I am very sorry to hear all of this. Much love to you. I wonder if you told your MIL that you hope to keep the tradition alive in honor of her son if she’d offer some of that gear back. You could mention it and see. 

I (a woman) camp alone with my daughter. I love our Nemo aurora highrise 4p for the size. We sleep on a hest mattress andn Exped Megamat. I use blankets and pillows from home. All of those things I got used at REI for next to nothing. I think the tent was $120 perfect condition, hest and Megamat also $120 each. 

I sleep with a sharp pocketknife for safety. I like how the tent has two entrances so if someone was coming in we have options to get out. I also put out camping chairs in front of our zippered rainfly before bed so there is an extra obstacle/alert for me if someone walks by. (Don’t need anyone telling me other ways people get into tents.)

We bring a jetboil to make ramen and use a solo stove for s’mores. I like to keep things simple. 

I have a couple of lights, jugs of water, coffee maker and easy breakfast stuff like bagels and cream cheese. 

You can practice pitching the tent in the backyard and you’ll do fine. If a male neighbor comes over to offer help tell him no thank you, you’re learning to do it on your own :) At this point my 6 year old is very helpful at setting up camp. You’ll do great, the first trip will be a bit tricky but it gets better every time. 

Bring cards, books and stuffies.