Sincere condolances oldhand. Just read a book today called "The five people you meet in Heaven" - by Mitch Albom. Read it and suddenly things seem not to be so sad. Maybe she is one of the five.

Oldhand, I'm so sorry for your loss.
It takes courage to say you're hurting, it takes a beautiful heart to pay tribute to a loving soul. No it is not mad to post a sentiment on a public forum, it is human.

I'm sorry that you are sad, but I am glad that you were blessed with someone in your life who you can celebrate knowing. It's always terrible to lose someone dear to us, but one consolation is that we suddenly start remembering all the good times again, and I have a feeling that you have many wonderful warm memories to help you through this difficult time.