How to Write a Eulogy for Your Godmother - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for your godmother feels personal and important. She might have been a chosen family member a mentor or the person who taught you to read at bedtime. This guide gives you a straightforward plan to write something honest and memorable. We explain terms you might not know and give real examples and templates you can copy and personalize. Read through pick a template and start writing with confidence.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone who has been asked to speak about their godmother at a funeral memorial celebration of life or graveside service. Maybe you were the obvious pick because you were closest to her or maybe you want to honor a woman who was chosen to be a spiritual guide. Maybe your relationship was sweet simple or complicated. There are sample scripts for gentle ceremony tones funny moments and shorter tributes to fit time limits.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a short speech that honors a person who has died. It is usually given during a funeral or memorial. A eulogy is not the same as an obituary. An obituary is a written notice with basic facts like birth date survivors and service details. A eulogy is personal. It is a story. It is allowed to be imperfect.

Terms you might see

• Godmother A woman chosen to support a child spiritually and often emotionally. The role can be religious ritual based or simply a lifetime promise to be present.
• Obituary A published notice about a death that usually includes biographical details and funeral arrangements.
• Order of service The schedule for a funeral or memorial listing the sequence of readings music and speakers.
• Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket. Pallbearers are often family or very close friends.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories photos and sharing memories.
• Hospice Care focused on comfort for people nearing the end of life. Hospice can take place at home or in a facility.
• RSVP An abbreviation of the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is used on invitations to ask people to confirm attendance.

How long should a eulogy be

Short clear and specific is usually better than long and rambling. Aim for three to seven minutes. That is roughly 400 to 800 spoken words. If you are nervous about crying a shorter heartfelt tribute can be more powerful than a long speech that loses focus.

Before you start writing

A little planning makes a big difference. Use this quick checklist to prepare.

• Ask about time Check with the family or the officiant how long you are expected to speak.
• Decide the tone Do you want something tender formal celebratory funny or a mix? Match the tone to who your godmother was and what the family wants.
• Gather material Collect names nicknames quick stories favorite sayings and any rituals she liked. Ask siblings cousins or close friends for one memory each.
• Pick three focus points Choose three main things you want listeners to remember. Three is small enough to hold in one speech and big enough to give shape.
• Know logistics Confirm whether you will have a microphone time of day and where you will stand.

Structure that works

A clear structure gives you permission to be simple. Use this shape and you will have a speech that holds attention and lands emotionally.

• Opening Say who you are and why you are speaking. Add one clear line that sets the tone.
• Life sketch Give a brief overview of her life roles and passions. Dates are optional.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that reveal character. Keep them sensory and specific.
• Lessons and traits Summarize what she taught you or what the family will miss.
• Closing Offer a goodbye line a short quote or invite the crowd to remember one thing about her.

How to write the opening

The opening helps you breathe into the room. Keep it simple and clear. State your name your relationship and one small true sentence about her that sets the tone.

Opening examples

• Hello I am Sam and I was lucky to have Maria as my godmother. She taught me to eat dessert first and to always answer with kindness.
• Good afternoon I am Aisha and I am Rebecca s godchild. Rebecca had a laugh that could fill a room and an uncanny ability to find a parking spot in a packed lot.
• Hi everyone I am Oliver. My godmother Sonia was the person who arrived with soup shoes and sensible advice whenever life got messy.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a full biography. Pick the facts that matter for the story you want to tell. Focus on roles like friend volunteer teacher or creative spirit. Use plain language and avoid listing every job and award.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] was born in [place]. She worked as a [job] and later spent her time [hobby or passion]. She loved family dinners and community volunteering.
• [Name] moved to [city] and became known for [signature habit]. She was a godmother to many and made sure to celebrate birthdays with cards and care.

Anecdotes that matter

People remember stories more than statements. Pick stories that show her character. Keep them short with a clear payoff.

Examples of very short anecdotes

• When I was seven she taught me to make toast the right way which meant butter first then jam. I still make it that way when I need comfort.
• She had a ritual of ringing a brass bell when guests arrived. The bell meant the conversation could begin and that tea would soon follow.
• At every holiday she would sneak a tiny origami bird into our plates. Finding one felt like winning a small secret prize.

