// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
My husband's death was hard enough - then came the admin
John meticulously planned the handover of household admin before his death
Louisa Nicoll knew her husband John was going to die about a year before it happened. The couple used the time to make memories with their children, James and Amy, and John meticulously organised their paperwork.
But despite him asking for accounts to be switched to Louisa's name, she still received post addressed to him after his death. In one letter from their energy provider, it said: "Sorry you're leaving us. Is there anything we can do to make you stay?"
"I felt utterly exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated and angry because of those experiences," she told BBC's Morning Live.
Louisa now campaigns for changes in the way companies deal with admin after someone dies and offers advice on how talking about death before it happens can help families cope afterwards.
After their father's death, James and Amy still received texts from their mobile phone provider that read "Hi, John"
John was 50 and working as a police surveillance trainer when he was diagnosed with cancer. Louisa had a career in palliative care nursing and was a ward manager in a hospice. John underwent nine major surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy - working full-time through it all.
"He absolutely loved working with his supportive police colleagues, and he cherished everyday family life and spending time with our friends," says Louisa.
When further surgery was no longer an option, palliative chemotherapy was offered. Following many discussions, John decided to focus on making memories as a husband, dad and friend rather than spending his final months as a patient.
"He made a lovely speech at Amy's 18th birthday," she says. "We visited family in Scotland and had planned a family holiday to Greece - but Covid hit and we had a Greek night at home instead." The couple had a party for Louisa's 50th and their 25th wedding anniversary.