Hello, my name is Kristin Dean, Kathleen Flaherty’s daughter. Unfortunately my mom passed away unexpectedly on Friday January 24th, 2025. She was such a strong, independent, amazing person. She was my bestie! I already miss her voice and our girls nights.

This has all been extremely overwhelming for me as I have had to figure out all of this on the fly pretty much on my own as I have very little family remaining. She is currently at a funeral home and I have a meeting with them tomorrow (Tuesday the 28th to discuss final costs and try to navigate all the details). The urgency is that there is some questionnable things surrounding her death so I am exploring a private autopsy which could cost anywhere from $2,000-$5000 if we proceed. Unfortunately I have to make this tough decision very quickly as she is to be cremated and this would need to be done asap. I am hoping to have a decision on how to move forward in the next 2 days.

For those of you that know me and my husband Matt well, you know that this last year has been the worst year of our lives with lots and lots of trials, tribulations and loss. We lost Matt’s dad Willie back in August unexpectedly and then just 2 weeks ago I unfortunately was laid off from work as they eliminated my position. This is the first time since I was 16 that I have not had a job. Thankfully Matt’s job is going strong but unfortunately his income alone and unemployment are not enough to cover much of our expenses/bills aside from mortgage and basics.

With all of that being said, our finances were already struggling before my moms passing.

I am not usually the type to ask for financial help but at this point, I don’t know what else to do. We appreciate any and all help, prayers, shares, kind words, and encouragement. Any funds collected will go towards the cremation of my mother, urn, and any other outstanding or occurring expenses/bills.

At this time, I cannot afford a service but I am hoping to get back on my feet, save/raise some money to give her a celebration of life in the spring so all of her close friends and family can gather in her honor.

I have filled out an application with the county for funeral assistance as well and hope to hear back on that in the next couple of days. That will help cover a small portion of her cremation if we are approved so I am hopeful for that.

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts, prayers, shares, encouragement, and donations as Matt and I try to navigate life without our parents. All of it is very much appreciated ❤️