Tina R. Fornwald is a woman on a mission to help and support others navigate through grief. Since 2017, I have been working in the grief community. As a Grief Coach, I am on this grief journey with you in the hope of helping you develop an amazing life you love and not just exist.

Tina was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Army and Retired in 2020 as Chief Warrant Officer Two. While in the army, she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Accounting. Tina was ordained into the ministry in August 2010.

While in the army, she met her late husband, Mark W. Fornwald. Tina and Mark married and had two adult children, Catherine and Alexander. Their children were and are the heartbeats of their cherished 32 years together.

In 2015, Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the love of Mark, her children, family, friends, and faith, Tina survived several operations and cancer treatments. Then, in 2017, Mark and Tina were enjoying a weekend in Delaware when Mark had a massive heart attack, and the man I loved for 32 years died. The life Tina had come to love was suddenly turned upside down. She sought solace in God to figure out life without Mark in the following days, months, and years. I have learned to live again through the love and support of family, friends, and other widows/widowers, therapy, and my faith.

Tina began connecting with other widows and widowers to grasp insight and understanding of this challenging journey, which became instrumental to her well-being. Over the years, Tina became the person other widows and widowers sought out on how to navigate their grief.

Tina is the Founder of “Widowhood, Real Talk With Tina,” a registered 501c3 with a mission To create a safe space for candid discussions on the journey of grief while connecting the widowhood community with an extensive range of professionals, materials and support groups to foster encouragement, healing, and hope not just to live but create a life where they thrive.

As Tina learned to find her way in life, love found her again in Fred M. Jackson, whom she wed in February of 2022.

Widowhood - Real Talk With Tina

We are on this grief journey with you!

Founder's Birthday Celebration