DETAILS

The Modern Widows Club® Legacy & Leadership Awards celebrate extraordinary individuals whose compassion, vision, and commitment have created meaningful change for widows, families, and communities worldwide. Your participation and attendance supports our mission to empower widows through connection, education, advocacy, and leadership development while honoring leaders who exemplify service, impact, and compassion. **2026 LEGACY AWARD HONOREE** **Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD – Tucson, AZ** Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor is an internationally renowned neuroscientist and leading expert in the science of grief and bereavement. Her groundbreaking research and bestselling books, *The Grieving Brain* and *The Grieving Body*, have transformed how we understand loss by bringing science, empathy, and hope to the grieving process. Established in 2018, the Modern Widows Club® Legacy Award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in serving widows and their families through compassion, excellence, humility, and heroic leadership. **2026 LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREE** **Ms. Angelica Berrie – Englewood Cliffs, NJ** Angelica Berrie is President of the Russell Berrie Foundation, CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, and author of *A Passion for Giving: Tools and Inspiration for Creating a Charitable Foundation.* Her visionary philanthropy and lifelong commitment to service have transformed countless lives, including many within the Modern Widows Club® community. Her generosity and purpose-driven leadership inspire meaningful change and demonstrate the power of compassionate action. Established in 2025, the Modern Widows Club® Leadership Award recognizes exceptional leaders whose innovation, passion, and dedication have advanced widow advocacy, awareness, and positive social impact.