When one joint owner of a property passes away, the surviving owner can make an application for membership in the housing society. The Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, under Section 23(2)(ix)(b), allows the surviving member to apply for membership and the society is obligated to transfer the deceased member's share in the property to the surviving member.
In the absence of testamentary documents or family settlement deeds, the society can issue a share certificate in the name of "Mrs. A, wife of late Mr. A (deceased)". However, the society might request documentation to confirm the relationship between the deceased and the surviving member. Legal heirship certificates or affidavits could be required for this purpose. The absence of a will or family settlement could lengthen the process, but it shouldn't impede the transfer of membership and issuance of a share certificate to the surviving spouse.