John Wessels

John Mackenzie Wessels

Pasadena-John "Mac" Mackenzie Wessels, 23, a bright, gentle son, most recently of Pasadena, CA passed away on January 13, 2017 of a drug overdose. Mac, the only child of Debbie and Michael Wessels, was raised in the loving and fun "village" of High Banks in Salisbury, Maryland.

This obituary is shared with the hope that others will read it and have more insight into the mental health crisis our children face and it's direct relationship to the disease of addiction.

Mac was a solid student and a happy kid. With his seemingly endless positive traits, he had the potential to be anything from a captivating politician to a brilliant engineer, but addictive behaviors began to creep into Mac's life before leaving for college. Recognizing his struggles and strife, the family engaged in counseling with the hope to provide Mac with a toolbox for life.

He graduated from The Salisbury School in 2011 and received the Presidential Scholarship to attend Rollins College, Winter Park, FL. He left for college in fall but his anxiety and depression plus his addiction impeded his education. From there, the next four years were a blur of drug rehab facilities, moments of recovery, followed by relapses.

Mac most recently had been in a facility that was working diligently to help him cope with his mental illness. Mac's one true love was academics, and during his last week he took the significant step of starting winter term at Pasadena College. In his last text to his parents, he proudly sent a picture of himself sitting in class. If only for a moment, he had succeeded.

Mac is survived by his parents, Debbie and Michael Wessels of Salisbury,MD ; maternal grandmother, Peggy Palmer of Salisbury, MD; Jacqueline and Richard Nissley of Lancaster, PA; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

If you have any loved one's who are fighting addiction, Mac's family asks that you consider how you can be supportive as the family fights the disease.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Mac Wessels fund for mental health and addiction resources.

A Celebration Ceremony will take place at Greenhill Country Club, Whitehaven Road, on Saturday, January 21 at 11 am

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.