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Memorial tattoos are a great way to honor those you love. They’re poignant and deeply meaningful ways to show how much they mean to you. So, today, we give you 150 memorial tattoo ideas that will serve as a lasting tribute to your loved ones.

Most of these inspirations are tributes to family members, including moms and dads. Losing a parent is never easy, and it can leave a big hole in the heart. But getting a mom and dad memorial tattoo can feel like keeping them permanently close.

Some people choose to get portraits of their mom and dad inked, capturing their looks and expressions so they’ll always be with them. Others go for symbols that were meaningful to their parents, such as their favorite flowers, hobbies, or even a handwritten note or signature. It’s all about creating a design that’s deeply special to you.

These tattoos also become a source of comfort during tough times and may even boost your mental health

Some even choose to honor their furry friends with animal tattoos. Pets become a part of the family and shower us with affection, loyalty, and love. So, it’s only natural to honor the adorable moments that made our hearts melt. Memorial tattoos for cats and dogs can be personalized. Some choose to get portraits of their cats or dogs inked, capturing their unique personalities and quirks on their skin forever. Others go for symbols that hold special meaning – paw prints, hearts, or even the pet’s name.

These tattoos are not just about grieving. They celebrate the incredible bond we had with our loved ones. They’ll remind you of all the love and happiness they brought into our lives. And you know what? These tattoos can be a part of the healing process, too. They may help you find closure and peace.

What is a Memorial Tattoo?

Memorial tattoos are inked to honor the memory of a deceased loved one or a beloved pet. They are deeply personal and meaningful and serve as a lasting tribute.

These tattoos are more than just ink on the skin. They also carry profound emotional significance. The process of getting a memorial tattoo can be emotional. It may help you grieve, heal, and find closure in your own way. The act of permanently inscribing the memory of the departed on their skin can also be comforting and provide you with a tangible connection to the loved one. It will help you keep their spirit alive and close to your heart.

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    #2

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo honoring family with realistic portraits of an elderly man and woman on a forearm.

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    What to tattoo for someone who passed away?

    Memorial tattoos honor the loss of a loved one and are super personal. Each tattoo holds a special meaning that is specific to the memory of your loved one. When choosing tattoo ideas for memorials, consider the special bond you shared with the person.

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    Here are some ideas for memorial tattoos:

    • Dates and Initials: You could tattoo their birth date, the date they passed away, or their initials.
    • Portraits: If you want to capture their likeness and preserve their memory, consider a portrait tattoo.
    • Quotes or sayings: Select a meaningful quote or saying that resonates with their personality, beliefs, or a phrase they often used.
    • Symbols: Did they have a favorite hobby, passion, or symbol that represented them? Incorporate these elements into the tattoo to celebrate what they loved.
    • Handwriting or Signature: Consider tattooing their actual handwriting or signature as a unique and personal memorial.

    Choose a design that feels meaningful and authentic to you. And when you're ready, find a skilled tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life with care and precision.

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    #5

    Partner Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo design on forearm featuring a welder and the phrase "I love you forever Babe" with a heart, honoring family.

    "First tattoo. My bf of 10 years unexpectedly passed away a couple of weeks ago and wanted him permanently on my body. That’s his handwriting from an anniversary card he gave me and the welder is his business logo. I miss him so much."

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    Which Tattoos Symbolize Remembrance?

    A remembrance tattoo can take many forms. These are some common symbols:

    • Angel Wings: Angel wings are a popular symbol of protection, guidance, and the belief that the departed is watching over us from above.
    • Doves: Doves are symbols of peace and hope.
    • Forget-Me-Not Flowers: As the name suggests, forget-me-not flowers symbolize remembrance.
    • Candles: They symbolize the light that the person brought into our lives.
    • Infinity Symbol: It represents an unending connection and love.
    • Heartbeat: This represents an eternal bond.
    • Lanterns: Lanterns symbolize guiding light and can represent our cherished memories leading us forward.
    #6

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Dog portrait tattoo on arm, memorial ink to honor family pet.

