Sorry about your wife. I went through this at 55. I would have laughed at you the year before if you told me I would ever be unemployed.
It took me 2 years and 1/3 pay cut to go back to work. Finally went back to company I worked at from 1972-1988. It has worked out fine. Took 4 years to get back to the pay level I left at in 1988, but they need what I do, and I am happy to have the job. After 4 years managed to get things set-up where I can work from home, telecommute. I really like that. I had spent past 4 years away from home.
The internet job search was a total waste of time, but old relationships were finally the solution.
Hey I was laid off at Wells Fargo in early December. I have not found anything. I also am 55. Do you have any recommendations? Sounds like networking is what worked for you.