The deed determines ownership; the mortgage determines who has to pay the loan. If she is on the deed still, she is still an owner; depending on how she and her husband had owned the home, she likely has a a one half or possibly even 100% ownership of the home (e.g. if it was owned as "joint tenants with right of survivorship," or JTROS, then when he died, it became hers solely). She is not required to pay the mortgage if she is not on it--a mortgage is a contract, and only the people who sign the contract are bound by it--BUT if no one pays it, the lender will presumably foreclose (they have that right). So if she and/or any other heirs want to keep the house (or keep it until they can sell), someone will have to pay.She should retain a FL attorney to make sure she gets her share or or interest in the house, given the children's opposition.