May 8, 2025
She stood in silence, fingertips grazing the cool surface of the granite. The air around her was still, heavy with the weight of something unspeakable. It had been weeks since the funeral, but this moment felt harder than all the rest.
“Just pick something short and meaningful,” the cemetery staff had said.
But how do you say everything in a single line?
What do you write when a life was barely lived or ended so suddenly that even the memories still feel incomplete?
This is the reality for so many grieving families, and for headstone makers, it’s one of the most sacred roles we carry: helping people find the right words when they have none.
Because a headstone is more than stone. It’s a final act of love. A message carved into time. A place for the living to return to, even when everything else has changed.
In this blog post, we’ll help guide you through writing an epitaph for life’s most unimaginable losses, whether it’s for a child, a spouse, a friend, or someone gone far too soon. These words will stay forever. Let’s make sure they say what the heart truly means.
Epitaphs aren’t just inscriptions. They are emotional anchors. They give families a voice when grief has silenced everything else.
They also give the public a glimpse into the life that once was. For generations to come, that brief message on a monument may be all that remains of someone’s story.
As professional headstone makers, Summit Memorials understands that this isn’t about choosing a phrase, it’s about honouring a legacy.
Before selecting an epitaph, it’s important to consider the nature of the loss. Here are a few examples and thoughtful directions for each:
This type of loss is often too painful for words. Short, poetic inscriptions tend to be the most comforting:
You may also include symbols like butterflies, teddy bears, or footprints; small visuals that speak volumes.
An epitaph can reflect the love shared and the void left behind:
Sometimes, words of peace or purpose can help:
These messages remind both the family and community that this life will not be erased or ignored.
Most granite markers have space for 15–30 words, depending on the font size and layout. Don’t try to say everything—say the one thing that matters most.
Words like “beloved,” “cherished,” “missed,” and “remembered” have a lasting emotional impact. Trends come and go but grief remains.
Is the tone meant to be spiritual, poetic, factual, or deeply personal? Here are tone examples:
Experienced headstone makers like Summit Memorial know that design enhances sentiment. Script fonts feel soft and elegant and block fonts feel dignified and strong but the choice of granite colour and finish also plays a key role.
The process of crafting a headstone, especially one honouring an unspeakable loss, requires deep sensitivity and exceptional skill. At Summit Memorials, we provide both.
As trusted headstone makers in Edmonton, we walk every family through design, granite selection, layout, and customization. Our team ensures every epitaph is engraved with precision, and every monument meets Alberta’s cemetery regulations.
We believe that when words are hard to find, quality and care can speak for you. That’s why, at Summit Memorials, we have proudly served families across Alberta for decades. Our experienced team of memorial designers and stonemasons guides you through every step—from choosing the right epitaph to the final installation.
We specialize in upright monuments, pillow markers, flat grave markers, and monument restoration services. Contact us today to speak with a compassionate memorial specialist and begin crafting a meaningful tribute.
