Welcome!
While not the same as having a spouse leave you, I did have a friend die while I was working on a quilt for her. I had to pack it away. I'm back at it, and it only took 2 years. I'm very anxious to finish it, but I have to hold myself back, as I have a tendency to make mistakes and neglect all else when I get into a quilt zen. So, it will come back, you just have to find the incentive.
M