Addressing complex relationships

Not every relationship with a godmother is easy. Maybe you grew apart or disagreements happened. You can be honest without being mean. Acknowledge complexity and point to moments that mattered or gave you closure.

Examples for complicated relationships

• My relationship with Rosa was complicated. We had distance and then we found our way back through small Sunday calls. I am grateful for the late night conversation that helped me forgive.
• She could be stubborn and opinionated. Those parts of her pushed me to think for myself. That influence was hard then and useful now.
• We did not always agree but she made sure I felt seen on my big days. That mattered more than our fights.

How to use humor the right way

Humor can be a relief in a heavy room. Use small earned jokes not shock value. Test them with someone who will be honest. Avoid jokes that might hurt family members or embarrass the deceased.

Safe humor examples

• She had two rules for life always pack a spare scarf and never trust a salad that looks too perfect.
• Maya loved bad puns and she made us groan on purpose. We are a little wiser now and also a little sadder because there will be one less pun at the table.

What to avoid in a eulogy

• Avoid turning the speech into a therapy session or a place for family disputes.
• Avoid sharing private jokes that will exclude people in the room.
• Avoid long lists of accomplishments without stories that make them human.
• Avoid cliches unless you follow them with a specific detail that makes them real.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are complete examples that follow the structure above. Replace bracketed items with your details and say them out loud a few times before the service.

Example 1 Warm mentor godmother 3 to 4 minute version

Hello I am Nina and I had the honor of calling Claire my godmother. Claire was born in New Orleans and she loved music food and late afternoon walks. She worked as a school librarian and every child who met her left with a recommendation and a slightly better idea of who they could be.

One small story that captures her is the way she celebrated every small win. When I learned to ride a bike she baked a tiny cake and invited the whole block. When I was nervous about my first job she sent me a postcard that said you have got this in bright yellow ink. Those gestures were not flashy but they mattered deeply.

She taught me to be curious and to always ask for the read aloud at the bookstore. Her generosity was patient and steady. I will miss her stories her cookie jar and the way she could make a bad day feel softer. Thank you for being here and for holding Claire with us today.

Example 2 Short and sweet under two minutes

Hi everyone I am Jose and I was Marta s godchild. Marta loved plants strong coffee and terrible soap operas. She taught me how to plant basil and how to say I love you without making it awkward. Thank you for being here and for keeping her memory alive.

Example 3 Honest and respectful for complicated relationships

Hello I am Emily. My godmother Joan and I had a relationship that had its ups and downs. We were busy with our own lives and often missed each other s milestones. In the last year we started to write short letters and those letters became important. She apologised for a few old things and she thanked me for being present. That small repair meant a lot. I am grateful for that time and for the lessons she left about reaching out before it is too late.

Example 4 Celebration of life with humor and warmth

Good afternoon I am Marcus, her godson. If you met my godmother you knew two things about her she loved a good hat and she could tell a story that would last until the next morning. Her hats were as loud as her opinions and both were welcome. Today we celebrate the hats the stories and the way she made us feel seen. Please laugh and then remember one lamp of kindness she left in your life.

Templates you can fill in

Use these templates as a starting point. Replace the bracketed text and then edit until the voice sounds like you.

Template A Classic short

My name is [Your Name]. I am [Godmother s name] godchild. [Name] was born in [place or year]. She loved [one hobby], she worked as [job], and she was the person we called when [small task or habit]. One memory that shows the kind of person she was is [brief story]. She taught me [value or lesson]. We will miss [what people will miss]. Thank you for being here and for holding her memory.

Template B For complicated relationships

My name is [Your Name]. My relationship with [Godmother s name] was complex. We did not always understand each other. We fought about [small example]. Over time I came to appreciate [something positive]. In the last [months years] we [reconciled spoke more often found peace]. If I could say one thing to her now it would be [short line you want to say].

Template C Light and funny with sincerity

Hi I am [Your Name]. To know [Godmother s name] was to know that [quirky habit]. She also made sure we learned [practical lesson]. My favorite memory is [funny small story]. She made us laugh and she made us better at [small domestic skill]. I will miss her jokes and her sure way of folding towels. Thank you for being here.

