make me feel welcome in her family right away. I have learned so many lessons from her about following your dreams and loving with all of your heart. I will miss her incredible presence and feel honored to be a part of her family."

Eulogy for a Step Mom

Eulogy examples for a step mom include:

"While we weren't technically related, I always felt like (insert deceased individual's name) was an incredible mother figure for me and my siblings. She was kind, soft-spoken, and had a deep love of reading. She loved to sit around and chat with us, always curious about not only our days, but our hopes and dreams. She was my guiding light through challenging moments and I will forever miss her gentle spirit."
"(Insert deceased individual's name) didn't come into my life until I was an adult, but I'm so happy she did. She was an incredible person who made a tremendous effort to get to know our family and seemed to fit in perfectly. She always made us laugh and was quick to offer support during difficult times. Her love of music was contagious, and she was constantly composing the most beautiful songs. I will miss her every day, but I feel so lucky to have had time with her."

How to Write a Eulogy for Your Mother

Writing a eulogy can feel like an overwhelming task for some individuals and can feel even more difficult during the process of grieving. Before you begin writing the tribute for your mother , pick a time when you feel motivated to write, instead of forcing yourself to do so when you aren't feeling up to it. Keep in mind that you can ask for help writing the eulogy from friends, family members, as well as the funeral director if you get stuck.

What Should Be Included in Your Mom's Eulogy?

Eulogies will vary based on a number of factors. In general, information in the eulogy should include mentioning your mother's close friends and family, her personality, her impact on your life, and special milestones. You can also add in a meaningful anecdote or special poem to honor your mom , too.

Coping With Grief When Writing

While writing and giving the eulogy speech may help a bit with closure, the grieving process is incredibly unique and complex. Whether you had an amazing relationship with your mom, an estranged one, or a complicated one, grief can still show up and may continue to do so for months to years after the passing. Find healthy ways to cope with your grief and reach out for help immediately if you are struggling with acts of daily living and/or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.

How Do I Write a Tribute to My Mother?

Writing a eulogy is a beautiful way to honor your mother at her funeral. Take your time as you write the eulogy and know that whatever you say in your speech will be enough.

Loss Of Mother

How to Write a Beautiful Eulogy for a Mother

Updated 04/24/2024

Published 10/28/2019

Erin Coriell, BA in Mass Communication/Media Studies

End-of-life care educator and grief worker

Learn how to write a touching eulogy for a mother, including step-by-step instructions and short sample eulogies.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A eulogy is a speech that praises the life and influence of a person who passed away. These speeches are often the starting point of a funeral ceremony and are meant to make an impact on those in attendance. Writing a eulogy for your mother, however, can feel daunting and overwhelming as you navigate grief and loss.

As you sit down and write about the life of the mom you loved, know that it won't be an easy task. It takes courage to face something the grief and move forward through those feelings. But as you begin, you'll eventually find your mother's beautiful story just waiting to be told. Keep reading below for helpful step-by-step instructions for writing a eulogy for your mother.

Virtual funeral tip: If you're hosting a Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs , make sure to test your audio before the service, so both online and in-person guests can hear your eulogy clearly.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Tips for writing a eulogy for your mother, short eulogy examples for a mother.

Image with tips for writing a eulogy for your mother

Mothers bring us into the world and it's hard to imagine a life without them. They are with you when you take your first breath. They can help you navigate your life. And often you are with them when they take their last breath. Saying goodbye to your mother is heartbreaking. It can feel like you are alone in your grief. And learning to navigate life without their physical presence can be very difficult.

While you are processing the immediate grief, you may also have to plan the funeral . Don’t let those details fill up all your time. You’ll need to give yourself time to write a eulogy to share. It can feel overwhelming to try and fit a lifetime of memories into 500-1000 words. And the last thing you want to do is rush the process.

These tips will help guide you as you write a eulogy for your mother:

1. Reflect

Grab a pen and paper (or computer) and let the memories flow freely. Don't worry about sentence structures or connecting the memories. Just get your thoughts and memories out of your head and onto paper. This exercise is a writing style called stream of consciousness. It can be cathartic. And it will prepare you to write a constructive and impactful eulogy.

Pro tip: Don't worry if the memories seem jumbled at first. You are grieving and it is important to be compassionate with yourself. Let the words flow and trust that it will all come together.

2. Focus on the positive

Amid deep grief, it can feel impossible to focus on the positive. During the reflection process, emotions may arise and it might seem like you are stuck in your grief. Trust the process. Allow yourself to reflect on the happy times with your mother. But don’t overlook the difficult times. Make sure you remember your mother as she was. Not perfect, but herself. And find solace in the journey.

A eulogy that encapsulates the dark and light is relatable. It can offer seeds of hope to the living.

3. Celebrate her life

You may feel that your mother left this earth too soon. It might be difficult to consider celebrating during this time. When writing a eulogy, celebrate your mother's life. It's an opportunity to include the special things you loved about your mother. The things that made her shine the most.

What did she do that made her loved ones feel loved? Did she have a special tradition or saying? Talk about it. Allow these words to serve as a celebration of her life.

You could also share her favorite song, piece of poetry, or a quote that she loved. It's important to remember that a eulogy is a celebration of someone. This is your time to express the wonderful thing that made your mother the person she was .

4. Stay human

During times of loss, it's common to want to pretend that you are doing okay. For eulogy purposes, you do need to find some composure, but you don't need to have it all together. People respond best to honest and authentic words.

And needing time to work through your grief is important. If you are sad, or you are struggling with a particular memory, write that. It's okay to let your guard down and show that your mother's impact was great, even in loss.

5. Don’t overthink it

It's easy to overthink things, especially when strong emotions are at play. Be kind to yourself. Remember that whatever you write will be enough. Try not to overthink the process.

Allow yourself to write from the heart. If you permit yourself to focus on your emotions, you might find the writing will come easier. If you're having trouble figuring out where to start, check out our guide on how to start a eulogy , or even use some funeral poems about mothers to inspire you.

6. Practice

Once you complete your eulogy, read it aloud to yourself a few times. And then read it to a loved one or friend. This will help release the immediate grief that may arise when reading it. If you aren't fond of public speaking, these run-throughs are good practice.

And can help you feel more comfortable. It’s important to remember that no one expects a eulogy to be emotionless. Read from the heart and take pauses when you need to.

7. Stay present

Though writing can often take you into the past, work to stay present. Being present in the eulogy writing process can open your heart. You may find that by staying present, you are experiencing an old memory again.

But this time you are a quiet observer. When you take time to reflect on the present, you realize that your loved ones are always with you.

If you are struggling with writing the first lines of your mother's eulogy, you are not alone. Here are some suggestions and prompts to help you get started.

Eulogy for a mom from a son

Words seem to fail me when I reflect on my mother's life. I am fortunate to be her son and it's an honor to call her my mom. I feel like it would take a lifetime to write all of the beautiful memories I shared with her. I would like to share a few of my favorites with you. I hope they can convey how wonderful of a mother she was. [Write memories]

Please take a moment to look at the person next to you. You may know the person. Or you might be meeting them for the first time. We all come from different walks of life. The one thing we have in common is that we all cared about [name of mother]. I am grateful to each of you for recognizing my mother as the wonderful woman she was. Thank you for taking the time to be here today.

Eulogy for a mom from a daughter

We rarely express our gratitude for someone. My mom made sure I always knew how much she cared. She reminded me every day how important I was to her. I knew she loved me because she took the time to tell me. My mom was an incredible person. I feel very lucky to have been her daughter. And I want to express my gratitude to her for everything she did for me.

My mother [name] was loved by so many. She always knew how to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved. She treated everyone with kindness and respect. She rarely got mad and when she did, you knew she had a darn good reason! Her outlook on life was inspiring. If you were lucky to spend more than five minutes in her presence, you were forever changed. I am so grateful to have had a mother who embraced each day with optimism.

Eulogy for a mother-in-law

We all hope to have a mother-in-law who is sincere and thoughtful. [Name] welcomed me into her family with open arms. She always made sure I was comfortable. And that I felt included in the family. It was a joy to know her for the last [insert number] years. I am grateful for the things she taught me and my husband/wife. I will keep her memory alive.

Today we celebrate a brave woman who raised [enter number] beautiful children. [Name] welcomed me into the family in [year] and it was a great honor to spend time with her. She taught me so many things and we created a lot of memories together. My heart is saddened by this loss, but I am committed to keeping her memory alive.

Eulogy for a stepmom

It's not always easy coming into a family of [number] children and agreeing to be their stepmom. [Name of step-mom] wore this role proudly. She joined our family without skipping a beat. She was caring and kind. She helped us children grow up to be the adults we are today. I feel very lucky to have had two moms in my lifetime. I will hold [name] close to my heart as I navigate the rest of my days.

[Name of stepmom] played a crucial role in my upbringing. She cared for my siblings and me. And she always provided us with unconditional love and support. She was a wonderful stepmom and I will remember her always. I would like to share a couple of my favorite memories with you. [Share memories and close by inviting others to share their favorite memories of her]

Crafting a Touching Eulogy for Mom

Writing a eulogy is not easy but with some time and dedication, it can be done. Take some time to reflect on memories you have with her and ways you can demonstrate her influence. Celebrate her life and focus on the good she contributed to the world. Eventually, you'll have a beautiful eulogy your mom would be proud of.

Looking for more ways to memorialize your mother? There are many creative ways to honor her through keepsake projects , keepsake jewelry or even creating a custom urn to reflect her unique personality.

How to Write a Eulogy for a Mother with Cancer + Examples

How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend Who Died Suddenly

How to Write a Eulogy for Your Wife + 3 Examples

How to Write a Eulogy for Yourself: Step-By-Step

How to Deliver a Heartfelt Funeral Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Funeral speeches play a crucial role in honoring the life of a loved one who has passed away. They provide solace to grieving family members and friends, while also sharing the essence of the person’s life and their impact on those around them. A well-crafted eulog y captures the unique qualities of the deceased, allowing attendees to relive fond memories and celebrate the individual’s life.

Writing and delivering a heartfelt eulogy can be a daunting task. The pressure to create the “best eulogy ever” can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with your own grief. The internet is filled with various funeral eulogy examples, from funny eulogy examples that highlight the person’s wit to deeply emotional tributes. Famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks have set the bar high.

Finding the perfect balance between honoring the person’s life and providing comfort to loved ones can be challenging. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore how to write and deliver a heartfelt funeral speech, drawing inspiration from eulogy examples and famous eulogies to help you pay tribute to your beloved family member or close friend.

II. Understanding the Purpose of a Funeral Speech

A. honoring the deceased.

A funeral speech is an opportunity to honor the deceased by highlighting their unique qualities, accomplishments, and the impact they had on the lives of others. The best eulogy ever would capture the essence of the person’s life and character, creating a lasting tribute that resonates with attendees. Famous eulogies, such as Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks, serve as inspiring examples of how to pay homage to a loved one.

Your Words, Your Emotions – Our Expertise

Share the warmth, love, and joy of your loved one’s life in a touching eulogy. Let our compassionate writers guide you through the process.

Connect With Our Eulogy Writers Today

B. Comforting the bereaved

One of the primary purposes of a funeral speech is to provide comfort and solace to the bereaved family and friends. Sharing fond memories, funny eulogy examples, and heartfelt stories can help lighten the atmosphere and offer consolation to those in mourning. A well-crafted eulogy helps celebrate the person’s life while acknowledging the pain of their passing, striking the perfect balance between grief and happy memories.

C. Sharing memories and stories

A funeral speech allows you to share personal experiences and stories about the deceased, creating a tapestry of memories that paint a vivid picture of their life. Drawing from short eulogy examples and famous eulogies like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs and Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson can help illustrate the impact one person can have on the lives of many. By sharing these stories, a funeral speech can create a sense of connection and closeness among the attendees, reminding us all of the special bond we shared with our beloved family member or close friend.

III. Gathering Information and Memories

A. talking to family and friends.

Before diving into writing the best eulogy ever, it’s essential to gather information and collect memories from family and friends of the deceased. This can help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the person’s life, character, and impact on others. Conversations with close friends and family members can reveal heartwarming stories and funny eulogy examples that might not be known otherwise. These anecdotes can help paint a vivid picture of the deceased, making the eulogy more authentic and relatable.

B. Reflecting on your own experiences with the deceased

In addition to gathering information from others, take the time to reflect on your own experiences and earliest memories with the deceased. This will allow you to recall fond memories and special moments you shared together. Consider how much one person’s life has influenced your own and what lessons you’ve learned from them. Personal stories and experiences can make the eulogy more genuine and create a deeper connection with the audience.

C. Organizing your thoughts

Once you’ve collected stories and memories from family, friends, and your own experiences, it’s time to organize your thoughts and determine the structure of your eulogy. Review various funeral eulogy examples, including famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. Draw inspiration from these examples while keeping your eulogy unique and tailored to the person you are honoring.

As you organize your thoughts, consider incorporating elements from short eulogy examples, such as quotes, poems, or specific phrases that capture the essence of the person’s character. For instance, Cher shared a beautiful eulogy at Sonny Bono’s British memorial service, where she provided hope and comfort through her words.

By combining the gathered information, personal experiences, and inspiration from various eulogy examples, you can create a heartfelt tribute that honors the memory of your beloved family member or close friend.

IV. Structuring Your Funeral Speech

A. the opening: setting the tone.

Start your eulogy with an opening that sets the tone for the entire speech. You may choose to begin with a quote that represents the deceased, a personal anecdote, or simply an expression of love and admiration. Take inspiration from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, or Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. The opening should capture the essence of the person’s character and create an emotional connection with the audience.

B. The body: sharing stories and memories

Personal anecdotes.

In the body of your funeral speech, share personal anecdotes that illustrate the person’s life and the impact they had on others. These stories can be drawn from your own experiences, as well as those shared by family and friends. Personal anecdotes help paint a vivid picture of the deceased and offer a glimpse into their personality and values.

Humor and light moments

While grief is a natural part of any funeral speech, incorporating humor and light moments can provide relief and comfort to the bereaved. Funny eulogy examples, such as John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman or Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson, demonstrate how laughter can be a powerful healing tool. Be sure to balance humor with sensitivity, ensuring that your jokes and anecdotes are appropriate for the occasion.

Lessons learned and values cherished

Share the lessons learned and values cherished by the deceased throughout their life. This can include their beliefs, passions, and the wisdom they imparted on others. Referencing short eulogy examples or famous eulogies like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs can provide inspiration for this section of your speech.

C. The closing: expressing gratitude and hope

In the closing of your funeral speech, express gratitude for the time spent with the deceased and the happy memories you shared. Offer hope for the future by sharing how the person’s life will continue to impact others, even in their absence. Use powerful words and phrases to create a lasting impression, aiming to make your eulogy one of the best eulogies ever.

Drawing from funeral eulogy examples, like Cher’s beautiful eulogy at Sonny Bono’s British memorial service, can help you find the perfect balance of heartfelt emotion and hope. By incorporating elements of famous eulogies and personal stories, your funeral speech will pay tribute to your beloved family member or close friend while providing comfort and solace to those in attendance.

V. Tips for Writing a Heartfelt Eulogy

A. be authentic and genuine.

When writing a eulogy, it’s essential to be authentic and genuine in your words and emotions. The best eulogy ever is one that comes from the heart and truly reflects the person’s life and character. Draw inspiration from funeral eulogy examples and famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks, but make sure to infuse your own unique voice and perspective.

B. Use descriptive language

Using descriptive language in your eulogy helps paint a vivid picture of the person’s life and experiences. By employing vivid imagery and evocative words, you can bring memories to life and create a more immersive experience for the audience. Descriptive language can enhance even short eulogy examples, making them more memorable and impactful.

C. Focus on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life

While acknowledging grief and loss is important, focusing on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life can provide comfort and solace to those mourning. Share fond memories, happy moments, and the positive qualities of the person to celebrate their life and legacy. Funny eulogy examples, like Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson or John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, show the power of humor in highlighting the positive aspects of a person’s life.

