A mom wrote her obituary in preparation for her death as she knew her time with her family was nearing its end after her breast cancer returned.
Doctors first diagnosed Jessica Marie McKenna-Ryan, 42, in 2020 and was later told her cancer tumor had impacted her liver. Though she had some hope that she would win this battle so she could have more time with her family, Jessica was also realistic about her chances.
In her obituary via the Ettinger Funeral Home in Nova Scotia, Canada, Jessica spoke the truth about her fate, stating that extending her life "wasn't in my cards." She was also not remiss in thanking her family and friends for being her support system during her health struggles.
"I hope that you continue to be there for my kids when I am gone," the mother told the people who have helped her. She also asked her family and friends to help her children, Elaina, Carson, Harrison, and Jack, remember her since they are still too young. The mom told her kids she fought hard to be with them.
She thanked Her Parents, Acknowledged Her Siblings
The mom who wrote her obituary included a message to her parents and said that she hoped her kids would grow up with similar family experiences as her as a child. She told her brothers and sisters that she's proud of their own families and the lives they have built, with her nieces and nephews, who are role models for her children.
The mother, of course, did not forget to write a message for her husband. Admitting that she fears leaving him to take care of four kids, Jessica reminded him to have patience and wished him good luck.
She also wrote about loving her job as an investigator. She was looking forward to going back to work before cancer got the best of her.
Her final wish is for her family and friends to plant sunflowers in her memory. She also reminded her female friends to get a mammogram because "you never know."
According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, mammographies have determined 87 percent of breast cancer cases. It's one of the best ways to find cancer and conduct an early intervention.
Jessica prepared her obituary at the height of lockdowns due to COVID-19. She was hoping that there would be a memorial service. She died on April 23, 2022.
94-year-old Grandma Wrote Own Obituary
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Free Press published the obituary of Beatrice Hamel Fediuk, 94 years old. She called this her application letter for Eternal Life and highlighted her service to her husband, her daughter, and the children with special needs she helped during her career as a teacher.
Fediuk also wrote about her granddaughter with special needs, who taught her more about life than she could ever learn. She detailed her transition into aged care in February 2021, where she spent the final days of her life.
Addressing God, the grandma said that she hopes her application for Eternal Life will meet His criteria of deserving a place in Heaven. She said her husband is already beyond the Pearly Gates and could serve as her reference. Fediuk passed away on February 12, 2022.
