Mackenzie was a beloved daughter and granddaughter, a devoted sister, a favorite cousin, and a loyal best friend to many people who knew her. She possessed a kind and gentle spirit, an uncommon inner peace, a profound sense of social justice, and intellectual curiosity beyond her years. She was never judgmental, hurtful, or boastful. She was a charming comic, a gifted athlete, a passionate lover of all animals, and a blossoming young writer.
She was my sweet, funny, and perfect baby; and for twenty years, I was her doting mother. Raising her and her older sister Savannah is the best work I have ever accomplished; and losing her is the hardest challenge I have ever had to face. In my personal struggle to comprehend my loss and to come to terms with my intense grief, I have created this blog. Through writing, I hope to channel my grief in a positive direction by documenting my sadness, by sharing joy and love through stories of our amazing relationship, and by celebrating her beautiful life.
I called her Mack partly because she was such a tomboy as a kid, but mostly because she always exhibited such admirable inner and outer strength. She called me Momma Bear. While I knew the nickname was her teasing way of challenging my over-protectiveness, I understood that it was also her way of accepting and appreciating my unconditional love for her.
In life, Mack was a total joy. In death, she leaves an enormous hole in my heart. Writing about being her Momma Bear will help me to bridge the gap of love and loss as well as to honor her spirit. In so doing, I will try—-no, I will need—to evoke both her strength and her humor. And, in this process, perhaps there will be some solace and, ultimately, survival.
Being Mack's Momma Bear 
I look forward to reading this. This is a wonderful idea. It will keep her spirit and stories alive. It will remind me I am not alone in this time of my shattered heart. It will help us all lean on one another and gain strength in numbers. I am honored to have had the opportunity to love her her whole life! Much love Macko
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It’s easy to see where Mack got her writing talent. Stacy, I’m so glad you are doing this. I’ll have to have Graham share a more complete “I’ll impress the beautiful Mackenzie by wearing green pj pants” tale.
Meanwhile, I’m eager to read more about this beloved and inspiring young woman.
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Stacy, I just found your blog and have been crying as I read all of your beautiful posts. Thank you for sharing your stories. My heart is broken for you and your family. I can’t even begin to imagine the depth of your pain. I remember Mack as a toddler chasing after our tennis balls back in Springfield days! I’m grateful to get to know more about the amazing person she was becoming. Thank you for sharing. <3<3
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Thank you, Emily. Writing is providing a constructive outlet for my sorrow. And hearing from people who are connecting with the stories is bringing some solace, as I am desperate to keep alive Mack’s beautiful spirit.
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Hello Stacy……..my name is Gary Gilbert and you do not know me ; we have some mutual “friends” ……I have been a long-distance friend of Fritz Klein since we met in 2017……and on my 4th “pilgrimage” to Springfield with my 21 year old daughter just two weeks ago , I met and had a wonderful experience with Pam Brown……and I told her that I was 3/4 of the way thru Loving Lincoln…….and recommended it highly …and she told me that she not only was about to begin it but that we had just missed you and that you were friends……I was kind of bummed……now , having finished the book last night , I am VERY bummed……I have read , since 2005 , over 650 Lincoln or Lincoln-related books ……from Holland through Charnwood , from Tarbell through Sandburg, past both Randalls to Meacham’s masterpiece …and everything in between…..and so I have been trying to find a way to contact you since finishing the book; your Mack led me to here……and now I feel like I not only know you but your amazing Mack as well……..but the reason for seeking you out is simply to tell you that Loving Lincoln brought me more pleasure than anything else I have ever read regarding Mr Lincoln…….your connection to him , and Springfield , and Oak Ridge felt like the words were pouring out of me (as I writer working on a Lincoln book of fiction , I wish I could have just a small percentage of your wonderful skills )……..while in Springfield this past trip , my daughter (who is a BRILLIANT writer as I know Mack was) was inspired to start and almost finish a book of sociological essays ; I told her that before she writes another word she needs to read Loving Lincoln…..so I feel I have to thank you in more than one way ; I already know how much your book…and your story and Mack’s will change her forever….I live in Natick , MA very near Boston……in my backyard I have a shed that is truly an Abraham Lincoln “museum” and soon it will be open to younger students with a love or thirst for history……Conan O’Brien has gotten word of it and wants to visit……if you are ever in my neck of the woods I would love to have you visit……in the meantime Becca and I have already talked about scheduling our next Springfield pilgrimage around hopefully meeting you……when Becca was 13 months old she became one of Boston Children’s Hospital’s youngest successful heart transplant patients….she is a medical miracle …and the best person I’ve ever met…..it would be such an honor for me to introduce her to you….I cannot fathom your loss and your grief Stacy but you do a wonderful job of touching your reader’s heart ; I cried a bunch of times for you and your Mack…..but ultimately , after Mack led me to here, I want to tell you…..Rebecca Gilbert , my Becca , will become a better person through reading what I have now read of Mack ….and I can promise you this : our next trip to Springfield will include placing flowers for your amazing girl….and know that she continues to make the world a better place…..with love and thanks , Gary Gilbert……gg1527gg3@yahoo.com
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Gary, thank you so very much for your kind words, about Loving Lincoln, about my Mack, and about my writing and experiences. I have been a writer my entire life, but writing this blog opened me up to the greater human possibilities for writing, that it is not only for the writer but for the reader. And when what you write resonates with readers, writing becomes a magical thing. I wrote Loving Lincoln with that possibility in mind, and it is profoundly gratifying to know that it has touched hearts.
