Ok, Last year I posted up a couple of threads about my uncle and how he had been diagnosed with cancer and such...well...he passed away on Friday night. I never really knew him that well, I was kinda distant from smokers to begin with, but Its the first time I've lost someone in my family. Anyways, My mum is having a hard time coping, so I give her hugs every now and then, but can I do anything else???
Well, when this happened to me various times, I was too young to do anything but everything turned out just fine. These types of things takes time, and even though you didn't know him well he was family. So to be there for your mom anyway is the best thing you can do. And try to help her around the house with extra chores and all.
I've had to deal with a death in the family recently as well. Even though death doesn't sadden me much, it does sadden me when I see other people crying for their dead loved ones. Just try not to upset them in this time of mourning.
My uncle died a few years ago too, and my mom took it very badly (well we all did, he was an extraordinary person), so I know exactly what you're going through. I felt really useless to help her. But really, there isn't much you can do. Just be there for her, help her out when you can, and give her time. Imagine how you would feel if you lost a sibling -- it's not something that your mother will really ever get over. The grieving will subside, but there will always be that empty place. I'm really sorry for the loss. Even though you didn't know him well, death is hard.