A Portland community is mourning the sudden loss of Carly Mackie, the beloved partner of Oregon legislative staffer Barrett Johnson and mother to their two young sons, Theodore and Arthur.
Her passing has left friends, colleagues, and neighbors heartbroken, prompting an outpouring of support from across the state.
Oregon Representative Christopher McMorran was among the first to share the news publicly, describing Carly as “a bright light to all around her.”
McMorran, who works closely with Barrett Johnson in the legislature, called him a dear friend and “brother in legislating,” and spoke openly about the depth of loss the family is now facing.
“Her loss is heartbreaking to all who’ve had the joy of knowing their family,” McMorran wrote in a Facebook post shared with his community. “We know her light will live on in her boys and in Barrett’s tireless efforts to make the world a better place.”
Friends who knew Carly describe her as someone who brought genuine warmth and humor into every room she entered.
The GoFundMe campaign organized in her memory captures that sentiment simply and powerfully, remembering her as someone whose “humor, vivacity, and deep sense of compassion” brought people together.
Those who loved her say she was both inwardly and outwardly radiant, the kind of person whose presence made others feel seen and valued.
Now, with Barrett Johnson facing the unimaginable task of raising Theodore and Arthur on his own while continuing his work in state government, the community has stepped up quickly.
Portland resident Kassy Bonanno launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Carly Mackie’s Life and Legacy” to help cover immediate expenses, including memorial service costs, meals, and household necessities during this difficult transition period.
Within hours of going live, the fundraiser drew nearly 200 donations and raised more than $16,000 toward a $30,000 goal.
Contributions have come in from neighbors, coworkers, friends, and strangers who were moved by the family’s story. Barrett has asked that those wishing to send food instead direct their generosity through DoorDash gift cards to keep daily life manageable for the family during the grieving period.
The campaign also carries a note of transparency that reflects the professional world Barrett operates in.
Because legislative staff and their families fall under Oregon Government Ethics guidelines, lobbyists or those who lobby state government are asked to keep donations at $50 or under unless they share a personal, preexisting relationship with Carly and Barrett.
The response from the community has been swift and compassionate. Donors have left heartfelt messages alongside their contributions, many expressing that they never met Carly personally but felt compelled to give after reading about her life and what she meant to those around her.
For McMorran and others in Oregon’s legislative community, this moment is about more than fundraising.
It is about showing up for a colleague and friend during the hardest chapter of his life, and honoring a woman who clearly meant a great deal to many people.
Those wishing to contribute can find the fundraiser by searching “Honoring Carly Mackie’s Life and Legacy” on GoFundMe.
