Honor Eddie Nadeau: Aid His Family in Need

We lost a light this night in Georgia

Tuesday, December 17th at approximately 8:30 pm, we lost our beloved family member and friend, Edward (Eddie) Arthur Nadeau in a tragic car accident. I got the news at 10:17pm on Tuesday night. My world suddenly shattered, along with those of his family and the friends who would learn it shortly later.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Jean Horne, Eddie's bestie of over 30 years, representing the family he leaves behind on this go fund me request.

Although Eddie was my dear friend, one of the greatest joys of being his friend has been being part of the larger starry firmament of his extended family, his hundreds of friends, neighbors, colleagues and everyone else who loved this joyful, sparkling, witty and wonderful man.

As I have been watching the tributes pour in on social media the last few days, it hasn't surprised me at all to see how celebrated he is, how loved he is, and how much love and laughter he spread around his world.

What he left behind

The next day, I drove with my husband to see Eddie's mom Antoinette (Ann, or Emma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and his sisters and extended family. When I walked into the house, I got a second blow of grief; seeing Antoinette, now completely bedridden, reliant on the care of her family to keep her well. I sat by her hospital bed, holding hands and crying, doing our best to comfort each other.

Walking through Eddie's Colbert house later that day, it was walking through his life as if someone had hit "pause." Dresses and wraps were strewn over the furniture, a purse he'd carried recently was on the entry table. Costumes he was sorting for his latest contribution to a Town and Gown event were covering the dining room table. His nurse's scrubs were hanging in the closet.

Everywhere we looked, his life was waiting for him to waltz back into it - there were moments I truly thought any minute he'd come in and throw his coat with the Christmas Bear pin on it onto the bench, laughing that wonderful laugh and telling us the story of how they all got it wrong, he was fine.

But he's not, and we're not. And his family needs some help.

What the family needs

Between searching for papers, frantic calls to lawyers and friends and anyone who could help us decipher Eddie's life and finances, we were all overwhelmed by how much there is to do, to go through, how much to sort and manage.

One thing is very clear: his recent divorce had destroyed his financial well-being. There is no money to help clear his debts, pay his funeral costs, or care for his mother. There's no will, no life insurance we can find. And even if we find it, it could be months before the family receives it.

One Last Christmas Wish for Eddie

Dear friends, I'm asking everyone who knew Eddie to give him the best Christmas gift you could give - the peace of knowing his family can put him to rest without the stress of financial burden - and that if any funds are left, they can help find care for his mother.

Specifically, any donations will go to:

Please give what you can, please share widely. And if anyone has questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Hug your loved ones tight this holiday season. And thank you in advance on behalf of the family.

With love and memories of our beloved Eddie,

Jean