Maplewood Resident loses house in fire

A long time family friend and former neighbor, Mary Ann Wiktorowicz, lost her house last night in a fire.  She, her father (a 99 year old WW2 veteran) and a third person are still in the hospital.

Mary Ann is a long time member of the Maplewood community, and many people knew her daughter, Akili Lynn, who was a CHS graduate from 2000.  Those who know the family  also know that Mary Ann also tragically lost her daughter in 2012, and her husband D.Y. (Robert Lynn) a few years after.  In addition to the loss of her home, she has lost all of her pictures and keepsakes of Akili and D.Y.  

I’m reaching out to anyone who knows the family and might have pictures of Akili or D.Y. and is willing to send copies to help replace what was lost.

Thank you for your help



Over $41K raised in one day!  


Not surprising.  MaryAnne has helped so many people in the community and touched on so many lives.


From MaryAnne’s daughter Jasiri for all who have asked what is needed after the house fire yesterday morning:

For those that have inquired about donating clothing items that my Mom, Gpa, and George need due to the fire here’s a list of sizes:

Mom: size 16 pants (jeans) size large shirts, and size 10 shoes

Gpa: size medium pants- needs ELASTIC waistband like sweats, size medium shirts.

George: size 31x32 pants, and medium shirts.

All items can be dropped off on the patio at 10 Essex Avenue Maplewood.

I’ll update later when I get shoe sizes, etc. Your love is sustaining! I appreciate you all more than you can possibly imagine, truly. Thank you!


I spoke with Rebekah Gale last evening.  MaryAnne's father, one of the fire victims, is a WW II veteran.  Rebekah is asking for information on whether the VA or one of the veterans organizations would be able to help the family in any way.  If you have information that could help, please post here or contact me privately and I will pass on the information.  TIA.


The New Jersey VET2VET peer support line (1-866-838-7654) would be a good call to make to begin locating veteran specific resources: https://www.njvet2vet.com/


finnegan said:

The New Jersey VET2VET peer support line (1-866-838-7654) would be a good call to make to begin locating veteran specific resources: https://www.njvet2vet.com/

Thank you.  Your reply has been forwarded to Rebekah.  

If anyone else knows of resources that could help, please add them to the list and I will forward information as received.  Thanks again.


joan_crystal said:

Thank you.  Your reply has been forwarded to Rebekah.  

If anyone else knows of resources that could help, please add them to the list and I will forward information as received.  Thanks again.

 Each county has a V.A. office. They can help find or replace documents, process paper work, file paperwork for financial and residential assistance and offer counseling . 


Formerlyjerseyjack said:

 Each county has a V.A. office. They can help find or replace documents, process paper work, file paperwork for financial and residential assistance and offer counseling . 

 I sent you a PM.



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