The widow of every member of the county police force or department having paid into the fund the full amount of the annual assessments or contributions required of him and who shall have lost his life in the performance of duty, and the widow of every member of the police force or department retired and pensioned as provided in section 40:37-164 of this Title, shall, if she was married to her deceased husband before his retirement and before he arrived at the age of 50 years, and so long as she remains unmarried, receive a pension equivalent to 1/2 of the pay of her deceased husband at the time of his death in the performance of duty, or his retirement, annually, for the use of herself and any of the children of her deceased husband, who may be under 18 years of age.
N.J.S. § 40:37-165