A Gentle Way to Share a Loss With Family and Friends
When someone dies, the first messages go out quickly: to relatives, to colleagues, to the wider circle of friends. Many families now share a single image by text, email or social media, so that everyone sees the same photograph, the same dates and the same words. This In Loving Memory card is made for that purpose. It is calm, green and quiet, and it carries a short message from the family rather than a long notice.
The Look of the Card
The card is 650 x 800 pixels in portrait, which is a good size for phone screens and social posts. The background is a pale sage green. Fresh green leaves and white blossoms hang from the top corners and gather again in the lower corners, and a thin dark line frames the centre. At the top, In Loving Memory of is written in a flowing script, and the name Michael Anderson stands under it in large green letters, with the dates of birth and passing in a plain dark line below.
The portrait sits in the middle. It is a black and white photograph of an older man with his hands clasped, cut into a shape with three rounded corners and one square corner, which gives the frame a soft, modern look. The message beneath reads: With deepest sympathy, Our hearts are saddened by your loss. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and strength in the memories you hold dear. It is signed The Johnson Family. The fonts are Quicksand and Alex Brush.
Putting In Your Own Photograph
Click the portrait in the editor and choose Replace Image, then upload the photograph you want. Choose a picture where the face is clear and fairly close, since the frame is not large. A black and white photograph is easy to match, but colour works too. If the photograph is old or small, try it first on screen, and avoid heavy enlargements that make it blurry. Always ask the family before using a picture of someone who has passed away.
Wording for the Message Line
The sample message is addressed to the bereaved, as if the card came from friends. If the card is from the family, as a notice, change it. Here are three versions you can use or adapt.
| Sender | Suggested wording |
|---|---|
| Family notice | We are grateful for your love and kind thoughts at this time |
| Friends to a family | Thinking of you all and holding you close in our hearts |
| Workplace | With sympathy from all of us at the office |
Check the Names and Dates Twice
Few mistakes hurt more on a memorial card than a misspelt name or a wrong date. Read the name aloud, compare it with a document, and ask a second person to read it before you share it. The dates in the template are placeholders, so retype both of them. If the family uses a nickname, ask whether to include it.
Sharing the Card Digitally
Download the PNG or JPG and send it by messaging apps, email or a family group. Keep the original file safe, in case someone asks for a copy. A PDF is better if you want to print. At 650 x 800 pixels the card is small for printing, so for a printed card, print it at about 2 by 2.5 inches, such as a small keepsake, or choose a design made for print.
Religion and Tone
The sample wording is general and does not mention faith. If your family would like a prayer or a line from scripture, add it in place of the message. If you prefer no religious wording, keep the text plain. You know the person and the family best.
For a card with flowers in a brighter colour, see the gentle prayers and loving remembrance card. For a darker, more formal design, see the sincere sympathy and healing words card. All are in condolence templates.
