Losing a grandmother leaves a void that is unlike any other. She may have been the person who taught you to bake, who slipped you candy when your parents were not looking, who held your hand through life's hardest moments with a quiet strength that seemed inexhaustible. Now you have been asked to stand before a room full of people and put that bond into words. It is an enormous honor, and it is completely natural to feel overwhelmed by it.

This guide will walk you through how to write a eulogy for a grandmother that feels authentic, loving, and true to who she was. You will find practical writing tips, a step-by-step structure, and three complete grandmother eulogy examples you can use as inspiration or adapt for your own grandma funeral speech.

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Why a Eulogy for Your Grandmother Matters

Grandmothers occupy a unique place in our lives. They are often the keepers of family history, the ones who held together generations with recipes, traditions, and an unconditional love that seemed to have no limits. A eulogy for a grandmother gives you the opportunity to honor all of that publicly, to tell the room full of grieving people what she meant to you and to your family.

Your grandmother eulogy does not need to be perfect. It does not need to be a polished literary work. It simply needs to be honest. The people in that room are not expecting a performance. They are hoping to hear something that feels true, that captures even a small part of the woman they also loved.

If you are also writing a eulogy for another family member, our guide on how to write a eulogy for your mother may be helpful, as many of the same principles apply.

How to Write a Eulogy for Your Grandmother: Step by Step

Writing a eulogy for grandma can feel daunting, especially when you are grieving. Breaking the process into smaller steps makes it more manageable.

Step 1: Gather Your Memories

Before you write a single word, spend time collecting memories. Sit with family members and share stories. Look through photo albums. Think about the things your grandmother said most often, the things she cooked, the way she made you feel when you walked through her door. Write everything down without editing. You are building a pool of material to draw from.

Step 2: Identify a Theme or Through Line

The strongest eulogies are not just a list of memories. They are held together by a central idea. What was the defining quality of your grandmother? Was it her generosity? Her resilience? Her ability to make everyone feel welcome? Her fierce devotion to family? Choose one or two themes that capture who she was, and let your memories illustrate those themes.

Step 3: Create an Outline

A simple structure for a eulogy for grandmother looks like this:

  1. Opening: Introduce yourself, your relationship to your grandmother, and set the tone.
  2. Who she was: A brief portrait of her life, her background, and the qualities that defined her.
  3. Stories and memories: Two or three specific anecdotes that show who she was in action.
  4. Her impact: How she shaped your life, your family, and the people around her.
  5. Closing: A final farewell, a quote she loved, or a reflection on her legacy.

Step 4: Write the First Draft

Do not try to write a perfect eulogy on your first attempt. Write freely and let the words come as they will. You can polish later. The goal of the first draft is to get your thoughts and feelings onto the page. Speak from the heart about your grandma, and the right words will follow.

Step 5: Edit and Refine

Once you have a draft, read it aloud. Does it sound like you? Does it sound like her? Cut anything that feels generic or forced, and expand the moments that feel most alive. Aim for a length of three to seven minutes, which is roughly 500 to 1,000 words. For more guidance on keeping a eulogy concise yet meaningful, see our short eulogy examples.

What to Include in a Grandmother Eulogy

Every grandmother is different, and your eulogy should reflect the unique person she was. That said, here are elements that often resonate in a eulogy for grandma:

Element Why It Works Example
Her role as grandmother Highlights the unique bond between grandparent and grandchild "Her house was the one place where the rules were different and everything felt safe."
Family traditions Connects the audience to shared memories and keeps her legacy alive "Every Sunday dinner, she made enough food to feed the whole neighborhood, and most Sundays, she did."
Life lessons she taught Shows her lasting influence and wisdom "She always said, 'Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.'"
Specific sensory details Makes memories vivid and immediate for the audience "The smell of her lavender perfume and fresh-baked bread meant you were home."
Her strength and resilience Honors the full arc of her life, not just the gentle moments "She raised four children on her own after Grandpa died, and she never once let us see her falter."

You might also consider including a poem or reading that captures your grandmother's spirit. Our collection of funeral poems includes many selections that work beautifully in a grandmother's eulogy.

Preserve her memory beyond the service. A eulogy is spoken once, but a memorial page lasts forever. Create a lasting tribute with a Farewelling Memorial Page where family and friends can share photos, stories, and memories of your grandmother for years to come.

Example 1: Heartfelt Eulogy for a Grandmother

This first example is a sincere, emotional eulogy for a grandmother that focuses on the warmth and unconditional love she offered. It is suitable for most funeral or memorial services.

"For those of you who do not know me, my name is Emily, and I am Margaret's oldest granddaughter. I want to thank all of you for being here today. Grandma would have loved seeing this many people in one room. She would have also insisted on feeding every single one of you before you left.

