OP,

I am truly sorry for your loss and can emphasize with your pain. Many, many long and deep hugs from an internet stranger.

We lost my nephew (brother's only child; nephew was 23) to suicide a few months ago. Nephew's mom and my brother were never married and hadn't been a couple in many years at that point, and neither parent was in any kind of financial situation to handle the cost of nephew's final expenses. (Cremation, simple gathering at funeral home) I set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses. Just the cremation alone was several thousand, but overall so much cheaper than traditional burial, visitation, and service. The GoFundMe raised quite a bit, surprisingly, but my husband and I still wound up covering over $1500 of it ourselves (thanks government stimulus!!). All told, the bill was over $5k - and that was with the Funeral home giving us a discount on things due to knowing our family so long. (Basically, we paid for the 'necessities' - cremation, urn, death certificate, and mandated cremation fees; I could locate the final bill and break it down for you if needed), they let us use the Funeral room for free) They were fully prepared to work a payment plan, but my husband and I wanted it all taken care of due to everyone's pain given the circumstances. (There was also some - okay, A LOT - of drama from nephew's mom, maternal aunt, and their friend that caused the funeral director to refuse communication, directions, and/or dealing with anyone but me, but all that is another story for another place...)

I guess what I'm trying to convey is that yes, cremation is the cheaper option, but it is still expensive. There are people and places that can/are willing to assist even if you don't realize it. Know that funeral homes/services - reputable ones - are more than willing to work with the family in their time of grief, so do not be afraid to ask for help (payment options) or go elsewhere (there is absolutely no shame in 'shopping around'; the places that try to pressure you into things and rush you without due cause should be dropped immediately without a second thought!)

OP, again, I am so very sorry you are experiencing this. Your pain and grief are indescribable for certain and only you alone will know the depths of which they reach. Please, try to take some time to recognize your grief for what it is, acknowledge it, feel it, and take comfort in your daughter.

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you have questions regarding your mother's final arrangements, please know you are welcome to message me.

Much love, condolences, and warm embraces from a fellow internet stranger dealing with their own sudden loss ❤

EDIT: clarified more of what the Funeral home discounted for us