Examples of Eulogies: Eulogies People Won't Forget

By Guest Author: Jude Mannion, CEO Vita

Eulogies don’t have to be all tears and tissues. Some of the most unforgettable send-offs strike the perfect balance between heartfelt tribute and humor. After all, nothing captures a person’s life quite like sharing fond memories and funny stories that make everyone smile—even in the middle of saying goodbye.

It’s an idea close to the heart of The Death Deck, which was founded on the belief that humor can be found in even the hardest of times. When grief feels overwhelming, moments of laughter can remind us of the joy someone brought to our lives. Let’s explore how humor can transform a eulogy into a beautiful way to pay tribute while keeping their spirit alive.

Why Humor Belongs in a Eulogy

Grief is heavy, and it’s hard to carry that weight nonstop. Sometimes, laughter sneaks in when we least expect it, as if our own spirit is reminding us to take a break. Incorporating humor into a eulogy isn’t about ignoring the sadness—it’s about embracing all the moments that made someone unforgettable.

Humor in mourning isn’t a new concept. In cultures around the world, laughter is often seen as a way to connect and heal. For example, Irish wakes are famous for mixing tears with joyful storytelling, ensuring that grief is balanced with celebration. One incredible example of this is Shay Bradley, an Irish man who left behind a hilarious recording for his funeral. As his coffin was being lowered, guests heard him shouting, “Let me out!” followed by playful banter. The entire crowd broke into laughter, a moment that perfectly captured his legacy as someone who always brought joy to those around him. You can watch the moment here.

Think of it this way: eulogies people won’t forget capture the essence of a person’s life, and humor is often part of that story. The funny stories we share aren’t distractions; they’re precious memories that reflect the joy, mischief, and quirks that made them who they were.

Examples of Eulogies with Humor

One of my favorite examples comes from my sister Sue’s funeral. My brother Rob was delivering her eulogy, and I asked him to share a story about the time Sue and I almost got arrested at the beach.

Back in the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon to see gals going bare-breasted at Perth beaches. One day, Sue and I were soaking up the sun when a police officer decided we were breaking the rules. He started calling for backup to arrest us. But Sue—always quick on her feet—grabbed a small handkerchief, ripped it into four pieces, and promptly covered our nipples. Technically, we weren’t “bare” anymore, and the cop had no case!

At her funeral, the story had everyone in the room laughing so hard they cried. For a moment, the heaviness of grief lifted, and we were all reminded of Sue’s incredible spirit and knack for finding humor in any situation.

Other examples of humor in eulogies might include:

• Sharing a beloved grandparent’s knack for slipping one-dollar bills into birthday cards “for emergencies.”

• Talking about a best friend’s legendary attempts at cooking that always resulted in the smoke alarm going off.

• Remembering a dad who sang every road trip song entirely off-key but with so much heart no one cared.

That’s the power of a funny story—it doesn’t erase the sadness, but it brings people together to celebrate the joy someone brought to the world.

How to Add Humor to a Funeral Speech

Adding humor to a eulogy doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about being authentic and sharing moments that truly reflect the person you’re honoring. Here are some practical tips to guide you:

1. Choose Stories That Reflect Their Personality:
   Think about their personal stories—the quirky, funny ones that everyone loves to retell. Maybe it’s the time they showed up to a family dinner in mismatched shoes or their habit of singing karaoke completely off-key. These favorite memories bring their spirit to life.

2. Balance Humor with Heart:
   Humor doesn’t have to overshadow the heartfelt moments. It’s about finding the right mix—funny stories that make people laugh, followed by touching moments that pay tribute to their legacy.

3. Keep It Authentic:
   The humor should feel natural, not forced. Focus on the moments that genuinely make you smile when you think about them.

4. Know Your Audience:
   Be mindful of the crowd. The goal is to unite everyone with laughter, not to shock or offend.

5. Take Inspiration from Their Humor:
   If they had a signature joke or catchphrase, work it into your eulogy. It’s a subtle way to pay tribute to their unique sense of humor.

Research on Humor and Grief

Laughter has powerful emotional and physical benefits, even in times of grief. Studies show that humor triggers the release of endorphins, which reduce stress and increase feelings of connection. In the context of a eulogy, humor can help mourners feel less isolated in their grief, creating moments of unity and shared remembrance.

In fact, grief counselors often encourage families to reflect on the joyful memories of their loved ones. These moments of levity can be just as healing as tears, reminding us of the fullness of life.

Celebrate Their Life, Laughter and All

A eulogy doesn’t have to follow a script. It can be whatever you need it to be—a heartfelt tribute, a collection of personal stories, or even a few funny stories that remind everyone of the joy that person brought to the world.

At Vita, we believe in breaking the norms of traditional send-offs. And if you’ve ever played The Death Deck, you already know how humor can find its way into even the hardest of times. Why not bring that same spirit to a eulogy? Share favorite memories, funny stories, and the moments that truly capture a person’s life.

Because in the end, laughter is such a gift. It’s how we remember, heal, and celebrate a person’s life—one joyful memory at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if humor is appropriate for the eulogy?
A: Think about the personality of the person you’re honoring. If they loved to laugh and didn’t take life too seriously, humor could be a beautiful way to reflect their spirit. Consider their relationship with the audience and whether they’d appreciate a touch of humor.

Q: What if someone in the audience doesn’t appreciate humor?
A: Balance is key. Make sure the humor is respectful and paired with heartfelt moments. You’re not trying to entertain—you’re celebrating a life in a way that feels authentic to them.

Q: Can humor overshadow the more serious parts of a eulogy?
A: Not if you balance it well. Start or end with a heartfelt tribute to their legacy, then sprinkle in funny stories to reflect their personality.