grief let's talk about it podcast/ Tina Fornwald

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.
I hope the candid discussions, recommended resources, and the ability to connect with others on this
journey bring you hope and encouragement.
Website: https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/
Email: [email protected]
Social Media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@widowhoodrealtalkwithtina
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WidowhoodRTWT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/widowhood_real_talk_with_tina/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrtwtf?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087265187351