Introduction Start by greeting the crowd, introducing yourself, and mentioning your relationship to your mother. The introduction sets the tone for your eulogy, meaning, people will know if this is going to be lighthearted, heartfelt, or stoic and solemn. Examples: “Hello, everyone. My name is Margaux and I’m Patricia’s daughter. I’m honored to be here with all of you today in celebration of my mother.” “Welcome, everyone. My name is Rhett and I’m Lucy’s son. Thank you for coming to honor my mother today, I know she would be so grateful.” Memories Talk about little memories that stuck with you throughout the years in order to give people an image of the kind of person she was. Examples: “I’ll always remember how she hunched over the stove, stirring and sniffing, to make sure the dish was cooked with heart and soul.” “I’ll never forget that 200-watt smile of her, spread from dimple to dimple, which were especially pronounced when she was pulling somebody’s leg.” Anecdotes Share any stories that you or someone else may have had with your mother—these can be heartfelt, funny, or show something about her that some people may not have known. “When I was twelve years old, I remember waiting outside the school for hours. I was worried because she was always right on time. Lo and behold, just after the last other student got picked up, I hear this noise like a tractor. Sure enough, it’s her. Waving with a big, toothy smile on her face. “The car broke down, so how’s this for a new ride?!” she laughed. She even attached little basket to the back for my backpack. Thoughtful, kooky, just like her.” Facts about her life Include achievements and any big shifts in her life. Examples: “In 1978, she became the first female mayor of Luckenbach, Texas.” “When she was twenty years old, she left her hometown to go live in Berlin with nothing but the clothes on her back and what little money she had.” Her favorite things Share some of her favorite hobbies, foods, books/movies, and traditions. Examples: “She loved to sit on the porch and snap the green beans while we played on the swing set.” “She was so devoted to her horses that she’d go out to the stables at night and read to them.” Lessons Share any lessons that your mother may have taught you either directly or through her own actions. Examples: “She taught me to always stop and think about how my actions affect other people.” “She taught me the value of perseverance.” Her influence on others Talk about how she interacted with others to show her moral character. Examples: “She was the kind of person who never met a stranger—she always treated everybody like a best friend.” “She had that kind of genuine charisma that drew people in.” Her legacy Share what you hope she will be remembered for and what she would have been most proud for people to remember about her. If she gave you any last words to read, include them here. Examples: “Her legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and loving kindness. She would have been proud to know how touched we all were by her spirit.” “She gave me these last words to be read in her honor: ‘Life must be lived as play.’” Conclusion End the eulogy with a prayer, any of her last words passed on to you, a heartfelt quote, or anything you like. Keep it light, hopeful, and don’t forget to thank the audience. Examples: “As we grieve the loss of this incredible woman, remember that grief is the price of love. Mom, thank you for everything you’ve given us and the warmth we shared during your precious time on earth. May she rest in peace.” “I leave you with these words: death ends a life, not a relationship. My mother lives on in each of us that she touched. Her spirit, her laughter, her joy—may we learn to love as strongly as she.”