Hello, my name is Mathew, and I’m fundraising for my mom, Cheryl A. Smith, who recently was hospitalized for COVID and a potential heart attack. Mom made it home from the hospital stay and was doing well, but in less than 24 hours from coming home, she passed away. We are not certain but believe she had a heart attack she could not recover from. The EMTs were able to get her pulse back, and she made it to the ER where she passed. I am thankful for all the efforts of the hospital and EMTs; they truly did go above and beyond! This has been an incredibly painful and unexpected time for our family, and we are trying our best to honor her with the dignity and love she deserves.

My mom was kind, strong, giving, funny, and loved to share her joy for life with others. She spent her life quietly raising her kids, helping others, working hard, loving her family, and anyone that wanted to be loved. Anyone who knew her would say she was the kindest lil old lady full of sass like a teenager.

In a little over a week, a lot changed. On 10-8, she went to the ER not feeling well. They ran tests and found she suffered heart issues in recent weeks. They did the full work-up, and she was released that Sunday, happy and getting better! Monday, she went to get her medicines from Kroger, where she worked, talked to her coworkers whom she loved dearly, and was happy as ever. She stopped to get a drink at Dollar General, and when she came out to the car, she had what we believe was a heart attack. Mom made it to the ER, and they were able to get her pulse back. Then news broke they had lost her pulse, and we were offered the opportunity to say our goodbyes for good. Unfortunately, we were not prepared for the financial costs associated with end-of-life and memorial services.

Mom was a proud member of the union at Kroger and knew all the perks of being in the union, like free life insurance for all union workers, etc. When we reached out to verify, we were informed somehow she does not have any benefits.

We are hoping to raise $2800 to help cover:

Memorial service

Cremation costs

Basic arrangements and transportation

Any remaining medical costs

These expenses have become overwhelming, and any contribution—big or small—would mean the world to us. Even sharing this fundraiser helps.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my mom and for any support you can offer. Your kindness helps us give her the peaceful and loving farewell she deserves.

With gratitude,

Mathew & family