Has someone important to you passed away? What was the most comforting/most respectful thing anyone said to you when that happened? I work with the elderly, who die at an accelerated rate. 98% of the time, I genuinely care about the deceased and would like to give comfort to the surviving family. Since this comes up a lot, I feel as if I'm repeating the same phrases over and over. I need more options. I'm specifically asking for things people said to you that were kind. [more inside]
posted by Lately Gone on Mar 21, 2013 - 77 answers

The mother of the family I work for just passed away after a long illness. What can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by nonasuch on Oct 18, 2012 - 9 answers

Help me explain death to my 9 year old. [more inside]
posted by plinth on Sep 20, 2012 - 17 answers

How can I comfort the loved ones of a dying person I don't like? And the dying person themselves? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by katyggls on Aug 19, 2011 - 26 answers

I just found out that a coworker lost her daughter today in an accident. What on earth do I say to her when I see her later this week? [more inside]
posted by bookmammal on Feb 21, 2011 - 33 answers

How do I help someone I don't know very well get over the death of their brother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 28, 2010 - 10 answers

Is there a proper term for the superstition that one won't outlive their parents? [more inside]
posted by goshling on Feb 1, 2010 - 3 answers

The new normal sucks. How am I supposed to cope after my father's suddenish death? [more inside]
posted by bash on May 19, 2008 - 29 answers

I need to send a basket of goodies for a bereavement in North Carolina. Said basket needs to be delivered (between Greensboro and Chapel Hill). Anyone have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by 6:1 on Mar 2, 2008 - 8 answers

My father passed away from a rare cancer last week. I'd like to send my mother regular "care packages" to ease her through this transition and let her know I'm thinking of her. [more inside]
posted by Sangre Azul on Mar 8, 2005 - 9 answers

BereavementFilter: Etiquettement dilemma about opening/agitating mourning versus sharing in a small life-afirming-recollection-of-the-deceased, er, something (the [+] might make more sense, sorry) [more inside]
posted by PurplePorpoise on Jan 9, 2005 - 11 answers