Ideas and Poems for Memorial Cards

Memorial cards are small cards designed to fit into a wallet or purse. They serve as a reminder of the deceased. Cards might also be placed in memorial gardens or in cemetery flower bouquets placed by a grave. Most stationers offer laminated cards to provide extra protection against wear and tear. Family members and close friends traditionally receive them. There is no set time or etiquette for sending out memorial cards; you can think about them whenever you feel ready. Writing memorial cards is never easy. It can be hard to find the words to reflect how special your loved one was and how much they mean to you. So, to help you through this challenging time, we’ve compiled some ideas to help you with the wording.

Wording Memorial Cards

Many choose to add a meaningful phrase or quote to their memorial cards, either in tribute to them or to remind them of that person's life. Write a short sentence that captures an aspect of the deceased’s personality. Consider basing it on a treasured memory. Or you might prefer to add a message of love and remembrance:

"Those that touch our lives stay in our hearts forever."

"You will never be forgotten."

"The memory of you will always be in our hearts."

"Your love will light our way, your memory will forever be with us."

You may want to commemorate a quote or words of wisdom the deceased once said, or choose a saying that they loved. Alternatively, here are some beautiful quotes you could use:

"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." - Mahatma Gandhi

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell

"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Suess

If the loved one was religious, you could also add a favourite scripture or piece of religious text.

Featured Design: ''Elegant Border"

Memorial Poems

The backs of memorial cards usually show a poem. Selecting the verse for your card can be difficult due to the amount of choice. To help you pick, consider using poems that your loved one enjoyed so you can be reminded of them when you read it. And if you’re still having trouble deciding, here are a few to inspire you:

Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall

I'd like the memory of me

To be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow

Of smiles when life is done,

I'd like to leave an echo

Whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times,

And bright and sunny days,

I'd like the tears of those who grieve

To dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

Memories Build a Special Bridge by Emily Matthews

Our memories build a special bridge when loved ones have to part,

To help us feel we’re with them still, and soothe a grieving heart,

Our memories span the years we shared, preserving ties that bind,

They build a special bridge of love and bring us peace of mind.

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep by Mary Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there,

I do not sleep,

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn’s rain,

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night,

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there,

I did not die.

Featured Design: 'Watercolour River Scene'

Memorial Card Design

Words can express so much, but there’s more you can do to turn a memorial card into a treasured tribute to your loved one. Choose a design that represents your loved one in either its patterns or artwork. For instance, if they were a gardener, you could pick a card with a floral pattern. Likewise, if they were religious, a symbol of their faith would be fitting. In addition, you could choose something that represents a hobby they loved. Finally, complete the card with a photograph of your loved one. This is a wonderful chance to pay tribute to their life, so pick your most treasured picture. Featured Design: 'Ladies Gardening'