Eulogies

A eulogy is when someone pays tribute to a person’s life by saying a few words that will help remember that person at the service. You can prepare a speech yourself, or you may prefer to read a favourite poem or passage. The eulogy could be given by family, friends or work colleagues and could even be a letter written by your loved one, read out during the service.

Writing a eulogy – checklist

Here are some prompts to help you get started in writing a eulogy:

• Who am I speaking to?
• How would the person like to be remembered?
• What made them special?
• Favourite pastimes and interests, likes and dislikes?
• When were they happiest?
• Who was really close to them?
• What did I really like about them?
• What did other people really like about them?
• What are the highlights of their life story?
• If I could say only three things about them, what would they be?
• Who can help me check my facts?
• Do I want someone else to give the eulogy on my behalf on the day?
• Is anyone else planning to speak about the person at the funeral?
• Do we need to avoid saying the same thing twice?

Your local Southern Co-op Funeral Director can advise on writing a eulogy for the funeral service.