Tragic Garden Prairie House Fire

My name is Leona; I'm the mother and grandmother of the family that lost their home, possessions and, unfortunately, their lives in the devastating fire in Garden Prairie, IL on Monday morning, March 7, 2022 at 2:30am.

We are grieving the loss of five of my grandchildren. Manny 25, Elizabeth 21, Danika 14, Zofia 12 and Aniela 9.

Their mother, Jennifer, and brother Raymond, 20, remain in critical condition in the burn unit of a local hospital.

Manny, the oldest of seven children, was a great brother. He was employed at a local manufacturing company that produces insulated bags.

Elizabeth (Lizzie), was a new mother who was recently accepted into a local nursing program and was prepared to start classes in the fall. Her daughter Katalyna, was rescued from the home by her younger brother Raymond.

Danika wanted to be a gymnast. She was in the 8th grade and was looking forward to going to high school in the fall.

Zofia wanted to be a baker. She loved going to Grandma's and doing all of the cookie, cake and any other baking she could get her hands on. She was in the 7th grade.

Aniela was in the 3rd grade and wanted to be an actress. So she would dress up in costumes and put on shows for family and friends.

Their brother Raymond tried to rescue his siblings from the second floor of the home, but was only able to save his baby niece.

Their mother Jennifer, is a stay-at-home mother who passionately loved her kids and farmette. She had goats, pigs and chickens, of which most also perished.

Lloyd, the father of the children and Jaime, the boyfriend of Elizabeth have been released from the hospital.

Aside from the irreplaceable loss of their children and siblings, the surviving family members have lost everything. The home they lived in and loved, the memories, pictures and every single possession they owned, including their automobiles.

We thank the surrounding firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers and all other first responders for coming to our rescue.

This is a catastrophic event for our family to lose five members at one time.

Any donations made will be a blessing.