Many years earlier, this woman attended the priestly ordination of her own son. During that ordination Mass, her son's hands were anointed with oil by the bishop. That oil was then wiped off with a cloth called a "maniturgium."

The maniturgium is saved and presented to the mother of the priest at his first Mass. When the mother of the priest dies, she is buried with this cloth, but this time it is wrapped around *her* hands. This is to show God that she does not go before His judgment seat empty-handed.

She goes before God having given over her own son as a Catholic priest.
That is the reason behind the linen in her hands which was used to wipe the oil in her son's hand during his priestly ordination. The linen is called MANITURGIUM
Requiescat in pace, Mariann.

It is a beautiful and consoling tradition that is always a touching ceremony to witness. Many more tears are shed when a young priest presents the towel to his mother, tears of joy instead of sorrow.