Real examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one with heart

Short, simple examples of eulogy for a parent you can adapt

When your emotions are raw, shorter can be kinder—to you and to everyone listening. A brief, focused tribute is just as meaningful as a long speech.

Here’s a short example of a eulogy for a father that keeps things simple and honest:

Short eulogy example for a dad
“My dad, Michael, was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, we listened. He taught us that showing up matters more than showing off. He worked night shifts for years so we could go to school, play sports, and never worry about food on the table.

What I’ll remember most is how he always waited up for me, no matter how late I got home. There would be a light on, a plate of food, and a quiet, ‘You good?’

Dad, thank you for every ride, every late-night talk, and every sacrifice you never bragged about. We love you. We’ll miss you. And we’ll keep the light on for each other, just like you taught us.”

And here’s a short example of a eulogy for a mother that focuses on one defining quality:

Short eulogy example for a mom
“My mom, Angela, was the kind of person who made every place feel like home. She did it with food, with laughter, and with the way she remembered the tiny details of your life.

If you met her once, she remembered your favorite dessert. If you told her you had a big meeting, she texted you that morning. She loved through attention.

Mom, you were our home base. Even now, I can hear you saying, ‘Text me when you get there.’ I hope you know we got here, Mom. We’re together. And we’ll keep your love alive in the way we care for each other.”

These short examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one show that you don’t need to cover an entire life story. You just need to choose a few true, specific things and say them plainly.

Longer examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one with stories

If you have a little more time and emotional space, you might want a fuller tribute with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The best examples often follow a gentle arc:

• A quick introduction and acknowledgment of the loss
• A few stories that show who your parent was
• A closing message of thanks, love, or hope

Here’s a longer example of a eulogy for a father that you can use as a template:

Longer eulogy example for a father
“Thank you all for being here to honor my dad, Robert. If you knew him, you knew three things: he loved his family, he loved bad dad jokes, and he loved fixing things that probably should have been thrown away.

Growing up, our weekends were spent in the garage. Other kids had cartoons; we had the sound of a radio and the smell of motor oil. Dad would hand me a wrench that was always two sizes too big and say, ‘You’re my assistant.’ I didn’t realize until years later that it would have been faster for him to work alone. But that wasn’t the point. The point was time together.

When I went off to college, he drove me eight hours, carried every box up three flights of stairs, and then pretended he had something in his eye when it was time to say goodbye. Every Sunday after that, he called. If I didn’t pick up, he left a voicemail that always started with, ‘Hey kiddo, it’s your old man. Just checking in.’ I have years of those messages saved.

In the last few months of his life, when his body was tired and the roles felt reversed, he still tried to make us laugh. He’d say, ‘I guess this is what I get for all those years of fast food and no sunscreen.’ Even then, he was trying to make it easier on us.

Dad, you weren’t perfect, and you never pretended to be. You were stubborn, you were loud, and you were ours. You showed us that love is in the small, repeated actions: the rides, the repairs, the phone calls, the ‘text me when you get there.’

Thank you for loving us the way you did. We will carry your stories, your jokes, and your stubborn hope with us for the rest of our lives.”

And here’s a longer example of a eulogy for a mother that centers on her role as a caregiver and a whole human being, not just “Mom”:

Longer eulogy example for a mother
“Today we’re honoring my mom, Denise, who somehow managed to be both our rock and our soft place to land.

My earliest memories of her are in the kitchen, not just cooking, but singing along to the radio with a wooden spoon as a microphone. She turned everyday chores into concerts. If you were having a bad day, she’d hand you a spoon, crank up the music, and say, ‘Sing it out.’

But my mom was more than the warm meals and the packed lunches. She went back to school in her forties, juggling classes, work, and family. I remember seeing her study at the table after we went to bed, highlighter in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. She taught us that it’s never too late to start over, to learn, to grow.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, she didn’t pretend it wasn’t hard. She was honest about being scared. But she also kept asking everyone else how they were doing. Nurses would walk into her room and walk out smiling, because she had somehow turned the conversation around to their kids, their hobbies, their dreams.

Mom, you taught us to care deeply, to try again, and to find music even in the hardest moments. We will miss your voice, your hugs, and your terrible dance moves. But we will carry your courage with us. You once told me, ‘If love is real, it doesn’t end. It just changes shape.’

Your love has changed shape, Mom, but it’s still here. In this room. In us. Always.”

These longer examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one highlight a helpful pattern you can borrow: start with a clear picture of who they were, share two or three specific stories, and end with what you want to say to them now.

