Hello, I'm Shani. If you know me or my sisters, you probably know our mom or heard some stories. I know I have doozies to tell!

Well, my mom passed away June 2nd, two days before her 68th birthday. She was so bright and loving with a teasing sparkle in her eye. She loved music of all kinds and the color red. When she laughed, she laughed with her whole body. And when she loved, she loved with everything she was.

Joyce raised three rambunctious and precocious daughters by herself doing the best she could. She sacrificed so much to make sure we didn't go without. Even late in life, she didn't want her kids to fuss over her even though we did. Her body endured hardships from diabetes and MS but her spirit stayed strong and proud.

Our mom made sure to have life insurance, but sadly it only covers a part of the cost of funeral services. Adding that to the recent hardships the family has suffered means we've come up short. So many of you graciously asked how you could help: If you could please donate to help cover the cost of sending Mom home to her parents and five brothers and sisters, we would be eternally grateful.