Practical tips for delivery

Speaking while grieving is hard. These tactics help you stay steady.

• Print your speech Use large font. Paper is less distracting than a small phone screen.
• Use cue cards Index cards with one or two lines each are easy to manage and reduce the chance of losing your place.
• Mark pauses Put a symbol where you want to breathe or where the audience will laugh. Pauses give you space to regroup.
• Practice out loud Read the eulogy to a friend a partner or to your pet. Practicing helps your voice get used to the words.
• Bring tissues Or a handkerchief. Wet eyes are normal. If you stop breathe swallow and continue. The audience will wait.
• Ask for help If you think you may not complete the speech arrange for someone to introduce you and to step in if needed.
• Mic technique Keep the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak at a normal volume. If there is no mic project to the back row slowly and clearly.

When you want to cry while reading

If tears come pause breathe and look down at your notes. Slow your breathing and take a moment if needed. If you cannot continue have a prearranged person ready to finish a sentence for you. Saying fewer words more slowly is often more moving than rushing through sobs.

How to include readings poems and music

Short readings work best in a service. If you include a poem pick a brief excerpt rather than a long piece. Readings can be religious secular or a favorite movie line. Confirm with the officiant and print the text in the program if possible.

Music tips

• Choose songs your godmother loved or songs that match the mood of the event.
• If live music is not possible ask the venue about playing a recorded track between speakers.
• Keep music short and place it where it supports the speech for example just before the eulogy or as a brief interlude after a moving line.

Logistics and who to tell

• Tell the funeral director if you need a microphone or want printed copies handed out.
• Confirm with the officiant where you will stand and how long you can speak.
• Offer a copy of your speech to the person running the order of service so they can include it in a program or memory book.

After the eulogy

People will likely ask for a copy. Offer to email it or to include it in a memory book. Some families ask that the text be printed in the program. You can also record the audio and share it privately with family who could not attend. Always check with close family before posting any recording online.

Checklist before you step up to speak

• Confirm your time limit with family or officiant.
• Print your speech in large font and bring a backup copy.
• Practice out loud at least three times.
• Mark pauses and emotional beats on the page.
• Bring tissues and a glass of water if allowed.
• Tell a family member you might need a moment and arrange a signal if you want them to finish a sentence for you.

Recording the eulogy and sharing it

Ask permission before posting a recording online. Some families prefer privacy. If sharing is approved add a short note about how people can donate or how to share memories with the family. Keep the recording respectful and share it only with those who want it.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Godmother A woman who promises to support a child spiritually and often emotionally. She may be involved in religious ceremonies or simply be a chosen family member.
• Eulogy A speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who has died.
• Obituary A written notice that announces a death and usually includes service details.
• Order of service The plan for the funeral or memorial listing the sequence of events.
• Pallbearer A person chosen to carry the casket. They are usually family or close friends.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that often focuses on stories photos and music.
• Hospice Care focused on comfort and quality of life for someone nearing the end of life. Hospice care can take place at home or in a facility.
• RSVP Short for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is found on invitations to ask people to confirm attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How long should my eulogy for my godmother be

Three to seven minutes is a good target. That usually equals about 400 to 800 words. Shorter speeches often feel more focused and are easier to deliver when you are emotional.

What if I cry and cannot finish

Pause breathe and look at your notes. If you still cannot continue have a designated person ready to step in. Many people arrange a family member or friend to finish a closing line if needed.

Can I include religious language if the family is not religious

Only include religious language if it was meaningful to your godmother or to the family. If religion was not central choose secular language that honors values and memories instead. A short poem or reading can work well.

How do I balance humor and respect

Use humor that is based on real memories and that feels earned. Avoid jokes that might embarrass someone in the room. Follow a light joke with a sincere sentence to reconnect the tone.

Should I give a copy of my eulogy to the funeral home or officiant

Yes. Providing a copy helps the officiant and the person running the service stay on schedule. It also makes it easy to include the text in a printed program or a memory book.

Can I read from my phone

Yes you can but make sure the screen is bright enough and the device will not ring. Many people prefer a printed copy or index cards because they are easier to handle when emotions run high.