Funny but respectful examples of eulogy for a parent with humor

Many people want to include humor, especially if their parent loved to laugh. The best examples include gentle, kind humor that feels like something your parent would have appreciated.

Lighthearted eulogy example for a dad who loved jokes
“If my dad were here right now, he’d probably say, ‘Why are you all dressed up? Is there free food?’ He hated formality and loved a good buffet.

My dad, Luis, told the same jokes for thirty years. We groaned every time, but if I’m honest, I’ll miss every single one. He had a talent for turning the most ordinary moment into a comedy sketch. Lost in the parking lot? ‘We’re on a quest.’ Burned dinner? ‘It’s Cajun now.’

Beneath the jokes was a man who used humor to carry us through hard times. When he lost his job in 2008, he said, ‘Well, looks like I just got promoted to full-time dad.’ He cooked, he cleaned, he helped with homework, and he still found ways to make us laugh.

Dad, we promise to keep your bad jokes alive. Not because they were that funny—but because you were.”

Warm, humorous eulogy example for a mom who was delightfully honest
“My mom, Carol, was incapable of small talk and allergic to fake niceness. If you asked her how she was, she’d tell you. In detail.

She was the mom who would say, ‘I love you, but that outfit is not it.’ She kept us humble and loved. She’d show up to school events with snacks for everybody, then loudly whisper, ‘This meeting could have been an email.’

She was funny, but she was also the first person to defend you if anyone else criticized you. Only she was allowed to roast her kids.

Mom, thank you for teaching us to laugh at ourselves, to say what we mean, and to bring snacks wherever we go. We’ll miss your honesty and your commentary on everything.”

If you’re not sure how much humor is okay, think about what your parent would have wanted and read the room. Grief support organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization often note that laughter can be a healthy part of grieving, as long as it feels respectful and real.

Blended family and complicated relationship examples of eulogy for a parent

Not every relationship with a parent is easy or simple. You might be grieving what you had, what you didn’t have, or both. You’re allowed to be honest without turning the eulogy into a therapy session.

Eulogy example for a complicated relationship with a father
“My dad, Thomas, and I didn’t always see eye to eye. We were different in a lot of ways, and our relationship had its rough patches. But standing here today, what rises to the top are the ways he tried.

He came to my games even when he didn’t understand the sport. He’d cheer at the wrong times and ask too many questions, but he was there. When I moved out, we didn’t talk as much as either of us probably wanted. But every birthday, there was a call. Every holiday, a text.

In the last year, we started to rebuild. We had coffee, we talked more honestly, and we said some of the things we should have said years ago. I’m grateful for that time.

Dad, we were imperfect people who loved each other in imperfect ways. I hope you knew that I loved you, even when it was hard. I’m choosing to remember your efforts, your quiet pride, and the way your face lit up when you talked about your grandkids.”

Eulogy example for a stepparent who became a parent
“When Mark married my mom, he didn’t just get a wife—he got two teenagers who were not exactly thrilled to share. We called him ‘Mark’ for a long time. But somewhere along the way, without any big announcement, he became ‘Dad.’

He earned that title in small, steady ways. Rides to practice. Late-night talks about college. Showing up to school plays with flowers. He never tried to replace anyone; he just showed up as himself, over and over, until we realized we could lean on him.

Today, I’m not saying goodbye to a ‘step’ anything. I’m saying goodbye to my dad. The man who chose us, over and over again.”

These examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one in complex situations show that you can acknowledge reality without going into every painful detail. Focus on what you can genuinely honor.

How to write your own eulogy for a parent, step by step

Now that you’ve seen several real examples, let’s turn to how you can write your own. Think of this as a gentle roadmap, not a set of rigid rules.

Start with a few guiding questions

Before you write full sentences, jot down answers to questions like:

• What three words describe my parent at their best?
• What did they care about more than anything?
• What’s one story that captures who they were?
• What did they teach me—on purpose or by example?
• What do I wish I could say to them right now?

You don’t need perfect answers. You just need honest ones. Many of the best examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one begin with a single strong story or phrase that answers one of these questions.

Choose a simple structure

Most eulogies for a parent work well with a three-part structure:

• Opening: Thank people for coming, name your parent, briefly say who they were to you.
• Middle: Share two or three stories or qualities, with specific details.
• Closing: Express your gratitude, love, or hope. You can address your parent directly.

You can use one of the earlier examples as a template, swapping in your own details and stories.

Focus on specific details, not perfection

Specifics make your parent feel real to the people listening. Instead of saying, “She was kind,” you might say, “She kept granola bars in her purse for anyone who forgot lunch.” Instead of “He was hardworking,” try, “He left for work before sunrise and still made it to my 7 p.m. games.”