D. Keep it concise and organized

An effective eulogy is concise and well-organized, guiding the audience through the person’s life and experiences while maintaining their attention. To achieve this, make use of keywords and phrases that capture the essence of the person and their impact, such as “fond memories,” “beloved mother,” “best friend,” or “so much fun.” Drawing inspiration from famous eulogies and eulogy examples can help you structure your speech and ensure that it remains engaging and focused. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful eulogy that pays tribute to your loved one and leaves a lasting impression on those who hear it.

Transform Your Memories into a Beautiful Tribute

Want to make sure your loved one’s eulogy is as unique and special as they were? Our experienced eulogy writers can help.

Get Started with Personalized Eulogy Writing

VI. Preparing for Delivery

A. practice reading your speech.

To ensure that your eulogy flows smoothly and resonates with the audience, practice reading it aloud several times before the funeral. This will help you become familiar with the text, allowing you to convey your message with confidence. As you read, consider the pacing and tone of your speech, ensuring that it aligns with the examples of great eulogies you have researched.

B. Anticipate emotions and have a backup plan

Delivering a eulogy can be an emotional experience, especially when recounting fond memories of a close friend or family member. Anticipate the emotions that may arise during your speech and have a backup plan in place, such as pausing to compose yourself or asking someone else to continue reading on your behalf if needed. By preparing for these moments, you can ensure that your tribute remains heartfelt and genuine.

C. Speak slowly and clearly

When delivering your eulogy, speak slowly and clearly to ensure that your message is easily understood by all attendees. As you share stories and memories, use descriptive language and keywords like “best eulogy ever,” “funny eulogy examples,” and “fond memories” to paint a vivid picture of the person’s life. Drawing from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks can help you find inspiration for your delivery style. By speaking with clarity and conviction, you can create a powerful tribute that honors the memory of your loved one and leaves a lasting impression on those present at the funeral.

VII. Delivering the Funeral Speech

A. establish a connection with the audience.

Begin your speech by establishing a connection with the audience. Acknowledge the shared sense of loss and grief, and express your gratitude for their presence. This will create an atmosphere of empathy and support, setting the stage for your eulogy.

B. Maintain eye contact and use body language

As you deliver your speech, maintain eye contact with the audience and use appropriate body language to convey your emotions. This will help you engage with the attendees and create a more immersive experience. Be mindful of your posture and gestures, ensuring that they reflect the tone and content of your eulogy.

C. Be mindful of your tone and pace

When delivering your funeral speech, be conscious of your tone and pace. Use keywords like “best eulogy ever,” “funeral eulogy examples,” and “fond memories” to guide your delivery. Draw inspiration from famous eulogies such as Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana, John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman, and Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing your words to resonate with the audience.

As you share stories and happy memories, adjust your tone to match the emotion of each anecdote. Strive to strike a perfect balance between honoring the person and acknowledging grief, taking cues from examples like Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs and Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson.

In conclusion, delivering a heartfelt eulogy is an important task in honoring the life of a close friend or family member. By following these tips and drawing inspiration from famous eulogies and eulogy examples, you can create a beautiful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and special bond with their loved ones. Remember to be authentic, use descriptive language, and pay tribute to the person’s life and fond memories while providing hope and comfort to those in attendance.

VIII. Example Eulogies

a. sample funeral speech for a parent.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Today, we come together in shared sorrow and collective admiration to bid farewell to a wonderful woman, my beloved mother, Susie. We gather here not only to mourn her passing but, more importantly, to celebrate the truly exceptional life she lived and the countless lives she touched in her time with us.

Susie was a woman of endless charm, warmth, and resilience – characteristics that deeply influenced my upbringing and those of my siblings. She had an uncanny ability to bring a sense of joy and peace to any room she walked into, even in times of chaos and confusion. With her radiant smile, she had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. She was our North Star, the one who always guided us, always there to help us find our way back when we were lost.

When I think of my mother, a few memories immediately surface.

There was the time, in the depths of a harsh winter, when the neighborhood children were all huddled inside their homes, escaping the frosty chill. On that day, Susie gathered us all for an impromptu snowman-building competition. It wasn’t about the competition, but the unity, the shared laughter, the frostbitten fingers, and the warm cups of hot cocoa after that made it memorable. It was an embodiment of what she was to us all – a beacon of warmth, love, and unity.

Then there was the instance when I came home heartbroken from a failed math test. I remember the tears streaming down my face, the feeling of utter disappointment in myself. But Mom, she didn’t judge or criticize. She held me close and said, “In life, my dear, it’s not about the mistakes we make but how we learn from them.” And with her unwavering support, we tackled those equations together until they were no longer foreign to me. That was Susie, always there to pick us up when we stumbled, to turn our setbacks into comebacks, to show us that failing wasn’t the end but rather a chance to rise stronger.

Susie was also the core of our family, the glue that held us all together. She kept us rooted, reminding us about the importance of love, respect, and understanding in the family. Despite her struggles, despite the storms life threw at her, she never faltered in her dedication to her children and her unwavering faith in us. She was our greatest cheerleader, our most profound teacher, and our fiercest protector.

Losing her has created a void in our hearts, a silence in our lives that cannot be filled. But as we grieve, we also remember. We remember her laugh, echoing in the corners of our home. We remember her wisdom, imprinted deep within our hearts. And we remember her love, a love so powerful and so encompassing that it will continue to guide and strengthen us, even though she’s no longer physically with us.

As we say our final goodbyes today, let us remember Susie for the remarkable woman she was. Let’s honor her memory by embodying the values she taught us: compassion, resilience, love, and unity.

Susie, our dear mother, you are gone but never forgotten. Your spirit will live on within each of us, a guiding light in the dark, a comforting whisper in the wind, a constant reminder of the strength and love we carry within us, because of you.

Thank you for everything, Mom. We love you, and we will miss you always.

B. Sample funeral speech for a sibling

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we stand united in grief and solidarity, as we bid farewell to a life that touched ours in ways words can barely encapsulate. A life that was too short yet immensely vibrant, filled with love, laughter, and countless shared moments. Today, we remember my brother, my confidante, my friend, Jack.

Growing up with Jack was nothing short of an adventure. He was the peanut butter to my jelly, the yin to my yang. As kids, we were inseparable. We shared not just a room, but countless secrets, dreams, laughter, and even the occasional sibling squabble. But through all the highs and lows, there was always an underlying foundation of unwavering brotherly love.

One story that springs to mind, encapsulating the spirit of Jack, was our great ‘Treehouse Escapade’. We were just about ten and twelve then, and had set our hearts on building the perfect treehouse in the large oak tree at the end of our garden. We had no idea what we were doing, armed only with a sketch on a crumpled piece of paper and the confidence that only children possess. It took us the entire summer, hammers slipping, nails bending, and more than one accidental thump on a thumb. But Jack, ever the optimist, would laugh off the blunders, transforming our little project into a whirlwind of joy.

That treehouse wasn’t architecturally sound, nor was it a spectacle to behold. But it was our haven, a testament to our shared dreams, our determination, and the magic that Jack brought into every task he undertook. He was always the beacon guiding us towards laughter and fun, turning even the most mundane activities into cherished memories.

Jack had a heart larger than life itself. He was the first to lend a hand to anyone in need, the first to cheer you up when you were down. His sense of humor was legendary, his laughter infectious. When he walked into a room, you couldn’t help but feel the energy change – brighter, lighter, better.

But Jack wasn’t just my older brother; he was my mentor, my guide, my protector. I remember when I was about to head off to college, nervous and unsure of what the future held. It was Jack who sat me down and said, “In life, you’re going to face challenges and make mistakes, but always remember that it’s these experiences that shape us. Embrace them. Learn from them. And remember, no matter where you are, you’ll always have a piece of home with you.”

Losing Jack feels like a chapter of our shared book has abruptly ended. Yet, I find solace in the memories we created together. Every shared joke, every heart-to-heart conversation, every shared dream, and even the bittersweet tears, are all fragments of a beautiful mosaic that depicts a bond that can never be broken.

Jack, my dear brother, I am grateful for every moment we shared, for every laugh, every story, every life lesson. You were my north star in the darkest nights, my compass when I lost my way, my anchor in the roughest storms.

As we say our final goodbyes, we carry your spirit with us, your joy, your kindness, your unwavering zest for life. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Until we meet again, Jack, thank you for being the best brother I could have ever asked for. I love you, and I will carry you in my heart always.

C. Sample funeral speech for a friend

Dear Friends and Family,

Today we gather to remember a man whose life was as vibrant and dynamic as the waves of the ocean – forever in motion, brimming with energy, and touching the lives of everyone he met. A man who, in his time on earth, defined what it truly meant to be a friend, a confidante, a brother in spirit. We are here to celebrate the life of Mark.

Mark was more than a friend to all of us. He was the epitome of an adventurer, a soul that was forever curious, forever willing to explore the unknown, yet always ready to provide the comfort of familiarity when it was most needed.

One of the most unforgettable adventures we shared together was our unplanned road trip. I still remember that day. It was the kind of day when you feel the world weighing heavy on your shoulders. Mark turned up at my doorstep with nothing more than a mischievous grin and his beat-up old van, affectionately nicknamed “The Wanderer.” He looked at me and said, “The world is wide, and we are young. Let’s go get lost to find ourselves.”

What was supposed to be a day’s escape turned into a week of spontaneity. We slept under the stars, got lost more times than I can count, sang at the top of our lungs to songs we barely knew the lyrics to, and shared stories that made us laugh until our stomachs hurt. The journey didn’t just lighten the load I was carrying back then; it showed me the value of friendship, freedom, and living in the moment. That was Mark, a tornado of spontaneity, pulling you into an adventure you never knew you needed.

Yet, despite his love for adventure, Mark also had a calmness about him that was almost infectious. He had an uncanny ability to quiet the storm inside you with just a few words or a reassuring smile. He was my confidante, the one I could call at 2 AM to discuss life’s quandaries or the latest episode of a TV show we were both hooked on. He knew when to offer advice and when to simply listen, offering silence as a refuge from the chaos of the world.

Mark, my dear friend, your passing leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled. Your laughter, your spirit of adventure, your comforting presence – they are now but cherished memories, echoes of a friendship that will continue to live on in my heart.

As we say our final goodbyes, we remember you not with tears of sadness but with smiles, recalling the joy and happiness you brought into our lives. We remember you as you were – a beautiful soul, an adventurer, a beacon of light in our sometimes-dark world.

In honor of Mark, let’s not dwell in the sorrow of his departure. Instead, let’s celebrate the life he lived and the person he was. Let’s remember his unquenchable thirst for life, his deep and resounding laughter, and his unwavering loyalty as a friend.

Mark, you were the echo in the forest, the breeze on a summer day, and now the whisper in our hearts, forever reminding us of the bond we shared. Though we part ways today, the footprints you left on our hearts will remain. You will be greatly missed, my dear friend. Rest in peace, until we meet again.

Thank you, Mark, for the memories, the adventures, and most importantly, your friendship. We love you and will remember you always.

IX. Conclusion

A. the impact of a heartfelt funeral speech.

A well-crafted and heartfelt funeral speech can have a profound impact on the audience, providing solace and comfort during a time of grief. By incorporating elements from famous eulogies like Earl Spencer’s, John Cleese’s, and Oprah Winfrey’s, as well as drawing from short eulogy examples and funny eulogy examples, you can create a powerful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life and character. A funeral speech that shares fond memories and celebrates the entire life of a loved one can be remembered as the best eulogy ever, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear it.

B. Final thoughts on honoring the memory of a loved one

Honoring the memory of a close friend or family member through a funeral speech is a significant responsibility. Writing a eulogy that strikes the perfect balance between paying tribute to the person’s life and acknowledging grief can be an emotional and challenging process. However, by focusing on the person’s life, their impact on others, and the fond memories shared, you can create a beautiful eulogy that truly honors their memory. Remember to draw inspiration from examples like Steve Jobs’ eulogy by Mona Simpson or Sonny Bono’s eulogy by Cher, and always speak from the heart. In doing so, you will not only pay tribute to your loved one but also provide hope, comfort, and healing to all those in attendance.

At MemoryCherish, we understand the importance of honoring your loved one’s memory with a heartfelt and professionally crafted eulogy. Our team of experienced writers is dedicated to helping you create a beautiful tribute that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and the fond memories shared. Let MemoryCherish be your partner in honoring your loved one’s memory with a professionally crafted eulogy. Reach out to us today and let us help you create a touching tribute that celebrates their life and provides comfort to those in attendance.

What makes the best eulogy?

The best eulogy is one that captures the essence of the person’s life, character, and impact on others while providing comfort to those in attendance. Key elements of the best eulogy include:

Authenticity: Speak from the heart and share genuine emotions and experiences.
Personal anecdotes: Share stories that highlight the person’s personality, values, and relationships.
Balance: Strike a balance between honoring the person’s life and acknowledging grief.
Positive aspects: Focus on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life, including accomplishments, passions, and happy memories.
Emotional connection: Establish an emotional connection with the audience by using descriptive language and conveying empathy.
Organization: Structure the eulogy with a clear beginning, middle, and end to guide the audience through the person’s life and experiences.

What is the best speech for a funeral?

The best speech for a funeral is one that pays tribute to the deceased while offering comfort and solace to the grieving family and friends. This can be achieved by:

Sharing personal stories, anecdotes, and memories of the person.
Focusing on the positive aspects of their life and the impact they had on others.
Acknowledging the grief and loss felt by those in attendance.
Using appropriate humor and light moments to provide relief and healing.
Ensuring the speech is concise, well-organized, and delivered with sincerity and emotion.

What is the best closing line for a eulogy?

The best closing line for a eulogy is one that leaves a lasting impression, encapsulates the person’s life and legacy, and offers hope or inspiration to the audience. Some examples of powerful closing lines are:

“May we carry [deceased’s name] memory in our hearts, allowing their spirit to live on through us.”
“As we say our final goodbye, let us remember [deceased’s name] life and the love they brought to all who knew them.”
“In the words of [deceased’s name], ‘Live fully, love deeply, and make a difference.’ Let us honor their memory by following this guiding principle.”
“Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the beautiful memories of [deceased’s name] and the impact they had on our lives.”

Choose a closing line that reflects the person’s character and values, and leaves the audience with a sense of comfort and inspiration.

Writing a eulogy during this difficult time is hard. Our professional writers are here to help you capture your loved one’s essence and life beautifully.

Click Here for Professional Eulogy Assistance

Create a Heartfelt Eulogy Now!

Written by our eulogy specialists.

Delivered in 24 hours
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Written in your words

Mastering the Art of Eulogy Endings: 10 Powerful Examples to Inspire You

Uncover the secrets to mastering the art of eulogy endings in our latest blog post, where we share 10 powerful examples to inspire you as you create a touching and memorable tribute to your loved one, providing comfort and closure to all who mourn.

Laughter in Remembrance: 10 Funny Eulogy Examples to Honor Loved Ones

Join us as we explore the power of laughter in remembrance with 10 funny eulogy examples that pay tribute to your loved ones, showcasing how humor can bring comfort and solace to family and friends while honoring their memories.

What's the best way to honor your loved one?

A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

By: Author Camila Steinfeld

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Writing Prompts

A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples

With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service.

Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. It requires some forethought and planning.

A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will not soon be forgiven.

The ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of a Funeral Speech

When you sit down to decide what you’re going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration.

Outline: How to build a funeral speech

20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party

Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceased’s life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker.

A Eulogy for a Mother

The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mother’s funeral.

Despite the fact that she was ill, and we knew her passing was inevitable, it has still come as a shock to us as a family.

My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite.

We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. That doesn’t mean that raising us was easy, nor always enjoyable.

My siblings and I gave her a lot of gray hairs along the way. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us.

And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again.

One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. That meant that she had very little time to herself.

And even with the little ‘me time’ she had, she never used it for herself. She’d always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed.

What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love.

My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we could’ve hoped to have.

