Is she still my Mother in law when my husband died?

Question:
My friend is widowed should her mother in law still introduce her as her daughter in law in public it has been 9 years now. My friend would prefer that she didn't. Thank you.
Lorrie

Answer:
Your friend's mother-in-law is still her mother-in-law as only divorce can end that relationship. Till death do us part counts for the in-laws too--and she will be the widow of this woman's son forever and therefore retains the in-law relationship as well as the right to be Mrs. John Smith until she either dies or remarries.