[imskylark]

"The sad thing is that I've occassionally met "church ladies" that
just about matched her for mean-spiritedness."

Sad but true. We just lost my mil to an evil so-called 'great woman of God.' This woman wields complete control of mil.

[Xenalyte]

Mean-spirited does not necessarily equal evil.

Instead of condemning the "evil" woman who "wields complete control" over your mother-in-law, it might be helpful to ask why your mother-in-law is so easily led.

If she's not of sound mind, your spouse can get a court order to recover "control" of her.