In Loving Memory of Ione "Onie" Warriner

I have created this go fund me in honor of Ione Warriner to help ease the financial burden on her surviving children Tom and Sarah. Onie was a fighter and beat her first go round with breast cancer in April of 2017, after treatment and a double mastectomy. She found out she had more cancer with bone Mets (spreading) in Dec 2020. She endured several different methods of chemotherapy treatments and was most recently on a new one that was created with her own cells. Just weeks ago, she was raving about it to me in her living room - HER NUMBERS WERE THE BEST THEY'D BEEN AND NO PUKING, NAUSEA ETC. However, she had some trouble with increasing Calcium levels. She knew what to do if she had certain symptoms, so she went into Unity for treatment on January 3rd. Nine days later, she was diagnosed with a staph infection and MRSA (likely from her port), was transferred to Mercy where her Oncologist was. This infection would ultimately claim her life on 1/16/25. It was Onie's wish to donate her body to science through the UofMN Bequest program. However, Sarah and Tom were devastated to find out that her infection would prevent this option, with the potential exception of her eyes only.

After learning that donation was not an option, the two had to make alternate arrangements quickly. Sarah did everything she could to ensure Ione's eyes would be viable for donation and they arranged for cremation after. Unfortunately, when Ione lost her employment, her life insurance was dropped and having a pre-existing condition was unable to acquire a new one. That said, while cremation was most economical, it was still costly for the family. They would like to give Ione the memorial she deserves but will also need to relocate her personal belongings and pets as she was renting. Please keep Sarah and Tom in your thoughts/ prayers. If you have the ability donate, every little bit helps and will be greatly appreciated! Below is a message from Sarah.

My name is Sarah, I am Ione's eldest daughter. I asked Tiffany to help my brother and I set up this go fund me, to help give my mother the memorial/celebration of life she deserves. She was my everything, my sun rose and set over that woman. Simply put, she was my best friend, my person and so many wonderful things for so many people. My Mom was the most amazing, kindhearted, loving, nurturing, funny, honest, and genuine person you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. Her heart and door were always open to anyone, willing and ready to offer the shirt from her back. She was always thinking about others and how she could help them. There truly wasn’t a life she touched, that wasn’t influenced for the better. Despite experiencing many horrific tragedies throughout her life, including the death of two of her kids and her husband, she persevered. Remaining strong, optimistic, humble, and stoic. Don't get me wrong she had some strong emotions and feelings that she never fully expressed. For example, the terrible pain she endured the last months of her life with the breast cancer that metastasized to her bones. Even still, she never wanted to burden others or have them fussing over her. I know times are tough for everyone. I am asking for any help you can offer to give my mom, my rock, my hero the memorial/celebration of life that she deserves. She will be forever loved, admired, and missed! Thank you for taking the time to read about my mom.