Good morning FormlySandL,
I was never a JW, only introduced to the religion by the"Elder". I gave up on religion totally 16 years ago as they are all man made. I believe in God and I am very spiritual. About 40 years ago I asked a very similar question to your OP when I lost my first son. The best advise I received was a book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Harold Kushner.
It has helped me over the years to remember that God is not responsible for what goes on in our lives but is there to walk with us through our good times and lean on through our struggles.
I also have hanging on the wall in my bedroom a poem which I read every morning and night. It has been made into a song by an American country singer.
Footprints in the Sand
BTW, welcome to the forum and good luck to the rest of your life cult free I am sure it will be wonderful. This forum helped me a lot when the "elder" said good bye have a nice life after 5 years. With no warning, nothing just a bloody email.