Final answer:
The paragraph discusses the problem of a neighbor's death, conveying the narrator's emotions on the matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
A neighbor who has a serious problem can be anyone living nearby facing a significant challenge or issue. In the given scenario, the problem is the death of a neighbor. The narrator discovers this information while reading the local obituaries and is taken by surprise as they were unaware of her illness. The paragraph evokes a sense of emptiness and sadness, highlighting the impact of a serious problem like the loss of a neighbor.