I am very sorry indeed for your loss.

Even in the best of circumstances, estates can get messy and I wonder if you'd maybe consider having an initial consultation with a lawyer to see what is required and seeing if it may be easier/quicker/less stressful for them to process it all for you? The first consultation is generally free. Also seconding what other people have written in that winding up an estate can be a lengthy business - here the minimum amount of time is six months with a deed of indemnity and in some countries in Europe it can be up to two years.

I'm an estates paralegal and while I can't give legal advice I am happy to help with template letters to estate debtors and creditors, general estates practical guidance if you decide to manage it yourself. I can also help with research.

Also, I'm not sure where in the world you are but here in New Zealand, the first debt to be paid from the estate is the funeral invoice and if a life insurance policy turns up later on down the track or her house sells for a profit, you should be reimbursed. This should also be the case in most other countries.

In the meantime, take care of yourself xx