A Eulogy for a Father

My father was a quiet man. He seldom said much. That’s why, when he did have something to say, we listened.

That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth.

He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements.

Whether it was scoring a home run in a Little League baseball game or getting a bursary for a university, he delighted in our successes.

As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. In fact, right now, that’s the place I wish I was more than anything else.

He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didn’t want to do it properly.

My father had an incredibly dry sense of humor. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didn’t get it.

But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said.

40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate

He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously.

He was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to take sides.

He’s left a gap in our lives that we can’t even begin to contemplate filling.

A Funeral Speech for a Best Friend

Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-grader’s, on the first day of school – ever.

Something drew us to each other though. We could never quite figure out what it was, but it’s lasted a lifetime.

As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much.

We just understood each other. Even if you put us on either side of a big room full of people, Jennifer and I would always find our way back to each other immediately.

We survived high school together. I’m not sure if either of us would’ve made it without the other. We laughed and cried together so many times.

There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what – no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there.

We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. We lived far away from each other and I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.

I’ll be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret.

But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like we’d never been apart.

It’s that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had.

A Eulogy for a Wife

I don’t know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samantha’s passing has left in my life.

It feels like half of me has vanished in an instant, and I’m not sure I’ll ever feel whole again.

Samantha was an amazing woman. She had such an infectious zest for life that she could always find the humor or a silver lining of any situation, regardless of the gravity. Anything seemed possible with her attitude.

The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational.

Samantha and I met quite by accident. I walked into her office in error – and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction.

40+ Other Ways to Say I Love You Dearly

I knew there and then that I would never be able to stay away from her, and that my life would not be complete without her in it. She didn’t make it easy.

I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. But when I look back on the life we’ve shared, it was more than worth it.

Our children were the center of Samantha’s world. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today.

I wish I’d had more time with her, I really do. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life.

A Funeral Speech for a Husband

The thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor. He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry.

Whenever I’d get angry or upset with him – for whatever reason – I’d always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it.

As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did.

Like when I decided that the patio needed to be refurbished. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though I’m sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio.

In fact, I know he would have preferred to spend his weekend resting and relaxing. But he never let me down. Tired or not, he’d help me with all my ‘projects’.

Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner.

I couldn’t have asked for a better father for my children. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies!

The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction.

He supported them every step of the way. He picked them up when they fell or failed.

He encouraged them to keep going. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become.

My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephen’s presence by my side.

A Eulogy for a brother

I’m not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up.

There were times I wished he wasn’t my brother. And I’m sure there were times he wished I wasn’t his sister.

We seemed to have a knack for pushing each other’s buttons, sometimes with some amusing consequences, sometimes not.

From the outset, David stood out as an individual. He did not march to the beat of society’s drum. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it.

One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier.

He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face and the mischievous grin on David’s.

As we grew older, I began to see David for what he truly was. He was a caring brother who’d do anything to protect me.

He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. He was the only one who understood my hurt and confusion when our parents divorced.

David was a loyal and kind person who’d never let you down.

He’d have given anyone the shirt off his back. I’m proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother.

A Funeral Speech for a Sister

My sister Janet never met a challenge she didn’t conquer.

Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until she’d overcome it.

Of course, she drove me crazy. Having a little sister who wanted to tag along was, at times, infuriating.

She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard.

When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. Her lips and teeth were full of lipstick, and there was mascara everywhere. I was furious at the time. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry.

Anytime she’d open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldn’t stay angry with her.

She’d open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. And I couldn’t stay angry with her.

Janet was an exemplary student. She had an incredible work ethic. If she didn’t understand something, she’d work at it until she did.

Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. She had so much left to offer the world.

But wherever she is, I know that she’s looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile.

A Funeral Speech for a Close Acquaintance (e.g., a teacher, boss, coworker)

I’d like to start by offering John’s family my sincerest condolences.

Your loss is so great. You had a special man in your midst, and I’m can’t imagine the depth of loss you must feel.

John was my high school English teacher, so you might wonder why I refer to him as John and not as Mr. Robinson; it was at his insistence, as soon as I graduated.

When I first called him Mr. Robinson after graduation, he’d turned around and said, “Is my father standing behind me?” When I replied in the negative, he’d said, “Then why are you saying his name?”

John taught me so much more than English. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value.

40 Best Examples for a Thank You Note to Teacher

He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today.

John’s work ethic influenced me greatly. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. I took those lessons to heart.

His passion for teaching English was contagious. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. He made the written word come alive in class.

He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. He was like a father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one.

He shaped me into the man I am today. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary

Eulogy For My Mother

In honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to share a tribute to my mother that I read in front of friends and family at her funeral.

I sat down to write this eulogy a couple weeks before my mother died. I was in a rocking chair next to her bed, keeping her company as she dozed. Initially, I thought this would be the hardest thing I would ever write.

But the truth is, as I watched her sleep, I took comfort in knowing she was lost in a dream-world instead of plagued by her dark reality—and the words poured out of me like I too was lost in a world of dreams. Dreams that brought me back to the imaginary games we played when I was younger, hearing her cheer me on from the sidelines during my soccer games, secrets confided, lessons learned, I loves yous exchanged, her beaming pride, our best friendship, arguments that exhausted both of us, and the reconciliations that always brought us back together. And below you'll find the final result.

When I was little, my mother and I played a game before I went to sleep. The rules were simple. We would take turns saying that we loved each other more than something. For example, she would say, “I love you more than a soccer ball.” And then it was my turn. It was my task to return the sentiment by saying that I loved her more than something larger than a soccer ball. “I love you more than the kitchen table.” And so on. We would continue in this vein until the game was over by default with someone saying the magic words, “Well, I love you more than infinity!” When the game was over, we’d kiss goodnight, and I would sleep.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that my mother was teaching me about shapes and sizes and how to use my imagination. The game was about learning to comprehend the magnitude of my mother’s feelings for me as much as it was about being together and laughing about the goofy things we came up with—“I love you more than a tennis racket.” “Well, then I love you more than a gorilla.” And so forth.

My mom was a genius at finding games and activities I enjoyed that would teach me valuable lessons and important skills. I confronted the challenge of comprehending another enormity or type of magnitude later in my childhood when my father died. And again, my mother was there at every step along the way to make sure I was coping with the various emotional phases I went through during the process. For a while, the gravity of his death was too overwhelming and to try to contemplate what my mother went through too much. Years later, it still scared me, but I knew that I wanted to make sense of it and its effect on my mother. And then, when I was a little older, I figured it out. I felt pride .

How incredibly strong was she? Did I know anyone stronger? She never gave up; she put her entire being into raising me, providing for me and finding a home for us at Georgetown Day School where I could learn, grow and stretch as far as I could stretch.

And this is why, when my mother was sick and most concerned about how her willingness to fight would impact me, I tried several times to convince her that those lessons had already been taught, the wisdom imparted. But she continued to worry and concern herself mostly with how I would handle this—how I would move forward after this devastating loss. The toll it would take and the tears I would cry….

Over the last 10 months, I have grown accustomed to having a sick mother and while I was in shock for several weeks after her diagnosis, I learned to be her caretaker while I was in DC, her caretaker while I was in Philadelphia, and although I doubted my strength from the beginning, I learned to have a terminally ill mother, go to class, have fun with friends and live my life.

I am writing this before her death and know that my strength and her strength will get me through this. As my mother always said to me, it’s amazing how strong you can be when you have no other choice.

There are really no words to describe my closeness with my mother. I know this because the slow, agonizing decline of the disease forces even the most optimistic and hopeful to think about and plan for this day. And as such, you start thinking about what you might say during a time like this. And after unsuccessfully putting pen to paper several times, I realized that there really are no words.

There are only feelings, indescribable feelings. Feelings that make my heart burst and my whole being melt. Because my mother was my insides. She is my insides. My guts. My confidence. My bravery and my strength. My sensitivity, my compassion, my loyalty and even my laughter.

She was everything. She was my mother, and she was my father.

If I had to conjure up one life lesson that she would want me to carry for the rest of my life, it is this: Seek advice from others, but always trust myself. She believed in me, and she believed that I always knew what was best for me .

And if I had to conjure up a second lesson or personal desire of hers, it would be a plea for me to have a daughter—and for that daughter to play sports. I’m not sure Mom could’ve been any happier than when she was cheering from the sidelines at my soccer and lacrosse games.

I miss you, Mom. I will trust myself, Mom, and I will be fine. I love you more than infinity.

Notifications

How to write a eulogy for a mother.

Writing a eulogy for a beloved mother is a rare opportunity to share with your friends, family, and loved ones the importance of your mother’s life in your own (and in the lives of others). For those who have never written a funeral speech for a mother, this may feel like a lot of pressure. How can you sum up the importance of one’s life in a short speech? The good news is, writing a eulogy for a mom isn’t hard and can easily be done if you know where to start.

How to write a eulogy for a mother

Unsure where to start? Here’s some easy steps to guide you when writing a eulogy for a mother.

Step 1: Look at examples

Writing a eulogy for a mother from a daughter may look different and have a different feel than writing a eulogy for a mother from a son. There may be different qualities that were passed down, different ideas and lessons that you connected over, or a different type of bond that was established. Looking through eulogy examples for a mother can help you identify what kind of eulogy resonates with you and the kind of style or tone you’d like to emulate. Looking at examples of great eulogies for a mother will also help you figure out the length that you’re comfortable with and the content you want to share during the eulogy.

(Note: If you’ve never written a eulogy or heard one before, they typically last anywhere from 3 - 10 minutes in length.)

Step 2: Read a guide

While looking at examples can help you gain a better understanding of what to write (and maybe even what you don’t want to include), an example of a eulogy is only a basis for understanding what a eulogy looks like and what others decide to include. Going off of examples alone instead of looking at a guide can also leave you feeling unprepared, especially if you find yourself wanting to write a specific eulogy that you’re unable to find an example for. (For example, you may want to craft a eulogy for a mother with cancer but can’t find any examples of such a eulogy online.) This is where a guide can be of great use. Reading a guide on how to write a eulogy will give you a clearer understanding the layout, structure, and foundation of a great funeral speech for your mother.

Step 3: Create the outline

Outlining the eulogy is a good way to organize your thoughts, consider key elements you want to include in the eulogy, and get a feel for the length the eulogy will be. When writing the eulogy outline, consider the content you want to include, the tone you’re going for, and the structure. If you’re unclear on a standard structure, you can start by filling out a eulogy template for a mother for the foundation of the eulogy.

Step 4: Practice reading the eulogy out loud

A eulogy is a type of speech and is typically read out loud in front of the attendees, so you’ll want to prepare for this to be part of the experience. Reading the speech out loud in front of a trusted friend can give you an idea of what the eulogy sounds like and whether you’d like to change any wording so that it sounds better when spoken out loud. Ask your friend for feedback and suggestions if you’re comfortable with it.

Step 5: Make any edits necessary

The final step is making any edits necessary so that you can feel confident when delivering the eulogy in front of attendees. This is also a good place to time yourself for an idea of the length.

Can a eulogy be uplifting or funny?

The style, content, and tone of a eulogy depends entirely on your and your own personal writing style. Generally, try your best to keep the eulogy true to the person who has passed away. If your mother was reserved and quiet, it may not feel authentic to write an upbeat and out there eulogy for her. That being said, if your mother was eccentric or loved to laugh and be the life of the party, it can feel right to include this in your style and tone of voice when delivering the eulogy. Eulogies are unique pieces of writing tailored to the life of the person who passed away.

I don’t want to write a eulogy. What should I do?

If you feel like you’re not comfortable with writing the eulogy on your own, you have a few options available to you.

Ask someone else to consider reading the eulogy in your place, if you’re comfortable writing the eulogy but don’t want to read it out loud in front of others.
Ask someone to write (and potentially even give) the eulogy alongside you. Sometimes teaming up can make the process more meaningful and can help you feel less alone or pressured.
Consider hiring a professional eulogy writer to write the eulogy for you.
Say a few words at the funeral or celebration of life instead of reading an entire eulogy.

Order a eulogy

Setting up a memorial website is an easy way to connect your friends, family, and loved ones around the loss of someone. It’s a place to share event information, post stories and memories, collect donations, and handle important logistics after someone passes away. Ever Loved memorial websites are user friendly, easy to set up, free, and stay up for as long as you’d like them to.

Start a website

Create a memorial website

Get funeral quotes, get free grief support, how to write a eulogy for a father.

Writing a eulogy for a father is a beautiful chance to share what your dad meant to you with your loved ones and community. If you’ve never written a funeral speech for a father (which you very likely haven’t), this may feel a little overwhelming, but there’s no need to worry. Most people who write

How to Write a Eulogy for a Brother

Writing a eulogy for a brother is a wonderful opportunity to express how special your relationship was, how unique your brother was, and what made your brother stand out from the crowd. Never written a eulogy before? Don’t worry. These steps will guide you through the process of writing a eulogy for

How to Write a Eulogy for a Grandmother

A grandmother’s eulogy is an excellent time to include all attendees in a brief remembrance of your grandmother’s life. Here’s steps on how to write a eulogy for a grandmother, including ideas on what to say, how to structure the eulogy, and what to do if you’re not comfortable writing a eulogy.

Create a space to remember someone

Funerals at Bethel

Let us help you create a meaningful farewell for your loved one

Our purpose
Leave a Legacy
Our Impact Report 2022-23
Planning a funeral
Eulogy and remembrance
Coping with grief
Clergy and celebrants
Remembrance

How to write a eulogy for a mother

Share this article, what is a eulogy for mother.

A eulogy is a short funeral speech where you share memories and reflect on a person who died.

At this sad time of your mother’s death, you might have been asked to write and deliver her eulogy. You’ll want to do your best to write a heartfelt piece that honours her memory.

A good eulogy will capture your mother’s important life events in just a few short minutes. It’s a chance to share your feelings about her and a few stories with the people who also love and care about your mum.

Writing a eulogy for your beloved mother can be empowering and help you through the initial stage of grief.

There’s no score to aim for or an exam to pass. Any eulogy delivered with love and respect is a good eulogy.

On this page we cover everything you need to know about how to write a eulogy for your mum. But if you want to start working on the eulogy with insights from expert funeral directors , download a copy of our Eulogy Workbook. It includes suggestions for what you could write.

[Download the work with eulogy samples now]

Planning the eulogy

Brainstorming ideas for your mother’s eulogy and planning it out will make it so much easier to write. Spending a bit of time upfront thinking about what you want to say and gathering the facts about you mother’s life will make the overall process much simpler.

By reflecting and taking notes, you’ll see the big picture that connects your memories with the important aspects of your mother’s life and the person she was.

Brainstorm ideas

Think about the people who will be at the funeral and the kinds of things they’d like to hear about your mother. A funeral is not the time to shock or embarrass people with revelations. Be honest but focus on the positives.

Maybe the people who will attend don’t know much about her earlier life and you can fill in the gaps for them. Or perhaps they haven’t seen her in recent years and want to know how her last years unfolded.

Write down your significant memories of you mother.

When you spend time with your other family members and her close friends, ask them to share their memories. Take notes.

Identify a theme

After reflecting on your mother’s life, you’ll probably see a central theme emerge. It might be about her kindness and how she was always looking out for others. It might be about her marvellous sense of humour or her mischievous streak.

Once you have identified a theme, you can write your eulogy around this. You can use the theme to filter out the stories and information that don’t fit.

While a theme isn’t necessary, it can help tie together the important events of her life and your memories.

Write down significant life events

As well as your own memories, ask family members and friends about the big events they remember from your mum’s life.

Make a note of things like her:

favourite things she liked to do
children and grandchildren
volunteering activities

Decide on your tone

The tone you use will depend on the circumstance of her death and your relationship with your mother.

If your mother died at the end of a long and happy life, then there’s much to celebrate with warmth and good humour.

But if your mother is quite young and dies tragically or unexpectedly, then the funeral is likely to be a sadder and more somber occasion.

