stay and support/ bereavement and desolation

[Ivo]

Would you tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

... now that Mark Twain is before the people as a candidate for Governor, he will condescend to explain how he came to be convicted of perjury by thirty four witnesses in Wakawak, Cochin China, in 1863, the intent of which perjury being to rob a poor native widow and her helpless family of a meager plantain patch, their only stay and support in their bereavement and desolation.

stay and support = means of existence

bereavement and desolation = deep affliction,

Thanks for your efforts.

[Mister Micawber]

Yes. 'Bereavement' specifically indicates the death of a loved one.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's