A descriptive study explored the ramifications of home deaths on widows of home hospice patients, as compared with widows following the deaths of their husbands within hospital settings. The hypothesis stated that differences existed in coping abilities between these groups. Data were collected from the F-COPES inventory, the Jalowiec Coping Scale, and a demographic data sheet in the homes of 32 widows whose husbands had died at home, as well as 36 widows whose spouses had died within a hospital, approximately 1 year after the death. Interviews were conducted with five widows from each group. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, t test techniques, and multiple regression analyses were used to identify differences in coping behaviors between the groups, as well as strengths and weaknesses of the instruments. The results of this study (p > 0.05) demonstrated that widows following death at home of their husbands utilized different coping mechanisms during the bereavement period than widows who did not participate in a hospice program. Thus, the hypothesis was supported. A theoretical framework for this project was developed on the basis of recent sociological endeavors in the study of coping and social support. Findings indicated areas for further hospice program development, recognition of some problems of widows, and recommendations for use of home hospices. Ideas for further research were generated.