My grandmother was the center of our family. Not in a loud or demanding way, but in the way that gravity works. Everything just naturally orbited around her. Holidays, birthdays, Sunday dinners, the big decisions and the small ones. Somehow, we all ended up at Grandma's kitchen table.

I have so many memories of that kitchen. The way the windows would fog up when she had three pots going on the stove. The way she would hum while she worked, never quite a full song, just this quiet melody that meant everything was all right. The way she would pour me a glass of sweet tea and say, 'Now, tell me everything,' as if whatever was happening in my eight-year-old life was the most important thing in the world. And to her, it was.

That was Grandma's gift. She made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. When you talked to her, she listened with her whole self. She looked you in the eye. She asked questions. She remembered what you told her, and she would bring it up weeks later just to check in.

Grandma lived through things that would have broken most people. She lost her husband at 52. She survived a war, a depression, and raising five children who each thought they knew better than she did. Through all of it, she remained kind. She remained generous. She remained the person who left her porch light on so that anyone who needed a safe place could find one.

She taught me that love is not a feeling you wait around for. It is something you do. You show up. You cook the meal. You write the letter. You sit with someone when they are hurting, even if you do not have the right words, because being there is the right words.

Grandma, I do not know how to live in a world without you in it. But I know you would tell me to stop crying, eat something, and get on with the business of being brave. So that is what I will try to do. I will try to love the way you loved, fully and without conditions. I will try to keep your kitchen table tradition alive. And every time I hum while I cook, I will know that a little piece of you is still right here with me.

Thank you, Grandma. For everything."

Example 2: Eulogy for Grandma with Humor

This grandmother eulogy example blends humor with warmth. If your grandma had a sharp wit or a playful personality, a lighthearted approach can honor her spirit while still being deeply moving.

"I am David, one of Grandma Rose's six grandchildren, and I should warn you upfront that Grandma specifically told me that if I made her funeral boring, she would haunt me. So I am going to do my best.

Grandma Rose was, to put it gently, a force of nature. She was four feet eleven inches tall and absolutely convinced that she was in charge of every room she walked into. She was usually right. My grandfather, who was six foot two, once told me that in 50 years of marriage, he won exactly one argument, and he was pretty sure she let him win that one on purpose.

She had opinions about everything. Your haircut. Your job. Your choice of spouse. Whether that sweater really went with those pants. She would deliver these opinions with a smile so sweet that you would find yourself thanking her for telling you that your casserole needed work. That was her superpower.

But here is the thing about Grandma Rose. Underneath all that sass was the biggest heart I have ever known. She volunteered at the food bank every Tuesday for 30 years. She sent a handwritten birthday card to every single grandchild, every year, without fail, each one with a crisp five-dollar bill inside and a note that said, 'Do not spend this on anything sensible.' She called every Sunday at exactly 4 PM, and if you did not answer, she would call back at 4:01, 4:02, and 4:03 until you did.

She was also the worst driver any of us had ever seen. We all knew it. She knew it. She simply did not care. She once backed into the same mailbox three times in one month and told the mailman it was a design flaw. My cousin Jake refused to ride with her after she took a wrong turn onto a one-way street and told him, 'I am only going one way.'

Grandma, you made this world louder, funnier, and so much better just by being in it. I know you would want us to laugh today. You would want us to eat too much, tell your favorite stories, and remember that life is too short to be boring. You certainly never were.

We love you, Grandma. Save us a seat at your table."

Humor in a grandma funeral speech works best when it grows naturally from who your grandmother actually was. The goal is never to get a laugh for its own sake, but to paint a picture of her personality that makes the room smile and nod in recognition.

Example 3: Short Eulogy for a Grandmother

Not every eulogy needs to be long. If you are not comfortable speaking at length, or if multiple family members are sharing memories, a brief eulogy for grandma can be just as powerful. This example comes in at about two minutes.

"My name is Sarah, and Dorothy was my grandmother. I want to keep this simple, because Grandma was a simple woman, and I mean that as the highest compliment I know how to give.

She did not need much to be happy. A cup of coffee in the morning. Her garden. A phone call from one of her grandchildren. A good book and a place to sit in the sun. She found joy in small things, and she had a way of helping you find it too.

The thing I will carry with me most is her hands. They were always busy. Knitting, gardening, cooking, reaching out to hold yours when you were sad. Those hands held me when I was a baby, steadied me when I learned to walk, and squeezed mine one last time in the hospital. I will never forget the strength in that squeeze.

Grandma taught me that you do not need to do extraordinary things to live an extraordinary life. You just need to love the people around you well, and she did that better than anyone.

I love you, Grandma. Rest now."

For more inspiration on writing a concise but meaningful tribute, explore our guide to short eulogy examples.

