How is it possible for dying low mass stars to create very heavy elements?

Well, bucko, when low mass stars are on their deathbeds, they go out with a bang in a grand finale called a supernova. During this explosive event, these stars generate temperatures and pressures high enough to create heavy elements through the process of nucleosynthesis. So, when these faint stars kick the bucket in a spectacular fashion, they're able to churn out heavier elements like there's no tomorrow.