Calling All Family, Friends, and Loved Ones

With the heaviest heart, I am reaching out during the most painful moment of my life. My mother, Margaret L. Barnes, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, at home, in her sleep. She had been quietly fighting stage 4 stomach cancer, diagnosed just five months after her retirement—after giving over 30 years of service to Triton College in Career Services, Telecommunications, and later Housekeeping.

My mother was truly the GoFundMe for everyone. She buried all nine of her siblings, often giving her very last to support others, which left her living on a fixed income. She never complained, and she never stopped giving.

Unfortunately, her life insurance policy is now contestable, as she had not reached the two-year mark. On top of that, I recently learned that her pension’s death benefit will not be released for 90 days. As her only child, this has left me overwhelmed, numb, and trying my best to figure everything out while grieving the greatest loss of my life.

I have pushed her services out to December 20th, almost a month after her passing, in hopes that things would come together. But the delays have been far more than I ever expected. It hurts, deeply, to even ask—but if you have it in your heart to support us during this difficult time, it would truly mean the world to me.

My goal is $20,000 to ensure my mother receives the beautiful homegoing service including burial she deserves. My mother was a giver, a nurturer, and a woman of endless strength and love. She would never hesitate to help others—and now, I humbly ask for help in honoring her.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, support, and love during this heartbreaking time.

THIS IS THE ONLY PAGE -