Buddhism practices on decease

I have a couple of questions due to a recent unfortunate event that had happened, happy if you guys could share your view base on your practices. 1) How does a Buddhist cope with grief and loss? Is there any most effective way that would helps eliminating the pain a little lesser? 2) In Theravada Buddhism, does one practices having vegetarian for 49 days after passing of a family member? 3) In Theravada Buddhism, does transferring merit to the decease works? Like chanting, donation, charity and etc. Thanks and sadhu sadhu sadhu.