Addressing Envelope for Widow

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

How do you address an envelope when the person is a widow? My mother says to put Mrs. John Doe. I think that it should be Mrs. Jane Doe, since her husband is no longer alive, why use his name? Is either way correct?

Signed,

Differences

Dear Differences,

It really depends on how traditional you wish to be. Although commonly seen, addressing an envelope for a widow as Mrs. Jane Doe is not really proper. However, you can put Ms. Jane Doe. If using "Mrs." for a widow, the proper format is Mrs. John Doe.