I died on May 28, 2026. I was 44years old. I know. “So young! I wonder what happened?!” Well, I’m going to tell you because I never want to be accused of being stingy.

It was kidney failure. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2001. The last 25 years included 3 kidney transplants, multiple surgeries, and all sorts of medical nonsense, including intubations and seizures. It was time.

It’s harder than you may think to write your own obituary. How am I supposed to tell you about myself without some air of bragging? Well, if you can’t praise yourself in death? When can you?

I did well in the brains department. I had 3 degrees, including a Bachelor of Nursing and a Juris Doctor. I lawyered first and well for anyone who has done it, meh! I went back to school and became a nurse. The honor of my life. I was funny. I’ve been called entertaining and boisterous, and have been told that I could work any room. I wasn’t that hard on the eyes. My nemesis was a stubborn 5-10 pounds that followed me throughout life.

I loved to travel, seeing over 30 countries, including Kenyan safaris and swimming with sea lions in Galapagos. I liked adventures like helicopter rides over the forests of South Dakota and great white shark diving in South Africa. I liked to read, but I loved music.

As I wrote this, I thought about how amazingly blessed I was in this life.

I am predeceased by my mother. A tough Irish broad who never let me miss school, even if I was sick, which I know truly prepared me for a life of chronic illness and not letting it get in the way of my day-to-day. My dad is the kindest and most thoughtful man I’ve ever known.

My 3 older siblings allowed me, my youngest child's energy, and then once I got sick? Forget it. They let me have all of the spotlight.

Friends? Pssh. An embarrassment of riches. I have had the same friends most of my life, who have supported me, laughed with me, and most importantly, allowed me this decision. My choice to choose quality of life rather than more dialysis.

I've got a handful of nieces and nephews and more cousins than I can count. An Irish Catholic blessing and a curse.

I was a tough cookie, as people liked to say.

But my largest blessing was a love story that most could only dream of. I am leaving behind the love of my life, Jack. The man who knew what he was signing up for from day 1. He has bathed me, dressed me, fed me, worked, kept our house clean, and held my hand throughout every hurdle. He has respected my wishes and loved me unconditionally. That was the easy part. He has let me drag him around the world.  It was when I made him abseil down a mountain in Africa that he may have once doubted his decision to marry me.

I am also leaving behind the other 2 loves of my life: Francie and Curtis. Francie, my 11-year-old soul dog, who always knew when things were going sideways and parked herself by my side with no questions asked. And Curtis, our 3-year-old “puppy”. The silly one. The energetic one who keeps everyone smiling.

Take care of your dad, little kids. I know you will.

Thanks for seeing me through. I could not have imagined a more wonderful life.

I’m off to see my mom.

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY 10566, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption, 920 1st Street, Peekskill, NY 10566, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Private cremation ceremony to follow.