Can I obtain Italian citizenship if my husband is dead

Hi all
Hope you can help me.
I married my Italian husband 7 years ago in South Africa.  He was borne and bred in Italy with both sides of his family being Italian for generations.  He sadly passed away recently and as a widow living a rather precarious life in South Africa (with access to no other nationality) I was hoping to take up residence in Italy.  I am a woman of independent but modest means.  The Italian embassy has told me that as my husband is no longer alive, I am not able to obtain Italian citizenship by marriage.  The best they can offer me is a 6 month visitor visa.
I am shattered to hear this.
Can anyone recommend an Italian family law specialist I could consult?
Many thanks in advance for your assistance.
Susan

If you had lived in Italy while married there would be a possibility of permanent residence, but as you married an Italian and then lived outside of Italy without ever asking for citizenship whilst married, Im afraid the chances of you obtaining citizenship are remote.

Hi Susan, you have a difficult case, particularly in view of the answer you already received from the Italian Consulate. They are not the ones who process those applications, as this is done by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, so perhaps they have already checked with them... In any case, you were asking for an Italian Family Law Lawyer, and a valued member of this Forum, Charlotte Oliver, is such a professional. You will find her details here http://www.oliverpartners.it/charlotte-oliver/
Another point that you mention is the fact that you wish to reside in Italy and you write about modest means and a precarious life in South Africa. Although I have not been recently in your country, what I can certainly assure you is that nowadays life in Italy is fairly expensive, I would dare to say that it is more expensive than in South Africa. You mention that your husband's family  resides in Italy. It may be helpful to contact them and ask for their advice. In any case, I wish you all the best.

Thanks very much for your responses modicasa and Gala. I was hoping there would be an option but it does not look possible. I will however, contact Charlotte just in case.
Again, thanks for responding, very grateful.
Susan