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Hi Stacy…thanks for the response…I can’t wait for Becca….and now my wife is in line too….your story and your wonderful book have me very inspired…..is there an active charity to honor Mack available?….very much want to make a donation…..and Becca is ready to hop on a plane to Springfield …and Oak Ridge ; that place that has been such a joy for us …..and now it is even more so……..and please know that Mack’s spirit is alive in 3 strangers in Massachusetts…and from all I am seeing it is clear her legacy and spirit is felt so deeply in so many , and that is forever……stay well……Gary
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You are very kind. Mack’s family and friends endowed a scholarship in her honor at her college, Truman State University in northern Missouri. The Mackenzie Kathleen Memorial Scholarship funds a creative writing student every year. Coincidently, I just recently received a handwritten thank you note from the recipient for 2025-26. The scholarship has been a great solace and it is a perfect legacy for my Mack.
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..at your convenience please send me a link for the Scholarship fund……tried going through Truman but I want to make sure I get it right……..thanks in advance ……Gary
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I’m so touched that you want to make a contribution to the scholarship in Mack’s honor. I just received news of our latest recipient, a young woman named Kat who is passionate about writing, pens fantasy fiction, and dreams of being a magazine writer and editor. She will receive the $2,000 scholarship this fall to apply to her tuition. Truman is a small, liberal arts college in northern Missouri. A state school with a nerdy-cool vibe, Truman appeals to smart, quirky kids who have independent spirits. Mack found her tribe there as a creative writing and gender studies student.
To make a donation, click this link:
https://advancement.truman.edu/portal/give_online
And then in the “Search Funds” box, type “Mack” and the scholarship will pop right up!
Thank you! I appreciate your generosity and kindness.
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Hi Stacy…..I hope this message finds you well…..I recently got an email from Truman State as they are naming seats in the Baldwin Auditorium……I would love to have the opportunity to honor Mack…and her Mama Bear ….with a bronze plaque on a balcony seat……I think of you both often and this seemed like a no-brainer to me…..and I’d be honored……just wanted to ask your permission……I hope all else is well with you ……..sending my best…..Gary Gilbert
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That’s so great! How could I possibly object? 💜
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so glad I asked….should have known that (getting old!!)…….
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Hi Stacy…….I just finished reading your post of 10/3/25….and wanted to say thank you ; I just sent an email to Becca at Clark ; she is about 2/3 done writing a book about sociological essays……with maybe a little bias , I think it’s brilliant…..but I told her that she has to read Loving Lincoln before putting her pen down. And this past beautiful gift of 10/3 will have a huge impact on her.It is a conversation we have constantly ; the pain of being “on the right side” and feel it ripping your soul out at times…..your words will not only mean a great amount to her but also to her “crew” at Clark…many of these kids seem to me to be “lost at sea” in this current, hard-to-explain time and your words will matter a great deal.They do to Becca’s old dad as well.PLEASE never stop writing ; your voice is so important.Your passion and intensity will resonate so much with these kids …and it’s so important that they know , sadly , there are very much “sides” not just to be taken but to be fought in the name of. As a fan of yours, and as a friend , I tell you this; you are very very important as well as very very talented. Your soul (and Mack’s) and your humanity comes through in your words and are a gift. Speaking of gifts , Becca asked me last week if I would write a chapter for her book entitled Why Lincoln. It is something that has been in the works for ten years or so and in my head even longer and I am happy to tell you a big part of the reason I believe the time is finally right ; because I read Loving Lincoln first. That’s a gift I don’t think I can ever repay. But I’ll try. You and Mack are in my heart and thoughts constantly. And while I am not a “bucket list” kind of guy , I very much look forward to the day both Becca and I can meet you. I hope this makes you smile and even more importantly reinforces how important and vital you are. my very best, Gary
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awesome…will let you know when it is a done deal…
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ready?…….3 lines…(1).In Memory and with love (2). Always: Mackenzie McDermott (3) and her Mama Bear, Stacy Lynn………..happy to edit/change anyway you would like……they are real sticklers for words per line……if you were Stacey with an e line 3 would be a no-go……..we maxed out our allocation….hope you like it…….Gary
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Aw! Love it all but Mack called me Momma Bear and spelled it like that, so just Momma Bear no Stacy Lynn would be great.
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