Bereavement Gift

[malibuconlee]

This might sound weird, and it's not for everyone, but since her mom is being cremated and it sounds like they were very close, how about a gift certificate to get a piece of jewelry made from her ashes?

Google cremated ashes jewelry and it will give you lots of websites to choose from. The funeral home doing the cremation may have information as well.

Otherwise I say food. I have also given a roll of stamps before for the family to use for the thank you notes, but it sounds like she may not need them in this case.

 

[Kirby]

What about a donation in the deceased ones name to a charity? We have done this before.

 

[auntie]

send a plant

I think this is a nice gesture as well, especially since you don't know the woman well. Honestly a gift to a restaurant..well, everytime I used it I'd think oh..this is for "dead mom". Now..that's just me, I'm not passing judgement, just saying how I'd think of it, and probably wouldn't use it.

I have sent a living plant..as opposed to flowers that die, to a neighbor that I knew lost her dad. She said she thought it was a lovely gesture, and it was something living...(as long as she watered it!).
Everyone is different, and grieves differently as well, I think it's nice that you're trying to reach out to your co-worker, given that she keeps to herself.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

My mom always gave cash in lieu of flowers. If it were someone nearby, she would make food, too. When I lost my parents, I received a couple of checks which I felt funny doing anything with. I also received notice of a donation to a charity. So I cashed the checks and sent the money to charity. Now, when I am faced with the decision of what to do, I make a donation to a charity that helps what the deceased died from. The charity sends a note to the family about the donation in the deceased's name.

I'm funny, I guess, I wouldn't want a plant or anything that stays around to remind me.

 

[luvdzny]

Not sure if this is the kind of thing you are looking for, but I decided to post anyway.
My 19 year old DD's boyfriend died in December. She had a guardian angel pin made for his mom. Here is the site she used:

http://www.rosemaryangels.com/

She got the football player pin because he played college football. It is beautiful, it is engraved with his name & jersey # and his mom loves it.

 

[sweet angel]

You know Sweet Angel, you're living up to your moniker by being so thoughtful and understanding. I am a very introverted / private person and I lost my Dad 6 months ago. Right now, I am days away from losing my FIL. I can tell you the feelings are there even if she doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. I think it's sweet of you to put so much thought into how you can be there for her. I know for me, I was touched by people who sent cards to me and also, it's expensive to go through a loss / illness. I think a gift card for groceries or a cooked meal (maybe something that could be frozen for later even) is a nice gesture. Also, even though she is private she could be dying to open up to someone but not know how. When she returns I would simply let her know you are there for her and ask how she is. I'll bet it would mean a lot.

I'm really not THAT sweet. She did stop in today and seemed okay...well, as okay as you can be, I guess. I think we're going to try to get some form of gift card and a plant of some sort.

I'll keep your family in my thoughts...sounds like can use all the well wishes you can get right now.

To everyone else, thank you so much for your ideas, suggestions, etc. That guardian angel pin is a wonderful idea that I'll probably use for someone else.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I give cash for most deaths. The funeral home provides little envelopes and a locked box and everything.

You could have a tree planted in the loved ones name. Or send a live plant.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

What about a donation in the deceased ones name to a charity? We have done this before.

My Mom passed away last Monday. I received a card today from a charity that a friend had made a donation in her name. I thought that was very sweet. I also received a plaque and a candle from my ex-DH's new girlfriend (total surprise to receive anything there but a nice gesture).

Honestly, gift cards that can be used anywhere (like the Amex a PP mentioned) would most likely be the best bet for the OP to give. I know in our case we had to travel out of state at the last minute when Mom fell ill then travel to another state for the services. We were gone from home 11 days and had to go out and buy everyone clothes and shoes for the service since we had not packed anything like that. I know some people have commented on a cash gift and before this I probably would have found it strange too, but after totaling up the cost of our trip it was far more than any Disney trip we have ever taken and cash or gift cards for gas or groceries would have been a welcome gift.

I think the Willow figures are beautiful too but I think not everyone would appreciate one.

 

[pepperw23]

I probably would have answered this differently a month ago, but when my Dad passed away last month the best thing at the time was simply a hug. Maybe a fruit basket. The fruit basket was yummy.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

If someone lives near me, I'll make food. If it's someone I know that has to travel for the funeral, I give cash. Some people just aren't financially ready to attend a funeral especially if it's out of town.

 

[DebbieB]

How about taking her out to lunch? My mom and I lived together and when she died it was very hard after everyone went back to their normal lives after the funeral. I felt so alone. I really appreciated it when someone asked me to meet them for lunch on the weekend (my mom and I always went to lunch on Saturday).

 

[browneyes106]

I think the ideas of gift cards for gas, restaurants and grocery stores are good ideas. It is really sweet of you and your coworkers to want to get her a gift.