Bank Foreclosed On Dead Homeowner

Yesterday I went to attempt to talk to two homeowners that were foreclosed on and are now in their redemption period. I knocked on one door and the next door neighbors were in there and said the homeowner is dead. A few questions: 1. Doesn't the property have to go to probate or can the mortgagee just foreclose? 2. Is there anyone (heirs?) that can take advantage of this 4 month redemption period?