Cathy,
Are your mother and your family open to the thought of creamation? It is much less expensive than your average funerals. I think they run as cheap as $800 to a thousand dollars (for creamation). You can buy your own urn from anywhere. This will also eliminate the need for a burial plot if she does not already have one. I know this is NOT for everyone and is a very difficult decision.
This is just a thought to help in the finance department that one can check out.
I am so sorry your mother is ill. I will pray that she does not have need of funeral services at all any time soon.
Take care,
ekikaseven
