her mother died 2 weeks ago.
I told her I’m sorry but after thinking about what to say I couldn’t come with anything better than repeating sorry again. She then told me and another coworker how she died.
I want to show her that I care but I don’t want her mother’s death to become the elephant in the room each time we talk.
This is not romantic in any way.
There are many good responses here already and I’m going to add a perspective I don’t see.
As a coworker: don’t do anything. Sometimes work is an opportunity for someone to escape the personal tragedy that has swept through their life. It’s a chance to think about something else for a while, something grounded and neutral. A time to feel normal.
That can be a very helpful support. Reminding them of the personal stuff may ruin that.
I know that you are a nice human and want to be good to them, but sometimes we need to realize that we are just co-workers to someone and not friends and family. Knowing your place can be an incredibly respectful and positive thing to do.
Add this to your other ideas about how to show sympathy. It’s just one angle. I’m not saying this is always right 100% for everyone and bar nothing.