20 Other Ways to Say “Rest in Peace” (With Examples)

When someone passes away, finding the right words to express our condolences can be challenging. While “rest in peace” (RIP) is a common phrase, there are many other thoughtful ways to convey your sympathy and honor the departed.

This article explores 20 alternative expressions, providing examples and insights into their usage.

These phrases offer a variety of ways to express condolences, honor the departed, and provide comfort to those grieving.

Each one carries its own nuance and can be used in different contexts depending on the relationship, setting, and personal beliefs involved.

What To Say Instead of “Rest in Peace”

• Find Eternal Rest
• Gone But Not Forgotten
• Forever in Our Hearts
• Find Peace in the Afterlife
• Till We Meet Again
• In Loving Memory
• May Your Soul Be at Peace
• Forever Cherished and Remembered
• May You Rest in Tranquility
• Your Memory Will Live On Forever
• Find Everlasting Peace
• Gone From Sight, But Never From Our Hearts
• May You Dwell in Serenity
• Your Spirit Lives On
• May You Find Ultimate Peace
• Until We Meet in the Great Beyond
• May Your Soul Soar Free
• You’ll Forever Remain in Our Thoughts
• May You Rest in Eternal Comfort
• Your Love Remains With Us Always

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1. Find Eternal Rest

Tone: Formal, spiritual
Usage: Suitable for religious or spiritual contexts

“May John find eternal rest in the loving embrace of the divine.”

Example: In a condolence card to a religious family:
“Dear Thompson family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. May he find eternal rest in God’s grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

2. Gone But Not Forgotten

Tone: Casual, heartfelt
Usage: Ideal for social media posts or informal messages

“Sarah may be gone, but she’ll never be forgotten. Her laughter still echoes in our hearts.”

Example: In a Facebook post:
“It’s been a year since we lost our dear friend Sarah. Gone but not forgotten, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. We miss you, Sarah.”

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3. Forever in Our Hearts (Great Way to say Rest in Peace)

Tone: Emotional, intimate
Usage: Perfect for close friends or family members

“Grandpa will remain forever in our hearts, a constant source of love and wisdom.”

Example: In a eulogy:
“As we bid farewell to Grandpa Tom, we take comfort in knowing he’ll be forever in our hearts. His stories, his laughter, and his unconditional love will continue to guide us through life’s journey.”

4. Find Peace in the Afterlife

Tone: Spiritual, comforting
Usage: Appropriate for those who believe in an afterlife

“May Emily find peace in the afterlife, free from pain and surrounded by love.”

Example: In a sympathy email:
“Dear Rodriguez family,
We were heartbroken to hear about Emily’s passing. May she find peace in the afterlife, where her beautiful soul can soar free. Please know that we’re here for you during this challenging time.”

5. Till We Meet Again (Rest in peace to a love one’s)

Tone: Hopeful, bittersweet
Usage: Suitable for expressing a belief in reunion

“Farewell for now, Uncle Jack. Till we meet again, your jokes and kindness will be sorely missed.”

Example: In a goodbye letter:
“Dearest Uncle Jack,
As we say goodbye, my heart finds solace in the thought that this isn’t the end. Till we meet again, I’ll cherish every memory we shared. Your nephew, Michael.”

6. In Loving Memory

Tone: Formal, respectful
Usage: Ideal for obituaries or memorial services

“In loving memory of Margaret Brown, whose generosity touched countless lives.”

Example: On a memorial plaque:
“In loving memory of Margaret Brown (1945-2023)
Beloved mother, grandmother, and community leader
Her kindness will continue to inspire generations to come”

7. May Your Soul Be at Peace

Tone: Spiritual, comforting
Usage: Appropriate for various religious backgrounds

“May your soul be at peace, dear Anna, as you embark on this new journey.”

Example: In a condolence letter:
“Dear Johnson family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Anna’s passing. May her soul be at peace as she transitions to the great beyond. Her gentle spirit and unwavering faith were an inspiration to us all.”

8. Forever Cherished and Remembered

Tone: Emotional, heartfelt
Usage: Suitable for close relationships or community figures

“Coach Williams will be forever cherished and remembered for his dedication to shaping young minds.”

Example: In a team tribute:
“To our beloved Coach Williams,
You may have left the field, but your legacy lives on. Forever cherished and remembered, your lessons extend far beyond the game. You taught us perseverance, teamwork, and integrity – values we’ll carry throughout our lives.”

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9. May You Rest in Tranquility

Tone: Peaceful, serene
Usage: Appropriate for those who led stressful lives or had difficult passings

“After a long battle with illness, may you rest in tranquility, free from pain and worry.”

Example: In a sympathy card:
“Dear Lisa,
We were saddened to hear about your mother’s passing. After her courageous fight, may she rest in tranquility. Her strength and grace throughout her journey were truly inspiring. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”

10. Your Memory Will Live On Forever

Tone: Celebratory, positive
Usage: Ideal for honoring those who made a significant impact

“Though you’re no longer with us, Dad, your memory will live on forever in the lives you touched.”

Example: In a eulogy:
“As we gather here today to celebrate Dad’s life, we’re reminded of the countless ways he influenced us all. From his corny jokes to his sage advice, your memory will live on forever, Dad. We promise to carry forward your legacy of kindness and hard work.”

