Josie-- Sorry to hear of your loss.
I would suggest seeing a financial advisor recommended to you from a reliable friend or mentor. Given your age, you can do a lot with this money if it's invested wisely, but it will be gone before you know it if you either don't plan correctly or make too many rookie mistakes. Also, this is probably a very stressful time for you emotionally and making rational money decisions may be especially difficult. Personally, I would want guidance. Sweepsplayer does give sound advice above, though.
Last week Oprah actually had a show on what to do if you come into a windfall.
Here's some advice from the show I copied from the Oprah web page:
If you should get a windfall of $50,000 or more, Lynnette says there are five things you should do to make sure you keep it.
* Get financial help. A trusted advisor can talk to you about long-term plans and help you set a budget.
* Make sure you have a system in place for dealing with requests for money. This can be someone like an accountant, who can handle the requests so you don't have to feel emotionally responsible saying no.
* Make sure you have a structured way of giving—like to charities or to your church—so no one can make you feel guilty for not giving to them individually.
* Plan before you invest. Don't make any big moves without a long-term strategy.
* Give yourself time. Though you may want to, don't make rash moves right after getting your money."
from:
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/2006..._284_110.jhtml