Death and Mourning

Can you do sitting shiva for your grand ma or grand ante even if you do not stay at the place where she lived? My grand ante passed away last Sunday, so 8 days ago, and I believe has been buried today or tomorrow

Is it ok during the 12 months of aveilus, to go away to a Pesach program? If yes, does that include being able to attend any music or entertainment event during Chol Hamoed?

Good Morning Rebbeim - My (Jewish) friend just passed away. Unfortunately he had gone off the derech in a big way - married out, converted to Christianity (or so he thought), baptized his children - the whole nine yards. Is it proper to arrange Kaddish from him? And if his parents don't know the Hebrew name of their son (or their own for that matter), how is Kaddish said? Thank you.

Dear Rabbi, I am newly observant. My parents are close to 90 years old and my mother has directed that her body be cremated. I have tried to bring up this issue with no success. Do you have any advice for me? Perhaps you know of an article I can send them which may be easier than me speaking to them about it. Thank you.

Person's memorial plaque shows Oct 1, 1947 as date of death. The Hebrew year is 5708. It shows a letter (which is cut off; it might be BET) This is followed by a space and then דחוה׳מ סוכות Please explain what these words mean? What is the Hebrew date in Tishrei that this person died?