Thanks jimbo99 and myfrogger.
I so appreciate your balanced, professional and wise and detailed information on this. In this case, you are right: I am learning an 'airline rules' lesson...and gaining from your wisdom and insight.
I am a very experienced traveler, United Premer Exec, BA multi-miler exec, Lufthansa Miles & More...and have never had to cancel a trip totally before, therefore have never been faced with total non-refund and such hard-nosed, inflexible, accusatory, and unhelpful phone agents.
In this case, faced with a solid reason to change plans (cancel) I naively assumed that cancelling more than one month ahead was considerate, professionally respectful, and reasonable and would be treated with courtesy and understanding. Yes, you are right, I have the money and can use the fare later (for a fee). I am not losing the money.
I will follow your advice and check all info sent. I will check all the rules and reg. on the ticket. You are right, I have several options.
I will also check to see if this fare/ticket price can be used on other airlines of Star Alliance, which could perhaps give some flexibility.
I appreciate the great insight from jimbo99 and myfrogger. Thanks a million times.