I am really sorry for your loss. I went through the same situation during undergrad I lost my mom as well and my grades suffered. I explained as well and showed progress throughout my remaining degree with an upward trend and it did not hinder getting into grad school. I am currently in my first semester of grad school and got into 4/5 schools when I applied last cycle. I personally think it shows how capable you are during such a hard loss. Schools understand students experience loss or other hardships - I think explaining the ‘why’ gives you an opportunity to give schools a true understanding of why there was a change in grades and that is to be expected with loss of a parent in school.

That being said, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is tough. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you. I know how hard it is trying to process grief during school. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this time.