It is with the shattered hearts of 2 kids, 2 granddaughters, and 2 grandsons, that we are now without the heart, soul, and backbone to our little family. My beautiful mother gained her wings on November 21, 2025, the birthday of her daughter, my wonderful little sister Sara. Found unresponsive by her 4-year-old granddaughter after struggling with a morning of sickness stemming from her battle with stage 4 kidney failure and diabetic complications. Realizing that her Grandma should've responded to her efforts to wake her up, she immediately grabbed Grandma's phone and called her mother along with me and said, 'Grandma's not waking up.' An ambulance was dispatched immediately following those words nobody ever wants to hear about their mom, who has always been the source of light, comfort, and ANYTHING we ever needed. My sister arrived first, paralyzed and immobilized immediately at the sight of our mother. The Duluth PD first responders arrived shortly after. CPR was immediately started. I arrived next, and seeing the CPR life-saving measures being administered on our mom instantly shattered the only world I ever knew into pieces of hopeless fragments of despair.

Our mother/grandma was the most kindhearted, gentle, loving soul you would ever meet. Rarely ever seen without a smile and always people-watching wherever she was. She was always down for an adventure! Anytime, anywhere. She loved camping, beautiful spring/fall weather, and a nice evening or late-night gathering at the lake with friends and family. Born in St. Paul, MN at Ramsey Hospital at 10:00 am, the younger sister to her big brother, Mike Niven. Her story can't be told without mentioning her family (her mom most importantly) and close circle of friends she was able to maintain a lifelong relationship with. She hated confrontations and was a semi-proud pushover if it meant keeping the peace. Always down to laugh, she loved a good clever joke. Extra points if it was raunchy. My sister and I were her saving grace after the loss of her beloved mother. She lived her life for us from the moment of conception. Becoming a grandma further conveyed her conviction to raise her kids with an unconditional love and happiness that permeated the essence of her existence. She was the textbook definition of putting your children first. No words can ever truly describe the amount of love and security she blanketed us with. And there will never be any amount of words imagined or created, written or vocalized that can characterize the woman our mother/grandma was.

We appreciate any donations received and all prayers sent during our family's hardest and darkest time. Our mother did not have a life insurance policy. My sister and I are responsible now to cover the expenses for everything involved to provide a beautiful ceremony and celebration of life for our mom, as well as pay off her remaining debt from credit cards and previous loans. We are both currently between jobs while raising our kids.

Thank you in advance from my sister, me, and our mother's most precious grandchildren ❤️