Mary Kay Ray Memorial &Support Fund

Mary Kay Ray Memorial and Support Fund

    



Mary Kay Ray left a huge hole in our hearts when she
passed away on January 28, 2017.

Mary Kay (affectionately known as Hunny Bunny, Monkey, Baby Lips, and Monkey Nose by her beloved husband, Angelo Castillo) was a special gem whose presence will now sparkle in the night sky for eternity.

She was beautiful, eclectic, authentic, smart, and unique. Loved and lovable, her spunky spirit, contagious laughter, family focus, passion, creativity, and unconditional love will always be missed, but never forgotten.

She thrived on organization and punctuality—and expected everyone to follow suit! She lived her life with gratitude and a joyful, “no regrets” attitude. She turned heads with her confidence, enchanting smile, and her sparkly, green eyes. Her presence filled rooms with laughter and fun.

She was touched by divine intervention when she and her twin were born on July 16, 1965.  Her twin did not survive, but the miracle of her life began.

In 1995, she met and fell in love with Angelo. They were inseparable for more than 22 years before the end of her earthly journey.

Five years ago, after suffering from headaches and seizures, Mary Kay was diagnosed with a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a rare condition that occurs in less than 1 percent of the general population, with fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the United States.

 An AVM, usually present at birth, is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins that disrupts the vital process of bringing oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. 

 Mary Kay received proton radiation treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. This was a treatment designed to precisely target the AVM in the hopes of minimizing the tangle for possible future removal.  

Sadly, the treatment was not successful. As a result, Mary Kay continued to suffer from seizures—leaving her in days-long recoveries that had a severe effect on her body, mood, and well-being.

On January 23, 2017, Mary Kay was not feeling well while at work and called paramedics. By the time they arrived, she was unconscious.  She was rushed to the hospital in Woodbridge, and because of her rare, delicate illness, was transported to Inova Fairfax.

Mary Kay’s AVM had ruptured—a brain hemorrhage—placing her in a coma. As her doctors fought to help her recover, family and close friends gathered to support Mary Kay, Angelo, and each other.

Prayers and great healing energy were sent and shared. Mary Kay fought for her life. Early in the morning of January 28, Mary Kay suffered more seizures that further damaged her beautiful, gentle brain.

On January 28, 2017, Angelo and Mary Kay’s family along with friends gathered at her bedside until she passed that evening. You can only imagine the pain and suffering from this awful tragedy.

Despite the many physical struggles Mary Kay went through as a result of her illness, she never let it diminish her spirit or what was important to her—including her dedication to her professional life.

 As the manager of the Johnston & Murphy store in Woodbridge, Virginia, Mary Kay brought her many skills and passion to her work.

 Following her death, it was announced that—under her management—the Woodbridge Johnston & Murphy store became the number one store in the region. She would have been so happy to know that her store reached this achievement and to share this success with her colleagues.

We are so grateful for all of the people who continue to send prayers for Mary Kay’s and Angelo’s families. With this unexpected tragedy, the financial strain, expense of emergency medical care(icu) and funeral services has become overwhelming for the family, and we ask for donations to ease the financial burden.

Your financial assistance is greatly needed and appreciated, and will allow Angelo to focus on his grieving in this time of need.

Thank you for all of your support—in return we offer many blessings and healing love to you and yours.