Hi Toolman19562 ----
Thanks for your reply and sorry for your loss.   With legit proof, there really should be a 'compassionate grounds' clause in the process - and an emergency number @ CDN Immig.    The whole immigration issue seems so strict yet critically mismanaged at the same time - i'm not sure if this is by nature or by design - the number of applicants must be in the 10s' of thousands.  It is in desperate need of organisation - and seems to be enough $$ ($1000+ per app.) to put some structure in place.   we're on the outside, so who knows.   just an observation.
some good news...since our post, my wifes' mother made a temporary recovery and is presently comfortable.   miraculously, the Perm Residency also showed up a couple of weeks back - and so we're officially free to travel.   took ages, some wrong moves, multiple certificates, visa extension, Dr. exams, etc..etc.....but finally we're holding status.   PR app. started July/Aug 2009 - received PR Jan 2011       
Good luck all - bare with it.   
cheers,  J.