Its always a shock when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly, especially when its someone we cherish.

As youre processing your grief, remember that all things are impermanent, that everything that comes together must separate. This is a natural law; its the way things are. Use this understanding to spur your own Dharma practice. Use it also to develop compassion not only for the deceased, but for all sentient beings, including yourself, who abide in samsara. Contemplate that undergoing loss is a strong reason why its important to practice the Dharma in order to attain liberation from cyclic existence and to help all beings attain enlightenment as well. By using your dear ones death to spur your determination to be free, compassion, and altruism, you are making the persons death meaningful in terms of eliminating the suffering of sentient beings. Making offerings to temples, monasteries, and charities for the poor and ill will create merit that you can dedicate for your dear ones good rebirth, liberation, and enlightenment. Reading the King of Prayers, meditating on compassion and bodhicitta, or meditating on Medicine Buddha or Kuan Yin (Chenrezig) are also very beneficial. In that case, imagine Medicine Buddha or Kuan Yin on the persons head. Light pours from that Buddha into the persons body-mind, purifying all negativities and obscurations. Then dedicate that they take a precious human life or are born in the pure land. Do such prayers and practices for 49 days after your loved ones passing. Be sure to send them on to their next life with love and compassion; do not cling to them in any way. Practice the Dharma well so that in future lives you will be able to benefit them and lead them on the path to enlightenment.