First annual Widows Retreat at Mont Madawaska in Barry’s Bay Ontario offers meaningful workshops, therapeutic activities, and a glimpse at next year’s expanded program for widowed men.
Madawaska Valley Hospice recently hosted its first annual Widows Retreat at the beautiful Mont Madawaska venue, bringing together 20 widowed women from across Renfrew County and beyond for a weekend of healing, reflection, and connection. Above: The retreat venue was Chalet Mont Madawaska in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. (Photo submitted)
The women who attended represented varying ages and stages, both in life circumstances and in their grief. This created a rich and supportive environment where each participant could feel understood and included. The connections that were made over the weekend were deep and meaningful, a true reminder of the power of shared experience. The retreat offered a thoughtful combination of guided grief workshops, gentle wellness breaks, and nourishing food, creating an atmosphere that was both supportive and restorative.
One participant shared, “The community aspect of it was most meaningful. I already had a couple of widowed friends and family members, but spending time with a larger group somehow helped bring reality and further acceptance of my own circumstance. It felt like a very unique and safe space.” Another participant reflected on her personal journey, saying, “I was afraid I wouldn’t find my place as a mom with young teens — boy, was I wrong. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Madawaska Valley Hospice extends heartfelt thanks to all the local practitioners who generously donated their time to provide meaningful and therapeutic activities during the wellness breaks. These sessions offered participants moments of relaxation, reflection, and renewal throughout the weekend.
We are also deeply grateful to our facilitators and volunteers, whose dedication and compassion created a safe, supportive environment for healing and connection. One volunteer shared, “It was wonderful to watch women connect to other women through a shared experience.”
Another volunteer reflected on the impact of the weekend, saying, “It was quite an experience to see and feel the shifts that took place for the participants and support team. Grief is difficult to talk about and, for many, difficult to work with. The experienced and compassionate leaders and volunteers offered a safe and open space for sharing and being heard. The addition of healing modalities such as acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch®, art therapy, Reiki, and guided walks, to mention a few, provided balance to the weekend.”
A special thank-you goes to our personal chef, Jhojhan, and his dedicated volunteer, Soula, who put their love and soul into the beautiful meals they prepared. Their care and attention added warmth, nourishment, and joy to the weekend, making every meal a memorable part of the retreat experience.
Jenna Stamplicoski, Coordinator of Bereavement Services at Madawaska Valley Hospice and organizer of the event, reflected on the success of the weekend: “It definitely was an event to be proud of. An event that provides this level of service and connection is rare to find, especially in rural and remote areas. Our goal was to create an accessible and exceptional retreat experience, and we definitely delivered.”
Most importantly, we thank the participants, the courageous women who gave this new event a chance, who showed up with open hearts, and who leaned into connection even when it felt difficult.
Looking ahead, next year’s retreat will be an expanded version that includes a dedicated day for widowed men, held in the same beautiful space. This will ensure that more members of our community have access to meaningful grief support and connection.
Events like this highlight the importance of community-based grief support and the healing power of connection. Madawaska Valley Hospice remains committed to offering compassionate programs that help individuals navigate loss, build resilience, and rediscover hope.
At Madawaska Valley Hospice, we believe no one should face grief alone, and we are here to walk alongside our community every step of the way.
Madawaska Valley Hospice (2025,Nov.3) From Grief to Connection: Hospice Retreat Brings Community Together [media release]