Rest in Peace Quotes and Messages: How to Put Your Grief Into Words

When someone we care about dies, we want to express our grief in a meaningful way. But sometimes, words fail us. We may not know what to say or how to say it. We worry about saying the wrong thing, or not saying enough. We wonder if our words will properly convey our emotions or if they will sound cliché or insensitive.

That's why we have compiled this list of rest in peace quotes and messages that you can use to express your feelings in a heartfelt manner. Whether you are writing a eulogy, a social media post, or an email, these quotes and messages can help you find the right words to show how much you miss the person you’ve lost and how much they meant to you during their time on earth.

78 rest in peace quotes and messages

Here are 78 examples of rest in peace quotes and messages that you can use to express your grief. Use them as they are or modify them to suit your situation. You can also combine them or add your own words to make them more personal.

Rest in peace quotes

• "Death is not the opposite of life but a part of it." – Haruki Murakami

• "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell

• "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller

• "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." – Marcus Tullius Cicero

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

• "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." – From an Irish headstone

• "Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." – Eskimo proverb

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

• "You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly — that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp." – Anne Lamott

• "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." – A.A. Milne

• "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." – Dr. Seuss

• "You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful." – John Green

• "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever." – Winnie the Pooh

• "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." – Washington Irving

• “To lose someone you love is to alter your life forever.” – Jeanette Winterson

• “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” – Maya Angelou

• “Life is pleasant, death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” – Isaac Asimov

• “The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last.” – Moira Rogers

• “Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.” – George Eliot

• “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” – Isaiah 57:2

• “I love you every day. And now I will miss you every day.” – Mitch Albom, “For One More Day”

• “When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in a manner so that when you die the world cries, and you rejoice.” – Native American Proverb

• “People you love never die… Not completely. They live in your mind, the way they always lived inside you. You keep their light alive.” – Matt Haig, “How to Stop Time”

• “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” – Rabindranath Tagore

• “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” – Nelson Mandela

• “He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

• “After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” – J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

• “Death is only passing through God’s other door.” – Edgar Cayce

• “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings happy death.” – Leonardo da Vinci

• “What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness, Star-dust, or sea-foam, flower or winged air.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich

• “I’ll remember you when I’ve forgotten all the rest. You to me were true. You to me were the best.” – Bob Dylan, “I’ll Remember You”

• “To the world you may have just been one person, but to one person you may have been the world.” – Dr. Seuss

• “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

• “The Remembrance of the good done by those we have loved is the only consolation when we have lost them.” – Charles-Albert Demoustier

• "As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss." – Cassandra Clare

• "A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty." – Joan Didion

• “We’ll meet again. Don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day.” – Vera Lynn, “We’ll Meet Again”

• “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi

Rest in peace messages for the loss of a father

• Your wisdom and love will forever be etched in our hearts, guiding us through life's journey. We cherish the beautiful memories we shared with you.

• Though you have departed from this world, your spirit continues to shine brightly in our lives. We are eternally grateful for the love and lessons you bestowed upon us.

• Your kindness and strength remain a constant source of inspiration. Your legacy lives on in every act of love and compassion we extend to others.

• You were our rock and guiding light, and your presence will be deeply missed. We carry forward your love and wisdom, holding you close in our hearts.

• Your laughter and stories brought joy to our lives and will forever echo in our memories. Thank you for being the wonderful father that you were.

• Though you have gone, the love you shared with us will never fade. We honor your life by living with the same kindness and integrity you taught us.

• In the quiet moments, we feel your love surrounding us. Your legacy of love and devotion is a gift that we will always treasure.

• You lived a life filled with love, laughter, and wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew you. We celebrate your life and the incredible father you were.

• Your strength and gentleness were a beacon of light in our lives. We carry your spirit with us, finding comfort in the memories and love you left behind.

• You were the foundation of our family, and your love will forever bind us together. We remember you with gratitude and hold your memory close to our hearts.

READ MORE: What to Write in a Sympathy Card

Rest in peace messages for the loss of a mother

• Your love and kindness will forever be a guiding light in our lives. Your memory lives on in every tender moment and cherished memory.

• A mother’s love never fades; it transforms and continues to nurture us from the heavens. You will always be with us, in our hearts and in our smiles.

• Though we cannot see you, we feel your presence in every warm breeze and gentle whisper. Your spirit will forever be a part of who we are.

• The legacy of your unconditional love and selflessness will remain with us eternally. We honor you by living with the same grace and compassion you taught us.

• The stars shine a little brighter now, as you take your place among them. Your light will guide us through the darkest of nights.

• We hold onto the joy and warmth you brought into our lives, carrying your memory with us every day. Your love is an unending source of comfort and strength.

• Though your physical presence is no longer with us, your love continues to embrace us. We celebrate the beautiful life you lived and the countless lives you touched.

• Your laughter and wisdom will echo in our hearts forever. We find solace in the beautiful memories and the everlasting bond we share.

• You may have departed from this world, but your spirit remains deeply rooted in our hearts. We will carry forward the lessons and love you imparted to us.

• The world feels emptier without you, yet fuller with the love you left behind. We honor your memory by living each day with the kindness and generosity you exemplified.

Rest in peace messages for the loss of a spouse

• Your love continues to light my path, even in your absence. I carry you with me, always in my heart.

• Your smile and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone who knew you. You are dearly missed, but your spirit remains with us.

• Every moment we shared is a precious memory I hold close. Your presence was a blessing, and your love a gift.

• Though you're no longer by my side, your love continues to surround me. I cherish the time we had together and honor your memory every day.

• Your grace and kindness touched so many lives. You may be gone, but your legacy of love lives on.

• The world is a little dimmer without you, but my heart remains full of the love we shared. You will always be my guiding star.

• Your beautiful spirit brought so much joy to my life. I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace and that our love endures.

• The bond we shared is unbreakable, transcending time and space. I feel your presence with every heartbeat and remember you with profound love.

• Your life was a testament to love, kindness, and strength. I am forever grateful for the time we had and the love you gave so freely.

• Our journey together was filled with moments of joy and deep love. Though you are gone, your essence remains with me, a constant source of comfort and inspiration.

Rest in peace messages for the loss of a friend

• Your memory shines brightly, guiding us through our darkest days. I cherish every moment we shared.

• Though you're no longer with us, your spirit and laughter remain forever in my heart. I will never forget the joy you brought into my life.

• You were a light in my life, and though you are gone, that light will never fade. Your legacy of kindness and love endures.

• In my heart, you hold a place no one else can fill. I will treasure the memories of our friendship forever.

• Your journey on this earth has ended, but the impact you made will last a lifetime. I will always remember your warmth and generosity.

• While I mourn your loss, I celebrate the beautiful life you lived. You touched me with your love and compassion.

• You may be gone, but your spirit remains, reminding me to live fully and love deeply. I honor your memory by cherishing each moment we shared.

• In the quiet moments, I feel your presence, reminding me that love never dies. Your essence lives on in the hearts of those you touched.

• The world is a little dimmer without you, but your memory brings a light that will never go out. I hold you close in my heart.

• Though I cannot see you, I feel your love surrounding me always. Your life was a blessing, and your memory a treasure.