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    #7

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Dog and floral memorial tattoo on woman's arm honoring family.

    "Got my beautiful girl, Molly tattooed in memory by Austin West at Revival Art Collective in Phoenix, AZ."

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    #8

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Colorful animal paw memorial tattoo with name Drew, honoring family.

    "Got to do this lil memorial piece for Christina's dog."

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    #9

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of woman with a cat surrounded by floral design, symbolizing family memorial.

    "A permanent portrait for the lil one who passed too soon."

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    #10

    Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

    Cat tattoos on arm, with floral accents and a bow tie, as a memorial design idea to honor family.

    "Little man and Nala."

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    #11

    Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

    Tattoo of birds on a branch, symbolizing family and remembrance.

    "Memorial piece our twin girls we lost. Done by Sydney at Duluth Tattoo, Co."

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    #12

    Grandad Memorial Tattoo

    Photo of a grandfather holding a child, alongside a tattoo honoring family with the same image outline.

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's mildly scary without faces, is there a reason for this?

    #13

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo depicting a couple with humorous shirts, inspired by an old photo.

    "My Grandma and Grandpa - by Eli Wood at Lombard Street Tattoo in Portland!"

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    #14

    Cat Memorial Tattoo

    Cat memorial tattoo with ornate frame on a person's leg.

    "Memorial for my cat, Link. Done by Kelly Severtson at Insight Studios, Chicago, IL."

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    #15

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Cat and floral memorial tattoo design on forearm, featuring a crescent moon and stars.

    "Siamese Kitty for Anna, in memory of her own cat."

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    #16

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Colorful dog memorial tattoo with flowers and abstract shapes on skin.

    "First tattoo, mid century modern style dog memorial by Will Schallert at Adornment in Palm Springs, CA."

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    #17

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Paw print tattoo with colorful flowers, a memorial design to honor family.

    "A very sweet memorial tattoo for a sweet kitten."

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    #18

    Dad Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a child holding an adult's hand, symbolizing family bond and memorial tribute.

    "In loving memories with her dad for Alexis."

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    #19

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Watercolor tattoo of two elderly figures, symbolizing family love and memories.

    "One the most beautiful tributes I've ever tattooed. Grandparents love."

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    #20

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Dog-themed memorial tattoo on hand with blue flowers, honoring family.

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    #22

    Memorial Tattoo On The Back

    Back tattoo of a fishing rod with "Love You Grandma" text, symbolizing family memorial.

    "This sentimental fishing pole dedicated to the client’s grandpa was created by at patrick_dunaway18."

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    #23

    Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

    Memorial tattoo of a white chair with a colorful patterned blanket draped over it.

    "A memorial piece for their Hawaiian shirt wearing, plastic chair sitting, storm watchin dad."

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    #24

    Dog Memorial Tattoo

    Realistic dog tattoo honoring family, featuring a small fluffy dog with white and brown fur, detailed on the skin.

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    #25

    A Memory To My Late Father Tattoo

    Whale memorial tattoo on arm honoring family.

    "A memory to my late father by Sergey Pakholiuk at Dark Matter, Lebanon."

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    #26

    Memorial Grandpa Tattoo

    Tattoo of two people sitting on clouds, one fishing and one playing guitar, symbolizing family togetherness.

    "Always next to you. The grandpa who loved fishing was done few years back and added his mother who loved playing guitar next to him. Thanks a lot for your trust and letting me do this meaningful one again, Julian!"

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    #27

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a family silhouette with video game elements, honoring family with creative design.

    "Gaming memories with my late dad by Whipshade at Catapult Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden."

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    #28

    Wedding Photos Of Parents Tattoo

    Tattoo of a couple on a wedding day, symbolizing family honor and love.

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    #29

    Dad Memorial Tattoo

    Cartoon characters embracing tattoo, symbolizing family honor.

    "My new Simpsons tattoo for my late father by Abby Rose at Pogue Mahone Tattoo in Red Bank, NJ."

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    #30

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo featuring "Dad" and "Mom" in handwritten style on skin.

