

It was the message for when the phone service was disconnected. While this often happens after the person dies, it could have also meant they were away for an extended time. (Such as "I’m going to stay with my daughter for a few weeks after the birth of my grandchild.)
Absent other explanations, though, death is a probable explanation.for a grandmother’s phone being disconnected.
(Note that “poor with no money” is also possible, since phones cost money.)


Most laptops or other portable computers are not repairable. Heck, even desktops these days are highly integrated with often just three chips and maybe a graphics card inserted into a motherboard.
If you really want reduced telemetry, switch to Linux NOW and only use systems that F/OSS folk approve of.
If you don’t need a PC for gaming, consider something like a raspberry pi.