However, it’s always good to aim for an informal, conversational tone in your eulogy as though you’re talking to friends, which you will be.

How long it should a eulogy be?

Eulogies are short speeches. They usually run from 3 to 5 minutes, but sometimes they are as long as 10 minutes.

A 5-minute speech is around 600 to 750 words, which is not long. This works out to be around 2 or 3 A4 pages.

It might feel like a challenge to have to fit someone’s whole life into a short speech, but you don’t need to. Others will speak at the funeral and share their memories of your mother, too.

By planning the eulogy before writing it can help you fit the most important pieces of information and choose the best memories to share.

Writing the eulogy

Opening statement.

In the opening statement, address why you’re there. State who your mother was and what she was known for.

Share who you are and what your connection to her is.

Thank people for coming, especially those who travelled a significant distance to be there.

State your mother’s basic biographic details

You can state your mother’s biographical details in chronological order, but it doesn’t have to read like an obituary. These basic details include things like:

her full name (including her maiden name if she changed her name)
nicknames and what other relatives called her
who her parents were and their names
where and when she was born.

There might be other details you think are important to include here, too.

Mention loved ones

Mention other loved ones who were close to your mother. This could be her husband or partner, siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

If pets were an important part of her life, you could mention them, too.

Mention her close friends, the special people in her life who she enjoyed spending time with and who had a positive impact on her.

Talk about significant life events

Look back at the memories you brainstormed with your family and her friends. Find the significant events in your mother’s life. If there are many events, consider reducing the list to only those that fit with your overall theme.

When you mention the event, use memories and share the stories that help convey what you think and feel about your mother. Relate the event to what was happening in the world at these different times in her life.

Using gentle humour in a eulogy

Using humour in a eulogy is a personal choice. If you choose to use humour, it should be heartfelt and amusing, not poking fun at your mother in a mean-spirited way.

A warm and funny anecdote can help break some of the sadness and tension people might be feeling during the funeral.

Review the memories you brainstormed and find the funny and amusing stories that fit with your overall theme. Include them in the eulogy.

The conclusion

A eulogy’s conclusion offers comforting words to the people who love your mother and will miss her terribly.

In your final goodbye, you can address the people at the funeral, your mother directly, or both.

To help you find the right words, return to your overall theme, or think about what your mother would say to comfort everyone.

Funeral speech for mother from daughter

The bond between a mother and her daughter can be deep and special.

A eulogy for a mother from her daughter need not be structured differently to any other eulogy.

You might choose to focus more on your relationship with your mother when sharing memories. You might want to talk about the impact of her parenting on your life and if you have children, how she influenced your parenting.

When preparing for the funeral and writing a eulogy for mother, poems or special readings can add a lovely touch. If she had a favourite poet or if you find a poem that captures how you feel, include it in the funeral service, but separate to your eulogy.

But overall, there are no special rules.

Review your eulogy

Ask trusted friends and family members to review what you write, especially the stories, memories and anecdotes you share.

Be open to their feedback, but this is your eulogy and you have the final say.

Prepare to deliver your mother’s eulogy

The key to feeling confident about delivering your mother’s eulogy is to practice. Read it out loud, many times.

If you’re worried about being overcome with emotion, know that you can take a short break and few deep breaths to help regain a feeling of control. There’s no need to rush. Taking a sip of water might also help.

Make eye contact with your audience. They’ll remind you that they feel for you in this moment. No one is there to judge you.

Print out the eulogy in a large font to make it easy to read. If you’re too overcome by emotion, someone else will be able to continue on your behalf.

Practical considerations for your mother’s funeral

When you’re writing a eulogy for your mother, it’s about cherishing all the love and care she gave you. But besides remembering the good times, there are practical things to consider too.

Coffins : Think about what kind of coffin to choose. Some people prefer wicker coffins because they feel more natural, just like being surrounded by the outdoors your mother loved.
Funeral flowers : You’ve probably seen beautiful floral arrangements at funerals , and they can add a peaceful touch to the ceremony, making it feel like a serene garden in honor of your mom.
Funeral urns: If your mother chose cremation, you’ll need to think about funeral urns. These are special containers where her ashes will be kept. Each urn can be different, just like your mom was unique. They can be simple or fancy, but what matters most is that they hold the essence of your mother’s love.

Writing a eulogy helps you remember all these special things about your mother, including the little details that made her who she was.

Download our Eulogy Workbook

To help you craft a eulogy that will remember your mother with love, warmth and respect, download a copy of our eulogy workbook with examples of what you could write.

Games, topic printables & more
The 4 main speech types
Example speeches
Commemorative
Declamation
Demonstration
Informative
Introduction
Student Council
Speech topics
Poems to read aloud
How to write a speech
Using props/visual aids
Acute anxiety help
Breathing exercises
Letting go - free e-course
Using self-hypnosis
Delivery overview
4 modes of delivery
How to make cue cards
How to read a speech
9 vocal aspects
Vocal variety
Diction/articulation
Pronunciation
Speaking rate
How to use pauses
Eye contact
Body language
Voice image
Voice health
Public speaking activities and games
About me/contact
Tribute speech guide
Sample tribute speech

A sample tribute speech

- in memory of my mother, iris.

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 04-19-2021

Here's a sample tribute speech. It's for my mother, Iris, and yes, it's all true.

You'll find the outline or template the speech follows directly below it along with other helpful links to information about the speech writing process, funeral poems and quotations and more.

A tribute speech for my mother: Iris

My Mother shares her name, Iris, with the goddess of the rainbow; a messenger for the ancient Olympian gods and carrier of faith, hope and wisdom.

But that's not why her parent's called her that. Instead it was something much closer to home.

After her birth my grandmother saw beautiful dark purple flowers out her bedroom window. They were iris. She was named for them .

Image: purple iris flowers. Text: Iris: goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods.

Iris, the last of five children, arrived during the Depression Years.

At two years old her father died and her family were thrust into hard times. Her brothers and sisters were sent out to work as soon as they were old enough. There was no government assistance for widows in those days. On eve of World War Two she left school to work too. She was thirteen years old and as she said; knew nothing about anything worth knowing.

Soon being a shop girl behind the Woolworth's counter was no longer enough. She wanted more. That hunger drove her to night school, a secretarial course, and speech lessons to learn " to talk proper".

Nothing, not even God, was exempt from her desire to break free of limitations imposed by circumstance. Her staunch Catholic upbringing was questioned. The family fall-out from her decision to abandon it was legendary.

My Great-Grandmother locked her in her room for several days. Prayers were said and priests brought to the door.

However all the threats of hell-fire and eternal damnation were powerless. Finally her family relented, the door was opened and she was reluctantly set free.

By the time World War Two ended Iris had become a competent personal secretary who enjoyed life.

In 1947 she met my father. It was "love at first sight" and they married six weeks later.

Let's fast forward eighteen years now.

Iris and Graham had five children. I am the eldest and the youngest was two when, in a curious repetition of family history, my father died. This time, in this generation, there was a widow's benefit and although meager, my Mother was grateful.

Events in times of great shock are tattooed into memories and their images remain despite the wear of years.

From the chaotic struggle to find a sense of place without my father, to effectively parent five children on her own, to balance growing financial demands against a small fixed income and more, flow a stream of images. Each portrays aspects of Iris I respect and admire.

From my gallery: The God Books.

This what we called them as children. They were philosophical discussions on varying world religions and often baptized in the bath. At the end of the day that was where she read and invariably she nodded off. Sodden books, face down, their leaves splayed out to dry were a common sight.

No matter how fraught she was there were always fresh flowers: a bowl of velvet pansies, red roses; whatever was in season from her garden. They were, to use her expression, a hyacinth for the soul . She understood ' Man can not live by bread alone .' and beauty was essential.

Money Jars.

In the high cupboard above the kitchen bench were a series of labelled jars. " Food " , " Electricity" , " Phone" , and so on. Every time her widow's benefit was paid out each jar got its portion.

Midnight Nursing.

My youngest brother and sister suffered chronic bronchitis. Many nights I woke to find her cradling one, and sometimes both. She'd be wrapped in her old blue dressing gown, her long brown hair hanging loose, crooning and gently rocking them back to sleep. The Old Ford Cortina Car .

It was called Flower Power , sported a huge stylized black daisy on its boot, and was her faithful friend. She drove it everywhere, always, to my brother's embarrassment, at the same speed, slowly.

Carrot Juice.

In this Iris was a trend setter. Long before the eat-healthy gurus arrived on the scene advocating " raw this" and " juiced that" with a side dish of mung bean sprouts, my mother was buying sacks of carrots for the daily juice-up. Every morning six glasses were lined up on the kitchen bench, one for each of us. Inevitably they'd been done early and by the time we got to them a top layer of brown scum had formed. Drinking or not drinking the stuff was a battle of wills. Mostly she won.

Her Spinning Wheel.

The soft clack, clack of its whir was a familiar sound track to our lives. Along with the wheel came bags of wool straight off the sheep. The end result was homespun garments for everyone.

Later she added learning to use natural dyes and weaving to her skills. The dye brews resembled a witch's cauldron. Into them went onion skins, green walnuts, lichens, flower petals, anything that might yield up its color.

When seen through my teenage eyes much of who she was and what she did was incomprehensible. On a superficial level she was a Mother doing what Mother's did, mothering, albeit with a difference. Beyond that, I didn't understand or fully appreciate what she gave us.

The hindsight of passing years and growing maturity have slowly revealed her real value. I look now and am humbled. I see the enormity of raising five children on her own while hounded by the constant fear of "never having enough money". I marvel at the strength of will and determination that kept her going.

I have her hunger and respect for knowledge to thank for my education.

I remember a small but significant scene that took place a year or so after my father died. A couple of well-meaning older family friends were discussing our financial situation.

"Of course Susan will leave school and...", one of them began. My Mother cut her short. "No. That will never happen. We'll manage."

We did, and I got an education, as did those following me.

The freedom to investigate and believe what we wanted to about the BIG questions she actively encouraged. The memory of her own struggle for permission and the right to find her own path was to leave us free.

While there always the backdrop of her ongoing inquiry into religious beliefs, morality and spirituality it was never foisted on us. Her faith that we would each find our " right" path and relationship with what it is to be human living in the world held us strongly. We were never in any doubt as to who was ultimately responsible for the lives we would lead. It was us.

Beauty is free. That's another legacy from her. It's everywhere if you have eyes to see it: a sun rise, a child's smile, a flower from the garden, a meal prepared with love, or a tree in autumn. Appreciation of it doesn't increase with the amount of money in your wallet.

And that was Iris, our mother, our flesh and blood version of her overlooked namesake, the goddess of the rainbow. She was our example of persistence, courage, service, faith, hope, love of beauty and the ongoing quest for truth.

Sample Tribute Speech Outline

Use the following headings as a guide to write the outline for your tribute speech.

Introduction Open with an attention getter followed by introducing who you are talking about.

Background Provide a context (setting) for accomplishments and obstacles. This validates your choice:- explains why you chose whom you did.

Relationship Why is this person important to you? Outline their impact on yourself and/or others. This is an opportunity to tell the stories highlighting the qualities you revere.

What has been learnt as a result of their influence? What will you and others value and carry forward?

Conclusion Restatement or summary of key points ending positively.

Related useful pages

These will help you prepare your own tribute speech.

Browse quotations, read a poem or sample eulogies, and if you wish, find out more about writing a funeral or commemorative speech.

A Complete Tribute Speech Guide
How to write a eulogy
Sample eulogies
Poems for funerals
Inspirational quotations
Commemorative Speech Help

If you're struggling for words you might like this offer ...

Speech writer graphic with text: Are you finding writing your speech hard? I could do it for you. Click and find out more.

Back to the top of the sample tribute speech
Return to write-out-loud.com homepage

speaking out loud

Subscribe for FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see speaking out loud

Susan Dugdale - write-out-loud.com - Contact

Top 10 popular pages

Welcome speech
Demonstration speech topics
Impromptu speech topic cards
Thank you quotes
Impromptu public speaking topics
Farewell speeches
Phrases for welcome speeches
Student council speeches
Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Public speaking games ebook cover - write-out-loud.com

Useful pages

Search this site
About me & Contact
Blogging Aloud
Free e-course
Privacy policy

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

Eulogy Examples For Mother

How do i write a eulogy for my mother.

I don’t know if there is a deeper sense of loss than that of your Mother. The person who raised you taught you right from wrong and brought you into this world. I want to say how sorry I am for the loss you are going through and that I hope this page of text will help, in some way, to get you through writing a lovely memorial speech for your mother.

Before you start to write, I want you to know that the fact you are preparing this eulogy means that you played a huge role in your mother’s life and that she would be proud of you for putting so much thought and effort into the speech. No matter how the speech goes, what you share or don’t share will not have any effect on the lasting memory of your mother. Now is just the time to share your most wonderful memories of the women that raised you. Share what you love most about her and your most cherished memories. The best thing I can do for you is to provide some eulogy examples which I found useful to hopefully bring you some inspiration at this tough time. I have also included some tips from professional eulogy writers below. I wish you and your family only the best. If I can help anymore, please do reach out. If you would like to share your eulogy with us, to help others in the future, I would be honoured. Thank you

Tribute Ideas to a Mother at Funeral

Eulogy for mother from son.

This lovely eulogy from a son her his mother is a lovely example of how to memorialise your mothers life

Can you hear me at the back? I have to ask because we were at the wedding last week and mum was sending smoke signals from the back of the room because she couldn’t hear me….. Ministers, family, friends and to the thousands of well-wishers who in the past few days have sent their messages of condolence and sympathies, thank you for coming to pay respect to my mother, Miriam. Those of us who knew her well knew that mom was never more than a deepin’ meaningful conversation or an emotional story away from having a good ol’ cry, so as her only son you’ll understand if I shed a few myself. As I speak to you I have to begin by thanking a few people, that’s what mom would have done so I’d like to say, I want to thank the friends and family who have rallied around and given us great strength in this dark time. Your organization and your willingness to pitch in is greatly appreciated by dad and me. Monsignorakhirin for your guidance and compassionate words I know. Mom was inordinately proud of your achievements and hopeful for what your future might bring. To the calibre family for the beautiful flowers here in the church today for deer, and Eve rain and the wonderful musicians for sharing the music with us, and to my stepbrothers and your families, my cousin’s, our neighbours, to my beautiful wife, Jennifer, for stepping in at a time of crisis and keeping the show on the road. Ma’am would have been so proud and grateful to see all the family come together and muck in so thank you all. the Marines we know many people across the length and breadth of this country have their own personal experience of and relationship with, Miriam and the many versions of her that there are. the mother, the wife, the sister, the aunt, the stepmother, the mother-in-law, the friend, the colleague, the journalist, the radio host, the social commentator, the activist and the architect. Each of these versions of Marian touched us because she had great empathy and her curiosity made all these selves very genuine. the woman I knew behind all these selves, was a shy lady who was as happy reading a book in silence, as she was sitting around the dinner table in the small areas of the morning with friends, laughing, joking, singing when she could remember the words, debating the politics of the day and generally sorting out the world’s problems, one dinner party at a time. The lady who liked being in bed during a storm, listening to the wind and rain crashing against the windows with the duvet pulled up to her chin, a classy lady with soul in the truest sense. she had a razor-sharp mind, she was patient, she was compassionate and she was great company at home. the matriarch was deeply protective of her family, mom was not a strict mother luckily for me but she would let me know when I was being foolish. her own mother, my granny, was a wonderful stoic religious woman who had sent mom back to school after her Leaving Cert because she thought mom was a bit too young and probably a bit too wild for a university. the result for us was that mom gave us great freedom, she respected good efforts, she rewarded independent thinking, she believed we should continually educate ourselves. she loved to debate things just for the sport of it. she believed that respect was always deserved and not just earned, and when it was lost there was room for forgiveness. nobody is always good and nobody is always bad. one of her favourite songs was a revolution by the Beatles, in it the line “you say you want a revolution, yeah we all want to change the world.” this is the challenge that she. accepted her activism and her charity were real because she lived the problems she tried to fix. her work with the Irish Hospice Foundation and the work of friends in Ireland were fueled by her experiences with my sister Sinead and the death of her own mother. she had the courage to step up to life’s challenges publicly and reflected on them privately. mom taught me that if you want a revolution, you can start one by challenging people, by finding commonalities, and by finding within people their humanity and their capacity to improve. stand up straight, she’d say, look him in the eye and go from there. mom lived many lifetimes in her life, her legacy to me is to travel to learn to live a life that’s full of love and her spirit will live on when the next generation of her family is born next month. Jenny and I will try to raise our child to have courage, curiosity and kindness, virtues that Marian espoused. thank you ma’am, we love you and we’ll miss you terribly

