Writing a eulogy for a grandparent

By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated 20 October 2026

How to write a eulogy for your nan, grandma, grandad or grandpa – including for younger speakers – with a simple structure, prompts and example passages.

Grandparents often hold a special place: the house with the biscuit tin, the stories of the old days, the person who always had time. Writing a eulogy for your nan, grandma, grandad or grandpa is a chance to share that. We're sorry for your loss, and we hope this guide makes the task a little easier.

Grandchildren are often asked to speak, sometimes when they're quite young. If that's you, there's a section especially for you below.

Before you start

• Ask how long you have. If several grandchildren are speaking, two or three minutes each is plenty.
• Talk to your parents, aunts and uncles. They knew your grandparent as a parent – a very different person from the one you knew.
• Look through old photographs. They often bring memories back, and can give you lovely details about earlier life: the wedding, the war years, the first house.

Prompts to help you remember

• What was their house like? What was always in the cupboard?
• What did you do together – cards, gardening, walks, baking, watching the racing?
• What did they call you? What did you call them?
• What stories did they tell about growing up?
• What did they teach you – a recipe, a card game, a saying, a way of seeing the world?
• How did they show they loved you?
• What did they think about the modern world? (There's often humour here.)

A simple structure

1. Who you are: "I'm Ellie, one of Doris's seven grandchildren."
2. A little of their life, especially the parts younger relatives might not know.
3. Who they were to you: two or three memories.
4. What they meant to the whole family.
5. Goodbye.

Example passages

For a nan or grandma

"I'm Ellie, Doris's granddaughter. Nan was born in Hackney in 1934 and was evacuated to Somerset at five, where she learned to milk a cow and decided she never wanted to do it again. She married Grandad in 1955, had four children, eleven grandchildren and, as of last month, three great-grandchildren."

"Going to Nan's meant three things: a cuddle on the doorstep, a plate of something you hadn't asked for, and a game of rummy that she would win. She never let us win. 'You'll thank me later,' she'd say. I do, Nan."

"She knew the birthday of every single person in this room, and she sent a card to every one of us, every year, with a five-pound note in it – long after we'd grown up and told her not to."

For a grandad or grandpa

"Grandad served in the Navy and then worked for the Post Office for thirty years. He could name every ship he'd sailed on, every street on his round, and every winner of the FA Cup since 1950."

"His shed was his kingdom. As children we were allowed in only by invitation, and we were given tasks of enormous importance, like sorting screws into jam jars. I realise now he was giving us time with him – and keeping us out of Nan's way."

"He had a saying for everything. When we were upset: 'Worse things happen at sea.' When we were showing off: 'Pride comes before a fall.' When we left: 'Mind how you go.'"

Closing

• "Nan, thank you for the cuddles, the cards and the rummy lessons. We'll keep your recipes – and we'll keep winning at cards, for you."
• "Mind how you go, Grandad. We love you."

If you're a young speaker

It's very brave to speak at a funeral, especially if you're a child or a teenager. Here are some tips:

• Keep it short. Even a few sentences is wonderful. One minute is plenty.
• Talk about one thing you did together and one thing you'll miss.
• Write it with a grown-up if you'd like help.
• Practise reading it out loud a few times at home.
• It's OK to have someone stand next to you, or to ask them to finish reading it if you need to stop.

Example for a younger speaker: "My grandad taught me how to play chess. He always said I was going to beat him one day, and last summer I did. He was so happy he told everyone at the bowls club. I'll miss playing with him. I love you, Grandad."

Joint eulogies from grandchildren

When there are many grandchildren, a shared tribute can work beautifully: each person shares one short memory, or one person reads a piece made up of everyone's contributions. Keep the total to five or six minutes.

Delivery

Print in large type, have water nearby, and give a copy to someone who can read it if you need them to. Our main eulogy writing guide has more on delivery and nerves. You can check your length with the speech timer, or use the outline tool to organise your memories.

Frequently asked questions

What do you say in a eulogy for a grandparent?

Say who you are, share a little of their life, tell one to three memories of time together, and say goodbye in your own words.

How long should a grandchild's eulogy be?

Two to five minutes is typical. If several grandchildren speak, a minute or two each is ideal.

Can a child give a eulogy?

Yes. A few sentences about a favourite memory can be very moving. Help them practise and have an adult nearby.

What if I didn't know my grandparent well?

Talk to your parents and relatives, look at old photos, and focus on what they meant to the family.

Related guides

• How to write a eulogy: a gentle, practical guide
• Writing a eulogy for your mum
• Writing a eulogy for your dad