Cousins often share a special bond with one another. Almost as close as siblings, you grow up together, experience new things together, and help shape one another’s life.
So when the tragic time comes that you are asked to deliver a eulogy for a cousin you’ve lost, you want to honor their memory and let the world know how special they were to you.
Thankfully, the team at Legacy can guide you through the process. From broader thoughts on how to write a eulogy to the tips we’ll get into below, this guide will give you all you need to deliver the tribute your cousin deserves.
Cousins often share a special bond with one another. Almost as close as siblings, you grow up together, experience new things together, and help shape one another’s life.
So when the tragic time comes that you are asked to deliver a eulogy for a cousin you’ve lost, you want to honor their memory and let the world know how special they were to you.
Thankfully, the team at Legacy can guide you through the process. From broader thoughts on how to write a eulogy to the tips we’ll get into below, this guide will give you all you need to deliver the tribute your cousin deserves.
Cousins often share a special bond with one another. Almost as close as siblings, you grow up together, experience new things together, and help shape one another’s life.
So when the tragic time comes that you are asked to deliver a eulogy for a cousin you’ve lost, you want to honor their memory and let the world know how special they were to you.
Thankfully, the team at Legacy can guide you through the process. From broader thoughts on how to write a eulogy to the tips we’ll get into below, this guide will give you all you need to deliver the tribute your cousin deserves.
Ready to get started?
Ready to get started?
Ready to get started?
Our ObitWriter template can help you create an obituary for a cousin in minutes.
Our ObitWriter template can help you create an obituary for a cousin in minutes.
Our ObitWriter template can help you create an obituary for a cousin in minutes.
What to Say When a Cousin Dies
Loss is difficult even in the best of times. It’s never easy to figure out what to say and how to say it, but there are some basics you can keep in mind that will help you navigate this emotional minefield.
First, when talking with your cousin’s immediate family, basic condolences are often all that is needed. Simple words like "I'm so sorry for your loss" or "My thoughts are with you" may not seem like much, but they can mean a lot. The rest may be unsaid, but it’s understood.
Be sure to share memories of your cousin. This can provide comfort to grieving family members and honor who they were in life.
More importantly, simply be present for others who are grieving. Sometimes, just being there to listen can be incredibly supportive, and can also help you in your own grief. You can also offer to assist with daily tasks or funeral arrangements when possible. This can alleviate some of the burden on grieving family members and give your mind some focus.
Finally, since you can’t be there for them at every moment, a heartfelt sympathy card or letter sharing a cherished memory can be a constant reminder that you are there for them, and that you cherished your cousin, too.
How to Write a Eulogy for Your Cousin
Writing a eulogy for your cousin may seem like more than you want to take on right now, but by following the approach below you’ll find that it will be easier than you imagine.
Before you start writing, keep in mind what a eulogy is and how it differs from an obituary: an obituary is a written notice of death which provides details of the deceased’s life, while a eulogy is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
Basically, you’ll be writing a short speech to honor the person you’ve lost. Here’s how to go about it:
Reflect on Your Cousin's Life
Think about the important moments and achievements in your cousin's life, and the overall arc that led them to becoming the person they were. Consider their personality, hobbies, career, and what made them unique.
Gather Stories and Memories
To help with writing, reach out to family members and friends to gather stories and memories. Including anecdotes that highlight your cousin's character can make the eulogy more personal and relatable – and yes, it’s okay for the stories to be funny.
Create an Outline
As you take notes, structure them into a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction, share memories and stories in middle, and conclude with a heartfelt message, quote or Bible passage they loved, or funny story than encapsulates the relationship you had with them.
Mention Family and Close Friends
Be sure to acknowledge the grief of family members and close friends, especially their parents and siblings. Mentioning them by name can make the eulogy more inclusive and comforting.
Practice Delivering the Eulogy
Even if you already have public speaking experience, practice reading your eulogy aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and that you are comfortable with it. This will also help you gauge the timing, make any necessary adjustments, and allow you to read without too much reliance on your notes.
Examples of Eulogies for Your Cousin
Legacy offers a wide array of obituary examples to help in writing one yourself, when the time comes. In that same spirit, below we offer some simple sample eulogies you can borrow and rewrite. These are not complete speeches, but rather are examples we’ve created to help get you started. Use them as a foundation upon which to start building a wonderful tribute to your cousin.
