Is proper ettiquette to send a thank you card to someone who sends a sympathy card?

Question

Is proper ettiquette to send a thank you card to someone who sends a sympathy card?

Answer 1

It is unnecessary to send them a thank you card...

Answer 2

It is not necessary to send a thank you card for a card.   You certainly can if you want to though.

Answer 3

No it's not expected of you- especially when a sympathy card cos usually you will have enough on your plate as it is without dishing out thank you's. So best thing is just to mention a thanks and let the sender know you got it safely when you next see them.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

when someone dies in my family

we usually only send thank you cards to people that havce

purchased flowers for the funeral, or purchased a mass card, or soemthing like that

not for a regular sympathy card no

Answer 5

Yes....then they send you a thank-you card for the thank-you card....then  you send them a thank-you card for them taking the time to send you a thank-you card....

Answer 6

Just thank them for their care, thoughts and prayers, you needed them  and they helped you get through a rough time.

Answer 7

It is never incorrect to acknowledge a letter or note or phone call, but it isn't necessary. For any occasion other than a death/funeral, I'd probably advise simply not to do it; you don't want to start an endless round of thanking each other for thank you notes. However it is usual to acknowledge sympathy cards, flowers, food and other gifts. My suggestion is to call up some of those people who asked if there was anything they could do to help and put THEM to work writing these acknowledgements.

Dear Mr and Mrs Hamilton,

Patricia Harper has asked me to let you know how very much she appreciates the lovely card/flowers/gift/etc. Your concern and thoughtfulness mean a great deal to her in this difficult time.

Yours truly,

James Pike (Patricia's neighbor)

Answer 8

You need only send thank you cards to those who sent flowers, gifts, etc. and the pall bearers. Or if there was money included in the card. At least that is what the funeral director told me at my sons funeral.

Answer 9

I don't think it is necessary i have recieved a few   but i don't expect it when i send one

Answer 10

No definitely NOT!  Those cards are sent to acknowledge your sadness and know that you are being thought of.

Answer 11

This is what Miss Manners has to say on this topic:

"Dear Miss Manners,

My husband died recently. My question is (I should know the answer, but the brain isn't working): To whom do I send thank you cards? I've sent them to people who brought some food over, but don't know about people that sent sympathy cards and my children and their spouses that traveled many miles to get here and made the arrangements at the funeral home and did a myriad of other things for me while they were here.

Gentle Reader,

Please allow Miss Manners to offer you her condolences—to which no response is necessary. Had she been able to offer them in person, you would need only to say "Thank you." Nor do you need write to anyone who simply signed a name to a pre-printed card.

At the other extreme, a note of thanks would be insufficient for your children. They are presumably also bereaved, and if you want to repeat the consolation and gratitude you undoubtedly offered them in person, it must be done in a warmer and more detailed way.

But those who have supported you, by bringing food, doing your errands or writing thoughtful letters, did indeed deserve written thanks. "

I hope this helps you.

Answer 12

Happens all the time......

Just nice to see someone today concerned about etiquette.

Martha Stewart

Answer 13

NO need.

Answer 14

i would not send a thank you note after reciving a sympathy card and i would not expect  a thank you note after sending a sympathy card

Answer 15

A sympathy card is a substitute for a letter, so if your respond, it should be with a letter.  (In fact, a letter is really better than a thank you card for gifts as well.)