Eulogy Example for Mother from Daughter

The below eulogy is an example of an adult daughter saying goodbye to her mother.

hi, I’m on Harley’s daughter Nancy. Dear friends family and pastor, today we say goodbye to my mom but we’re also here to celebrate her life because that’s what she would want for all of us here that are saddened by her passing. She had a whole life, most of you here knew her as a friend but she was also an aunt. She was a grandmother. She was a wife, a daughter, a sister and a mom. She was also known around the house as chief. So the last few days they’ve been trying to think how in the world I could possibly put into a few minutes everything that I could be to someone like that, so bear with me. First, I think I should acknowledge that she gave me life, that’s a pretty big one and forever grateful to have such a great mom. She was my first teacher, she taught me all through her life, all through my life and she taught me right up till the end what humility, dignity, poise and bravery look like she also taught me the value of a good gift together and having friends and family around and I know she’s up in heaven right now looking down and it’s very happy and very excited and pleased with all of you and her friends and I know she’s thinking this is a good one we’re here to celebrate her life her, comic wit. My mom had a way of coming up with a one-liner just when you least expected it and it was the perfect comedy one-liner. It would come out of the left field and it would have you floored and only in her way of delivery could she do it. She was a consummate entertainer and singer. A few years ago I was having a birthday party for my husband, it was one of his milestone birthdays and I asked my mom ahead of the party if she would prepare a toast for Glen and give it at the party and she said, ‘oh no I could never, but what I will do is I will prepare a song I’ll make up new lyrics to a show too and I’ll jump and sing it’ I’m not sure what was easier, but she got up and she’s singing a song that she had written that was hilarious. It was a toast to my husband and everyone there was blown away and that was her way. In fact, she’s staying at our wedding she had secretly talked to the minister and to the keyboardist at our wedding and in the middle of the service she had it all arranged, she got up and sang sunrise sunset to her daughter and her new husband it was beautiful and pretty special. Obviously, to have a mom singing that song to you, I knew in fact it was such a time that although I thought the minister will leave in the middle of the service, he stayed and that job probably pulled it together to finish the ceremony. My mom and dad were from what is called the greatest generation, they taught us, kids, that he saved with a penny earned and that if something is broke you fixed it, you repaired it, you mended it, you took the time and you put it back together. For those of you who have been to my mother’s house you know that that’s the truth, they could have remodelled their home ten times but they repaired it themselves. They still have the O’Keefe and Merritt stove that they bought when that house was built in1953. I remember my mom telling me once that my dad was so smart because when they were gone in the house he researched furnaces and the one he picked is the one that was still working, 60 years later. It was in his heart and so yes at one point my husband and I remodelled our kitchen and we were tearing out cabinets and taking out appliances then yeah it was just way too much, it was their appliances, they were still good. Nancy and I were like his mother that they’re all the green kind of brain you know we were going for four days it didn’t even matter, we essentially remodelled the kitchen and she still to this day wonders what happened to those appliances, they were so good, so new isn’t always better! She told me you can tell what they have when people spend their money and how my mom felt about appliances, she felt about her friends and family. She didn’t just throw out the appliances, you didn’t throw out a family you didn’t throw out your friends. Just because things got a little rough, she stuck around. You know she’s been a member of this church for 60 years, she’s been a member of the Assistance League and the Women’s Club at the fringe clubs and gosh I don’t even know. That was my mom, she stuck by her friends and her family so in the last few days I’ve gotten lots of heartfelt messages and I want to read to you one of the passages someone sent me because it kind of helped me get through. It said ‘ tonight when you look up don’t see the stars, think of them as porchlights welcoming your mom safely home ‘, So I share that with you because apparently she had a gig that we didn’t know about and she’s probably up there right now singing and dancing and telling her jokes. In the past few days I was going through some of her things, putting some stuff together and I found a seven-page handwritten story of her life that she had written about ten years ago and it’s so Arlene and so my mom. There are sections in it there are entertaining and there are bits and pieces in it that our song lyrics were written throughout and it was I didn’t know about it. My family didn’t know about it. It was written ten years ago so we printed out a few copies at the reception afterwards. I want to close with the way she closed because I think she would like that, so I guess to sum it all up you all good friends, sisters, wonderful family, four children, six grandchildren and a husband with married for over 50 years, this fun line from the musical carnival. “it’s been a real nice clambake Emma, sure had a real good time” So thank you for coming, thank you for loving my mom she loved all of you so much. Her daily community, so thank you. I’m not doing a very good job at celebrating her life so if anybody would like to come up and do a remembrance I would welcome you, maybe something a little more lighthearted. Thank you.

Here is another eulogy to a mother who died of breast cancer

You know, my mother was very smart. very, very smart. But she did have trouble she had some trouble with technology. she really didn’t get answering machines. she really didn’t get portable phones. and I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten a message from my mother on the answering machine, but it’s like she’s talking into a well or something. she starts out ‘this is your mother, Frances.’ well good because I thought it was my other mother. ‘well we just called to see how you were and you could almost see her trying to crawl in there and ‘and we’ll call you back, we love you very much amen’ but you know she didn’t get that you have to push the button now to get the phone to go up so if you’d listen a while longer you’d hear daddy say, ‘did you talk to him, no they weren’t there well who are you talking to no they weren’t there I left a message but I think I said amen’ next message ‘this is your mother Francis, I think I said Amen I don’t know what in the world is wrong with me, well we love you very much, amen’ I just have to tell you that like everyone before her, I’m so happy you’re here and I’m so blessed. my mother and I tried to take real good care of each other over the years and when she died, I thought, ‘well I know she’ll be all right now, but I don’t know about me, who’s going to take care of me, cuz I know God’s taking care of her’ and it occurred to me yesterday, that she didn’t need me anymore, but she left behind people who do and she couldn’t take care of me anymore, but she left behind people who could. and so I know I’ll be alright, my friend Karen said, ‘you know death came for your mother several times and she ignored it’ and then finally God said no I’m serious and I’m going to take you right here now where you can’t get away thank you God for doing that, that way and that quick and in this place where she’s filled with people who love her so much. Thank you. Amen!

Eulogy for Mother Poems

Below are a list of poems suitable for a mothers eulogy

My Mother Kept A Garden
Child and Mother
A Sonnet for My Incomparable Mother
Goodbye Mom
Away by James Whitcomb Riley
Richer Than Gold by Strickland Gillilan
Your Mother is Always With You by Deborah R Culver
In Remembrance by Christine Currah
My Mother, My Friend by J. Allen Shaw
Only One Mother by George Cooper

We have curated a list of suitable funeral poems for mums to help give you some inspiration.

How to Write a Unique Eulogy for Your Mother

A story from a child is one that no other can replicate. There through good and bad, the clsoe bond shared will forever be with you and something you can use when penning a eulogy for your mother. We have written en extensive post to help you write your eulogy, but writing for your mother comes with a few extra steps that will ensure your message is a perfect goodbye.

1. Gather Thoughts and Memories

Make sure you speak with other fmaily members, friends & work colleagues to relive past memories. Not only will this help you determine the theme for your speech but it will ensure they feel a part of this too.

2. Theme your Mothers Eulogy

We dont advocate listing off items in chronological order like you are reading for ma list. Think of the type of women your mother was an weave this into your stories. Can you describe a time of adversity she overcame. Highlight the journey she went on, not just things that happen to everyone.

3. Slow Down and Really Remember Her

Rushing through the eulogy is a sure fire way to under deliver your speech. As well as practicing, just slow down, this gives you time to think and the audience a chance to catch up with you. A helpful tip is to write your speech as if your mother was in the audience and talk directly to her.

When it comes to paying tribute to your mother, only you will know the best way to immortalise her memory. We have put together an extensive list of funeral poems and popular funeral music for mothers, we hope this will help you plan the ceremony. If we are missing any information, please do contact us so we can ensure this resource is as helpful as possible.

Dealing with Grief
Online Grief Counseling
Loss of Parents
Loss of Spouse
Loss of Siblings
Loss of Children
Children and Grief
Relationship Grief
Alzheimer's Grief
Disenfranchised Grief
Coping with Suicide
Other Types of Grief
Stories of Grief
Frequently Asked Questions
Grief Forum
Planning a Funeral

Funeral Flowers

Funeral Poems

Funeral Eulogies
Funeral Caskets and Urns
Sympathy Gifts
Sympathy Baskets
Sympathy Cards
Words of Sympathy
Memorial Jewelry
Memorial Trees
Pet Loss Grief
Pet Memorial Jewelry
Pet Sympathy Cards and Gifts

Online Counseling

Keepsake Store

Free Eulogy Templates and Tips for the Perfect Send Off

Our printable free eulogy templates will help you to create the perfect funeral speech. Scroll down for the printouts.

You’re asked to speak at a funeral and you have a short period of time to gather your thoughts and prepare your speech. Experiencing nervousness is completely normal, especially while you’re coping with grief and sorrow from the loss. It may feel like an overwhelming task. Which of the many details of their life do you include? How long should it be? What should you say?

Writing a eulogy doesn’t have to be scary. Even if you aren’t a writer or public speaker, using the guidelines below, you will be able to write and deliver a meaningful and heartfelt speech.

Preparing to Write a Eulogy - Brainstorming

Begin by thinking of things you would be comfortable sharing about this person. The blank page is less intimidating if you start jotting down notes in each of the outline categories below. You won’t use every fact or memory, but will choose key pieces to include in the template. (Scroll down for ideas if the loss is of a child).

Eulogy speech outline

Thank everyone for coming.
What was your relationship with the person?
What are some key topics you’d like to share about them?

- Early life

Was he/she born elsewhere or somewhere special?
Is there anything interesting about their childhood and how it affected their life?
Education and work, marriage and children
Did he/she have a mentionable education or career?
Jot down names of the family.

- Significant events and achievements, hobbies and service, beliefs and passions

What stands out about them in these categories?
Significant events can be anything specific to them or their family, whether positive or negative. What are some events that made an impact on their life?
Achievements can be more than an award. Think of things that were important to them. Maybe he/she considered their children to be their biggest achievement.
Take a moment to think about what meant a lot to them, what did they value?
Write down several memories that come to mind when you think of this person.
To make a resonating speech bring it full circle at the end. That means, try refer back to something in the closing that you mentioned in the opening.
Lastly, thank everyone for coming to celebrate their life.

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

Shannon L. Alder

If the eulogy is for a child, some of the above sections may not be appropriate. Avoid anger and despair over the loss of a young life. Instead, focus on positive memories and stories that honour their memory. Consider the following points in your brainstorming:

Write your thoughts on how the death of a child affects those around them.
What made the child special to you?
Was there a favorite book or poem or song that you can share?
What were the child’s favorite things?
What’s your favorite memory of them?

If you get stuck brainstorming or populating the template, you have options. You can ask family or friends to provide details or recall stories about the deceased. If you have access to photo albums, see what memories start to surface as you flip through. Don’t forget social media accounts, reviewing a person’s profile, feed, and photos can give you insights into their lives.

Review the facts and memories you’ve written down. It’s perfectly okay to insert bits of humour into the eulogy, but avoid anything inappropriate or embarrassing. As you’re reviewing your notes, cross out anything in poor humour or that you don’t want to include. Circle or highlight what you definitely want to keep.

Now, take those ideas and pull it all together, into a template.

Example Eulogy Templates for Printing

Example Eulogy Template for an Adult Click here for the downloadable PDF.

OPENING

I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate ________’s (name) life. ________ (name) was the most ________(adjective) person I’ve ever known and I know many of you would agree. He/She ________ (include a bit of information about the deceased here, perhaps a memory).

EARLY LIFE

_________ (name) was born on ________ (birthdate) in _______ (city). He/She was the

______ (first, second, only) child of ________ (father) and ________ (mother). His/her sisters and brothers are ________, ________, and ________ (add more or less as needed). His/her childhood was ________ (include a bit of information about the deceased here, perhaps a memory or a humorous story about the siblings).

EDUCATION AND WORK

_________ (name) went to _______ (name of schools) and graduated with ________ (name of degree or training). He/She spent most of her career at ________ (name of company) as a _______ (name of position). He/She ________ (include a bit of information about the deceased here, perhaps a memory. What was his/her work ethic? Did he/she enjoy the work?).

MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

In ______ (year) ________ (name) met _______ (spouse) and they were married in_____ (year). They had ___ (number) children: _______, _______, and _______ (names of children). Last year, ______ (name) and _______ (spouse) celebrated their _____ (number) wedding anniversary. He/She ________ (include additional information about the family, perhaps a funny or sweet memory).

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

In ______ (year), ______ (name) received the award of ______ (award). This award was meaningful to him/her because ______ (reason). He/She ________ (include additional information available, if it’s significant).

HOBBIES AND SERVICE / BELIEFS AND PASSIONS

______ (name) was active in the ________ (church, community, volunteer, etc). He/She spent many hours doing _______ (activity) and was known for ________ (descriptor). ______ (name) was passionate about ______ (passion). He/She ________ (include additional comments or memories about their extra-curricular activities).

My favorite memory of ______ (name) is that time when ______ (memory). (try to tie this memory back to their character – how the deceased was as a person).

The world is a sadder place without ______ (name) in our lives. But ______ (name) touched each and every one of us and has left us with memories we will cherish forever. Thank you.

Eulogy Template for a Child Click here for the downloadable PDF.

I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate ________’s (name) life. ________ (name) was the most ________(adjective) child I’ve ever known. He/She ________ (include a bit of information about the child here, perhaps a memory).

______ (first, second, only) child of ________ (father) and ________ (mother). His/her sisters and brothers are ________, ________, and ________ (add more or less as needed). His/her childhood was ________ (include a bit of information about the child here, perhaps a memory or a humorous story about the siblings).

MEMORIES AND STORIES

My favorite memory of ______ (name) is that time when ______ (memory). (Use this section to share the memories and stories about the child. Share their favorite things, their relationships with friends and family, what made them laugh.

CLOSING (an appropriate poem, perhaps the child’s favorite)

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they’re happy.” - Eskimo Proverb

Perhaps they are not stars - Eskimo poem - greeting card

Tips on Speaking the Eulogy

Read the eulogy out loud several times and if you trip on any words, consider editing to make it easier to read next time.
Practice several times each day leading up to the event, it will prepare you for the tougher parts of the eulogy. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice in front of family or friends. Practice while standing up, as if you were at the service. Practice looking at the audience and referring to your note cards.
Time yourself to ensure you are around your target: no more than 5-10 minutes.
Your speech doesn’t have to be memorized, but the more you practice the less you’ll need to read and the more natural you will sound. You may feel comfortable switching to notecards with bullet points or you may prefer to keep to the script. Do what feels best.
You may fear being overly emotional or breaking down. Showing your emotion is perfectly normal. Focusing on the words on the page will help you maintain your composure.
No matter how you choose to prepare, the most important thing is to give the best speech you can give; a speech from the heart.

Funeral Speech Examples for Mother, Father, Friends and More

Grief and Sympathy Home
Funeral Speeches and Eulogies
Free Eulogy Templates

For Remembrance:

Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving.

Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant for Cremation Ashes, Engraved Forever Loved

Memorial Jewelry to Honour a Loved One

Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one. Pendants, necklaces, rings or bracelets, we have them all in all kinds of styles. Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift.

