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When someone dies, do you find yourself at a loss for words? Are you unsure how to express condolences without sounding awkward or feeling inadequate? Knowing basic decorum for sending condolences before the need arises can help prevent emotional discomfort.

Good condolence manners can include the way you reach out, what you say, and when you deliver the message. Could you use a refresher on this aspect of funeral etiquette?

If you want to know more about how to express your condolences, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services, who shares suggestions and tips.

Two common reasons why people fail to send condolences is not knowing what to say or how to say it. This discussion is your chance to learn how to express sincere condolences after someone dies.

When Is the Right Time to Send a Condolence?

Valerie starts things off with suggestions about the appropriate time to send a condolence card to someone who has had a loss.

Then Valerie addresses the situation of bringing a personal condolence card to the funeral chapel based on her experiences working at Martin Brothers in Vancouver.

A personal condolence offers other benefits to a grieving family besides a name signed in a guestbook on the day of the memorial or funeral service.

Is It Ever Too Late to Send a Condolence?

Next Valerie goes on to speculate if it can ever be too late to send a condolence. During the podcast she provides the answers to questions such as:

- Can I send a condolence some time after the funeral service?
- What message does a condolence send to the grieving family?
- How is a grieving loved one affected by late arriving condolences?

Now ask yourself these two things: Have I ever forgotten to send a card to a grieving family? Did I ever neglect to send a card because I attended a memorial service at the funeral chapel?

If you answered “yes” to either or both of these questions, then the information in this episode of the podcast may affect how you express your condolences in the future.

Tips for Responding to Condolence Cards from Others

Then Valerie switches perspectives and offers insight on how to respond when you receive condolence cards from others after suffering the loss of a loved one.

Valerie gives specific examples of when it is appropriate to reach out to those who send their condolences and where you should focus your energy during that time period.

Whether you are sending or receiving condolences, one thing we all can agree on is that it is nice to know we’re not alone while mourning a loved one lost.

Wrapping things up, Valerie offers some final thoughts about the various ways we can offer condolences, and the impression it will leave on the recipient.

Are You Ready to Learn More?

Do you want more tips about how to express your condolences? How do you express your messages of support after someone you know loses a loved one? Share your questions, comments, and personal experiences below where we can talk through them together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1