Family of Calif. Woman Who Chose Medical Aid in Dying Share Photos and Memories of Her Final Moments (Exclusive)

The family of a woman who made the decision to end her life by choosing Medical Aid in Dying has come forward to share their personal memories and photos of her final moments. Roseana Spangler-Sims, a 72-year-old woman battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, passed away on August 31 surrounded by her loved ones. In an exclusive feature with PEOPLE, her family hopes to shed light on Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) as a compassionate end-of-life option.

Roseana’s daughter-in-law, Cindy, expressed that they wanted to support Roseana in feeling her best and most positive before facing the end. Her son, Shawn Cisneros, along with his wife and Roseana’s twin sister, Sandi Hunter, were with her during her last moments. Cindy shared, “She’s not in pain anymore,” providing insight into their emotional journey leading up to that poignant day.

The family had travelled from Florida to a VRBO house in the mountains near Roseana’s California residence, chosen by Shawn in one of Roseana’s favorite hiking spots. Moments before Roseana took the fatal medication, the family shared unexpected laughter as she requested to play poker, revealing a new side of her personality that brought joy to the final hours.

Despite the mixed emotions of laughter and impending loss, Shawn reflected on the difficulty of transitioning from light-hearted moments with his mother to the gravity of her decision. He grappled with thoughts of “maybe we could have had another day,” but ultimately understood and respected Roseana’s unwavering choice to end her suffering.

In the weeks leading up to her passing, Roseana decided to share her story with the public through PEOPLE in the hopes of raising awareness about MAID as a viable option for those in similar circumstances. Supported by her death doula, Melissa McClave, Roseana prepared for her final day with meticulous care, normalizing conversations around the difficult topic of choosing one’s end.

Acknowledging the pain Roseana endured since her diagnosis in 2024, her family stood by her decision to pursue MAID after traditional treatments proved ineffective. With the guidance of end-of-life specialist Dr. Donald Moore, Roseana self-administered the prescribed medication in accordance with California’s End of Life Option Act, fulfilling her wish to pass peacefully.

In a touching tribute to Roseana, the family conducted a poignant psilocybin ritual on her final day, offering her moments of relief from pain and a connection to nature. As she peacefully departed surrounded by her loved ones and the serene mountainside view, her family painted rocks and shared personal messages, honouring her memory and celebrating her life.

Reflecting on their experience, Cindy, Sandi, and Shawn found solace in knowing that Roseana’s wish to end her suffering was honoured, sparing her from the prolonged agony their mother endured years earlier. They cherished the time spent together, sharing laughter and love, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bid farewell on Roseana’s terms.

In a journey marked by love, compassion, and empowerment, Roseana’s family hopes that sharing her story will inspire others to consider all available options for a peaceful transition at the end of life. This exclusive glimpse into their final moments with Roseana serves as a testament to the strength of family bonds and the importance of honouring individual choices in the face of life’s toughest challenges.