Simple and to the point without being rude or inhuman. Over the years I have seen many different styles of auxiliarys to consuntants telling people that close ones have died. from "were flogging a dead horse, I'm calling it" to "mother has taken a short walk to rose cottage", I feel that the best thing to do it to be to the point initially then be there if needed to support. never lie, and dont use launguage that may be missinterpreted.