Our Team

The Widowed Friends Team is dedicated to supporting, nurturing and making a positive difference in the lives of widows and widowers

Stephanie Etherington

Stephanie is the Founder of Widowed Friends. Widowed in 2013, she has dedicated her own experience to improving the lives of widows and widowers.

Her experience is in leadership and advocacy acquired as both Manager and later Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Halton (LDAH), She has been a strong advocate for the special learning needs of children both in education and community social programs. She was also a board member of Burlington Community Living and member of the Special Education Advisory Committee. Stephanie was an active volunteer in her community with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, VON – Senior Visit Program and Burlington Humane Society.

Stephanie’s role at Widowed Friends is to provide leadership in the community’s development so all widows and widowers regain a sense of happiness and purpose.

Penny Ryan

Penny is our Events Administrator and a widow since 2006. She plays a pivotal role in the processing and registration of memberships along with connecting new members to WF’s programs and events. She facilitates and co-ordinates monthly events for members, both in-person and virtually.

Penny was the co-organizer and managed a community drop-in program for preschoolers and their mothers in Dorval, Quebec. She brings organizational and event management skills to Widowed Friends along with her commitment to supporting the widowed community.

Lesley Morris

Lesley is the Communications and Public Relations Liaison. She was widowed in 2012. She is an experienced content marketer and copywriter with a strong background in both corporate and non-profit organizations.

Focused on creating content for blogs, websites, articles and more, Lesley brings her experience to Widowed Friends managing the organization’s website, marketing communications and strategic partner relationships.

I’m ready to join

Have a question?

If you have questions about membership or about our community, first visit our FAQ page.

Or contact us for more details.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from this group that has made a positive impact on your life?

"That I am not alone on my healing journey. There are others who have survived the worst of it who support me. And there are also others who I can learn to support. It's safe here." –VK

"I am stronger than I thought I could be. I can be independent and move forward in life. I am not leaving the memory of my husband but I am creating a memory of myself as the person I hope my husband thought I am." –PM

"I am not alone in this experience. It’s been such a support to me." -MN

"That it is ok to laugh and have a good time and make new widowed friends that get it. The pain softens and the love never ends. You guys rock thank you." -HC

"I am very thankful for this group. We get it when we're feeling down. It's a ‘safe place’ to nurture others too." -DD

"The connection with people has enriched my life and a lifeline during the worst of covid." -PR

"Together we are all stronger, Widowed Friends has been a lifeline for many. Kudos to Stephanie, Penny and Lesley for being there for all of us!" -CD

"I just want to thank you all for the help you gave me in the beginning of this unsolicited journey! I truly appreciate it!" -GT

"Since joining Widowed Friends, my loneliness and sadness, as a result of my wife’s death, have decreased. This personal change, is due to the warm interactions, offered to me, from the many widows and widowers I meet, at the socials. Thanks to everyone for your sincere caring."