If the deceased left a text to be read, introduce it as their own words. When relatives write a speech, they can speak for themselves. Check the facts and agree on the content with those it concerns.
A farewell does not require grand language. It can rest on one memory, a few words of thanks and a simple ending. Before writing, agree with the ceremony leader when the text can be read and how much time is available.
Whose words are we reading?
If the deceased left a letter or recording intended for the farewell, explain clearly where it came from. Preserve the meaning of their words and their known wishes about who should hear them.
When a text is written after a death, it is better to speak as the family or person remembering. Do not invent the deceased's final thoughts, forgiveness or beliefs about an afterlife. Mark quotations clearly and distinguish them from your own memories.
What can a farewell include?
Choose a detail you remember well: a shared habit, a kind gesture or a favourite activity. You can say what mattered to you in the relationship. You do not have to recount an entire biography or resolve family matters.
There is no required hierarchy of people to address. Instead of a long list of names, you can thank everyone present. Respect relatives' privacy and boundaries; do not reveal details they do not wish to make public.
A simple structure and preparation for reading
Begin with a brief greeting and say on whose behalf you are speaking. Then recall one or two checked memories, give thanks and close the farewell. Choose wording consistent with your beliefs and the nature of the ceremony.
Read the text aloud and check first names and surname pronunciation. Adjust its length to the agreed time; there is no required minimum. Print it in a readable typeface and prepare a copy for someone who can take over. You can pause or ask someone else to read it.
An example farewell in your own voice
The following is an example to adapt, not words attributed to the deceased:
Dear Family and Friends, we have come together to say farewell to [name]. I would like to share a memory that matters to me: [one real event]. Thank you for [a specific gesture or shared experience]. Thank you also to everyone here today for your support. We will remember [name] and the moments we shared.
You can remove any sentence that does not suit your relationship. There is no need to ask people to stop crying or promise that grief will end. Brief, sincere words are enough for a farewell.
How do you separate a farewell from ceremony information?
A personal memory does not need to contain every organisational detail. To prepare an announcement, use our guide to death notices: differences and example wording (in Polish).
If you plan to read a tribute during a non-religious ceremony, see our description of secular funerals in Warsaw. Discuss the order of speeches and who will read the text with the ceremony leader.