Journal entry by Cathy McDonald —
This is John, Cathy's husband.
Our journey has progressed downward since Cathy's last entry. Cathy's struggle with cancer has ended. She passed away at 7am on Sunday, April 18th. We went to Maple Grove hospital on Friday morning, April 16th as Cathy's condition changed to extreme weakness. We were hoping for an infusion of electrolytes and fluids to build energy. Unfortunately, additional testing revealed additional liver cancer. We took Cathy by ambulance from Maple Grove hospital to Abbot Northwestern hospital in Minneapolis where more testing and treatment was performed. Our son, Rick, came Friday night. Saturday April 17th her condition continued to deteriorate. Liver, lungs, and her one kidney began to fail at an increasing rate. We transferred her to the oncology unit from urgent care and began palliative care, hoping to move to hospice on Sunday. Regretfully, the cancer took over. Our daughter Nancy flew in from Chicago and was able to see her mom and her mom see her. No speech occurred from Cathy, but there was communication. Nancy spent the night with Cathy, and Cathy went peacefully in the morning.
Visitation will be Monday April 26th at Washburn McReavy Funeral Home, 5125 West Broadway in Crystal from 1 to 3 pm. Social distancing and masks are requested.
On behalf of our family, I thank you for your prayers and support. Cathy was a special person, a loving partner, friend, parent, grandparent, and priest. It was my privilege to be her partner these 60 years.
-John
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