My almost MIL was a very sweet lady who lived to a great age of 92. She died the same day as OJ Simpson, bless her.

She passed very early in the morning, after many visits from family, peacefully in her sleep. It was expected but still very sad.
Later that day, my fiancé received a text from his dead mother.

It said “I‘m getting adjusted here. Things are better than I expected. Dad says hi”

and then 4 hours later another text… “Why didn’t any of you show me how to text earlier. (Sister’s name) just taught me how to do it. It’s sooo easy”

These messages caused a lot of emotions in my fiancé. He is a spiritual guy and wanted to feel that connection with his mom and struggled with the idea that someone would take his mom’s phone and use it to torment him. He thought maybe one of his mother’s caretakers took her phone, but refused to believe that anyone in his family could do something so callous the same day of his mothers passing.

I sent a stern message from my fiancé’s phone to his mother’s number saying that the joke wasn’t funny and who ever it was, should knock it off.

A day or so later my fiancé figured out who sent the text messages. It was 2 of his younger brothers (they are in their 50s). One was apologetic but the other insistent that he did nothing wrong. My fiance messaged him to say “I’m sorry, I think it’s a bad joke and it hurt when I’m grieving. I’m wondering if mom’s phone was stolen, and who would do such a mean thing. If it was one message, I could laugh it off but the second one was over the top in my opinion.”

His brother responded with “unbelievable. I’m sorry you get offended so easily”.

My fiancé responded back that I was beside myself with anger, to which he said “you guys look for offense where no offense is intended.“

He continued ranting that he sent it to all the brothers (3 bothers in total who received the messages) and that WE were the only who were making a big deal about it, so the issue was with us. He went on to say that he went into work and “shared what is happening and everyone laughed and laughed” (it should be stated that he’s the boss and the one who writes everyone’s cheques).

I didn’t think it could get any worse until the funeral.

Each son got up and gave a eulogy. It went pretty well until the unapologetic one stood to speak. He actually brought up the prank and said “I actually think it’s what my mom would have sent, if she could have”

I have to admit it took all my restraint to get through that day but I did it without telling anyone off or slapping anyone.

AITAH for telling off the future brothers in law in a text and telling my partner that I want NOTHING to do with his brothers? Should I have just let things play out between them?