answer:I would neither contribute to a fund (though my answer might be different if my budget were healthier), nor attend the funeral. I would express my sympathy in person (which is important), and leave it at that. I think the last time I attended a funeral for a stranger was when I was a child. My feeling is that there are very few people that a grieving person wants to interact with at a funeral. I would go if I were absolutely sure it was appropriate. If I wasn’t sure, then no.