Remembering Rhonda: A Life of Strength

Hi, my name is Jessica & my sister (my dad's daughter) Cristalyn has been at home taking care of her mom, Rhonda, for the past year and a half, who had stomach cancer. Rhonda fought a horrible battle and my amazing sister was there for her every step of the way, giving her meds & food every 3 hours, helping her to the bathroom, moving her into her home, and so much more. Rhonda was my sister's best friend. When speaking with Cristalyn the other day (they had just moved Rhonda into hospice), I asked what the plan was for services, and she didn't have one because Rhonda didn't have a life insurance policy in place or an end-of-life plan. She had found a place to help with cremation costs, but I am hoping to put together enough money to help cover some expenses for my sister so we can bring some closure for her and my nephew and have a small service for Rhonda to celebrate her life. My family means the world to me, thank you for your help.

Words from Cristalyn: "My beautiful mom passed away yesterday surrounded by myself, Johnny, Alex, and her sister holding her as she went on to be with so many friends and family we have lost along the way. In an absolutely beautiful place that looked like a cabin in the woods of Vermont, cared for by some amazing hospice nurses. Her last wish was that everyone eat a pizza and a salad and think of her as that’s what she will be doing in heaven since she wasn’t able to eat for the last few years of her life. The cancer that she had was the worst I and the hospice nurses have ever seen someone go through, and she did it courageously without complaining. To take away someone’s ability to eat or drink has to be torture, and she was the bravest, strongest person I have ever known. I know she would want me to thank those friends and family who continued to talk to her and show their support and love. She was a best friend in different ways to so many. Thank you to those who have supported us in different ways. I am unsure of what or when we will be doing something to celebrate her life, so in the meantime, have a slice and some veggies and feel her presence around you. If you would like to do something in her honor, please consider making a donation to Homeless Prevention Council - 8 Main St, Orleans, MA 02653, who has helped me in countless ways to keep me from losing my home while taking care of her, or Monomoy Community Services, where she worked for so many years and they have also helped us through this with groceries…

please say a little prayer for her

- my heart is shattered…"

Thanks for your help & time,

Jessica