How to Write a Eulogy for a Sister: Sample Quotes & Tributes

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Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, shares tips on writing a heartfelt eulogy

Co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: January 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Example Eulogies & Tributes
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• Touching Quotes
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• Writing a Eulogy
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• How long should a eulogy for my sister be?

|Show more |Show less

It’s incredibly difficult when your sister passes away, especially when it comes time to share a eulogy or tribute to her. We’re here to make things easier on you—if only slightly—by sharing some heartfelt tributes to help you honor your sister. You’ll discover eulogy and tribute examples, and 70 touching quotes. We’ve also provided a guide to writing a eulogy that pays tribute to your sister in the most meaningful way possible with the help of therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP.

What to Include in a Tribute to a Sister Who Died

Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, recommends reflecting on who your sister was at her core, what made her unique, and what you’ll miss most about her. Here are some examples of how to write these ideas into your tribute:

• Dear sister, you were my first friend and fiercest ally.
• Goodbye, sister, I’ll keep chasing dreams the way you told me to.
• My sister had a light in her that could brighten even the darkest days.
• You had a gift for making people feel special and loved.
• Her kindness was endless, her heart full of love.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Eulogy & Tribute Speech Examples for a Sister Who Passed

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1. 
   1
   A Special Sister Thank you for joining me today in honoring my sister's memory. From a young age, I knew my sister was special. She would pick me up every day from school. When I went to college, she was there to drive me to the dorms. When I graduated, she drove me across the country. Without her constant and unrelenting support, I wouldn't have made it through the last 40 years of my life. She showed me how to be a better sister, a better person, and a wonderful mom. I owe everything to her and don't know how to navigate life without her.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, is a therapist with over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health.
2. 
   2
   Imprint On Our Hearts My sister had a light in her that could brighten even the darkest days. She was generous, strong, and had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether through her words, her laughter, or simply her presence, she left an imprint on our hearts that will never fade. Though she has left this world, her love, her lessons, and her warmth will always remain. Rest easy, my beautiful sister.
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3. 
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   A Sister’s Love They say a sister’s love is one of life’s greatest gifts, and my sister proved that every single day. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and gave selflessly. No matter what life threw our way, she was always there with open arms and a kind word. While my heart aches in her absence, I know she will always be with me, guiding me as she always has. I love you, sis, and I will cherish you forever.
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   My Best Friend My sister was not just my sibling—she was my best friend, my confidante, and my greatest supporter. She had a way of making even the smallest moments special, filling our lives with laughter and warmth. Her kindness was endless, her heart full of love. Though she is no longer by my side, I will carry her spirit with me in every step I take. I love you, and I miss you more than words can say.
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   5
   A Testament To Her Life Many of you attending today know my sister through her immensely successful career as a [occupation], some of you know her through her brief stint as a [2nd career if applicable], and many of you know her because she made a deep impression on you at some point during our childhood. To say she was a lifelong friend to many wouldn't do her justice. She opened up her home to those in need, rented out (and sometimes just lent out) her extra rooms, and constantly helped people find jobs, resources, and connections when they were new to the city. She was everything to so many, and I'm so blessed to see you all here today. Please try your best to fill your life with generosity and gratitude as a testament to her and her life. Thank you.
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Section 2 of 4:

Touching Quotes for a Sister Who Passed

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1. 
   Share your genuine feelings about what your sister meant to you. Whether you include these short quotes as part of your eulogy or on their own, they all highlight the important bond shared between siblings. These 'rest in peace' quotes honor your sister’s memory and reiterate how much you love her and always will. They let everyone know exactly what made your sister special, and how you will always appreciate the impact she had on you and others.

