Funeral poems for a sister

Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

It might be difficult to put into words what you’re feeling after a sister has died. We’ve collected some of our favourite funeral poems here so that you can find inspiration, or use them in a funeral reading for your sister.

Goblin Market by Cristina Rossetti

This passage taken from Cristina Rossetti’s narrative poem really sums up the joy of having a sister. The poem itself is very long, but this particular extract would make a touching funeral verse for you to use.

For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands

To My Sister… By Allison Chambers Coxsey

This beautiful piece is written as though spoken directly to your loved one. If you chose to use this in a memorial verse for your sister, it could be a powerful way of communicating your emotions as though you were speaking to her.

While the poem does have particular religious imagery, that doesn’t mean it isn’t usable for someone of a different faith or no faith at all. For the non-religious reader, small amendments would make this just as applicable as a non-denominational funeral poem for your sister.

I’m blessed to call you sister,
I also call you friend;
You’ve loved me unconditionally,
And stood through thick and thin.

You’ve shared my joys and sorrows,
My laughter and my tears.
You’ve been my inspiration,
As we grew up through the years.

When we were little children
We laughed and played together;
Then growing up you stood by me,
Through good and stormy weather.

There’s something God has given us,
That’s more than family;
He’s placed a love for you, my Sister,
Deep down in the heart of me.

Beyond The Empty Chair

A short poem that acknowledges the pain of experiencing a bereavement but also provides a bright view on the memory of a loved one. If you chose this for your sister’s memorial poem, it might help people remember the good times shared with them.

Look beyond the empty chair
To know a life well spent
Look beyond the solitude
To days of true content
Cherish in your broken heart
Each moment gladly shared
And feel the touch of memory
Beyond the empty chair

The Importance of a Sister by Shiva Sharma

This poem celebrates the life you had with your sister. It could be a nice addition to a memorial verse which helps focus on what the relationship you had with your sister was truly about.

A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,
No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart.
She is a joy that cannot be taken away,
Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.

A friend who helps you through difficult times,
Her comforting words are worth much more than dimes.
A partner who fills your life with laughs and smile,
These memories last for miles and miles.

When she is by your side, the world is filled with life,
When she is not around, your days are full of strife.
A sister is a blessing, who fills your heart with love,
She flies with you in life with the beauty of a dove.

A companion to whom you can express your feelings,
She doesn’t let you get bored at family dealings.
Whether you are having your ups or downs,
She always helps you with a smile and never frowns.

With a sister you cannot have a grudge,
She is as sweet as chocolate and as smooth as fudge.
Having a sister is not just a trend,
It is knowing you can always turn to her, your best friend.

After Glow by Helen Lowrie Marshall

This short funeral poem for a sister is written from the perspective of the person who has died. It might be nice to read this as though it’s your loved one is speaking to the congregation, reminding them of good times to cherish.

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done

Lose You by Adriana

An emotionally charged poem that captures the powerful feelings that come with losing a sibling. Including this as your sister’s memorial poem could help with communicating the volume of grief you’re feeling.

Never thought I’d lose you,
But here I am,
Standing alone,
Without you by my side,
We’re sisters for life,
We promised,
But now you’re gone,
I don’t know what to do,
Without you,
I’m going crazy,
I’m trying to hold on,
To keep strong,
But it just doesn’t feel right,
I’m waiting here,
My arms wide open,
Tears running down my face,
Ready for your return,
Even if it takes forever,
My sister…

Shorter writings

Here are two shorter quotes that you might want to include in your sister’s eulogy. As with the poetry above, they’re thoughts you can use to inspire your own writing. If they are already in line with how you felt about your sister, you could use them as they are.

“What are sisters for if not to point out the things the rest of the world is too polite to mention.”

• Claire Cook

“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.”

• Isadora James

For more funeral verses and inspiration for your loved one’s service, browse our collection of funeral poems.