1. A Heartfelt and Emotional Eulogy
"Today, we gather to remember my dear cousin, [Cousin’s Name]. [Cousin’s Name] was more than just a cousin to me; they were a confidant, a friend, and a source of endless support. From childhood adventures to adult milestones such as [important memory or milestone], [he/she/they] was always there. Their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone they met. [Cousin’s Name], you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever."
2. An Inspirational Eulogy
"As all of you who knew them will attest to, [Cousin’s Name] lived life with a sense of purpose and determination that inspired us all. [Cousin’s Name]’s drive and positive outlook were evident in everything they did, from overcoming challenges to achieving their dreams. They taught us the importance of perseverance and the power of hope. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy should guide us every day. There is no better way to honor their memory than to live life to the fullest every day."
3. A Funny and Light-hearted Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a remarkable ability to make everyone laugh. Whether it was a funny quip at a family gathering or the insane adventures they got themselves into, there was never a dull moment when [Cousin’s Name] was around. One time, [share funny story or memory here! And I know all of you have similar stories. [Cousin’s Name]’s humor brought joy to our lives, and while we will miss the laughter, we will always cherish the memories of the good times we shared."
4. A Religious and Faith-Based Eulogy
"We gather here today to celebrate the life of my cousin, [Cousin’s Name], who has returned to the loving arms of our Creator. [Cousin’s Name]’s faith was a guiding light throughout [his/her] life, and [he/she] found comfort and strength in [his/her] relationship with God. In times of joy and sorrow, [Cousin’s Name]’s unwavering faith never faltered. We take solace in knowing that [he/she] is now at peace in Heaven, and [his/her] spirit continues to watch over us."
5. A Celebratory and Joyful Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a zest for life that was truly contagious, and their vibrant personality and adventurous spirit led her to explore the world and touch countless lives along the way. Whether it was hiking through mountains, volunteering in the community, or simply enjoying a spontaneous dance party, [Cousin’s Name] embraced every moment with enthusiasm. Today, we celebrate their incredible life, and we honor the joy and love they brought to all of us."
How Legacy Can Help Create a Eulogy for your Cousin
If you need further assistance, Legacy.com offers a wealth of services to help you at every step of the way. This includes funeral planning tools, obituary templates, tips on how to write a memorial, and our brand new ObitWriter ® tool that allows anyone to create a high-quality tribute to their departed loved one in just moments.
We even have tools to help you locate resources on coping with grief, and more.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
What to Say When a Cousin Dies
Loss is difficult even in the best of times. It’s never easy to figure out what to say and how to say it, but there are some basics you can keep in mind that will help you navigate this emotional minefield.
First, when talking with your cousin’s immediate family, basic condolences are often all that is needed. Simple words like "I'm so sorry for your loss" or "My thoughts are with you" may not seem like much, but they can mean a lot. The rest may be unsaid, but it’s understood.
Be sure to share memories of your cousin. This can provide comfort to grieving family members and honor who they were in life.
More importantly, simply be present for others who are grieving. Sometimes, just being there to listen can be incredibly supportive, and can also help you in your own grief. You can also offer to assist with daily tasks or funeral arrangements when possible. This can alleviate some of the burden on grieving family members and give your mind some focus.
Finally, since you can’t be there for them at every moment, a heartfelt sympathy card or letter sharing a cherished memory can be a constant reminder that you are there for them, and that you cherished your cousin, too.
How to Write a Eulogy for Your Cousin
Writing a eulogy for your cousin may seem like more than you want to take on right now, but by following the approach below you’ll find that it will be easier than you imagine.
Before you start writing, keep in mind what a eulogy is and how it differs from an obituary: an obituary is a written notice of death which provides details of the deceased’s life, while a eulogy is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
Basically, you’ll be writing a short speech to honor the person you’ve lost. Here’s how to go about it:
Reflect on Your Cousin's Life
Think about the important moments and achievements in your cousin's life, and the overall arc that led them to becoming the person they were. Consider their personality, hobbies, career, and what made them unique.
Gather Stories and Memories
To help with writing, reach out to family members and friends to gather stories and memories. Including anecdotes that highlight your cousin's character can make the eulogy more personal and relatable – and yes, it’s okay for the stories to be funny.
Create an Outline
As you take notes, structure them into a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction, share memories and stories in middle, and conclude with a heartfelt message, quote or Bible passage they loved, or funny story than encapsulates the relationship you had with them.
