At 66, Lori McConville has weathered profound loss—the passing of her father, husband, and mother in a five-year span—while navigating decades as a caregiver to her husband, Marty, who lived with chronic kidney disease. In this deeply human conversation, Lori shares what made their marriage joyful, what caregiving really demands, how to advocate inside a complex healthcare system, and why preparation (from documents to difficult conversations) lightens the load for the people we love. Golden Matters focuses on the Silent Generation (1928-1945) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and their caregivers to provide resources, best practices and a community to enable the spoken & unspoken needs of the aging population. Within each story we explore Golden Matters’ key themes of finances, health/mobility, and finding purpose and identity in retirement.

In this episode of Golden Matters, Kerry interviews her mother, Judy Goletz, about the realities of grief, widowhood, and resilience after losing her husband to cancer after 40 years of marriage. Judy shares her experience as both caregiver and widow, from navigating the “widowhood effect” to the unexpected challenges of identity, family dynamics, and everyday life after loss. Their candid conversation offers valuable insights and comfort for anyone facing bereavement or supporting a loved one through it.  Golden Matters focuses on the Silent Generation (1928-1945) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and their caregivers to provide resources, best practices and a community to enable the spoken & unspoken needs of the aging population. Within each story we explore Golden Matters’ key themes of finances, health/mobility, and finding purpose and identity later in life.  Thank you, Judy! ”Rubies are Forever”: Timestamps & References References from Interview & Post Show City of Hope: ⁠https://www.cityofhope.org/⁠ Finding doctors by location and specialty: American Board of Medical Specialties: ⁠https://www.abms.org/⁠ American Cancer Society: ⁠https://www.cancer.org/⁠ American Medical Association: ⁠https://www.ama-assn.org/⁠ End of Life Planning: ⁠https://deathwithdignity.org/life-file/⁠ Takotsubo cardiomyopathy ⁠https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome⁠ CDC Life Expectancy Statistics:⁠https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/life-expectancy.htm⁠ *Golden Matters and its hosts and employees do not specifically endorse products or services discussed on the show unless otherwise noted.  Golden Matters’ website:⁠ ⁠The Golden Matters⁠⁠ Social Channels: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Website:⁠https://thegoldenmatters.com/⁠

Guest Jean Hedges takes us on a journey through her life from hitchhiking to going in and out of the business world to being a fierce advocate for her health and others. Along the way we learn her views and advice on outliving finances, researching beyond your doctor’s notes, and her pursuit of a documentary.

In our premier episode, with guest Peter Santaw, we follow his story from a budding toy designer to experienced executive to finding new purpose in retirement.