On October 11th, our beloved friend and loved one Michelle Paskell suddenly passed away. She was 56, and left behind so many people who cared about her including her daughter Brittany, her 8-year old granddaughter Alex, Alex’s father Danny and stepmother Celia, and Brittany’s father Tom and his partner Kricket. So many family and friends were deeply touched by Michelle’s warm heart and hospitality; she considered everyone she met as family and treated them as her own.

Along with the complicated grieving that Brittany, her daughter Alex, and the rest of Michelle’s loving family are facing, there are several questions of what comes next financially. The family would love to have a proper memorial service for Michelle, but funeral expenses are costly. The family also is left with several questions about how to cover other expenses that are left uncovered without Michelle.

Brittany and Michelle live together and while rent on their home was already a financial burden, Brittany is now left to figure out how to afford rent by herself. Alex lives with her mother on alternating weeks, and it would be devastating for a mother and her daughter to lose what they have because of the tragic, unexpected loss of grandma. Along with that, Brittany has been working to pay off her car while working a full time job and studying for her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is just $7,000 away from completing the payment for her car.

Ultimately in our society, death can be such a complex reality not only because of the grieving process that comes with the sudden loss of a loved one, but also the unforgiving bombardment of questions around finances that accompany such a tragic situation without invitation. Simply put, Michelle’s grieving family needs help more than ever during these difficult and unexpected times. While the loss of a mother, grandmother, and loving family member is a significant mourning process in every sense, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the financial burdens that Michelle’s loved one are going through is something that can be assisted. We ask that anyone who can help, whether it be through donation or simply spreading this message to others, pitches in to help the family of Michelle Paskell. Any contribution helps, no matter how small. Thank you very much, and at the very least we hope you hug your family and close friends extra close the next time you see them; you never know what fare life will deliver to you.

In memory of Dawn Michelle Paskell

November 18th, 1968 - October 11th, 2025

Best Regards,

-Brittany Dustin, daughter

-Alexandria Monarrez, granddaughter

-Tom Dustin, father of Brittany

-Kricket, partner of Tom

-Jason Montanez, boyfriend of Brittany

-Daniel Monarrez, father of Alex

-Celia Monarrez, stepmother of Alex

-Chloe and Abigail Stern, close friends of Michelle and her loving family