Keep her story alive for future generations. Your grandmother's memory deserves more than a single day. Create a lasting tribute with a Farewelling Memorial Page where your entire family can contribute photos, stories, and memories, creating a living archive of the remarkable woman she was.

Tips for Delivering Your Grandma Funeral Speech

Writing the eulogy is one challenge. Standing up and delivering it is another. Here are practical tips to help you through the moment:

  • Practice reading it aloud at least three times. This helps you identify the places where your emotions will be strongest, so they do not catch you off guard at the podium.
  • Print your eulogy in large, clear font. Use at least 14-point type, double-spaced. Tears make small text impossible to read.
  • Mark the emotional sections. Put a small star or note next to the paragraphs you know will be hardest. When you reach them, slow down, breathe, and give yourself permission to pause.
  • Bring water. Grief and nerves dry your throat quickly. Keep a glass at the podium.
  • Have a backup reader ready. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be prepared to step in and finish if you find yourself unable to continue. There is no shame in this. It is wisdom.
  • Speak to your grandmother, not just about her. Some of the most moving moments in eulogies come when the speaker shifts from addressing the audience to speaking directly to the person they have lost. A simple "I love you, Grandma" can be more powerful than any polished sentence.
  • Remember: emotion is not weakness. If you cry, pause, take a breath, and continue when you are ready. Every person in that room understands. Your tears honor her.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eulogies for a Grandmother

How long should a eulogy for a grandmother be?

Most grandmother eulogies are between three and seven minutes long, which translates to roughly 500 to 1,000 words. If multiple grandchildren or family members are speaking, aim for the shorter end, around two to four minutes each. If you are the only speaker delivering a eulogy for grandma, you have more room to expand, but try not to exceed ten minutes. The most important thing is that every word feels genuine and purposeful, not that you fill a specific amount of time.

What if I am too emotional to deliver the eulogy?

This is one of the most common concerns people have when writing a eulogy for a grandmother, and it is completely valid. The best preparation is to designate a backup reader before the service, someone you trust who can step in and read your words if you find yourself unable to continue. You can also ask another family member to stand beside you at the podium for support. Many people find that once they begin speaking, the act of sharing their grandmother's story carries them forward. But if it does not, handing the page to someone else is not a failure. It is an act of love.

Is it appropriate to use humor in a grandmother's eulogy?

Absolutely, if it reflects who your grandmother was. If she was funny, warm, and full of personality, a eulogy that is entirely solemn would not be true to her. Humor in a grandma funeral speech should always be loving and warm, never mean-spirited or inappropriate. The best approach is to let the humor arise naturally from real stories and memories. If the room laughs, it is because they recognize the woman you are describing, and that recognition is one of the most beautiful things a eulogy can achieve.

Can more than one grandchild give a eulogy?

Yes, and it can be a wonderful way to honor your grandmother from multiple perspectives. Each grandchild had a different relationship with her, and hearing several voices can paint a richer, more complete portrait. Coordinate beforehand so that you are not repeating the same stories. One grandchild might share a childhood memory, another might talk about her later years, and another might read a poem or a passage from a letter she wrote. If you choose this approach, keep each individual eulogy to two or three minutes.

What if I did not know my grandmother very well?

If distance, time, or circumstances meant that your relationship with your grandmother was limited, you can still deliver a meaningful eulogy. Talk to other family members and gather their stories and impressions. Speak honestly about what you do know and what you wish you had known. You might say something like, "I did not get to spend as much time with Grandma as I would have liked, but the time I did have taught me..." Honesty and sincerity always resonate more than pretending to a closeness that was not there. Your grandmother would respect that truthfulness, and so will the audience.

Should I include religious content in my grandmother's eulogy?

This depends entirely on your grandmother's faith and the nature of the service. If she was a woman of deep faith, incorporating a scripture passage, a prayer, or a reference to her spiritual beliefs can be a meaningful and fitting tribute. If the service is secular, or if the audience includes people of varied beliefs, you can still honor her values and worldview without specific religious language. The key is to be true to who she was. If faith was central to her life, it belongs in her eulogy. Our collection of funeral poems includes both religious and secular options that may complement your eulogy beautifully.

Writing a eulogy for a grandmother is one of the most meaningful things you will ever do. It is hard, and it hurts, and it is worth every word. Your grandmother spent her life loving your family. This is your chance to stand up and love her back, out loud, in front of everyone who mattered to her. She would be so proud of you for doing it.

If you are navigating other aspects of funeral planning alongside writing this eulogy, our guide on writing a eulogy for your mother offers additional structure and examples that may help. And when the service is over, consider creating a permanent space where your family can continue to remember her together. A Farewelling Memorial Page lets you gather photos, stories, and tributes in one beautiful, lasting place.