Grief can affect concentration and memory. The CDC notes that grief can impact sleep and cognitive function, which can make writing and public speaking harder than usual (CDC grief and loss overview). So be gentle with yourself. This is not a test. It’s a love letter.

Decide how long you want to speak

Many funeral homes and officiants suggest keeping a eulogy between five and ten minutes. That’s roughly 600–1,200 words when spoken at a natural pace. All of the examples of eulogy for a parent in this article fall into that range.

If you tend to speak quickly when nervous, you may want fewer words. You can always pause, breathe, and slow down.

Write like you talk

You don’t have to sound formal unless you want to. You can say, “My dad was the kind of guy who…” or “My mom always said…” The best examples include your natural voice. If you’d never say “beloved patriarch” in real life, you don’t need to say it in a eulogy.

Try reading your draft out loud to a friend or family member. If a sentence feels awkward coming out of your mouth, simplify it.

Allow emotion, and have a backup plan

You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to ask someone to step in and read for you if it becomes too hard. Many families choose to print a copy of the eulogy and give it to a sibling, cousin, or officiant as backup.

Organizations like the Mayo Clinic and NIH’s MedlinePlus explain that expressing grief—through talking, writing, or rituals—can be a healthy part of healing. Writing and reading a eulogy is one way to do that.

Faith-based and secular examples of eulogy for a parent

Your parent’s beliefs (or your own) can shape the tone of your speech. Here are two contrasting examples.

Faith-based eulogy example for a mother
“My mom, Evelyn, lived her faith quietly but consistently. She didn’t preach; she practiced. She was the first to show up with a casserole, the last to leave after cleaning up.

Her favorite verse was, ‘Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.’ She kept it on a sticky note by the sink. I saw her live those words in the way she treated everyone—from the cashier at the grocery store to the neighbor who needed a ride.

Today, we grieve because we miss her presence. But we also hold onto the hope she believed in so deeply: that this life is not the end of the story. Mom, we trust that you are held in the love you always trusted, and we will honor you by loving people the way you did.”

Secular eulogy example for a father
“My dad, Jonah, didn’t talk much about religion, but he believed in people. He believed in second chances, in tipping well, and in buying lemonade from every kid on the block.

For him, meaning was in the everyday: Sunday pancakes, helping a neighbor move, cheering for the underdog team. He didn’t know what came after this life, but he knew what kind of person he wanted to be in this one.

Dad, we don’t know exactly where you are now, but we know what you left behind: a trail of kindness, a lot of bad puns, and a family who loves you more than words can say.”

These examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one in both faith-based and secular styles can help you find language that matches your family’s beliefs.

FAQ: Common questions about writing a eulogy for a parent

What are some short examples of things to say at the start of a eulogy?

You can begin with a simple sentence like:

• “Thank you all for being here to honor my mom, [Name].”
• “We’re gathered today to remember my dad, [Name], who meant so much to all of us.”
• “I’m [Your Name], and I have the honor of speaking about my father today.”

These short examples of opening lines keep things clear and grounded.

Can I read more real examples of eulogy for a parent online?

Yes. Many hospice organizations, grief support nonprofits, and funeral homes share real or sample eulogies. When searching, look for phrases like “example of eulogy for mother” or “examples of eulogy for father from daughter.” Just remember that your relationship is your own. Use these as inspiration, not as a script you must copy.

What if I’m too emotional to speak?

You can still write the eulogy and ask someone else to read it. That’s a very common choice. You can also keep your remarks short, like the brief examples earlier in this article. There is no rule that says you must do this alone.

Is it okay to include difficult parts of our relationship?

Yes, but gently. Many people choose to say something like, “Our relationship wasn’t always easy, but I’m grateful for…” and then focus on specific things you can sincerely appreciate. The goal is not to rewrite history, but to honor the person in a way that feels true and kind.

How do I know if my eulogy is “good enough”?

If it sounds like you, tells the truth about your parent in a loving way, and comes from the heart, it is good enough. The best examples of eulogy examples for a parent: how to write one are not perfect pieces of literature. They are honest, human attempts to say goodbye.

Writing a eulogy for a parent is one of the harder writing tasks most people will ever face. You are doing it in the middle of shock, paperwork, family logistics, and waves of grief. If you’re reading this, it means you care enough to try—and that matters. Use these real examples, borrow the lines that resonate, and then let your own voice fill in the rest. Your words do not have to be fancy to be meaningful. They just have to be yours.