Help Us Bring Comfort, Peace & Dignity to Our Grandmother
Our grandmother Marlene is 93 years old, and we’ve been told she likely has weeks possibly a month left with us. At this stage, her wishes are simple and deeply human: to be at home, with her family and her dog, surrounded by love, familiarity, and comfort.
After everything she has endured, our focus is no longer on hospitals or procedures. It is on keeping her comfortable, cared for, and treated with dignity during the time she has left.
Over the past months, Marlene has been through more than anyone should have to experience at this stage of life. She was in and out of hospitals and care facilities, became critically ill, developed blood clots in her leg, and was ultimately airlifted to the hospital. Doctors had no choice but to amputate her leg to save her life. Going into surgery, we were told only about 30% of her heart was functioning, and we didn’t know if she would survive.
She did survive - strong, stubborn, and resilient, just like she has always been. But complications followed. She required a second surgery due to infection, and despite every effort, the infection has continued to spread. We have now been told there is nothing more doctors can do beyond keeping her comfortable. Marlene is transitioning to hospice care at home.
Right now, it’s the small things that matter most.
Marlene finds comfort in familiar routines, gentle care, and simple pleasures. She loves good food especially comfort foods and desserts and enjoys watching murder mystery shows. Her skin is fragile and dry, and she takes comfort in soft blankets, soothing lotions, and being cared for slowly and gently.
She is also in the early stages of dementia. She often calls out for her mother, asking to “go home,” which is heartbreaking to witness. Our goal is to make sure that this home where she is now feels safe, warm, and filled with love.
This GoFundMe is primarily to help with final arrangements and cremation costs. Marlene lives on Social Security, and there were no pre-arrangements or funds set aside. While hospice provides medical support, final arrangements are not covered, and our family is not financially prepared for these costs while also providing full-time care.
In addition, there are many everyday care and comfort needs that hospice does not provide.
As we care for Marlene at home, we are learning in real time what is needed to keep her comfortable. Funds raised may help with things like:
• Bedding and linens that need frequent changing
• Hygiene and personal care supplies
• Gentle skin care for her fragile skin
• Food and meal delivery so we can remain with her and not step away
• Other comfort items as her care needs evolve
To help with these daily needs, we have created an Amazon wishlist, which we will continue to update as we learn what is needed. Some items have already been purchased, and we are incredibly grateful.
We’ve left the link available for anyone who prefers to help in this way.
If donating isn’t possible, gift cards for groceries, pharmacies, or food delivery services are also a huge help and allow us to focus our time and energy on being with her. This is not about extravagance. It is about ensuring that a 93-year-old woman is comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love and that her final arrangements are handled with dignity.
If you’re able to donate, send an item, provide a meal, or even just share this page, we are deeply thankful. And if you’re not in a position to give, we completely understand please just keep Marlene in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for helping us care for our grandmother during this incredibly tender time.
With love,
Deanna & Family
Organizer
