Stegemann, a German-born Christian known to family as “GG” or “Oma,” had Stage IV stomach cancer diagnosed months earlier and lived in the facility for about two years. Her granddaughter, Brigitte Kranendonk, who held power of attorney for personal care and had been her caregiver for years, says Stegemann previously rejected MAiD because it conflicted with her faith and that she wanted a natural death.
Key information:
• Staff restarted MAiD discussions and handled paperwork while Kranendonk was away.
• During assessments she showed cognitive problems (e.g., incorrect answers about her large family of siblings).
• Two days before the procedure she became distressed, cried, and said she had “made a mistake” after being told she would die.
• On the morning of July 10 she was unresponsive (hands clasped, interpreted by family as prayer), gave no verbal confirmation when the doctor asked about “medicine,” and the procedure proceeded anyway.
• A botched IV insertion caused significant bleeding.
The family has filed complaints with Ontario’s Chief Coroner (requesting a MAiD Death Review Team look at capacity, bypassed POA, and lack of final express consent), the Patient Ombudsman, and Belleville Police. Police have confirmed the circumstances are under investigation by their Criminal Investigations Division.
Laura Ingraham
