For some it is hard to find the words that express what you wish to say, especially in such an emotional time. A funeral quote is a great way to set the tone with your program, a bookmark, or perhaps even in a slideshow. Especially if you or your departed weren’t particularly fond of the more flowery language of poetry, the right funeral quote can stick with the mourners and help them process their grief long after the event ends.
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What makes a good funeral quote?
Good funeral quotes are concise, sincere, and true to the person being remembered. Aim for one or two short sentences that reflect tone (celebratory, peaceful, reflective), are easy to read at a glance, and connect to the life or values of your loved one. For example:
- Program cover: a slightly longer line that sums up a life or legacy.
- Bookmark or prayer card: a one-line sentiment easily carried in a wallet or Bible.
- Slideshow slide: a brief quote paired with a photograph and gentle transition so viewers can read and reflect.
2025 updates — trends to consider
Since 2020 the ways we memorialize have continued to evolve. Virtual audiences are common, memorial pages and video tributes are standard, and many families now include QR codes on printed pieces that link to audio memories or photo galleries. When choosing a funeral quote in 2025, consider how it will read on screen and in print, whether it pairs with an audio clip or hymn, and how it contributes to the overall tone of the memorial. From a life well-lived celebration to a quiet moment of peace.
Practical examples
Here are two quick examples you can adapt:
- Program cover for a life of service: use a slightly longer quote that references legacy and love, set in a serif font, centered above the name and dates.
- Bookmark for loved ones: pick a one-line quote about memory or hearts forever, place it with a small portrait and contact information for memorial donations.
If you’re ready to start designing, explore our templates for 4-page programs and funeral slideshows to see how quotes could look in real layouts.
10 Funeral Quotes to Consider
1. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” Mahatma Gandhi
This gentle, personal line is ideal for a program interior or the back of a bookmark—short enough to read at a glance, yet intimate enough to convey deep love. Pair it with a close-up portrait or a soft-focus floral background and set in a simple serif (e.g., Georgia or Merriweather) for a timeless, heartfelt presentation.
2. “Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” Rossiter Worthington Raymond
This reflective line works well as an opening sentiment in an 8-page program or as the lead quote in a slideshow’s first slide. Its wording evokes continuity—“life” and “love” enduring beyond sight—so pair it with a landscape image (sunrise/sunset) and use a modest sans-serif for clarity.
3. “Love is something eternal... The aspect may change but not the essence.” Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh’s line is both artistic and consoling. This quote would work well in a prayer card or a slide with a gallery of photographs. Use a delicate script for the author attribution and keep the quote type large enough to be read on screen. If using an image of the deceased, choose a muted, respectful color palette so the words remain the focal point.
4. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Thomas Campbell
A succinct, optimistic choice that emphasizes memory and legacy—perfect for a program cover or a prayer card. This quote pairs well with a design that highlights “memory” and “hearts forever,” such as a subtle heart motif or a single symbolic candle image. Consider bolding the word “hearts” to underscore the sentiment.
5. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.” Bessie A. Stanley
This celebratory line suits a life well-lived theme and reads beautifully on program interiors and tribute pages focused on legacy. Use it to introduce a section of anecdotes or favorite moments—paired with candid photos and a warm, inviting typeface. It’s a natural choice for memorials that emphasize joy, love, and the positive mark the loved one left on others.
How these quotes function in a memorial
Each of the quotes above can be adapted to different memorial formats: a program cover often benefits from a longer, reflective quote that introduces the tone of the service; bookmarks and prayer cards should favor concise lines that friends and family can keep as a reminder. Slideshows require short, readable text (one idea per slide) and high-contrast typography so virtual viewers can read easily on phones and tablets.
Design tips
Imagery pairing: soft background photos or black-and-white portraits help quotes feel intimate; watercolor washes or subtle textures support a celebratory life well-lived layout. Font choices: pair a readable serif for the quote with a lighter sans-serif for the attribution. For contrast and accessibility, use dark text on a light background or vice versa.
A word from Helen Keller
Helen Keller’s words are often used in memorials for their clarity and compassion. For example, her line “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart” can be used in a program to emphasize love and inner legacy. Including a Keller line adds a reflective, hopeful tone while honoring the enduring nature of memory and love.
Quotes That Comfort and Carry On
6. “When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries.” Native American Proverb
This traditional proverb emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and loss; it works well as a reflective line in a program interior or on a prayer card where readers pause and remember. Use it for memorials with a focus on community and ceremony—pair with an image of gathering hands or an open landscape.
7. “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.” Unknown
This anonymous sentiment is ideal for a tribute section or the opening slide of a slideshow celebrating a loved one’s impact. The “light remains” image pairs beautifully with candle or sunrise photography and can underscore a life well-lived theme. For a printed program, consider placing it near a short biography or list of volunteer and community work to reinforce legacy.
