Dear friends, family, and kind strangers:
My name is Martin Barret, and I was incredibly blessed to spend my life with Nancy Leigh Douglas, the most wonderful woman I've ever known. She was not just my wife—she was my best friend, my partner in everything, and a wonderful, bright light in this world.
Her passion for music, her boundless creativity, and her deep love for her Lord inspired everyone blessed enough to cross her path. She touched so many lives in ways we'll never forget, and many of us can only aspire to live with the grace and joy she embodied every day.
It was Nancy's heartfelt wish to be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery, just north of Belleville—a peaceful place that meant a lot to her. I'm committed to honoring that wish with a dignified and simple burial that reflects the beautiful life she lived.
Unexpectedly losing her has been devastating, and while nothing can ease the emotional pain, the financial challenges are adding to the burden during this difficult time. {Funeral and burial costs in Ontario can be significant (often ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more for a traditional burial)}, and I'm reaching out for help to cover these expenses.
Any support you can provide would mean the world to me and her loyal companion, Sherlock—the amazing cattle dog—who was Nancy's faithful shadow and brought her so much joy.
Together, we're navigating life without her, and your generosity would lift a huge weight, allowing us to focus on healing and celebrating her memory.
How funds will be used (estimated breakdown):
- Burial plot and interment fees at Elmwood Cemetery
- Funeral home services (casket, preparation, and basic service)
- Graveside ceremony and transportation
- Simple monument/headstone (approximately $1,500 or more—I'll update once the exact quote is confirmed)
- Any additional unexpected costs
Below, via my GoogleDrive, I have linked a detailed cost breakdown for full transparency, showing expenses incurred so far.
No donation is too small—every dollar brings us closer to giving Nancy the respectful farewell she deserves. If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your networks would be an enormous help.
{If we are blessed with financial gifting 'overflow', any surplus funds will be gratefully allocated as follows:
a) half to the Canadian Cancer Research Society in Nancy's memory to support the vital work in fighting what touched her life and
b) half to ease the burden of this transitional phase, helping cover unforeseen costs as we take steps toward moving forward.}
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this heartbreaking time. Nancy would be touched knowing how many people cared!
With deep gratitude,
Martin Barret (and Sherlock)
Organizer
Martin Barret
Organizer