In Memory of Darren McDede: A Legacy of Love & Strength

In Loving Memory of Darren McDede: A Legacy of Love and Strength

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Darren McDede, who bravely fought a courageous battle against cancer. Darren’s journey was one marked by his immense strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his beloved wife Brianne, his son Killian, and his daughter Isabella.

Darren was a devoted husband and father who always put the needs of his family first. His presence was a source of comfort and joy, and he made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether it was through his infectious laughter, his compassionate heart, or his steadfast determination, Darren touched the lives of many.

As a family, we are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received during this difficult time. However, as we navigate the emotional and financial challenges that come with such a loss, we humbly ask for your help. The funds raised through this donation will go towards supporting Brianne, Killian, and Isabella as they move forward without the physical presence of their husband and father. These funds will assist with funeral expenses, medical bills, and help provide for the family’s future as they begin to heal.

Darren’s legacy lives on in the love he shared with his family and the community he touched. Your generosity, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and provide essential support during this difficult time.

We thank you in advance for your kindness and for honoring Darren’s memory. Please keep Breanne, Killian, and Isabella in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.

With gratitude,

The McDede Family

Message from Brie:

Never in my life did I think I would be writing this.

At 8:59 on morning on 3-20, I called emergency services and tried to do everything I could to save my husband. I tried to get him to stay with me, I begged him to hold on. To keep fighting. I kept his heart beating for him. I tried so hard to keep him alive.

The paramedics arrived as took over for me. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where they did everything they could to save him. They shocked his heart, they tried to bring him back.

But he lost his battle.

The cancer we fought so hard to get rid of, got the better of him. It created so many complications we couldnt fix fast enough. The last couple months, we did everything we could to get ahead of it. Even starting his first round of chemo. His body just wasn’t well enough to fight it.

Darren was an amazing husband and father. My heart is breaking into a million pieces without him. He was my everything. He was the world to our children.

I am broken and lost. I am numb and confused. My heart lost a part of itself. And l don’t know how’s to exist without him. But I made him a promise.

That I would love and protect these babies more fiercely than ever before. That we would live. That I would make sure they knew how much he loved them. That we would make sure we always live in our memories with him. Never forgetting the impact he had on our lives and the love he gave us. The love we had for him. That all I needed him to do, was watch over us from heaven. To protect those babies from above.

This has been the worst day of my life. My mind replaying the events that led us to this point. I have questioned everything, yet know there is no answer. Questioning if I could have done more or something different. Except this: he’s no longer in pain. He can finally rest.

So I ask, please hold your loved ones as close as you can. Spend as much time with them as you can. Remember fights and disagreements will come and go, but that love is stronger. Take the pictures with them, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today with them. And love them fiercely.

Darren, I will miss you more than I can even say. You were taken from us too soon. I was waging that war with you and I’m so sorry we couldn’t beat it. I hope you know, I love you. You were my heart piece. 18.5 years with you, 10 of those married, just wasn’t enough. We said we’d spend the rest of our lives together, and I guess we did. I had hoped that your life would have been longer, that we would be old and grey and annoying the crap out of each other, but God had other plans for you. You were needed in heaven. You were a good man, a good husband and an amazing father. They say only the good die young, and now I believe it.

What I wouldn’t give to hear you call me Cakes one more time. To hear you tell me you love me. To wake up to back massages at night, to feel your arms around me. What I wouldn’t give to feel that love one more time.

Please promise that you will watch over these babies with me. I promise to keep your memory forever alive. I promise to always remind them of the love you had for them. How your world revolved around them. How every minute of your life, they were always on your mind.

This next chapter in my life will be beyond hard without you, but I will find the strength to survive. To love these babies endlessly and help them to heal. I will never stop loving you. And I hope in heaven, you can feel that love.

I miss you and love you. Rest easy, baby. I got it from here.