11. Find Everlasting Peace

Tone: Spiritual, comforting
Usage: Suitable for religious or spiritual contexts

“May Grandma Maria find everlasting peace in the arms of her Creator.”

Example: In a prayer service:
“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to entrust our beloved Grandma Maria into your care. May she find everlasting peace in your presence, surrounded by your infinite love and grace.”

12. Gone From Sight, But Never From Our Hearts

Tone: Emotional, poetic
Usage: Ideal for expressing ongoing emotional connection

“Aunt Sophie may be gone from sight, but she’ll never be gone from our hearts. Her love continues to guide us.”

Example: In a family gathering speech:
“As we celebrate Aunt Sophie’s life today, let’s remember that while she’s gone from sight, she’ll never be gone from our hearts. Her recipes, her laughter, and her unwavering support will forever be a part of our family’s tapestry.”

13. May You Dwell in Serenity

Tone: Peaceful, spiritual
Usage: Appropriate for those who valued calmness or struggled with anxiety

“After a life of service and dedication, may you dwell in serenity, dear Pastor Johnson.”

Example: In a church bulletin:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Johnson. A pillar of our community for over three decades, may he now dwell in serenity. His teachings of love, forgiveness, and compassion will continue to guide our congregation.”

14. Your Spirit Lives On

Tone: Uplifting, celebratory
Usage: Suitable for honoring those with vibrant personalities or lasting legacies

“Though you’ve left this earthly plane, Mark, your spirit lives on in the laughter and joy you brought to everyone around you.”

Example: In a memorial service speech:
“Friends and family, as we remember Mark today, let’s celebrate the fact that his spirit lives on. In every joke we tell, in every adventure we embark on, we carry a piece of Mark with us. His zest for life continues to inspire us all.”

15. May You Find Ultimate Peace

Tone: Formal, respectful
Usage: Appropriate for professional or public figures

“As we bid farewell to Mayor Thompson, may she find ultimate peace after a lifetime of public service.”

Example: In a public statement:
“The city of Millbrook mourns the loss of Mayor Jane Thompson. A dedicated public servant and visionary leader, may she find ultimate peace. Her tireless efforts to improve our community will be remembered for generations to come.”

16. Until We Meet in the Great Beyond

Tone: Hopeful, spiritual
Usage: Suitable for expressing belief in an afterlife reunion

“Goodbye for now, brother. Until we meet in the great beyond, I’ll keep your memory alive in all I do.”

Example: In a farewell letter:
“My dear brother Tom,
As I write these words, my heart aches with the realization that this is goodbye – but only for now. Until we meet in the great beyond, I promise to live life to the fullest, just as you always encouraged me to do. Your little sister, Emma.”

17. May Your Soul Soar Free

Tone: Poetic, liberating
Usage: Ideal for those who felt constrained in life or faced long illnesses

“After years of battling illness, may your soul soar free, unencumbered by earthly limitations.”

Example: In a condolence message:
“Dear Anderson family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about David’s passing. After his long and courageous battle, may his soul soar free. His strength and positivity in the face of adversity were truly inspiring. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”

18. You’ll Forever Remain in Our Thoughts

Tone: Thoughtful, ongoing
Usage: Suitable for expressing lasting impact (Thoughtfully chosen way to say rest in peace)

“Though you’re no longer with us, Grandpa, you’ll forever remain in our thoughts, guiding us with your wisdom.”

Example: In a family tribute:
“To our beloved Grandpa Joe,
As we gather here today, we’re reminded of the profound impact you had on all our lives. You’ll forever remain in our thoughts, your life lessons echoing in our minds as we navigate life’s challenges. We promise to make you proud.”

19. May You Rest in Eternal Comfort

Tone: Comforting, peaceful (Rest in peace)
Usage: Appropriate for those who experienced discomfort or hardship in life

“After a life of hard work and sacrifice, may you rest in eternal comfort, Dad.”

Example: In a eulogy:
“As we say goodbye to our father, we find solace in knowing that he can now rest in eternal comfort. His calloused hands and weathered face tell the story of a man who never shied away from hard work. May he now enjoy the peace he so richly deserves.”

20. Your Love Remains With Us Always

Tone: Emotional, enduring
Usage: Ideal for expressing ongoing emotional connection

“Mom may have left this world, but her love remains with us always, a guiding light in our lives.”

Example: In a Mother’s Day tribute:
“On this first Mother’s Day without you, Mom, we’re reminded that your love remains with us always. In the recipes you taught us, the values you instilled, and the unconditional love you showed, you continue to be a part of our daily lives. We miss you and love you forever.”

Remember, the most important aspect of offering condolences is the sentiment behind your words. Whichever phrase you choose, ensure it comes from a place of genuine empathy and care.

Your support and thoughtfulness can make a significant difference to those navigating the challenging journey of loss and grief.

As we reflect on these alternatives, we’re reminded that language has the power to heal, comfort, and connect us during life’s most challenging moments.

Whether we say “rest in peace,” “find eternal rest,” or “your memory will live on forever,” what matters most is the love and respect we express. Ultimately, we all hope that those who have passed can “rest in peace,” and that we offer comfort to those left behind.