Mention Family and Close Friends
Be sure to acknowledge the grief of family members and close friends, especially their parents and siblings. Mentioning them by name can make the eulogy more inclusive and comforting.
Practice Delivering the Eulogy
Even if you already have public speaking experience, practice reading your eulogy aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and that you are comfortable with it. This will also help you gauge the timing, make any necessary adjustments, and allow you to read without too much reliance on your notes.
Examples of Eulogies for Your Cousin
Legacy offers a wide array of obituary examples to help in writing one yourself, when the time comes. In that same spirit, below we offer some simple sample eulogies you can borrow and rewrite. These are not complete speeches, but rather are examples we’ve created to help get you started. Use them as a foundation upon which to start building a wonderful tribute to your cousin.
1. A Heartfelt and Emotional Eulogy
"Today, we gather to remember my dear cousin, [Cousin’s Name]. [Cousin’s Name] was more than just a cousin to me; they were a confidant, a friend, and a source of endless support. From childhood adventures to adult milestones such as [important memory or milestone], [he/she/they] was always there. Their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone they met. [Cousin’s Name], you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever."
2. An Inspirational Eulogy
"As all of you who knew them will attest to, [Cousin’s Name] lived life with a sense of purpose and determination that inspired us all. [Cousin’s Name]’s drive and positive outlook were evident in everything they did, from overcoming challenges to achieving their dreams. They taught us the importance of perseverance and the power of hope. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy should guide us every day. There is no better way to honor their memory than to live life to the fullest every day."
3. A Funny and Light-hearted Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a remarkable ability to make everyone laugh. Whether it was a funny quip at a family gathering or the insane adventures they got themselves into, there was never a dull moment when [Cousin’s Name] was around. One time, [share funny story or memory here! And I know all of you have similar stories. [Cousin’s Name]’s humor brought joy to our lives, and while we will miss the laughter, we will always cherish the memories of the good times we shared."
4. A Religious and Faith-Based Eulogy
"We gather here today to celebrate the life of my cousin, [Cousin’s Name], who has returned to the loving arms of our Creator. [Cousin’s Name]’s faith was a guiding light throughout [his/her] life, and [he/she] found comfort and strength in [his/her] relationship with God. In times of joy and sorrow, [Cousin’s Name]’s unwavering faith never faltered. We take solace in knowing that [he/she] is now at peace in Heaven, and [his/her] spirit continues to watch over us."
5. A Celebratory and Joyful Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a zest for life that was truly contagious, and their vibrant personality and adventurous spirit led her to explore the world and touch countless lives along the way. Whether it was hiking through mountains, volunteering in the community, or simply enjoying a spontaneous dance party, [Cousin’s Name] embraced every moment with enthusiasm. Today, we celebrate their incredible life, and we honor the joy and love they brought to all of us."
How Legacy Can Help Create a Eulogy for your Cousin
If you need further assistance, Legacy.com offers a wealth of services to help you at every step of the way. This includes funeral planning tools, obituary templates, tips on how to write a memorial, and our brand new ObitWriter ® tool that allows anyone to create a high-quality tribute to their departed loved one in just moments.
We even have tools to help you locate resources on coping with grief, and more.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
What to Say When a Cousin Dies
Loss is difficult even in the best of times. It’s never easy to figure out what to say and how to say it, but there are some basics you can keep in mind that will help you navigate this emotional minefield.
First, when talking with your cousin’s immediate family, basic condolences are often all that is needed. Simple words like "I'm so sorry for your loss" or "My thoughts are with you" may not seem like much, but they can mean a lot. The rest may be unsaid, but it’s understood.
Be sure to share memories of your cousin. This can provide comfort to grieving family members and honor who they were in life.
More importantly, simply be present for others who are grieving. Sometimes, just being there to listen can be incredibly supportive, and can also help you in your own grief. You can also offer to assist with daily tasks or funeral arrangements when possible. This can alleviate some of the burden on grieving family members and give your mind some focus.
Finally, since you can’t be there for them at every moment, a heartfelt sympathy card or letter sharing a cherished memory can be a constant reminder that you are there for them, and that you cherished your cousin, too.
How to Write a Eulogy for Your Cousin
Writing a eulogy for your cousin may seem like more than you want to take on right now, but by following the approach below you’ll find that it will be easier than you imagine.
