After 23 years of marriage, Matilda was widowed in 936 and decided to get rid of all her jewels and diamonds as a spiritual gesture and offering to God for the soul of her deceased husband.
Otto I, his son, as successor to Henry I, was declared emperor. However, when everything heralded a peaceful succession, Otto accused Matilda of having sided with her younger brother Henry, who had rebelled against his ascension to the imperial throne. Otto then ordered the expulsion of his own mother from the royal palace. Matilde, after such a tragic event, was welcomed in a monastery. She remained there for some time, praying and working like any other nun, begging the Lord for the reconciliation of her children.
When reconciliation came, Matilde was restored to the palace, but it would not be long before she would be accused again. This time, her accusation came from her two sons – formerly her enemies – who accused her of having hidden part of her family treasure with the purpose of distributing it among the poor. This was another tough test for the saint, who did not stop asking God for patience and mercy with her people.