What is the name of the Finch family's neighbor who is a widow and a friend to Scout?

The Finch family's widowed neighbor and Scout's friend is Miss Maudie Atkinson.

Miss Maudie lives across the road from the Finches in Maycomb, Alabama. She is a longtime family friend who knew Atticus, Alexandra, and Jack Finch when they were young. Unlike many adults in town, she speaks to Scout and Jem openly and respectfully, never treating them as foolish simply because they are children.

Maudie is also one of Scout's most important moral guides. She explains why mockingbirds symbolize harmless innocence and helps the children understand Atticus's character. Her house burns down during a winter fire, but she responds with remarkable optimism, focusing on the chance to create a larger garden.

A common mix-up is confusing Miss Maudie with Miss Stephanie Crawford, another neighbor. Stephanie is a gossip associated with Maycomb's rumors about Boo Radley; Maudie is the perceptive, independent widow who offers Scout genuine friendship and wisdom.