Click here to see our selection

Create an Online Memorial Website

Honour your loved one with their own memorial website. Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website. Free for basic plan with no ads.

Find out more here.

Keep in touch with us:

Sign up for our newsletter and receive: "the 10 most important things you can do to survive your grief and get on with life".

Our free downloadable and printable document "The 10 Most Important Things You Can Do To Survive Your Grief And Get On With Life" will help you to be positive day to day.

The 10 points are laid out like a poem on two pretty pages which you can pin on your fridge door to help you every day!

All you have to do to receive this free document is fill in your email address below.

You will also receive our newsletter which we send out from time to time with our newest comforting and helpful information. You can unsubscribe any time you like, and don't worry, your email address is totally safe with us.

NEW BONUS - Also receive a copy of our short eBook - '99 Ways to Spot a Great Grief Counselor'. Available for instant download as soon as you sign up. Never waste money on poor counseling again!

Join us on Facebook for articles, support, discussion and more. Click 'Like' below.

Grief and Sympathy

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

Click on the HTML link code below.
Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Find us here:

Sales made via this site will result in a small commission to us which enables us to continue our work helping those who are grieving. This does not affect the price you are charged and we will only ever recommend services and products in which we have complete faith.

Expert and Effective Online Counseling - Get Started Now

Self-help hypnosis downloads.

Try gentle therapy using relaxing hypnotherapy tracks in the privacy of your own home.

Click here to find out more.

Sympathy Basket - Peace and Prayers by 1800Baskets

Any information provided on this website is general in nature and is not applicable to any specific person.

For specific advice, please consult a medical practitioner or qualified psychologist or counselor.

SiteMap About Us Contact Us

Affiliate Disclosure Privacy Policy

Simplicity Funerals

Since 1979, we’ve helped people honour lives. We bring families, friends and communities together to say goodbye on their terms and within their means.

Guardian Plan

No one knows you like you. So when it comes to your funeral, it makes sense to pre-plan so you can get every detail just the way you want it.

Australian Funeral Directors Association

Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) is the peak industry body with Member firms in every State and Territory.

Let your loved ones know you're thinking of them during this difficult time.

Support Partners

My Tributes has partnered with the following services to offer support and resources.

Eulogy example: What can I say about my mum at her funeral?

Emotions run deep following the loss of a mother, and finding the right words to capture the essence of her remarkable life can be a challenging time.

To help encourage ideas and support you on your journey, we hope the below eulogy example for a mother serves as a testament to the unwavering love, guidance and support that our mothers so often selflessly provide. Make yours personal by adding your own memories, don't focus on the grammar just yet, just let the conversation flow. You've got this!

Eulogy example for Mother

Hello everyone, thank you all for coming to honour and remember my Mum, (name).

In the depths of our grief and sorrow today, we come to bid farewell to a woman who was not just a mother, grandmother, wife and sister, but a guiding light in all our lives. My Mum, pillar of strength and compassion, leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Born and raised in (town), the heart of (state), Mum had a spirit that was as boundless as the acreages of land she lived on. She was a true-blue country girl, with a laugh that could brighten the darkest of days and the warmest hug I'll ever know. To me (and siblings), mum was like a beautiful weeping willow tree, providing shade and comfort whenever any of us / I needed it.

Oh, how I will miss her cooking! Shame the apple didn't fall from the tree in that department... From her simple Sunday roast and backyard BBQ's to her mouth-watering caramel slice, Mum's kitchen was food lovers heaven. The pleasure she got from cooking for loved ones mirrored the warmth of her heart, and every meal to her was an opportunity to be together and I will miss these special table moments most of all.

Mum loved to share stories about her life on the farm. Sitting around the campfire, she would spin yarns of her childhood, sharing the family's struggles and achievements, instilling in us a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. Her stories wove the tapestry of our family's heritage, and I know we will all be forever grateful for the cultural richness she imparted.

In the face of adversity, Mum was a beacon of resilience. (Personal story here) She taught us that strength doesn't come from avoiding hardships but from facing them head-on. With every challenge that life presented, she demonstrated grace and courage, inspiring us to approach life with the same tenacity and determination.

As a grandmother, Mum was pure magic. Watching her with (names of grandchildren) was witnessing love in its purest form. She doted on them with so much warmth and affection, creating cherished memories that will be passed down through generations.

Though the pain of losing Mum is beyond words, I hope you can find solace in knowing that she lived a life of purpose and love. Her kindness, selflessness and unwavering devotion to family and friends has left an indelible mark on each of us.

In the words of Dorothea Mackellar, "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains," and so did Mum. She embraced the Australian spirit wholeheartedly and enriched our lives every single day. Today, as we bid her cheerio, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, and a mother who was simply extraordinary.

Rest in peace, Mum. You will forever be our guiding star, shining brightly in the vastness of our hearts. Goodbye, until we meet again on the other side of the horizon.

To find support

Beyond Blue provides Australians with information and support to improve their mental health. Call 1300 22 46 36 or visit beyondblue.org.au for more information.

Lifeline Australia provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for more information.

GriefLine listens, cares and supports people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Call 1300 845 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.

MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

Kids Helpline is a free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service Australia wide specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.

Life Supports Counselling provides Australians with experienced counsellors & psychologists in their local area Australia-wide. Call 1300 735

Latest articles

Where to find grief support services in nsw.

Find grief support in NSW to find solace on your healing journey and guidance on how to support someone...

A eulogy for my best friend: How to share their story

Read My Tributes article where we provide support on expressing your love and friendship for your best...

6 funeral notice wording examples for parents

Writing a funeral notice for your parents can be a difficult task. Read 6 funeral notice wording...

Choosing appropriate attire for a "no black attire" funeral

Explore modern approach to funeral attire. Celebrate life with bright colors and personalised styles.

View today's funeral notices and death notices near me

To find recent passings, upcoming funeral details and read tributes and condolences, visit My Tributes...

Rituals and traditions: A path to healing through grief

Rituals and traditions can play an important role in helping us heal through grief. By participating in these rituals, we can begin to find peace in the midst of our pain and move forward in our healing journey.

How do you start a eulogy speech?

Writing a eulogy allows you to honour the life of a loved one and provide comfort to those in mourning.

How to write a really good eulogy

Learn how to write a really good eulogy that honours your loved one’s memory. Read our tips and guidance for crafting the perfect tribute.

How to support a grieving employee

Supporting grieving employees requires empathy, patience and understanding. Each person's experience with grief is unique and providing personalised support and understanding therefore is essential.

3-year-old struck by vehicle after mother held at gunpoint, robbed at park, police say

Police in Mississippi are investigating after a mother was held by gunpoint and her 3-year-old...

JACKSON, Miss. ( WLBT /Gray News) - Police in Mississippi said a child is recovering from head injuries after his mother was held at gunpoint.

Police with the Jackson Police Department said the mother was held up on Saturday at Jayne Avenue Park.

The mother and her 3-year-old son were playing at the park when two people approached them.

Those suspects then pulled out a gun and held it on the mother and child while demanding they hand over their belongings.

The suspects then stole the mother’s vehicle, hitting the child in the process.

Police said the child sustained head injuries but was responsive at the scene. He was taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities said the suspects were driving a black four-door vehicle believed to be a Chrysler 200.

The victim’s vehicle is a white 2006 Chevy Impala with the tag number of HPU 633.

The names of the victims and suspects were not released.

Jackson Police are investigating this incident as an armed robbery, aggravated assault, and auto theft.

Anyone with the information about this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477 or the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234.

Police say a 61-year-old man killed his wife, daughter and daughter-in-law and critically...

Grandfather kills 3 family members before turning gun on himself, police say

The crash happened Sunday afternoon in Lexington.

Crash blocks inner loop of New Circle Road

Micah Price received his graduation diploma on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from Campbell County...

Campbell County grad says controversial speech cost him his diploma

Red Mile hosts the annual Railbird Festival featuring country artists.

Second day of Railbird Festival underway at Red Mile

Crews battled an early morning fire in Somerset that left two homes damaged

Somerset Fire Department responds to early morning fire

4-year-old sets up lemonade stand for family of trooper killed in hit-and-run

Thousands of people were ordered to leave for evacuation centers. (CNN, KOVR, KMAX, KCRA,...

Growing California wildfire forces residents to evacuate

Family and activists for 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II, who was fatally shot by a Minnesota state...

Prosecutors to dismiss charges against trooper who shot Black man in traffic stop

Evacuations have been put in order for a wildfire in California. (Credit: KCRA)

California firefighters battle wind-driven wildfire east of San Francisco overnight

The love of the Wildcats outweighed the hindrance of the rain.

Big Blue Nation shows support for Wildcats despite rainy weather

Election 2024
Entertainment
Newsletters
Photography
Personal Finance
AP Investigations
AP Buyline Personal Finance
AP Buyline Shopping
Press Releases
Israel-Hamas War
Russia-Ukraine War
Global elections
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East
Election Results
Delegate Tracker
AP & Elections
Auto Racing
2024 Paris Olympic Games
Movie reviews
Book reviews
Personal finance
Financial Markets
Business Highlights
Financial wellness
Artificial Intelligence
Social Media

Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who lived in the White House, dies at 86

FILE - Marian Robinson, mother of first lady Michelle Obama, center left, smiles as she boards Air Force One with President Barack Obama en route to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” a landmark event of the civil rights movement, from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., March 7, 2015. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - First lady Michelle Obama, left, and her mother Marian Robinson react as Ret. Navy Admiral John B. Nathman speaks to delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 6, 2012. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

FILE - Former first lady Michelle Obama’s mother Marian Robinson, center, arrives for a ceremony as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for the unveiling of their official White House portraits in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Sept. 7, 2022. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Copy Link copied

WASHINGTON (AP) — On election night 2008, as Barack Obama sat nervously in a Chicago hotel suite and awaited news on whether he would become the country’s first Black president, his mother-in-law was by his side.

“Are you ready for this, Grandma?” Obama asked Marian Shields Robinson, who years earlier had doubted that he and her daughter, Michelle, would last.

Six months, tops, she had predicted.

“Never one to overemote, my mom just gave him a sideways look and shrugged, causing them both to smile,” Michelle Obama wrote in her memoir, “Becoming.” “Later, though, she’d describe to me how overcome she’d felt right then, struck just as I’d been by his vulnerability. America had come to see Barack as self-assured and powerful, but my mother also recognized the gravity of the passage, the loneliness of the job ahead.”

She continued: “The next time I looked over, I saw that she and Barack were holding hands.”

The union of Barack and Michelle Obama, the 20-something lawyers who met one summer while working at a Chicago law firm, endured and made history. In her own way, Mrs. Robinson would, too.

FILE - First lady Michelle Obama, left, and her mother Marian Robinson react as Ret. Navy Admiral John B. Nathman speaks to delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 6, 2012. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

She died peacefully on Friday, the former first lady and her brother, Craig Robinson, and their families announced in a statement.

“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” they said. “In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.”

Besides being the mother of the nation’s first Black first lady, Mrs. Robinson was also unusual for being one of the few in-laws who lived at the White House with the president and his immediate family.

Until January 2009, Mrs. Robinson had lived her entire life in Chicago. She was a widow and in her early 70s when Obama was elected in 2008 and resisted the idea of starting over in Washington. President Obama said the family suggested she try Washington for three months before deciding. The first lady enlisted her brother to help persuade their mother to move.

“There were many good and valid reasons that Michelle raised with me, not the least of which was the opportunity to continue spending time with my granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, and to assist in giving them a sense of normalcy that is a priority for both of their parents, as has been from the time Barack began his political career,” Mrs. Robinson wrote in the foreword to “A Game of Character,” a memoir by her son, formerly the head men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University.

“My feeling, however, was that I could visit periodically without actually moving in and still be there for the girls,” she said.

Mrs. Robinson said her son understood why she wanted to stay in Chicago, but still used a line of reasoning on her that she would use on him and his sister. He asked her to think of the move as an opportunity to grow and try something new.

“As a compromise, I opted to move to the White House after all, at least temporarily, while still reserving lots of time to travel and maintain a certain amount of autonomy,” she wrote.

Granddaughters Malia and Sasha were just 10 and 7, respectively, when they started to call the executive mansion home in 2009 after their dad became president. In Chicago, Mrs. Robinson had become almost a surrogate parent to them during the presidential campaign. She retired from her job as a bank secretary to help shuttle them around.

At the White House, she was a reassuring presence, and her lack of Secret Service protection made it possible for her to accompany them to and from school daily without fanfare.

“I would not be who I am today without the steady hand and unconditional love of my mother, Marian Shields Robinson,” Michelle Obama wrote in her memoir. “She has always been my rock, allowing me the freedom to be who I am, while never allowing my feet to get too far off the ground. Her boundless love for my girls, and her willingness to put our needs before her own, gave me the comfort and confidence to venture out into the world knowing they were safe and cherished at home.”

Her White House life was not limited to caring for her granddaughters.

Mrs. Robinson enjoyed a level of anonymity that the president and first lady openly envied, allowing her to come and go from the White House as often as she pleased on shopping trips around town, to the president’s box at the Kennedy Center and to Las Vegas or to visit her other grandchildren in Portland, Oregon. She gave a few media interviews but never to White House press.

She attended some White House events, including concerts, the annual Easter Egg Roll and National Christmas Tree lighting, and was a guest at some state dinners.

White House residency also opened up the world to Mrs. Robinson, who had been widowed for nearly 20 years when she moved to a room on the third floor, one floor above the first family.

She had never traveled outside the U.S. until she moved to Washington, taking her first flight abroad on Air Force One in 2009 when the Obamas visited France. She joined them on a trip to Russia, Italy and Ghana later that year, during which she got to meet Pope Benedict, tour Rome’s ancient Colosseum and view a former slave-holding compound on the African coast.

She also accompanied her daughter and granddaughters on two overseas trips without the president to South Africa and Botswana in 2011, and China in 2014.

Craig Robinson wrote that he and his parents doubted whether his sister’s relationship with Obama would last, though Fraser Robinson III and his wife thought the young lawyer was a worthy suitor for their daughter, also a lawyer. Craig Robinson and his parents were sitting on the front porch of their Chicago home one hot summer night when Obama and his sister stopped by on their way to a movie.

Her parents exchanged knowing glances as soon as the couple departed. “Too bad,” Mrs. Robinson said. “Yep,” answered Fraser Robinson. “She’ll eat him alive.”

Craig Robinson wrote that his mother gave the relationship six months. Barack and Michelle Obama tied the knot on Oct. 3, 1992 and have been married for 31 years.

Marian Lois Shields Robinson was born in Chicago on July 30, 1937. She attended two years of teaching college, married in 1960 and, as a stay-at-home mom, stressed the importance of education to her children. Both were educated at Ivy League schools, each with a bachelor’s degree from Princeton. Michelle Obama also has a law degree from Harvard.

Fraser Robinson was a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department. He had multiple sclerosis and died in 1991.

Besides the Obama family, Mrs. Robinson is survived by her son, Craig, his wife, Kelly, and their children Avery, Austin, Aaron and Leslie.

BREAKING: Claudia Sheinbaum projected to be Mexico’s first female president

Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, dies at 86

WASHINGTON — Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has died, according to a family statement shared with NBC News. Robinson was 86 years old.

“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the family statement said.

The family statement is from Michelle and Barack Obama; Craig Robinson and his wife, Kelly; and Marian Robinson’s grandchildren, Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin and Aaron.

Robinson became known to Americans as the country’s first grandmother after her son-in-law, Barack Obama, won the 2008 presidential election. She was a fixture in the White House during his eight years in office, though she kept a low profile. She attended holiday events, the occasional overseas trip and concerts in the East Room. But most often she was with her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia.

Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Marian Robinson, Sasha, and Malia sit together

Having lived in Chicago her entire life, Robinson agreed to move to Washington, D.C., in 2009 to live in the White House residence and help take care of her granddaughters, who were seven and 10 years old at the time.

