Contribute to Help with Funeral and other End-of-Life Expenses in memory of Patricia

In memory of

Patricia ""Pat"" Louise McIntosh

Bigfork, MT

December 1, 1936 - July 29, 2023

Dec 1, 1936 - Jul 29, 2023

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Please consider a contribution to Help with Funeral and other End-of-Life Expenses.

$2,510.00

of $10,000 goal

25 %

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Patricia (Pat) Louise McIntosh's spirit departed the physical world on July 29, 2023, surrounded by loved ones and comforted by messages from loved ones. She was an amazing woman who left quite an impact on many in her life. Pat was a strong woman who spent many years working extremely hard as a single mom in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. She was a mother, activist, storyteller, writer, birder, and nature enthusiast. She fought fiercely and passionately for better income wages for women and the working class. Pat was a lover of books and an avid reader, as well as an avid birdwatcher and advocate for saving at-risk birds. She spoke out against the ever-increasing corruption existing in government and corporations. Pat was trusted by many, such a kind and warm spirit, and was very loved by many in her life. She will be deeply missed.

Her immediate family and friends have been supporting her this past month as it became clear that the time was approaching. We were able to help Pat feel comfortable near the end and be there by her side as she passed. We also have been helping to carry out her wishes as to her personal belongings and the living legacy of writings and stories she kept. However, the expenses of handling end-of-life matters without the financial savings set aside are taking a financial toll on her daughter and her granddaughter. It has become clear we need help in this manner, so we have created this page for fundraising.

Pat's daughter and granddaughter are seeking some financial help to cover the cost of a memorial, as well as the expenses and debt that have recently had to be incurred during her final month. We would like to be transparent about the costs associated with the passing of a loved one, and if you are able to contribute to the costs, we greatly appreciate it.

Below we will write a breakdown of the expenses we have come up across on this journey and the priority to which any donated money will be used. We aim to be transparent in how the money will be spent, but this may also help anyone else needing to plan end-of-life costs, and understand how much of a cost the loved ones of those passing can be up against:

*Cremation costs (a little over $3,000) and the second truck ($500) were covered by a generous long-time friend whom we are eternally grateful for. Thank you so much for your care for that, and we can see in our memories that Pat would be smiling and crying tears of gratitude for assisting with that.

1. The cost of a memorial service. [$2,395 + taxes] This money has to be paid before a memorial service can take place. This is our first priority so that we may start planning the memorial.
2. Help to pay off credit card debt to cover the cost of packing and moving her belongings to be stored by her daughter. Although Pat's daughter and granddaughter helped a lot with the packing and moving, there was a need for hiring help. [Moving company from Montana to Everett: ~$3700. They weren't able to get everything in the first truck and we had to cover the cost of a second rental truck, as well as hiring a second day's worth of packing and loading. Pat's daughter and partner will be driving the truck back: $250]
3. ~$2,000 - ~$8,000 for Alyx and Jean to share equitably to help cover a portion of the credit card debt/cost for our overnight accommodations, flights, train tickets, rental cars, and meals for travel in Montana in July 2023. Unfortunately, it's the height of tourist season near Glacier National Park, and the travel costs for rentals and motels were expensive. Even the simplest motel we could find was over $200/night. Occasionally we found a cheap RV for $150/night and we moved around frequently. Alexandria's travel, lodging, and food costs in July = $2,000. Jean's travel, lodging, and transportation costs for the past 6 weeks = $10,000
4. The goal is to cover the above costs, or at least help alleviate the debt incurred. Although we are not expecting it, any remaining donations reached above the goal will be donated equally to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Craig's honor (for her son), and the National Audobon Society in Pat's honor. Or, you may do so on your own, as well.

Alexandria and Jean are looking to arrange for some memorial gifts for donors, as well. We'd love to show our appreciation to you all by offering up a gift idea that we know Pat would love. As an avid bird watcher and nature enthusiast, she lives on in the spirits of birds everywhere. If you would like a gift, let us know! If you'd like to donate without a gift, let us know as well. We appreciate any and all help.
If you donate $50 or more: We will donate to an organization that will plant a tree in a national forest affected by wildfires in memory of Pat.
If you donate $100 or more: We will plant a tree with a personalized plaque for Pat in your name.
If you donate $200 or more: We will arrange for a small personalized birdfeeder to be shipped to you.
If you donate $300 or more: We will arrange for a glass birdfeeder or birdhouse to be sent.
If you donate $500 or more: We will send you a commemorative birdfeeder, birdhouse, and tree sapling with a memorial plaque.
*We haven't figured out the logistics of which birdhouse or birdfeeder exactly, but we'd like to show our gratitude and appreciation in Pat's honor, just as well. We will keep you updated about the progress. Contribute