My beautiful mama passed away yesterday morning after a long battle with breast cancer and renal failure. Many of you knew her as a kind and loving person. She had a love for the simple things in life. Most days she'd be happy with a cup of coffee, a campy murder mystery novel and her cats. These are the things that will keep her close to me for the rest of my life. She was the best mother and best friend a girl could ever ask for.

I am her only immediate family member around. I just left school at UC Santa Cruz and have now moved back to Visalia to take care of funeral expenses, her pets, mortgage, and other living costs that I cannot afford. Any donations to help would be greatly appreciated. My mother had two cats and two dogs that now need a new home. If you cannot afford to donate and are willing to spread the word for her animal companions, it would also really help.