Death of a Neighbors Child

I know you want to help, but I would be really careful about how you approach this.
One of my lifelong dear friends committed suicide and his mother confided in me that she truly just wished to be left alone. She had so many well meaning people coming by to bring her food and offer to help and she just didn't want to deal with them.
She was in such shock and she appreciated people, but seriously, she felt obligated to be "present" for them instead of grieving for the loss of her child and his place in the family.
I would give it some time before "helping" her to remember him positively.
It would be my hope that she has already been given contacts for support either through the funeral home or law enforcement.
She may be so overwhelmed that she just needs a little time.
Again, I only say this because I was extremely close to a family that went through this and these are the things the mother shared with me.
Every one is different, but I would take your cues from the mom and what it seems apparent she can or can't handle right now.

I have never lost a child, thank God, but when a child chooses to end their own life, it's a whole different dynamic.
I just wouldn't try too hard to do something "memorable" for her just yet.
Don't worry if it takes her some time to come to terms with this in a way that she herself can communicate her feelings.

Just lend and ear for her for now.

Just my advice and my heart really goes out to her.

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear this. I don't know of any group specifically, but hospitals always have a bereavement group. I would contact them--they should know who to refer her to or have something available. As far as the funeral, I would plant a tree in his honor- something to remember him by- you can do one in a national forest or you could do your own with her permission in her yard. Also, set up a dinner service for her for a few weeks-- get other neighbors or friends to participate. You can each bring a meal for a few weeks to help her not have to worry about preparing dinner. Take care,

Molly

My mom used to go to a group called compassionate friends. She lost her daughter/my sister at 11. I am pretty sure the group still exsists. I am so sorry for your neighbor :( One of the nicest things that someone did for us (when my husband lost his dad), was send a dinner the night of the veiwing. Maybe you can give her a card that says when dinner will be delivered that day?

DO you have a phonebook? Usually in the local government pages there are lists of numbers of agencies you could call to get recommendations.

Also, you could call law enforcement's non-emergent line and ask them for resources.

Make a donation to a charity in his name.

I just recently witnessed a suicide and the therapists at this organization were amazing. I know you are not in Northern California, but their website has a great deal of wonderful information that might help you learn how to help your friend at this tragic, sensitive time.

http://www.kara-grief.org/

You say it's your neighbor and not necessarily a close friend?
A heart felt card with your phone number and a note relating that if she ever needs anything not to forget that you are right next door. This will be a long and possibly very sensitive mourning time. Respect it.
Don't be any different than you always have been, she isnt going to want to feel "pittied".
If you live in houses with yards, a shrub or small tree might be a nice gift that she can watch grow. It's such a hard time, and everyone is so different in their reactions.... it's hard for any of us to know what to do... all we can ever do is guess and hope that we can be of some comfort.
Always remember that no good deed goes unpunished.