How can one atone for not visiting or communicating with a sick cousin, knowing that she has now passed away and it is not possible to attend the funeral?

Allah and His Messenger commanded the upholding of kinship ties and forbade their severance. The children of paternal uncles are among the kin whose ties are recommended to be upheld, while the paternal uncle himself is one whose ties are obligatory to uphold. It is obligatory to maintain kinship ties even if met with coldness, for the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "The one who perfectly maintains ties of kinship is not the one who reciprocates, but the one who, when his ties of kinship are cut off, rejoins them."

Visiting the sick has a great reward and is considered a right of the Muslim. Atonement for sins is achieved through repentance, seeking forgiveness, and fulfilling the rights of kin and upholding their ties.

It is recommended to frequently seek forgiveness and supplicate for deceased relatives. Giving charity on their behalf benefits them in their graves and is among the causes for the expiation of their sins and the raising of their ranks.