speak with your late wifes bank they can accept the chq and put the money into your account. i had a similar issue when my wife died a couple of accounts and an insurer insisted things waited for probate one because no beneficary was named on the insurance policy insisted it had to be made out to her.
the folly of youth not making a will and not specifying a beneficiary on insurance policies. 3 month delay in all and a bunch of hassle not what you need at atime like that.