Help Mel's Family with Funeral expenses

Hi, My name is Shelly, Mel's sister, and I'm raising funds to help pay for Mari Lynn (Mel's) funeral expense's). July 25, Mel had a stroke while driving her two young children home from her daughter Charleigh's doctor appointment for a fractured elbow. The stroke put her into heart failure and it was touch and go for a few days. After two weeks of being at Meijer Heart Center, we finally received good news that she was being released to Mary Free Bed and going to have a full recovery. While she waited to hear from insurance to be released to MFB, she unexpectedly passed away from another complication. She leaves behind a loving husband Jake and 2 small children, Charleigh (11), and Evelyn (8).

Jake has taken the past month off from work to be at the hospital with Mel and now home with his girls to help them adjust not having their mommy home with them. Mel was the Matriarch of her family. She ran the household, took the girls to their gymnastics, ball practices and games. She tried to make all the nieces and nephews games so they would all feel special. She enjoyed coaching softball and helping others be the best they can be.

Mel worked at the school as a paraprofessional so that she could continue to stay close to her babies. She absolutely loved all the children at the school and treated them like her own. She developed so many relationships with these kids and co-workers because of her bubbly personality and her need to help others. She loved life and always wanted to spread joy to those around her.

Jake has to learn how to manage life without his soulmate and the girls are learning how to manage life without mommy. No child should have to navigate life without a parent. Life will never be the same.

The bills are piling up on top of all the pain and sorrow of losing someone so important in their life. Jake is not only grieving but he is also learning how to navigate life of raising two young girls on his own. We have set up this go fund me to help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with losing a loving parent and provider.

Let's surround Jake, Charleigh, and Evelyn with love, compassion, and assistance during the incredible difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.