    "My parent’s signatures. By Peter at Funhouse in Vancouver, BC, Canada."

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    #31

    Dad Memorial Tattoo

    Family tattoo with silhouettes inside a circle, featuring mountains in the background, on forearm.

    "A father holds his daughter's hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever."

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    #32

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of elderly couple with glasses and heartwarming text, symbolizing family honor and memory.

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    #33

    Jack Russell Terrier Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a dog's face framed by red flowers on an arm to honor family.

    "Memorial Jack Russell Terrier by Matt Truiano from No Idols in NYC."

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    #34

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a woman and dog outline, with paw prints, honoring family.

    "My memorial to my best girl. Adam Aguas at High Class studio in Des Plaines IL."

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    #35

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Dog portrait tattoo with flowers on forearm honoring family.

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    #36

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Dog memorial tattoo on arm with geometric design.

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    #37

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a cat and the name "Jackie" on an arm, symbolizing family honor.

    "A memorial piece for a beloved cat, Jackie."

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    #38

    Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

    Memorial tattoo on wrist with handwritten message honoring family.

    "Letter from dad."

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    #39

    Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

    Tattoo of a woman on an arm beside a black-and-white photo, honoring family.

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    #40

    Memorial Tattoo For A Lost Friend

    Memorial tattoo featuring a lighthouse and desert landscape on forearm.

    "Memorial tattoo for a lost friend. D’mon Meuli, California Gold Tattoo, Los Angeles."

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    Anthony hawk
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know how old this post is but....I'm sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay.

    #41

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a couple kissing, symbolizing family honor and remembrance, on an arm wearing a pink shirt.

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    #42

    Mother Memorial Tattoo

    Portrait tattoo of a person with sunglasses, memorial tattoo honoring family on arm.

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    #43

    Tattoo In Memory Of Grandparents

    Family memorial tattoo depicting elderly couple with balloons, inspired by reference photo.

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    #44

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Memorial tattoo on arm featuring an elderly couple's portrait with a heart, symbolizing family honor.

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    #45

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Memorial tattoo design depicting two people, one reading a paper, honoring family bonds.

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    #46

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Back

    Tattoo of two figures embracing, sitting on a bench with a sailboat and sun, honoring family.

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    #47

    Grandparents Memorial Wrist Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo on wrist with "Ciao Amore" and a family outline.

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    #48

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo on an arm, inspired by a family photo.

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    #49

    Grandparents Memorial Forearm Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo featuring cartoon-style grandparents and child with hearts.

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    #50

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoos On The Legs

    Minimalist tattoos on legs symbolizing grandparents, featuring glasses and floral elements to honor family.

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    #51

    Butterfly And Flowers Memorial Tattoo

    Butterfly and floral memorial tattoo on a woman's back, symbolizing family honor.

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    #52

    Handwriting Memorial Tattoo

    Handwriting tattoo on arm memorializing family with a sentimental quote.

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    #53

    Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo with handwritten message on arm honoring family.

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    #54

    Roman Numerals Memorial Tattoo

    Roman numeral tattoo on forearm with "Love" inscribed, symbolizing a family tribute.

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    #55

    Memorial Tattoo On The Back

    Sibling childhood photo with matching line art tattoo, honoring family memories.

    "Memorial tattoo by Brandilyn Dunning at Blackmint Collective in OKC."

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    #56

    Memorial Family Tattoo

    Tattoo with heart and "family" text on upper arm, honoring loved ones.

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    #57

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Minimalist family memorial tattoo inspired by a photograph of a couple.

    "My parents on the night they eloped. Done today by Tamara King at Skintricate Tattoo in Mississauga, ON. (Fun fact, today is my parents 33rd wedding anniversary)."

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    #58

    Dad Memorial Tattoo

    Line art memorial tattoo of a man holding a can, inspired by family photo.

    "Portrait of my Dad done by Juilien at First Place Tattoos in Hackettstown, NJ."

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    #59

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo on arm with outline of four people and text "Charity begins at home."

