On January 15, 2026, we lost Joann Rider—a dedicated public school teacher and the sole champion for her two 21 year old sons, Joshua and Marcus. Joann’s passing was sudden. Recently widowed herself, she leaves behind not just a devastated grieving family, but two vulnerable young men—one with autism—who have just lost their entire world and are now facing a daunting financial crisis.
Josh and Marc live in the family home that Joann and her late husband Mike worked so hard to provide. Tragically, she passed without leaving behind a will, and as a result their world has started to fall apart beneath them. Bank accounts are locked. Insurance is expiring. Utilities at risk of being disconnected. The income that kept the heat on and the refrigerator full has disappeared overnight.
While Joann left behind some equity in the family home and her estate will eventually receive a refund of her pension fund contributions, the boys are currently quite strapped for cash. Without a will, the boys are facing a complicated legal process to pay her personal and medical debts and settle the estate, so they can get whatever is leftover and start rebuilding their lives. The plan is to hire an attorney to help protect Josh’s interests by having another close family member (his cousin Christopher) become his legal guardian and to establish a trust to ensure Josh’s inheritance is safe.
Though they are gutted right now, the boys have a very bright future ahead of them if we can help them through this very difficult time. The end goal will be to sell the house as soon as is feasible and downsize the boys into a more sustainable living situation in the area so that Marcus can resume his education and go to trade school to become an electrician.
In the meantime, the bills don't stop.
We are raising funds to cover three critical gaps that cannot wait for probate:
Court Fees & Attorney Retainer: We must hire a Guardianship Attorney immediately to secure legal authority over Josh’s care and to establish a trust to protect any inheritance that may be left after the estate is settled.
The "Survival Bridge": Keeping the heat on, the bills paid, and food on the table for Josh and Marc for a time while we secure their permanent future.
A Dignified Farewell: Giving Joann the funeral she deserves without putting the boys into debt.
Joann spent her life fighting for her students and her sons. Now, it’s our turn to hold the line for her. Every dollar raised goes directly to keeping Josh and Marc safe, housed, and together during this terrifying transition.
Thank you for helping us protect them.