How do I tell my 3 year old his granny just died?

[MsBump]

Hello - any advice anyone can give me on how to explain to me 3 year old that his granny has died would be gratefully received.
My mother in law passed away this afternoon after being in hospital for a few weeks. My husband is with his father and I am taking my toddler to be with them tomorrow. My toddler already knew his granny was in hospital and I don't want him to associate hospital with dying as I am due my second in a few months and don't want him thinking that going to hospital is always a bad thing.
I am also worried that he's going to ask after his granny in front of his grandpa and upset him. I don't want to pretend that everything is ok either. People have said that its better to be direct and tell him his granny has died and its because her body wasn't working anymore. But I'm worried I will scare him. I am not religious so don't have any beliefs to speak of to pass on to him. Any help on this would be much appreciated.

I'm not very experienced but didn't want to leave your post unanswered. My ds was 2 when my own grandad died so a bit too young to know what was happening. My young cousin was only 5 though and he said to my Nan "I'm really sad Grandad died I loved him". When he said it I really thought it would upset my Nan but she just gave him a huge hug and said that she loved him too and that Grandad had loved my cousin. I guess my point is that young children don't ever say the wrong things they just talk honestly and openly the way adults feel they can't.

Sorry I also meant to add that when I recently talked to my ds who is nearly 4 now about my Grandad I did tell him that he was really very poorly and the dr couldn't make his body better. He seemed to accept this.

thanks Purpleprickles.

I don't think it would upset your FIL if your son asked where Granny was, I think it would give them both a chance to admit that she has left them both, and help them both to accept her death.

Talking about her to your son might help your FIL a great deal. Don't worry about your FIL being upset, of course he will be upset, because the woman he loved has died.