Daughter Needs Help To Lay Her Mother, Known For Giving, To Rest

GREENPORT, NY — Cathy Monsell has had a long and painful year, losing her beloved husband Kevin in early 2019. And now, she's facing the grief of having to bury her mother — and has reached out to the community for help.

Monsell, on behalf of her father Edmund White and brother Steven, created a GoFundMe page, "Audrey White — Funeral Expenses for My Mom;" her mother died in hospice care on April 26 after a battle with dementia.

Her mother, she said, was in hospice for just three days. "It's felt so shocking and painful for us because we didn't realize that she was this close to the end of her life," Monsell said. "Unfortunately, my parents have no life insurance or any savings — and my dad can't even think about trying to pay for any type of funeral services."

She added: "My dear mother has always given of herself and has always done so much for the community here in her hometown of Greenport. One thing that gave my mom great joy for many years was chaperoning for the roller skating program every week at the Burton Potter American Legion Post #185 in Greenport," she said.

Her mother, Monsell said, was recognized and thanked throughout her life for giving back to thrift shops and churches.

Throughout her life, Monsell said, her mother donated to causes dear to her heart, including St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and to charities that assist wounded veterans.

"Please be kind enough to donate any amount, if you can, because my mother was always so giving of herself — and this is a time that she needs help. This is so difficult for me and my family, at this heartbreaking time in our lives, to ask for help, but we have to," Monsell said. "We don't have a choice."

To donate, click here.

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