Help To Say Goodbye to Isabel Mary MacDonald

Hello, I'm Mary MacKenzie and I'm seeking help with expenses to bury my much loved daughter Isabel. I live in Nova Scotia, she lived in Ottawa. She passed away at the age of 30 on May 16, 2024 from emphysema and severe pneumonia. Isabel was funny, compassionate, loyal and optimistic. I need to bid farewell to a beautiful soul who was gone before she had a chance to truly live.

I would use the funds for cremation, for the beautiful plot I've chosen that's close to me, urns and a headstone. No chance of any more birthdays or holidays together so this will be a place to visit and remember. I will also have a reception for friends of Isabel to share their stories, to laugh and to cry together.

For much of her life Isabel suffered from the illness of addiction. I had not seen her since her move to Ontario three years ago although we did have contact. She had called in February to proudly tell me she had been drug free for four months not even methadone. She had had enough and quit all on her own. She was receiving support from Street Outreach Solution and one day at a time, she was getting healthier.

What followed was a gift to each of us. The gift was time. The time to spend texting and calling, reminiscing and reconnecting was priceless. She spoke of the determined struggle she waged every day, the hope to become a heavy equipment operator and the dream of her future children.

Her last texts were Mother's Day weekend. She had the flu she thought. She was feeling a little better and going to try some soup. I never again heard from her. For the next few days my calls and texts went unanswered until the police came. Her story had ended.

I have never been one to ask for help but I have a plan for Isabel, she richly deserves it. Thank you for reading our story.