Please accept my condolenses as well.

I recently had to fly to OKC due to family emergency health reasons (surgery) and also had to cancel two non-refundable tickets to Germany (all on UA). All of the UA people were VERY accommodating. They have medical rates and bereavement rates that apply in emergency situations (but, seats must be available). Also, they fully refunded both tickets to Germany without much hassle. I provided documentation to:

United Airlines
WHQAK Passenger Refunds
PO Box 66282
Chicago, IL 60666

You can also call refunds at 888-551-6881, but it is hard to get through to a person.