“I felt like this was going to be a very hard life for both of them,” she later said in a CBS interview , referring to her daughter and son-in-law. “And I was worried about their safety, and I was worried about my grandkids. That’s what got me to move to D.C.”

In their statement Friday, Robinson's family members said she agreed to leave Chicago with "a healthy nudge."

"We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all," they said.

"She relished her role as a grandmother. ... And although she enforced whatever household rules we’d set for bedtime, watching TV, or eating candy, she made clear that she sided with her 'grandbabies' in thinking that their parents were too darn strict," they added.

In a statement released Saturday, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said, "We knew Mrs. Marian Robinson as a devoted mother and grandmother with a fierce and unconditional love of her family. With the blessing of friendship, we felt that love ourselves — with every quiet smile or warm embrace she shared with us."

"The entire Biden family sends its deepest love to Michelle, Craig, Barack, Kelly, and the six irrepressible grandchildren whom she helped to raise and so loved, and in whom her kind and gentle spirit lives on," the statement added.

Robinson was born in Chicago in 1937 and grew up in the city’s South Side, where she raised her daughter and son, Craig Robinson. She was married to Fraser Robinson, who died in 1991 from multiple sclerosis.

The former president once called his mother-in-law “the least pretentious person I know.” Indeed, Robinson said in the CBS interview that it was a “huge adjustment” being waited on by White House residence staff, whom she said she convinced to let her do her own laundry.

"Rather than hobnobbing with Oscar winners or Nobel laureates, she preferred spending her time upstairs with a TV tray, in the room outside her bedroom with big windows that looked out at the Washington Monument," the family said in its statement Friday. "The only guest she made a point of asking to meet was the Pope."

The former president credited Robinson with keeping his daughters grounded while they grew up in the White House.

“She’s down to Earth and she doesn’t understand all the fuss,” he said in an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

Malia Obama Michelle Obama, and Marian Robinson walk towards Air Force One

Michelle Obama was deeply close to her mother. It was Robinson who narrated the biographical video introducing her daughter at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. And after leaving the White House, Robinson said, “My saying is when I grow up, I would like to be like Michelle Obama.”

Just a few weeks ago, Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother on Mother’s Day by announcing that an exhibit at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago will be named after her.

“In so many ways she fostered in me a deep sense of confidence in who I was and who I could be by teaching me how to think for myself, how to use my own voice, and how to understand my own worth,” the former first lady said in a video announcement. “I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without my mom.”

The family statement released Friday said "there was and will be only one Marian Robinson," adding, "In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example."

Kelly O’Donnell is Senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Lois Shields Robinson, dies at 86

Former first lady michelle obama said her mother was ‘my rock:' ‘i simply wouldn’t be who i am today without her.’.

Marian Robinson and her daughter, Michelle Obama

Marian Robinson (left) with her daughter, Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s X (formerly Twitter) account

WASHINGTON — Marian Lois Shields Robinson, 86, who raised her daughter, Michelle Obama, in a small apartment on Chicago’s South Side and later went to live in the White House when Barack Obama became president, died Friday, her family announced.

“My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed,” Michelle Obama said in a post on X. “She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”

The former first lady often credited her mother and her late father, Fraser, for instilling in her values and discipline while growing up at 7436 S. Euclid Ave.

Fraser Robinson, an operator at the City of Chicago Water Filtration Plant near Navy Pier, and a Democratic precinct captain, died in 1991.

After living in the White House, Mrs. Robinson moved back to Chicago, where she died Friday. The family statement announcing her death did not disclose the cause or funeral arrangements.

On Mother’s Day this year, Michelle Obama wrote, “My mom has always been my rock and I’m so grateful for all the ways she continues to show up for my family. She’s taught me so much over the years, and I feel so lucky that I get to pass that same wisdom down to my own girls.”

Michelle Obama’s childhood home at 7436 S Euclid Ave in South Shore, as it looked in 2022.

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

An exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, now under construction in Jackson Park, will be named in honor of Marian Robinson.

In announcing the naming of the “Opening the White House” exhibit after her mother, Michelle Obama wrote, “Growing up with my mom always was an adventure.

“It entailed trips to the library as a toddler to learn the alphabet; the entire family piling into our car to go to the local drive-in — homemade chicken in hand. It included Mom inviting family over for New Year’s Eve, raising a toast as the clock struck midnight.

“But above all else, my mother gave me nonstop, unconditional love in so many ways. She fostered in me a deep sense of confidence in who I was and who I could be by teaching me how to think for myself, how to use my own voice, and how to understand my own worth.

“I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without her.”

First lady Michelle Obama, left, and her mother Marian Robinson at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 6, 2012.

Charles Dharapak/AP Photos

When Barack Obama started his first term as president in January, 2009, Mrs. Robinson moved into the White House to help with child care duties for then young daughters Sasha and Malia.

During her time in Washington, she would leave the White House to go shopping or meet with friends, moving around the city unrecognized, a situation her famous daughter, who missed shopping at Target, envied.

It was a tough sell to persuade Mrs. Robinson to move in.

“I flat out begged her,” the former first lady wrote in her book, “The Light We Carry,” about convincing her mother that she needed to leave the South Side. “I’d enlisted Craig [Mrs. Robinson’s son and Michelle Obama’s brother] to further twist her arm. My mother was the rock of our family. She steadied us all. Since the time our daughters were babies, she’d help us out around the edges of our regular childcare arrangements.”

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, Marian Robinson

President Barack Obama (from left), his daughters Sasha and Malia, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mother, at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall in Washington in 2011.

Carolyn Kaster/AP

Mrs. Robinson was born July 29, 1937, one of seven children growing up in segregated Chicago. Her parents separated when she was a teen.

Her mother, Rebecca Jumper, was a nursing aide. Her father, the jazz-loving Purnell Shields, nicknamed “Southside,” could not, because he was Black, join a union or get a construction job. Her father woke the family “by blasting jazz records,” teaching her, the family said in a statement, “that even in the face of hardship, there was music to be found.”

Mrs. Robinson became a secretary, studying as a young woman to be a teacher. From the cramped apartment on Euclid, she taught her children to read at an early age, setting them on a course that led for both to Princeton University.

During her White House years, Mrs. Robinson lived on the third floor, and her daughter, on especially fraught days, would go up a flight to find comfort with her mom.

While living at the White House, she would often accompany Malia and Sasha to school.

Barack Obama has often told the story of how he sat next to his mother-in-law on a couch on Election Night 2008 in Chicago, watching the returns on television, and he grabbed her hand when he was projected to win the White House.

Then Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama (center) and his wife Michelle and her mother Marian Robinson sit on a couch watching election returns in Chicago in 2008 with daughters Sasha (front left) and Malia.

David Katz/AFP/Getty Images

“As someone who grew up in deeply segregated Chicago ... there were always barriers,” Barack Obama recalled in an interview.

With Obama’s election as the nation’s first Black president — and Mrs. Robinson’s daughter to be first lady —"seeing it through her eyes, I think, made it a little more special.”

President Biden, first lady Jill send condolences

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill got to know Mrs. Robinson when Biden was tapped to be Barack Obama’s vice president.

The first couple said in a statement on Saturday, “We knew Mrs. Marian Robinson as a devoted mother and grandmother with a fierce and unconditional love of her family. With the blessing of friendship, we felt that love ourselves — with every quiet smile or warm embrace she shared with us.

“She believed, like we do, that family is the beginning, middle and end. She moved into the White House to be there for her family when they needed her the most, and in so doing, she served her country right alongside them. Her life is a reminder that we are a great nation because we are a good people.”

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, and their grandmother Marian Robinson, wave from the Truman Balcony at the start of the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington in 2009.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha and their grandmother Marian Robinson, wave from the Truman Balcony at the start of the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington in 2009.

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Katy Perry Shares "Fixed" Version of Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech

Katy perry posted a heavily edited version of kansas city chiefs kicker harrison butker's commencement speech to kick off pride month, weeks after his original comments sparked controversy..

Katy Perry roared back at a guy and she liked it.

To kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month , the singer shared a heavily edited version of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker 's controversial commencement speech .

"Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything," Perry, 39, wrote on Instagram June 1. "Congratulations and happy pride."

Speaking on camera at Kansas' Benedictine College May 11, Butker said most female graduates would be "most excited" about marriage and motherhood and also spoke out against topics such as abortion and IVF. The edited speech posted by the singer, who rose to fame after the release of her 2008 debut single "I Kissed a Girl," splices some of the athlete's words together to make it sound as though he praises the women over their future careers, promotes "diversity, equity and inclusion" and wishes people a happy Pride Month.

E! News has reached out to Butker's rep for comment on Perry's post and has not head back.

The NFL player had stirred mixed reactions with his speech . On May 24, he broke his silence about the controversy while defending his Catholic faith.

"Over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe," Butker said in a speech at the Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville, presented by the Regina Caeli Academy, a homeschool hybrid academy for Catholic families. "At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion."

The 28-year-old continued, "In my seven years in the NFL, I've become familiar with the positive and negative comments, but the majority of them revolve around my performance on the field. But as to be expected, the more I've talked about what I value most, which is my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I have become. It's a decision I've consciously made and one I do not regret at all."

Find out what stars have said about Butker's speech...

The singer shared a heavily edited version of Butker's controversial commencement speech that splices several of his words together to make it appear as though he praises the female graduates over their future careers, promotes "diversity, equity and inclusion" and wishes people a happy Pride Month.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager

"Well, I’m where I am today because I have a husband who leans into his vocation, which is being an equal partner," Jenna —who shares daughters Mila , 11, and Poppy , 8, and son Hal , 4, with husband Henry Hager —said on TODAY . " And I tell him that all the time."

Added co-anchor Hoda , who's mom to daughters Haley , 7, and Hope , 5: "Don’t speak for us. Stop speaking for women out there."

Travis Kelce

"I cherish him as a teammate," the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said on the May 24 episode of the New Heights podcast. "He's treated family and family that I've introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness. And that's how he treats everyone."

"When it comes down to his views and what he said at Saint Benedict's commencement speech, those are his," he continued. "I can't say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids. And I don't think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life, that's just not who I am."

Eddie Vedder

The Pearl Jam frontman had some choice words, calling Butker at "f---kin' p---y" during a May 18 concert in Las Vegas.

"That’s some good men, good women, making up a great band," he said, gesturing to his fellow musicians onstage. "The singer, Jessica [ Dobson ], and the keyboard player, Patti [ King ], they must not have believed that [ deepening his voice ] 'diabolical lie' that women should take pride in taking a back seat to their man."

Vedder—dad to daughters Olivia and Harper with wife Jill McCormick —waited for the applause to trail off, then added that homemaking "is maybe one of the hardest jobs" and one to "definitely take pride in."

But he didn't "understand the logic" of advising anyone, men or women, that they'll benefit from giving up their dreams.

And, Vedder added, "There’s nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman and people of quality do not fear equality."

Maren Morris

The "Bones" singer reacted to Harrison's speech with a reference to a social media trend in which women say whether they'd rather encounter a bear or a man while alone in the woods.

Under a video of the NFL player's speech, Maren wrote on her Instagram Story , "I choose the bear."

Jason Kelce

“There’s always going to be opinions that everybody shares that you’re going to disagree with,” the former Philadelphia Eagles center said on the May 24 episode of the New Heights podcast. “And make no mistake about it, a lot of the things he said in his commencement speech are not things that I align myself with. But, he’s giving a commencement speech at a Catholic university, and, shocker, it ended up being a very religious and Catholic speech."

“To me," he continued, "I can listen to somebody talk and take great value in it, like when he’s talking about the importance of family and the importance that a great mother can make, while also acknowledge that not everybody has to be a homemaker if that’s not what they want to do in life.”

Maria Shriver

"What point was Harrison Butker really trying to make to women in his graduation speech about their present day life choices?" Maria wrote on X , formerly Twitter, May 16. "Did he really want them, aka us, to believe that our lives truly only begin when we lean into the vocation of wife and mother?"

"Look, everyone has the right to free speech in our country," she continued. "That's the benefit of living in a democracy. But those of us who are women and who have a voice have the right to disagree with Butker."

Kelly Stafford

"Building men up and not tearing them down is important. Building women and not tearing them down is important," wrote the podcast host and mother of four daughters with her husband, L.A. Rams quarterback Matt Stafford , in a May 16 Instagram post .

"Everyone has a choice of what they want his/her life to look like...it's not up to anyone else or society. The more society tells women where they belong, the more imposter syndrome starts to creep in, that they don't belong because that's what society is telling them."

She continued, "I'm happy and I thrive at home with being the homemaker, but that's not every woman's story nor should it have to be. Some women choose not to stay home and some women don't have the luxury to choose. We all might not agree on everything, but I think we all want the same end goal, a better world for our kids.

"I think supporting and encouraging women and men in whatever roles they choose is a great first step towards that goal."

Patricia Heaton

"I don't understand why everybody's knickers in a twist," the Everybody Loves Raymond actor shared in a video. "He gave a commencement speech. The audience applauded twice during the speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end. So clearly they enjoyed what he was saying. The guy is espousing his own opinions and Catholic doctrine."

"So what? It's his opnion, he can have one," she continued. "He's not a monster for stating what he believes."

Whoopi Goldberg

"I like when people say what they need to say—he's at a Catholic College, he's a staunch Catholic," she said during the May 16 episode of The View . "These are his beliefs and he's welcome to him. I don't have to believe them, right? I don't have to accept them. The ladies that were sitting in that audience do not have to accept them."

"I'm okay with him saying whatever he says and the women who are sitting there if they take his advice, good for them, they'll be happy," she added. "If they don't go for them, they will be happy a different way. That's my attitude."

Patrick Mahomes

"There's certain things that he said that I don't necessarily agree with," the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback explained during a May 22 press conference, "but I understand the person that he is and he is trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction."

"And that might not be the same values as I have, but at the same time, I'm going to judge him by the character that he shows every single day," he said. "That's a great person and we'll continue to move along and try to help build each other up to make ourselves better every single day."

"Everybody's got their own opinion," the Kansas City Chiefs coach said during a May 22 press conference. "And that's what's so great about this country, you could share those things, and you work through it."

"I didn't talk to him about this, didn’t think we’d need to," he continued. "We’re a microcosm of life here, everybody’s from different areas, different religions, different races. And so we all get along, we all respect each other's opinions, and not necessarily do we go by those, but we respect everybody to have a voice. It's a great thing about America. And we're just like I said a microcosm of that and my wish that everybody could kind of follow that."

“I don’t think he was speaking ill of women," he added. "He has his opinions, and we all respect that."

While emphasizing "how much this guy is not like me,” the TV host did say OF Harrison's speech during Real Time , "I don’t see what the big crime is, I really don’t.”

He continued, "Like he’s saying some of you may go on to successful careers, but a lot of you are excited about this other way that people, everybody used to be and now can. Can’t that just be a choice too?"

Tavia and Gracie Hunt

The wife and daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs CEO, Clark Hunt , spoke out following the team kicker's controversial statements.

"I've always encouraged my daughters to be highly educated and chase their dreams," Tavia, who also shares daughter Ava Hunt , 18, and son Knobel Hunt , 20, with Clark, wrote on Instagram, alongside throwback pics of herself with her kids. "I want them to know that they can do whatever they want (that honors God). But I also want them to know that I believe finding a spouse who loves and honors you as or before himself and raising a family together is one of the greatest blessings this world has to offer."

Gracie, 25, then told Fox News' Fox & Friends , "I've had the most incredible mom who had the ability to stay home and be with us as kids growing up. And I understand that there are many women out there who can't make that decision. But for me and my life, I know it was really formative and in shaping me and my siblings into who we are."

Roger Goodell

"Listen, we have over 3,000 players. We have executives around the league. They have a diversity of opinions and thoughts just like America does," the NFL commissioner said. "I think that's something that we treasure and that's part of, I think, ultimately what makes us as a society better."

Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s Steadfast Mother, Dies at 86

Moving into the White House, she provided stability for her granddaughters in a national spotlight.

Marian Robinson, in a blue patterned top, waving at the White House.

By Katie Rogers

Katie Rogers, who reported from Washington, is the author of a book on first ladies.

Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mother and an anchor of the Obama family who moved into the White House and provided stability for her two granddaughters as the family adjusted to Washington, died on Friday in Chicago. She was 86.

Her death was announced in a statement by Mrs. Obama, former President Barack Obama and other family members. The statement did not give a cause.

Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Ms. Robinson was known as a down-to-earth matriarch who became an emotional ballast for her daughter and granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, but also for Mr. Obama.

When Mr. Obama became the first Black person to win the presidency in November 2008, he watched the returns alongside his mother-in-law. Their hands were clasped as they watched their future change.

But Mrs. Robinson stayed much the same. “Just show me how to work the washing machine and I’m good,” she said after moving into the White House, the Obamas recalled in their statement.

Mrs. Robinson was never comfortable with the trappings of the White House and much preferred to take her dinner on a TV tray in her third-floor suite. “The only guest she made a point of asking to meet was the pope,” the family said.

In addition to Mrs. Obama, Mrs. Robinson’s survivors include her son, Craig, and six grandchildren. Her husband, Fraser Robinson III, died in 1991.

Mrs. Robinson’s move to Washington, in January 2009, was said at first to be temporary, to help her daughter and granddaughters adjust. At the time, she was hesitant to commit to a life inside a White House bubble, but even as she resisted, she revealed the resolve, and the sense of humor, that she had tried to instill in her children.

“In the end, I’ll do whatever,” she told reporters at the time. “I might fuss a little, but I’ll be there.”

Mrs. Robinson resided in her White House suite for most of President Obama’s eight years in office. She continued the duties she had started during his first presidential campaign, including enforcing bedtimes for her granddaughters, running their baths and making sure they got to school on time. She eventually adjusted, attending events at the Kennedy Center, hosting friends from Chicago and occasionally hiring a babysitter to watch the girls.

“The girls needed her,” the family statement said. “And she ended up being our rock through it all.”

To her daughter, she had been a model of support. In her memoir, “Becoming,” Mrs. Obama wrote that she had wanted to be both a career woman and a “perfect” mother, as her own had been.

“I had so much — an education, a healthy sense of self, a deep arsenal of ambition,” she wrote. “And I was wise enough to credit my mother, in particular, with instilling it in me.”

Marian Lois Shields Robinson was born on July 29, 1937, in Chicago. Her father, Purnell Shields, had moved to Chicago from Alabama in the 1920s to escape the Jim Crow South. Her mother, Rebecca Jumper, was a nursing aide. As a young woman, Marian “fell quickly and madly in love with Fraser Robinson, another South Sider with a boxer’s strength and jazz lover’s cool,” the family said.

The Robinsons were married in 1960. Craig Robinson was born in 1962, Michelle in 1964.

The Robinsons raised their children in a second-floor apartment on Euclid Avenue, on the South Side, where they interacted with a rotating cast of extended family members, including a great-aunt who taught piano and lived in the first-floor apartment.

Mrs. Obama said that her mother and other family members, including her older brother, largely shielded her from the civil rights protests that roiled Chicago and much of the nation in the late 1960s. Instead, she said, she grew up listening to the clinking of piano keys rising from the floor below.

When Mrs. Obama was in elementary school, Mrs. Robinson asked that her daughter be moved into a gifted third-grade class, an act of advocacy that Mrs. Obama said helped change her life.

As the Robinson children grew into adults, they said, she offered her support, whether Craig “decided to leave a lucrative finance job to pursue his dream of coaching basketball” or “Michelle married a guy crazy enough to go into politics.”

Mrs. Robinson was alongside her daughter and granddaughters when they ran upstairs to see the White House residence for the first time, after Mr. Obama won the election in November 2008.

Anita McBride, the former chief of staff to the first lady Laura Bush, said that the Bush daughters, Barbara and Jenna, invited the Obama family to a tour of what would be their new home.

Ms. McBride recalled in an interview that Mrs. Robinson was quiet as the White House chief usher greeted the family. But if she was nervous, she did not let it show.

“She followed her daughter and her granddaughters on this adventure,” Ms. McBride said. “It’s a reminder that as lofty as it may seem, and as unattainable as it may seem, anybody can live there, and they can make a family life, and a family home.”

Michael Levenson contributed reporting.

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent. For much of the past decade, she has focused on features about the presidency, the first family, and life in Washington, in addition to covering a range of domestic and foreign policy issues. She is the author of a book on first ladies. More about Katie Rogers

Melania Trump and son Barron at Trump Tower in wake of guilty verdict, mood in Trumpworld after trial was ‘gloomy’

View Author Archive
Follow on X
Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Melania Trump and son Barron were at Trump Tower, sources tell Page Six, in the wake of the guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump.

But the former first lady was keeping a low profile, after having not appeared at court in his case.

A source told us: “Everyone has gathered around Trump at Trump Tower.”

It’s unclear exactly when Melania, 54, and Barron, 18, arrived at the family’s Manhattan home, but a source said, “Melania and Barron were smuggled in through the side entrance.” Reports said she was at Trump Tower when the guilty verdict against her husband came down.

Another insider told Page Six of the scene yesterday in Trumpworld when the verdict came in: “It’s like a funeral … There was hope all day and then none!”

The source added, “Everyone says Melania and the entire family are rallying around the former president. But the mood is nonetheless gloomy and gloomier right now. It’s definitely viewed as a downer at Mar-a-Lago.”

A big Trump donor also summed it up by saying: “What a bummer!”

An insider added of the scene on Thursday evening, “Everyone is upset. Trump talked to both Melania and all his children, including Ivanka. [But] Trump says the real verdict will take place in November when the people vote.”

The former president, 77, was scheduled to speak Friday morning at Trump Tower in Midtown, and he’d called the case against him a “rigged, disgraceful trial” after he was convicted of 34 felonies in the infamous “hush money” case.

A source added of the mood in Trumpland yesterday, “Everyone was hoping for him to get off or at least get a hung jury … the fact it happened rather quickly has everyone in a tizzy. But Trump’s friends say it’s not unexpected, and they’re prepared for the next steps, including the appeal.”

“The real verdict will be Nov. 5 by the people … I’m a very innocent man,” Trump said as he left the courtroom, slamming President Biden, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the judge who oversaw the trial.

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

Former White House aide Ivanka Trump had posted a pic of her dad and her as a kid to Instagram Stories with the caption “I love you dad” and a heart emoji.

A source said of recent speculation that Ivanka would enter the campaign — despite previously backing away from politics — “The verdict will put a damper on Ivanka’s entry into the campaign, and she’ll probably now wait until the convention.”

Sources close to Ivanka have insisted her plans to concentrate on family and not politics haven’t changed.

While Trump immediately returned to work Friday — a day after becoming the first ex-president ever convicted of felony criminal charges — a spy told us that the trial could have taken a toll.

“People who saw Trump go into the elevator in [Trump Tower] said he’s ‘finally looking older and tired.’”

Share this article:

IMAGES

Pin by Julie Perrone on Random
50 Best Eulogy Templates (For Relatives or Friends) ᐅ TemplateLab
Printable Eulogy Template For Mother
The 43 Most Touching Funeral Poems for Moms
Mom funeral Poems
Funeral Eulogy, Funeral Speech, Funeral Quotes, Funeral Poems For Mom

VIDEO

Best Speech on mother's day|Feel proud to your mother
Remarks at Funerals
Bishop Dr JJ Gitahi speech
A tribute to Mom who passed away
Amy Carter reads 75-year-old letter from her dad, Jimmy Carter, at tribute for Rosalynn Carter
The Mother's Day Speech I Wished I Could Give Mom When I was Younger

COMMENTS

What To Say At A Funeral Speech For A Mother
7. Offer words of comfort. 8. End with a message of love. Example 1 - Funeral Speech for a Beloved Mother. Example 2 - Eulogy for a Cherished Mother. Example 3 - Eulogy for an Admired Mother. Eulogy Assistant: Tenderly Honoring Spiritual Connections. Losing a mother can be an overwhelmingly painful experience.
How to Write a Tribute Speech to Your Mother: Step-By-Step
Writing a tribute speech is one of the best ways to memorialize your mom. Recognizing your mom's legacy is a gift to one of the most important people in your life. A speech is a great way to praise her and a great way of laying her life to rest. Jump ahead to these sections: Step 1: Do Your Research; Step 2: Think About Impact
Memorable Eulogy Samples for a Beloved Mother
Eulogy From a Son or Daughter. A eulogy written by a mother's son or daughter can be such a special tribute. An example of a eulogy from a son or daughter: " (Insert deceased individual's name) was the kindest, most loving person I've ever known. She mothered everyone, so much so that friends would often call her mom.
Funeral Speech For Mother From Daughter Examples
These words beautifully encapsulate the essence of my mother's life - a life lived with love, grace, and an unending capacity for kindness. Mum, thank you for the love, the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy. You were my rock, my inspiration, and my guiding light. Your memory will forever be a part of me.
Funeral Speech Writing Advice
Eulogy Example 2: A Life Defined by Love and Laughter. This eulogy highlights a mother's lively and exuberant spirit, focusing on the playful and loving nature she exhibited throughout her life. "Our mother lived a life defined by love and laughter.
How to Write a Beautiful Eulogy for a Mother
These tips will help guide you as you write a eulogy for your mother: 1. Reflect. Grab a pen and paper (or computer) and let the memories flow freely. Don't worry about sentence structures or connecting the memories. Just get your thoughts and memories out of your head and onto paper.
Funeral Speech Examples for a Heartfelt Eulogy
Describe the person's qualities. Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions. Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Mention things that you inherited or learned from them. Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral. Mention a couple of funny stories if appropriate.
81 Eulogy Examples
The best eulogy speeches are those that are written from the heart. How to write a eulogy. Outstanding eulogies posted on Ever Loved. Example eulogy templates. Eulogy examples for a friend. Eulogy examples for a father. Eulogy examples for a mother. Eulogy examples for a grandmother or grandfather. Eulogy examples for a son.
Eulogy examples
My mother was the greatest and most wonderful woman. My mother, Lucy Marie Duran, was born on January 23 1949, in Mesilla, New Mexico. She was one of the eight children, five girls and three boys, who were …. Eulogy examples for an uncle. Today I stand in front of you all with a deep hole in my heart.
How to Deliver a Heartfelt Funeral Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide
A funeral speech allows you to share personal experiences and stories about the deceased, creating a tapestry of memories that paint a vivid picture of their life. Drawing from short eulogy examples and famous eulogies like Mona Simpson's eulogy for Steve Jobs and Frank Oz's eulogy for Jim Henson can help illustrate the impact one person ...
A Guide to Writing a Funeral Speech: 8 Heartfelt Examples
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash. 01 A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. 02 You can tell the congregation who you are and what your relationship is to the deceased. 03 It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend.
A Heartfelt Eulogy for a Mother
Eulogy for a Mother from her Daughter. I hope this eulogy which I have written for my mother will help you at a very difficult time if you find yourself trying to write one for your own mother. When my mother died in 1970 at the age of 64, I went into denial. (You can read about that here). She had been living with me for over a year while she ...
7+ Tribute Ideas for a Mother who has Passed Away
Example of a tribute to a mother who passed away. "Thank you so much to everyone for being here today to celebrate the life and honor the memory of my mother. To explain just how much my mother means to me is an impossible task, but I want to make sure that I pay tribute to my mother at her funeral. My mother was one of the strongest, bravest ...
Eulogy For My Mother
Feelings that make my heart burst and my whole being melt. Because my mother was my insides. She is my insides. My guts. My confidence. My bravery and my strength. My sensitivity, my compassion, my loyalty and even my laughter. She was everything. She was my mother, and she was my father.
How To Write A Eulogy For A Mother
Step 1: Look at examples. Writing a eulogy for a mother from a daughter may look different and have a different feel than writing a eulogy for a mother from a son. There may be different qualities that were passed down, different ideas and lessons that you connected over, or a different type of bond that was established.
How to write a eulogy for a mother
Funeral speech for mother from daughter. The bond between a mother and her daughter can be deep and special. A eulogy for a mother from her daughter need not be structured differently to any other eulogy. You might choose to focus more on your relationship with your mother when sharing memories. You might want to talk about the impact of her ...
A sample tribute speech for my mother
Here's a sample tribute speech. It's for my mother, Iris, and yes, it's all true. You'll find the outline or template the speech follows directly below it along with other helpful links to information about the speech writing process, funeral poems and quotations and more. A tribute speech for my mother: Iris. My Mother shares her name, Iris ...
Best Funeral Speech For Mother
A mother's funeral speech is often laden with a profound emotional gravity. It is a moment that compels us to dig deep into our souls, to reflect upon the myriad ways in which she touched our lives, shaped our values, and nurtured our dreams. It is a solemn occasion where tears might flow freely, yet amidst the sorrow, there lies a beautiful ...
Eulogy Examples for Mother
Eulogy for Mother Poems. Below are a list of poems suitable for a mothers eulogy. My Mother Kept A Garden. Child and Mother. A Sonnet for My Incomparable Mother. Goodbye Mom. Away by James Whitcomb Riley. Richer Than Gold by Strickland Gillilan. Your Mother is Always With You by Deborah R Culver.
Free Eulogy Templates for a Memorable Funeral Speech
Free Eulogy Templates and Tips for the Perfect Send Off. Our printable free eulogy templates will help you to create the perfect funeral speech. Scroll down for the printouts. You're asked to speak at a funeral and you have a short period of time to gather your thoughts and prepare your speech. Experiencing nervousness is completely normal ...
Eulogy example: What can I say about my mum at her funeral?
Eulogy example for Mother. Hello everyone, thank you all for coming to honour and remember my Mum, (name). In the depths of our grief and sorrow today, we come to bid farewell to a woman who was not just a mother, grandmother, wife and sister, but a guiding light in all our lives. My Mum, pillar of strength and compassion, leaves behind a ...
3-year-old struck by vehicle after mother held at gunpoint ...
JACKSON, Miss. ( WLBT /Gray News) - Police in Mississippi said a child is recovering from head injuries after his mother was held at gunpoint. Police with the Jackson Police Department said the ...
Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who lived in the White
3 of 3 | . FILE - Former first lady Michelle Obama's mother Marian Robinson, center, arrives for a ceremony as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for the unveiling of their official White House portraits in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Sept. 7, 2022.
Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, dies at 86
May 31, 2024, 2:55 PM PDT. By Kelly O'Donnell and Carol E. Lee. WASHINGTON — Former First Lady Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, has died, according to a family statement shared with ...
Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, dies
Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died, according to a statement from the Obama and Robinson families. She was 86. "As a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and ...
Funeral Speech For Mother
A funeral speech for your mother is an opportunity to express your love and gratitude for all she has done for you. Share your appreciation for her sacrifices, guidance, and unconditional love. This sentiment can be weaved throughout the eulogy or highlighted in a dedicated section. 5. Mention her achievements and interests.
Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Lois Shields Robinson, dies at 86
Michelle Obama's X (formerly Twitter) account. WASHINGTON — Marian Lois Shields Robinson, 86, who raised her daughter, Michelle Obama, in a small apartment on Chicago's South Side and later ...
Katy Perry Shares "Fixed" Version of Harrison Butker's Speech
To kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the singer shared a heavily edited version of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker 's controversial commencement speech. "Fixed this for my girls, my graduates ...
Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's Steadfast Mother, Dies at 86
Katie Rogers, who reported from Washington, is the author of a book on first ladies. Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother and an anchor of the Obama family who moved into the White House and ...
Melania Trump and Barron at Trump Tower after guilty verdict
9. Donald Trump went back to Trump Tower after the verdict. POOL/AFP via Getty Images. It's unclear exactly when Melania, 54, and Barron, 18, arrived at the family's Manhattan home, but a ...