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    #60

    Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

    Memorial tattoo of a silhouetted child reaching for a red heart balloon with "Daddy" written on it.

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    #61

    Mom Memorial Tattoo

    Heart tattoo with "Mom" banner, featuring a shaded design to honor family.

    "Some of my recent works [Budapest, Hungary, Genesis Tattoo, Tamás Ömböli]."

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    #62

    Dad Memorial Tattoo

    Father and child portrait with matching line art memorial tattoo honoring family.

    "My Dad and Me - Jarred Boland at Sailors Devil, Bendigo, Australia."

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    #63

    Parents Memorial Tattoos

    Wedding photo tattoo honoring family with detailed line art on arm.

    "My parents' wedding photo. Done by Chewy at Wyld Chyld in Merrick, NY."

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    #64

    Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

    Tattoo of pinky promise with "#MW23" text, symbolizing family honor.

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    #65

    Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

    Tattoo depicting two faceless figures, symbolizing family, inked in monochrome on forearm.

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    #66

    Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

    Line art tattoo on arm honors family, inspired by old family photo.

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    #67

    Family Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo on arm above a family photo for inspiration.

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    #68

    Grandma Memorial Tattoo

    Tattoo of a child reaching for an apple under a tree, symbolizing family honor and remembrance.

    "My giving tree tattoo in memory of my grandma (with me instead of the boy) by Kaley at Legacy Tattoo in London, Ontario."

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    #69

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

    Arm with memorial tattoo design featuring flowers and kitchen tools labeled "Oma" and "Opa" to honor family.

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    #70

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

    Family memorial tattoo sketch with "per sempre con me" text.

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    #71

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Minimalist tattoo on arm symbolizing family with two faces and a heart.

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    #72

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo line art of an elderly couple on forearm.

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    #73

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo depicting three figures walking together, symbolizing love and remembrance.

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    #74

    Pet Memorial Forearm Tattoo

    Dog tattoo on forearm, a memorial design to honor family.

    "In memory of the best boy that ever lived! Done by aubry at empyrean in sandy springs, GA!"

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    #75

    Memorial Tattoo Of Butterfly And Flowers

    Butterfly and flowers memorial tattoo with a date in Roman numerals to honor family.

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    #76

    Anchor Memorial Tattoo

    Colorful family memorial tattoo with an anchor and watercolor effects.

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    #77

    Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo on forearm featuring handwritten script in tribute.

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    #78

    Memorial Tattoos On The Legs

    Heart tattoos on calves with "Mom" and "Dad" banner, floral design, memorial tattoo idea.

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    #79

    Frog Memorial Tattoo

    Frog tattoo with "Gone, but not forgotten" text, honoring family.

    "Frog memorial by Cassie at Atlanta Ink. R.I.P. Leonard, 2015-2021."

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    #80

    Mom Memorial Tattoo

    Floral memorial tattoo on upper arm with framed family designs.

    "A tattoo for my late mom, done by Ian at Steel n Ink in Collingwood, ON."

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    #81

    Parents Memorial Tattoo

    Family memorial tattoo featuring two figures and signatures on an arm, inspired by a printed photograph.

    "Minimalistic Portrait of my parents with their signatures. Done at Red River Tattoo Company in Irvine, KY by Rebekkah Ratliff."

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    #82

    Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

    Memorial tattoo of a vintage family photo, honoring loved ones with line art style inked on leg.

    "My grandparents first date 54 years ago done by Charis at 15th St. tattoo Edmond, OK."

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    #83

    Pet Memorial Tattoo

    Paw print memorial tattoo on foot, honoring family with love and remembrance.

    "My partners Paw. Not a day goes by without missing you my friend. Till we meet again."

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    #84

    Anchor Memorial Tattoo

    Anchor tattoo with compass and Roman numerals, symbolizing family and memorial themes.

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    #85

    Anchor Memorial Tattoo On The Leg

    Anchor tattoo with floral design on a person's calf, symbolizing family honor.

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    #86

    Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

    Minimalist floral tattoo with sentimental family tribute text on inner forearm.

    "Dainty things."

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