Was she a sculptor? It's been too long since I read HoME.

I agree that she would have loved him forever - he's pretty clearly the type of guy who captures attention and devotion and doesn't let it go, through sheer force of personality. It's just nicer to think of her as having some kind of independent life after he's left, and she seems so forceful herself, being the only one besides Finwe he'd ever listen to, that I can't see her being the waiting sort. But maybe in her secret, sentimental heart...