A sample condolence letter for a friend at work. This is an informal letter for a co-worker and is similiar to a personal condolence letter.

Dear Jane, I am deeply saddened to hear of your husband's death. Tom was a wonderful man and I've always enjoyed hearing your stories of him and seeing the photos on your desk. It was obvious to all what a beautiful marriage and friendship the two of you shared. I cannot imagine the heartache you must feel right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Myself and others want to help you and your family by bringing meals by for the next two weeks. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do. With Love and Prayers, Wilma

Sample Business Sympathy Letter

This sample condolence letter uses a standard business letter format. You should use a business letter format for a formal letter or for words of condolence from a manager to an employee's family.

January 12th, 2008, Dear Friends and Family of Roger Stanton, I am grieved to hear of Roger's death. Please accept my sincere condolences. On behalf of the entire office, please accept our deepest sympathy. Roger will be greatly missed at our office. He was a dear friend and employee. We will miss his sense of humor and warm smile. We are forunate to have gotten to know him and to have been able to work along side of him for so many years. Please know that we will be remembering Roger and honoring his life with a floral tribute in our office's break room. Many of our employees have expressed interest in sending sympathy wishes to Roger's family. This card has provided a source of comfort for us, as we have been able to acknowledge the passing of a wonderful man. May it bring some comfort to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Dennis Howard

Sympathy in the Workplace

According to Peggy Post and Peter Post of the Etiquette Advantage in Business, the following advice will help you support a bereaved co-worker.

• Attend funeral services
• Send flowers to the home or to the service
• Collect money from other co-workers for sending flowers as a group
• Send a card or letter to the house, even if you sent flowers
• Offer practical help. It can be somethings as simple as, "I will check you phone messages for you."
• Send a gift basket to the home or consider asking co-workers to commit to a week long schedule of delivery dinners to the family.

Find great tips for arranging meals, free sign-up sheet and reminder cards, here.

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