Last year, five women were honored by State Farm Life Insurance Company for their contributions to their families, communities and society following the loss of their spouses. Read their stories below.
Amy Gallo, of Clarksville, Tenn., lost her husband, Richard, on a tour of duty in 1985. Following her loss, Amy decided to volunteer at Ft. Campbell, Ky., by working with widows who recently lost a loved one. When a soldier passes away, Army commanders alert Amy and she counsels the widow. During the first Persian Gulf War, Amy ran 25 different spouse support groups. Over the years, Amy has persevered by lending a helping hand, which helped her overcome the loneliness and find hope.
Lisa Hennessy, of Arlington, Texas, lost her 28-year-old husband, John Gardemal, to a drowning accident. After his death, Lisa founded Widowed and Young (WAY) to address the needs of young widows. Lisa also published a book, "Widowed and Young ... Learning A New WAY of Life." Losing a loved one at such a young age taught Lisa to embrace life everyday by never taking love for granted and having a positive attitude.
Jane Kinkel, of Indianola, Iowa, lost her husband, Philip, to a heart attack last year. The family was left with debts and little means of support. In order to provide for her family, Jane knew she had to make an important career decision. She sold everything and moved from Arkansas to Iowa to enroll in Simpson College. Jane is one year away from graduation. She now realizes that death is a part of life and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Jane encourages every woman to be aware of the family finances and make time for difficult conversations.
Renee Maher, of Federal Way, Wash. Renee's husband, Patrick, was a police officer who died two years ago breaking up a fight. After his death, Renee started the Patrick Maher Memorial Foundation and was elected vice president of Washington's Concerns of Police Survivors. In this role, she visits police departments to help educate officers about ways to approach grieving families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. By championing the legacy of her husband, Renee finds comfort and reasons for persevering.
Susan Zuker, of Newton, Mass., lost her husband, Michael, to cancer in 2004. After her loss, Susan and her sons formed the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts. This group represents several Massachusetts-based non-profit organizations working to support and educate people currently living with all types of cancer while also working to find a cure. Susan also launched a Conquer Cancer license plate, to benefit the coalition members. Susan continues life without her husband by gaining strength from his courage and moving forward one day at a time.
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Amy Gallo, of Clarksville, Tenn., lost her husband, Richard, on a tour of duty in 1985. Following her loss, Amy decided to volunteer at Ft. Campbell, Ky., by working with widows who recently lost a loved one. When a soldier passes away, Army commanders alert Amy and she counsels the widow. During the first Persian Gulf War, Amy ran 25 different spouse support groups. Over the years, Amy has persevered by lending a helping hand, which helped her overcome the loneliness and find hope.
Lisa Hennessy, of Arlington, Texas, lost her 28-year-old husband, John Gardemal, to a drowning accident. After his death, Lisa founded Widowed and Young (WAY) to address the needs of young widows. Lisa also published a book, "Widowed and Young ... Learning A New WAY of Life." Losing a loved one at such a young age taught Lisa to embrace life everyday by never taking love for granted and having a positive attitude.
Jane Kinkel, of Indianola, Iowa, lost her husband, Philip, to a heart attack last year. The family was left with debts and little means of support. In order to provide for her family, Jane knew she had to make an important career decision. She sold everything and moved from Arkansas to Iowa to enroll in Simpson College. Jane is one year away from graduation. She now realizes that death is a part of life and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Jane encourages every woman to be aware of the family finances and make time for difficult conversations.
Renee Maher, of Federal Way, Wash. Renee's husband, Patrick, was a police officer who died two years ago breaking up a fight. After his death, Renee started the Patrick Maher Memorial Foundation and was elected vice president of Washington's Concerns of Police Survivors. In this role, she visits police departments to help educate officers about ways to approach grieving families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. By championing the legacy of her husband, Renee finds comfort and reasons for persevering.
Susan Zuker, of Newton, Mass., lost her husband, Michael, to cancer in 2004. After her loss, Susan and her sons formed the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts. This group represents several Massachusetts-based non-profit organizations working to support and educate people currently living with all types of cancer while also working to find a cure. Susan also launched a Conquer Cancer license plate, to benefit the coalition members. Susan continues life without her husband by gaining strength from his courage and moving forward one day at a time.