My baby sister Carol Gorman passed late Friday night. She was one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever come across. She had a softness about her that stayed with me my whole life. We were supposed to grow old together and laugh until it hurt again. I hope she knew how much she was loved.

As her next of kin, I am now responsible for making arrangements. Carol did not have insurance, and I’m not in a position to cover these costs on my own. I am planning a simple cremation and would like to hold a small memorial in Olympia, where she spent the last 15 years of her life. I will also need to travel there to bring her remains home. I am hoping to have the cremation done by the end of next week and be there by May 29th, so I am working on a timeline to make these arrangements.

These funds will go toward cremation services, travel to Olympia, two small memorials—one in California and one in Washington—and obituary and printing costs. If you are able to support in any way—whether by donating or sharing this—it would mean more than I can express. Even the smallest contribution helps me give Carol the dignity and care she deserves in this final moment. Thank you for helping me carry this. — Deborah Ann Gorman