   • There's a hole in my heart where you used to be, Sis. Thank you for everything. I love you forever.
   • In memory of my sister: a life beautifully lived, a heart deeply loved.
   • Your smile could brighten the darkest days. I’ll carry that warmth with me for the rest of my life. You were truly one of a kind.
   • My sister’s new home is a place of peace, light, and unending love. She’s safe in heaven.
   • I’ll tell my children about their amazing aunt and how much you would have loved them. Your legacy of love will live on through our family.
   • You’re gone, but you left me with strength I didn’t know I had. Goodbye.
   • This is not a goodbye, my sister, but a thank you. Thank you for entering my life and giving me joy.
   • Death can’t break the bond between sisters. You’ll always be part of me, no matter where life takes me. Our love is stronger than goodbye.
   • Remembering you is easy; I do it every day. But there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.
   • In memory of the one who shared my secrets and my dreams.
   • You never met a stranger and always helped anyone in need. Your kindness will live on through everyone you touched. Thank you for showing us how to love.
   • Heaven sent me an angel when my sister was born, and now she has returned to hold a place for me.
   • Thinking of our childhood adventures, your favorite songs, and the way you smiled. These memories are treasures. Goodbye for now, my dear sister.
   • I know you’re in heaven, smiling down on me. I hope I’m making you proud.
   • Grieving the loss of my sister is a journey my heart must take alone, but her memory is a companion that never leaves my side.
   • To my sister in heaven: You were my guide, my joy, my everything. I wish I could hear your laugh one more time. Fly high, angel.
   • I’m not ready to say goodbye, but I know you’re at peace now. You will always be my sister and my hero. Until we meet again.
   • I wish I had one more day with you, just a chance to say what I kept holding back. Goodbye, my sister.
   • Rest softly, dear sister; you are forever cherished.
   • The bond between us is unbreakable, even now. You're not just a memory; you're my guardian angel. Be happy, be free.
   • Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. In memory of my sister.
   • Even silence reminds me of you. Goodbye, sister, until we meet again.
   • My sister, my built-in best friend. I'm heartbroken you're gone, but I'll carry you in my heart always. I miss you endlessly.
   • Even though you’re gone, your courage still pushes me to keep going. Goodbye, my sister.
   • Goodbye, sister, I’ll keep chasing dreams the way you told me to.
   • Thank you for being my friend and my sister. You made my world brighter just by being in it. I love you forever.
   • Your kind heart touched everyone you met. I’m so lucky I got to call you my sister. Sleep well, beautiful soul.
   • Your heart was pure gold, and your spirit was unbreakable. You showed me what it means to be truly good. Rest easy, sweet sister.
   • You faced every challenge with grace and courage. You taught me how to be brave even when life gets hard. I’m so proud to be your sister.
   • Dear sister, you were my first friend and fiercest ally.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Write a Eulogy for a Deceased Sister

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1. 1
   Give yourself time to grieve as you write. “Nothing makes honoring a loved one easy,” says Tenzer. “The eulogy writing phase of the grieving process can really tug at your heart-strings, [and] writing a eulogy for your sister is one of the most meaningful and emotional things you may ever do. Start by giving yourself time to grieve as you write.”

   • Tenzer adds that “there is no ‘perfect’ way to honor her; what matters most is that your words come from the heart and are part of your healing process as well.”
   • “A eulogy is as much a tribute as it is a goodbye,” says Tenzer. “You may wish to acknowledge the pain of her absence while also expressing gratitude for the time you had with her.” She adds, “If you need to pause when speaking, or you cry while practicing, that is ok! It’s your love showing itself. The audience will relate to your grief.”
2. 2
   Open with an introduction to who your sister was. When starting a eulogy, introduce yourself, along with your relationship to your sister, for others who may not know. Say your sister’s name, and some biographical information about her, like when and where she was born and/or grew up. You might also state her occupation and mention other family members she had. Here are some example:

   • My name is [Name], and I’m here to talk about my sister, [Name].
   • [Name] was born in [place] in [year], and grew up in [other locations].
   • [Name] worked for [#] years as a [occupation], and was also an avid [hobby]. She was married to [Name] for [x] years, and had her [x] children, [children’s names].
3. 3
   Highlight her unique qualities. Tenzer says, “A helpful place to start is by reflecting on who she was at her core: her laugh, her personality, her morals and values, what you loved most, what made her uniquely her, and what you will miss about her being here on earth. Think about the roles she played in her life. Not just as your sister, but as a friend, protector, confidant, or even your biggest cheerleader.” Here are some examples:

   • My sister was the most patient person I’ve ever known. She showed patience and kindness to her family, friends, and anyone she met on the street.
   • [Name] had a sense of adventure like no one else. She could turn a trip to the grocery store into an unforgettable journey with lots of laughter and smiles.
   • My sister thought so long and hard about everything she did, from her work to taking care of her family.
4. 4
   Share personal memories. Use detail when telling a story or anecdote about your sister. Tenzer suggests, “You might share a favorite memory, a time she made you laugh, a lesson she taught you, or something that truly embodies her as a person who will be greatly missed. Including a brief story often helps others feel connected to her as a real, living person and not just someone who is being remembered in loss.” She also recommends incorporating “feelings or thoughts that are attached to those memories,” including “visions, places, sounds, and smells that bring you joy." Here are some examples:

   • We used to tell each other scary stories whenever it rained outside. We’d hide under our blankets with our flashlights and make up ghost stories as we went until we made ourselves so scared that we had to turn the lights on.
   • I remember her showing up to my poetry reading when no one else wanted to.
   • We had one special Christmas vacation when we baked cookies and watched cheesy movies together.
5. 5
   Acknowledge the impact she had on others. Talk about how your sister affected other people’s lives just as much as she did yours. Mention other family members, friends, and coworkers who she had a positive effect on in some way. Include what made her special to others to help everyone understand the difference she made in others’ lives. Here are some examples:

   • She made time every week to read to seniors in her community and always remembered their birthdays by giving them a special gift.
   • My sister called our mom every week, no matter what was going on in her life.
   • She planned events for each of her kids every summer, from day trips to the zoo to a shopping spree in the city.
6. 6
   Speak about your emotions and profound sense of loss. Take a moment to recognize the weight of the grief you feel. Mention how much you miss your sister and how hard it is getting used to life without her. Share your love and affection for her as a way to cope with her loss. Here are some examples:

   • I’ll never get used to life without my sister nearby.
   • Life is not as much fun without you in it, Sis.
   • Having our memories of [Name] is the one thing that comforts us.
7. 7
   Incorporate comforting quotes, prayers, or poems into your eulogy. "Eulogies do not have to be long, drawn-out speeches. They can be short and sweet poems, slideshows, artwork, or brief memories shared with loved ones," notes Tenzer. Add a poem or prayer or Bible verse, or share some personal photos or videos of your sister with others while reading your eulogy.
8. 8
   Close by reaffirming your love. Tenzer suggests ending the eulogy with “a message of what you will carry forward—her legacy, strength, honor, laughter, kindness, or spirit. Highlighting these qualities can offer both you and your listeners a sense of peace during a very difficult time. Above all, let your words reflect the bond only sisters share. That connection is what makes your eulogy irreplaceable.” Here are some examples:

   • My sister rests in heaven, and someday we will meet again and rejoice at being together once more.
   • Rest now, sister. Your beautiful soul has found its eternal home.
   • You were the best sister anyone could ask for. I will miss your laugh and your hugs every single day. Rest in peace, my dear sister.
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Section 4 of 4:

How long should a eulogy for my sister be?

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1. The most common length for eulogies is 3 to 5 minutes. While there are no absolute set rules for length, your eulogy should feel long enough to truly honor your sister and give you the opportunity to say everything you want to say about her. Practice reading your eulogy out loud a few times to get a feel for how long it is, and make your edits accordingly.

   • “It can be grounding to organize your thoughts around a few simple themes rather than trying to capture everything,” suggests Tenzer. “It’s an impossible task, so take time to organize your thoughts and your personal goals for her eulogy.”
   • Tenzer notes, “Don’t feel pressured to make it overly formal, entertaining, or with added bits of humor. A eulogy can be gentle, honest, humorous, or emotional, but it doesn’t have to be all of them. There’s no manual for writing one—just speak from your heart.”

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