Cori Rice was my spouse, best friend, and co-conspirator for 35 years. On April 30, Cori's heart stopped while out walking with our adult children. This came completely out of the blue; we were getting ready for hiking season. We had no idea Cori's time was coming to an end.

Then, she was gone. Three weeks in the ICU and hospice, her mind was gone but her body was doggedly determined. On May 18, her body let go.

While the VA is honoring Cori with a full military burial, to recognize her years with the US Navy Submarine Service, the basic funeral home costs to prepare Cori's remains for burial, plus the other myriad expenses of dealing with the sudden loss of a spouse and father, have strapped our family. While the VA will reimburse part of the cost, it's not a full reimbursement, and it will take time and red tape.

Cori spent her life helping others. Since Cori's death I've heard from college classmates, Navy shipmates, and the LGBTQ organization she founded and led for the last eight years, so many stories of how she helped others through difficult times.

Thank you,

Jean Rice

In honor of, in memory of Cori, please help me provide her with the sendoff she deserves.