Marion Rattray’s husband died nine months ago, and nothing could have prepared her for the challenges that followed in this next stage of her life.

From emotional and financial stress to health concerns, Rattray found herself struggling to manage everything on her own - until she discovered how much it helped to speak with someone who truly understood what she was going through.

She recalls a moment that made a lasting impression.

“When my husband was very sick, and it was just deathly quiet in the house, I rang a girlfriend and said, ‘It’s so quiet. What do you do?’,” Rattray said.

“My girlfriend told me to turn on every television in the house, which is what I do now. I just need noise - something else happening in the house. It’s a big place, and I’m rattling around in it on my own.”

Inspired by that conversation and the power of connection, Rattray founded a support group called WHOW – Widows Helping Other Widows.

“Widows all have one thing in common,” she said. “We’ve lost our husbands. But each of us faces different challenges. Some are wondering whether to sell their home or find accommodation that better suits their needs.

“What really makes a difference is the companionship of people who truly understand. If you’ve had a long and very happy marriage, I think the grief hits even harder. That’s why I felt there should be something just for widows.”

The group has already held two meetings at the Lecture Hall of Kiama Uniting Church, and Rattray is hopeful more women will join in the weeks to come.

WHOW meets at Kiama Uniting Church, every Thursday at 2pm.

“There are a lot of widows in Kiama. People retire here, and women statistically live longer than men. We talk about all sorts of topics - everyone’s welcome to speak as much or as little as they like. It’s just a warm, supportive space to connect and relate.”

WHOW meets every Thursday at 2pm at the Lecture Hall at Kiama Uniting Church. All widows are welcome - just drop in for a chat and some afternoon tea.

For more information, you can contact Marion at 4233 2490.