Hi, my name is Jacqueline and I am the daughter and guardian of Brian Mann who passed away Saturday, August 19th, 2023 in Bend, Oregon. As many know, my father was in long-term care through Medicaid for his Dementia since 2015 and started receiving hospice in June of this year. During that time almost all of his funds were dedicated to his medical care. Since taking over as guardian, I was able to save money for a funeral and a headstone that was in the designing process when he passed.

While in the design process of a headstone, my brothers, Nicholas and Brandon, thought it would be a great opportunity not only to give something beautiful to our father but also to honor their mother and guardian angel, Sharon Mann, who had passed when my brothers were 2 years and 10 months old. Unfortunately, his passing came sooner than we anticipated and we are no longer able to access any remaining funds due to the Medicaid "Estate Recovery" policy. This means that almost all of his remaining funds will have to go back to the state, leaving us with no funds personally or through his trust to pay for a companion headstone to honor them both.

I know that this is a big ask, but we are hoping that family and friends would kindly donate for a flat companion headstone for both Brian and Sharon, giving my brothers a way to honor our/their parent(s). No donation is too small and we understand if you are unable.

No matter, we want to thank every single person who helped guide us throughout the years and everyone in our individual and joint support systems that we lean on- without you all I don't know how I would be standing upright. I know that our father is looking down on his friends and family with love and is in a much better place. I pray that for the years that he lost, he is almost able to 'rewind the tape' to see how much love he had and the beautiful memories forgotten. The heartbreak that comes with losing someone is overwhelming but beautiful- I think 'How lucky am I to have received so much love that it physically and mentally hurts when it leaves'- or I am trying to.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held on October 27th, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Emerald Hills Funeral Home in Kennedale, Texas so he can be laid to rest next to his dearly departed wife, Sharon Lynn Mann. Friends and family from all over are invited to gather and pay their respects to a remarkable man who touched so many lives.

(The fundraising goal was quoted from the funeral home and their direct supplier- we are currently looking for other options as well.)

Edit: After reviewing our finances, we decided to do a single headstone to match Sharon’s and have  edited the goal to reflect our new budget. 

Thank you again.