GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In an unfathomable turn of events, the McAlinden family of Grosse Pointe Woods endured not one, but two life-shattering tragedies this November.
On Thanksgiving Day, Christina McAlinden, 47, passed away after a fierce battle with breast cancer, leaving behind her husband, Michael, and their three daughters, Ella, 15, Kaitlyn, 13, and Molly, 11.
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The heartbreak came just weeks after their family home of nine years was rendered uninhabitable by a fire that erupted from the basement and rapidly consumed the structure. The fire left the family with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Michael, a plumber at Wayne State University, told the Detroit News, “It seems like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.”
Community comes together in crisis.
As the McAlindens navigate unimaginable grief, the Grosse Pointe Woods community has rallied to provide love and support. A neighbor, Liz Priebe, quickly launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $50,000 to help the family rebuild.
“It started as just sort of a neighborhood thing,” Priebe said. “We were all out watching the house burn and were like, ‘What can we do?’”
Christina, remembered as a devoted mother and active school volunteer, left a deep impact on those around her. Her daughters have found some solace in their grandmother’s home, where they are currently staying.
Grief and gratitude amid the ashes.
Despite their losses, Michael expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of kindness from neighbors, teachers, and strangers alike. Saying the support has been overwhelming, he said, “People I never thought would have helped have been there.”
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At Christina’s memorial, over 100 mourners gathered to celebrate her life. Molly, the youngest McAlinden daughter, gave a heartfelt tribute, calling her mother “the best mom ever.” Even in her final months, Christina made it a priority to support her daughters, attending Molly’s synchronized swimming meet despite her declining health.
For now, the family focuses on healing and rebuilding. The GoFundMe donations will help them secure a new rental home and replace essentials. Through their pain, the McAlindens are finding strength in their community and in each other, proving that love endures even in the face of tragedy.
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