If you are grieving after losing a spouse, you may feel like there's no way to ever feel joy again. But there is hope. And you'll get a picture of that hope from our guest, Ann Alessi, mother of Steve Alessi. With faith and family grounding her, she found a path to healing after losing her husband, who had been by her side for 65 years.
In this emotional episode, Pastor Ann opens up about becoming a widow at 85, what helped (and what hurt) in early grief, how to support someone who lost a loved one, and why joy can still come after loss — without forgetting the person you love.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to grieve in a healthy, faith-filled way after losing a husband, wife or loved one
What NOT to say to a grieving spouse or widow — and what to say instead
How to handle fear, loneliness, and the holidays after loss
Why you shouldn't make major life decisions in the first year after losing a spouse
How family and community support healing after grief
How to find joy again while honoring your loved one's memory
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Pastor Ann Alessi was married to Pastor John Alessi for over 65 years before his passing in October 2020. Now in her eighties, she shares wisdom from six decades of ministry and marriage on navigating widowhood, leaning on God, and embracing new roles as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Whether you are a widow, widower, or supporting someone grieving a spouse, this episode offers practical, Christian encouragement for navigating grief, healing, and finding joy again.
The Family Business with The Alessis is a multi-generational podcast where a pastor's family says what they can't say on Sundays — with honest conversations about faith, family, marriage, grief and loss.
NEXT STEPS
If this helped you, please share it with someone walking through loss.
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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY
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My Morning Devotional, Men's Morning Devotional, The Mary and Martha Show
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00:00 Introducing Pastor Ann Alessi
01:44 A New Season: Becoming a Widow After 65 Years
03:10 How Faith and Family Carry You Through Loss
07:23 Why You Need Support — Not Just Scripture Quotes
11:49 Dealing With Fear After Losing a Spouse
14:23 What Not To Say to a Grieving Person
15:28 How to Get Through the Holidays After Loss
20:29 Grieving the Godly Way: Weeping Today, Joy Tomorrow
27:30 Why Not to Sell Your House or Make Big Changes in Year One
33:29 Final Encouragement for Anyone in a Season of Loss