Dear friends, family, and kind supporters,

It's with deepest sadness that I have to say: my mama, Ramona Patterson, passed away on May 30, 2025. Two months short of her 60th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, please help us lay our mother to rest.

Ramona was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in October 2024, and seven months later she was gone. She spent every moment refusing to give in. Even with a terminal diagnosis, she fought and clawed at cancer's grip to her very last days. Which, if you knew my mom, you know was very on brand for her.

In January, she made the 3,000 mile journey across the US to visit me and my family in Washington state, despite her health challenges. She was able to meet her grandbaby, Moss (2yo), and made some last, wonderful memories with us. We made brownies, walked in the park... I am forever grateful for that time.

Moss's favourite stuffy is a big, honey-colored dog their mum-mum brought to give to them. "Puppy" goes with them everywhere.

Shortly after that trip, Mom's health declined enough that it would have been impossible to go.

Back in Delaware, Mama rested, did art, and spent time with her kids. Taylor flew in from LA and headed up creating a "starry night" inspired mural on her porch —her favourite painting and her favourite "room" in the house— and several of the siblings joined in painting it. Being so far away myself, I'm deeply comforted by the amount of effort my siblings put into making the time she had with us special.

Her last several days were spent first in the hospital and then hospice, sleeping peacefully, where she was kept company by her kids and closest friends. Lisa, her friend since grade school, was by her side when she passed.

She leaves behind eight children and a grandchild.

Many people have gathered around my family in the days past her death, offering comfort, support, meals, and aid. And I am so deeply thankful for this generosity.

Dying is expensive. Her husband, Ben, hasn't paid for any of the expenses, so his children have been left with the bills. Our first goal is to simply cover the necessary costs, and if we're able we would like to give her the memorial she deserves.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping us cover these costs.

Expenses:

$1,550 - cremation

$200 - paperwork fees

$500 - small memorial service

$100 - misc expenses

And if we're beyond blessed:

$600 - boat rental, to spread Ramona's ashes*

*Some of us would like to spread Mama's ashes in the Atlantic, as she adored the beach. To legally do so, we would need to be at least 3 miles out from shore. I know nothing about boats, but boat rentals for 2 hours appear to be in the $600+ ballpark, so I'm adding it here as a stretch-goal.

For all your prayers, for every candle lit, for every condolence offered to my younger siblings, I am deeply grateful. Thank you. ❤️

With love,

Bre Hanan, Ramona's daughter