8. “The grave is but a covered bridge, leading from light to light, through a brief darkness.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s metaphor comforts by framing death as a passage rather than an end. This line suits a memorial with a spiritual or hopeful tone—use it on a cover or inside panel where you discuss beliefs about the afterlife, or on a slideshow slide transitioning between musical selections. Pair with soft-focused light imagery and a serif typeface for a classic, contemplative look.
9. “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 are happy.” Inuit Proverb
This beautiful proverb evokes comfort and the continuing presence of those we miss; it’s especially effective for evening remembrances, candlelight vigils, or memorial pages with starry or sky imagery.
10. “The song is ended but the melody lingers on." Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin’s line is a poetic way to express how a person’s influence and memory continue after they’re gone. Use this on a program back cover, as the closing slide in a slideshow, or at the end of a printed tribute to leave attendees with a gentle, resonant thought.
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Use a loved one’s own words
Another meaningful alternative to a widely known quote is to use words actually spoken or written by the deceased. A short, personal phrase can be especially powerful on a prayer card or bookmark, carrying that person’s voice into everyday life. Examples of short, memorable lines to look for: “Love deeply, serve freely,” or “Keep laughing — that’s how I’ll be remembered.” These kinds of phrases become part of the family’s memory and can feel like the memory becomes treasure.
How to capture a memorable line quickly
If you want a personal quote but aren’t sure where to start, try these quick steps: ask close family or friends for a favorite saying or inside joke; skim the deceased’s social posts, letters, or emails for repeating phrases; check speeches or toasts where the person spoke about values or faith. Keep the chosen line short (one sentence or less) so it reads well on bookmarks and in slides.
Helen Keller and enduring hope
Lines from Helen Keller are frequently used for their hopeful, heartfelt tone. A popular choice you might consider is her reflection that “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” This kind of quote supports memorial themes of love, light, and the enduring soul, and pairs well with quiet, uplifting imagery.
Sensitivity and permissions
Respect cultural origins when using proverbs (contact community sources when in doubt) and be mindful of copyright for modern quotes when reproducing them widely in printed programs or commercial products. When in doubt, opt for public-domain quotations or the deceased’s own words to avoid permission issues and to keep the tribute focused on the person being honored. Whatever you choose, the right line—whether traditional proverb, literary passage, or a simple phrase from a loved one—can serve as a gentle tribute that helps others process grief and celebrate a life of love. As you process your loss and continue to plan for the funeral, here is another quote to keep in mind and help you through by Dr. Seuss, “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” For more guidance, see the Frequently Asked Questions section below on choosing the right funeral quote and designing it into your memorial materials.
FAQ — Choosing and Using Funeral Quotes (2025 Update)
1. How do I pick a quote that fits the tone of the service?
Choose based on three quick criteria: tone (solemn, hopeful, celebratory), length (short lines work best for bookmarks and slides), and connection (does the quote reflect the loved one’s values or a memory shared by family?). If in doubt, pick a line that emphasizes love, legacy, or peace.
2. Can I use a copyrighted quote in printed programs or slides?
Many short quotations are fine to use with proper attribution, but some modern texts may require permission if reproduced in commercial products or sold materials. For printed memorials distributed freely to attendees, attribution is usually sufficient; for wide commercial reproduction, consult copyright rules or choose public-domain lines or the deceased’s own words.
3. What if I can’t find the right words?
Use the deceased’s own phrases, simple religious lines, or short public-domain quotations. A one-line prayer or a phrase like “loved beyond words” or “memory becomes treasure” can be meaningful and easy to place on a prayer card or bookmark.
4. How do I include quotes in virtual memorials?
Keep text large and high-contrast for small screens, limit to one short quote per slide, and give viewers 6–8 seconds to read each slide. Consider pairing a quote with a short audio clip (a favorite song excerpt or a voice tribute) accessed via a QR code on printed materials.
5. Where can I find culturally appropriate or community-specific proverbs?
Contact community centers, cultural organizations, or tribal councils for guidance and approved phrasing. When using traditional proverbs, aim for precise attributions (tribe or language group) rather than generic labels, and always use respectful language that honors origin and meaning.
6. How can I make a quote visually stand out in a program or slideshow?
Design tips: use high contrast between text and background (dark on light or light on dark), choose readable fonts (serif for print, larger sans-serif for screens), and limit decorative scripts to author attributions. For bookmarks and prayer cards, keep quotes to one line when possible and leave breathing room (margins) so the design feels calm and intentional.
7. What are some short, ready-to-use one-liners for bookmarks or prayer cards?
Here are five concise options (public-domain or common phrasing):
- “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
- “Loved beyond words.”
- “A life well-lived, a heart well-loved.”
- “Peace at last.”
- “Memory becomes treasure.”
8. How many quotes are too many?
For printed pieces: 1–3 quotes per program (one primary quote on the cover or inside cover, plus 1–2 supporting lines) is enough. For slideshows: stick to one idea per slide to keep attention and allow reflection. If you’d like a head start with preparing a memorial, explore our range of funeral templates to see how different quotes could look in practice.
