June 19th around 11pm our family experienced a great loss. My children's Grammie had a sudden unexpected heart attack. We all rushed there when we got the call praying that she would be okay. We watched the paramedics do everything they could to bring her back, but they couldn't save her. They tried for almost an hour and it was the longest hardest hour to pray through. She passed at her home surrounded by those who loved her and who she loved most. Earlier in the day one of her grandson's got in an accident with a car (he's okay), and was rushed to MMC with significant injuries. Because of that we all joined a video call that night to check in on how he was doing. We were all laughing and smiling on a video call just two hours prior to getting the call Grammie was having a heart attack. It was just so sudden and so fast, none of us were expecting this. She was only 61 years old with a lot of life left in her and was taken from us way too soon. The whole family is still in shock and trying to grieve in their own way. It has been incredibly hard on us all with a whirlwind of emotions.

She was the most aggressively helpful person I have ever met. Her whole life was dedicated to helping people, from the medical field, to years in childcare, to just being a selfless person. She had a lot of heartbreak in her life, including losing two sons 6 months apart three years ago. But even with all the weight she carried in her heart, that never stopped her from being the wonderful person that she was. She spent most of her days surrounded by children: foster children, her three young adopted children, and her grandchildren. Her backyard was always full of laughing happy children because of her efforts and her greatess talent of being a wonderful mother. She took everyone in as if they were her own and called many her "children". She has left a huge impression on many people's lives and was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed her. She always gave way more than she would ever ask for herself. Always welcoming others to her home with open arms, offering the best homemade meals, and always filled any room with love and light. She truly was one of a kind, and anyone who knew her knows how special she really was. I have two boys, 5 months and 3 years, whom she left behind. My three year old has asked about her every day since she passed and it's so hard because he doesn't understand why she's not coming to pick him up like she always did. She smothered them both in kisses every time she saw them and it hurts that my baby isn't old enough to remember her love. Life at Grammie and Grandpa's will never be the same without her there. We are all heartbroken but her husband Robert, is struggling without her. He's grieving, but has the three adoptive children and three foster children he now is taking care of alone without her. He's managing, but it's hard.

I've created this GoFundMe to help support Robert during this very difficult time. With the kids, financial stresses, constant phone calls, funeral arrangements, appointments, etc., he's under a lot of stress. He is not a man that wants people to feel sorry for him, or to be a target for charity. He's doing the best he can and isn't one to ask for help, but he deserves it. No amount of money will ever replace his wife, Mona. But it would help remind him that people care and that he is surrounded by many willing to support him during this very difficult time.

I also created this GoFundMe in her memory for those who knew her to have a chance to give back to her in some way. It's not just about asking for money, but to give those who were helped or made better because of Mona a chance to say "Thank you". Donations will go towards funeral expenses, but also to Robert and the kids to do something fun in her memory as a family while they grieve during this difficult time. It's mostly to show support and appreciation towards Mona. I know Mona touched a lot of people. This is to give people an alternative to sending flowers and to give people an opportunity to show support who don't know how. It also gives people the option to donate anonymously and to share words of support. All are welcome to share!

Edit: Robert is now aware of the GoFundMe and grateful for the donations and all the support he has received. Thank you everyone ❤️