Colette Byrne
In 2018, Colette was honored with the Everyday Hero, People of the Year Award for founding the online community widow.ie. She created this platform following the tragic death of her husband, Peter, in a traffic accident in August 2008. At the time of his passing, their daughter, Kate, was just three years old.
A qualified Pharmaceutical Technician, Colette now works in the accounts department of her family’s quarry business. Through widow.ie, she has built a compassionate and supportive community where those experiencing bereavement can connect, share, and find solace.
Widowed Pension and Insurance Complaints Law Change
Important updates to the Ombudsman process are now law in Ireland. For widowed people facing issues with social welfare, pensions, mortgage protection, or life insurance claims, these changes promise faster and fairer outcomes.
Bereaved Partner’s Pension: Ireland to Include Cohabiting Partners
The Irish government is introducing the Bereaved Partner’s Pension to extend bereavement benefits to long-term cohabiting partners. The move follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling and has been broadly welcomed, though advocacy groups are calling for further consultation and key amendments.
Backdated State Pension Ireland: €46k Arrears Awarded
An investigation by the Ombudsman led to over €46,000 in backdated State pension payments being awarded, after a review found that a Department of Social Protection office had provided incomplete advice. The case, included in the recently published 2023 Annual Report, highlights the importance of clear and accurate information when people are making decisions about their entitlements.
Life After the Children Leave: When the Silence Changes Shape
For those widowed young, life after the children leave can stir a quieter kind of grief—subtle, reflective, and not always easy to explain. After years of parenting alone, the silence can feel unfamiliar. But in this new chapter, there is also space for reconnection, gentle self-discovery, and hope for what still lies ahead.
The Forgetful Widow, Widows Fog and Widow Brain
"Widows fog," also referred to as "Widow brain,". It is a term used by individuals to describe the mental difficulties or memory impairment they experience after the loss of a spouse. It is important...
Encouraging Quotes for the Widowed
Inspirational and encouraging quotes for someone who is widowed, along with the known name of who said it:
"The greater the love, the greater the grief." - Unknown
"It's okay to not be okay, but it's...
Alcohol & Grief Don’t Mix Well
Alcohol & Grief: Losing a spouse is a difficult experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, sad, and helpless. In such times, some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. While alcohol may...
What is Self-Care for Someone Grieving
You may have come across the term, "Self-Care", but what exactly is meant by it? Self-care is an important aspect of coping with grief and loss, and it can be particularly helpful for someone...
How to Help a Recently Widowed Friend
Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can go through. In the aftermath of such a profound loss, it can be challenging to know how to support a friend...
Grief Telephone Support Helplines
Grief Telephone Support Helplines
Free to use grief telephone support helplines are invaluable when you are grieving and in early bereavement. In the early days, weeks and months following the death of a spouse or...