This is Denise Hoag, pictured with her eldest son, Marcus.  Denise passed away on April 6th, 2020, at the age of 53. She died from complications of a chronic heart ailment. Even though she did not die from the pandemic afflicting us now, Denise’s four children could not be with her because of the restrictions needed to keep themselves and others safe.  She passed, unable to be comforted by her children. Her children could not say goodbye to a mother that they dearly loved.

 I did not know Denise Hoag personally.  However, if you have ever set foot into Animal Outfitters, on Elmwood Avenue, then you know my sweet friend Marcus Hoag, her eldest son.

 Marcus and his siblings, Matthew, Chelsey, and Jada (Jada, who is only 15), lost their mother on April 6th, 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, making a tragedy unimaginably worse.  They mourn in isolation. They could not be with their mother. 

 They wend their way through funeral arrangements in a time of social distancing. If that is not bad enough, they also have to move. They have to move out of their apartment and find another place to live when we must shelter in place. They have to mourn; they have to bury their mother, and they have to move.

Her children describe as a 'Beautiful Queen", an "inspiration", a "hero", a "teacher" -  a strong and giving woman.  She loved her children with every fiber of her being.

I cannot imagine how overwhelming this must be for them.  I am asking you, please, please help me help Marcus, Matthew, Chelsey, and Jada.  Donate what you can.  If you cannot donate, then please share this far and wide.   Donations will go directly to Marcus to fund Denise's funeral and make it possible for the family to move to a new home. Thank you, and stay safe.