FYI, "Smudging" (the act of cleansing a living space by burning sage and allowing the smoke to 'permeate' ), REQUIRES you to open every window and door to allow the smoke to take with it the bad vibes.
Your aunt is clearly an ignoramus.
Tell her to do some research online or to pick up a book next time.
Bad karma is coming her way in spades.
I'm sorry for your losses.