Before you start writing, keep in mind what a eulogy is and how it differs from an obituary: an obituary is a written notice of death which provides details of the deceased’s life, while a eulogy is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
Basically, you’ll be writing a short speech to honor the person you’ve lost. Here’s how to go about it:
Reflect on Your Cousin's Life
Think about the important moments and achievements in your cousin's life, and the overall arc that led them to becoming the person they were. Consider their personality, hobbies, career, and what made them unique.
Gather Stories and Memories
To help with writing, reach out to family members and friends to gather stories and memories. Including anecdotes that highlight your cousin's character can make the eulogy more personal and relatable – and yes, it’s okay for the stories to be funny.
Create an Outline
As you take notes, structure them into a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction, share memories and stories in middle, and conclude with a heartfelt message, quote or Bible passage they loved, or funny story than encapsulates the relationship you had with them.
Mention Family and Close Friends
Be sure to acknowledge the grief of family members and close friends, especially their parents and siblings. Mentioning them by name can make the eulogy more inclusive and comforting.
Practice Delivering the Eulogy
Even if you already have public speaking experience, practice reading your eulogy aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and that you are comfortable with it. This will also help you gauge the timing, make any necessary adjustments, and allow you to read without too much reliance on your notes.
Examples of Eulogies for Your Cousin
Legacy offers a wide array of obituary examples to help in writing one yourself, when the time comes. In that same spirit, below we offer some simple sample eulogies you can borrow and rewrite. These are not complete speeches, but rather are examples we’ve created to help get you started. Use them as a foundation upon which to start building a wonderful tribute to your cousin.
1. A Heartfelt and Emotional Eulogy
"Today, we gather to remember my dear cousin, [Cousin’s Name]. [Cousin’s Name] was more than just a cousin to me; they were a confidant, a friend, and a source of endless support. From childhood adventures to adult milestones such as [important memory or milestone], [he/she/they] was always there. Their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone they met. [Cousin’s Name], you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever."
2. An Inspirational Eulogy
"As all of you who knew them will attest to, [Cousin’s Name] lived life with a sense of purpose and determination that inspired us all. [Cousin’s Name]’s drive and positive outlook were evident in everything they did, from overcoming challenges to achieving their dreams. They taught us the importance of perseverance and the power of hope. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy should guide us every day. There is no better way to honor their memory than to live life to the fullest every day."
3. A Funny and Light-hearted Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a remarkable ability to make everyone laugh. Whether it was a funny quip at a family gathering or the insane adventures they got themselves into, there was never a dull moment when [Cousin’s Name] was around. One time, [share funny story or memory here! And I know all of you have similar stories. [Cousin’s Name]’s humor brought joy to our lives, and while we will miss the laughter, we will always cherish the memories of the good times we shared."
4. A Religious and Faith-Based Eulogy
"We gather here today to celebrate the life of my cousin, [Cousin’s Name], who has returned to the loving arms of our Creator. [Cousin’s Name]’s faith was a guiding light throughout [his/her] life, and [he/she] found comfort and strength in [his/her] relationship with God. In times of joy and sorrow, [Cousin’s Name]’s unwavering faith never faltered. We take solace in knowing that [he/she] is now at peace in Heaven, and [his/her] spirit continues to watch over us."
5. A Celebratory and Joyful Eulogy
"My cousin [Cousin’s Name] had a zest for life that was truly contagious, and their vibrant personality and adventurous spirit led her to explore the world and touch countless lives along the way. Whether it was hiking through mountains, volunteering in the community, or simply enjoying a spontaneous dance party, [Cousin’s Name] embraced every moment with enthusiasm. Today, we celebrate their incredible life, and we honor the joy and love they brought to all of us."
How Legacy Can Help Create a Eulogy for your Cousin
If you need further assistance, Legacy.com offers a wealth of services to help you at every step of the way. This includes funeral planning tools, obituary templates, tips on how to write a memorial, and our brand new ObitWriter ® tool that allows anyone to create a high-quality tribute to their departed loved one in just moments.
We even have tools to help you locate resources on coping with grief, and more.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
"ObitWriter": The All-Purpose Interactive Obituary Writing Tool
If you want an even simpler way to create an obituary, it’s fast, easy, and free to use Legacy’s ObitWriter® tool. All you have to do is answer some basic questions about your loved one’s life, and in just a few minutes, ObitWriter will take your responses and turn them into a well-written draft of a thoughtful, respectful obituary.
Ready to get started?
Ready to get started?
Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.
Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.
Ready to get started?
Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.
