Have you ever heard that saying that you get to really know someone when someone dies? When my grandpa died it was so stressful, mostly cause he left us in so much debt and my job at the time had a shit payroll staff and I'd get $40 checks instead of the $400 I was suppose to get. After it happened I thought maybe I was the problem cause of how stressful the situation was, but then I found out how one of my so called besties took advantage of how busy I was during that time. She didn't ask once how was I doing or check up on me, but she'd check my private social media. During this time she was gossiping with other people my business and just being a snake overall. I mean, she literally went around and befriended people I didn't like or people that hated me just to kick me more down. I use to think that quote meant the person who had a death personally affect them, I didn't know it also meant the people close to you as well. Ok sorry. You talked about how your family acted when one of your relatives passed and it reminded me of that stuff.
I agree that the quote definitely touches on how people react after someone dies. Before my great grandparents' death, I was kinda neutral with that side of the family, but after their deaths, I saw their true colors, and I was just digusted. Made me happy for the other side of the family I have. I also saw how my dad reacted due to the stress of handling everything... true colors came out there too. (Things I already know but more of a shock to my sister) Also during hard times like that you see how if your friends are good or bad weather friends cause friends should support each other when something big like that happens.
Also that friend is a snake... that's so gross to be doing that to someone who is their friend. But I've also learned that some people just love drama and creating a toxic environment. I also hope you're at a better place with a better payroll department >.>