Original Message:
Re: Is serious illness or death enough to get out of a timeshare contract? (by Lance C.):
I would contact the resort (more specifically, its Homeowners' Association) again and explain the situation. This time, however, make it clear that your mother-in-law is not going to pay another dime in maintenance fees so it would be in the resort's best interests to take the unit back. The HOA does not want to go through the hassle and expense of a foreclosure. Perhaps offer to pay closing costs.
You said you had it listed on RedWeek with no queries. Try also listing it on Timeshare Users Group's (aka "TUG"; tugbbs.com) Bargain Deals section. There you can advertise for free that you want to give it away. If you offer to pay closing costs and maybe even the next maintenance fee, you could get some takers. E-Bay, My Resort Network, and Craigslist are also reputable listing sites. With Craigslist, just be cautious with all the spam and scam attempts.
And no, the resort cannot go after your wife for maintenance fees.