How to write a farewell funeral speech?

Writing a eulogy can be one of the most challenging tasks before a funeral. Expressing how much someone means to us can be difficult, and it's natural for writer's block to set in. In this case, a eulogy can be written based on examples already available online, but with significant modifications, adding examples from the deceased's life and our own deepest feelings.
 

A farewell speech has the following elements:

1. Welcoming funeral guests
2. Reflection, remembrance of the deceased, life stories
3. Remembrance of the impact they had on our lives
4. Expression of praise, gratitude, and longing
5. Farewell to the deceased
6. Thanking those present. For religious persons: Prayer or a request for prayers

1. Welcoming those present

A funeral speech begins with a thank-you note for those attending. This element should be included, especially if you're the first to begin a series of farewell speeches.
Many people conclude the welcome with a beautiful quote about death (see the list of quotes below). However, this isn't necessary.

2. Reflection, memory of the deceased, life stories

This part usually comes easily. Simply close your eyes for a moment and recall the wonderful moments spent with the deceased. Your heart will select and immediately suggest the most touching moments etched in your heart. You can also share interesting anecdotes, even those that make you smile. 

Non-family members can also share the story of how you met and the relationship you had with the deceased. 
 

3. Remembering the influence the deceased person had on our lives

It's also worth mentioning the wonderful influence the deceased person had on our lives, for example:
"She taught me..."
"It's thanks to her that I know what it means..."
"It's thanks to her that I can love / enjoy life / notice the beauty of the world around us today."
"I admired her for..."
"She was a role model..."

4. Expression of gratitude and longing
 

"For all this and much more, I will forever be grateful to her."
"Today I lost my beloved mother, my wisest teacher, and my best friend all at once. A huge void remains, one that no one and nothing will ever fill."
 

5. Farewell to the deceased

When concluding your farewell speech, it is worth addressing the deceased directly:

"Dear  (name of the deceased) , you left far too soon."
"It is difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I will never see your beautiful smile again, but know that you will always be present in my heart." 

Thank you.

Here are some quotes that we think will work beautifully in a funeral eulogy:
 

1. "I don't ask you, God, why you took him away, but I thank you for giving him to us."
   (Author unknown)
2. "The dead live forever as long as they are rewarded with memory." (W. Szymborska)
3. "If the death of loved ones teaches us anything, it is, above all, that nothing matters in the world except love" (Santa Montefiore)

How to avoid making a mistake when delivering a funeral speech:

1. We do not speak ill of the deceased, we focus on what was good
2. This does not mean that the speech should be exaggerated, exaggerated, insincere or contain false information
3. We avoid disclosing embarrassing and private information – not only about the deceased, but also about people related to them

Here are some examples of ready-made templates for the last farewell, using farewell speeches for the deceased mother and brother as examples.

The last farewell to the deceased mother - example 1

I would like to extend a warm welcome and thank everyone for coming to the funeral of our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She was the best teacher of life, the best mom, and the best friend. She listened, supported, comforted, and even reprimanded us when necessary, like when we were caught sneaking out the basement window at night...
Mom was a wonderful person. She taught us love and respect. She taught us to share the good and showed us what was important in life. She was there for us when we fell, and at the crossroads, she was our wisest guide. We could always rely on Mom, and her warm arms soothed every pain. Despite adversity, it was thanks to her that our home was always filled with warmth, respect, and understanding.

Mom, you are our role model. We hope that what you have passed on to us
will allow us to be better parents to our children.  Thank you for a wonderful and happy childhood that led to a happy adulthood. Thank you for everything. Know that you will forever remain in my heart and the hearts of my children. Know that we will never forget you.

Thank you. 

Brother's Last Farewell - Example 2
 

Dear family, dear friends, thank you so much for coming to the funeral of (deceased's name). Our beloved (deceased's name) would be so happy to see you all now.

It's incredibly difficult for me to say these words. It's as difficult as accepting the loss of (name of the deceased). The realization that we'll never play football together again or that we'll never argue for the hundredth time about pineapple on Hawaiian pizza, causes me immense and indescribable pain.
 

We will all miss (name of deceased) and his infectious laugh. With him, everything was better. His positive spirit lifted everyone around him and made a bad day better, more beautiful, and happier. He was a man with a big heart, never refusing to help anyone, and never lacking the time to listen.

He was an extraordinary man, the most wonderful son, husband, uncle, friend, and brother a younger sister could ask for.

Dear brother, you left far too soon. Know that I will always carry you in my heart. We love you and miss you.

Thank you.

Public speaking can be a challenge for many people. However, it's worth overcoming your fear, because if you don't, you might regret it in the future.

In cases of stage fright and anxiety, it can be helpful to remember that:

• Writing down your speech helps avoid unnecessary stress.
• A farewell speech can be an important element in saying a spiritual goodbye to a loved one.
• A farewell speech is a step outside your comfort zone, and every step outside your comfort zone makes it even bigger.
• It's okay if you shed a tear or your voice breaks during your speech.
• However, if you truly feel you can't deliver your eulogy in public, write it down and ask someone else for help.

This depends on our bond with the deceased, but the farewell speech should not be long or monotonous. The final farewell delivered by loved ones (partner, children) should be longer than that delivered by those with whom the deceased had a relationship, for example, professionally.

A laudation is a eulogy that highlights a person's merits, used as a special occasion speech. The word comes from the Latin " laudare"  —to praise. The English word for laudation is "eulogy."

The most common form of laudation is the " laudatio funebris ," a farewell speech delivered for the deceased during their funeral.