Examples from Collins dictionaries. Neil sent him a letter of condolence.Composing Letters and Notes of Condolence. A thoughtful letter of condolence is both a tribute to the deceased and a source of comfort and courage. A message of condolence is a message in which you express your sympathy for someone because one of their friends or relatives has died recently. Meaningful, personal, and compassionate letters of condolence can be both a tribute to the child who died and a source of comfort to the parents. Here are some suggestions for expressing sympathy clearly and supportively to the bereaved. Email is fine, but avoid texting. Keep the letter as brief and as short as possible. You do not need to express condolences for your own loss.