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Tina M. (Vaughn) Parker, 49, mom of two girls and a nana to 3 grandkids and engaged to jim morelli
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WEVERTOWN, NY — Tina M. (Vaughn) Parker, 49, of Wevertown, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Westchester Medical Center following a tragic fire at her home.
JOHNSBURG, NY —
Police know how the July 16 fire that claimed the life of a Johnsburg woman started, but they do not yet know who was responsible for starting it.
Fire investigators have concluded that smoking materials started a fire in a vestibule at the bottom of stairs to the second-floor apartment where Tina M. Parker lived. Parker, 49, died from burns and smoke inhalation, while a man visiting her, Peter W. Stewart, 51, of Chester, was seriously burned and remained hospitalized this week in the burn unit at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.
He was listed in critical condition when he was admitted to the hospital July 17, but the hospital has not released his condition since.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and county Fire Cause & Origin Team are investigating, but they have not been able to talk to Stewart because of the extent of his injuries, sheriff’s Lt. Steve Stockdale said.
Family members indicated that Parker did not smoke, but it was unclear whether Stewart did, he said.
Because the fire was heaviest in the stairwell, which was the only entrance and exit to the apartment, both Parker and Stewart fled through the heavy flames to escape as flames spread through the historic building. The building housed a real estate office and law office on the first floor.
Glens Falls Fire Chief James Schrammel, whose agency’s fire investigators serve as the county fire cause and origin team, said investigators are confident that improperly discarded smoking materials were to blame, although what type of container they had been put in had not been determined.
“They didn’t find any other possible reason or cause,” Schrammel said.
The building’s owners were aware that the area near the stairwell was sometimes used by people visiting the apartment who smoked, but did not know what type of container cigarette butts were put in.
The building at 2361 Route 28, at the intersection with Route 8 in the hamlet of Wevertown, was built in 1865. It was heavily damaged by the fire, which spread quickly. A propane tank at the back of the building exploded during the fire, and it was unclear whether the owners planned to rebuild.
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Tina M. Parker
September 14, 1968 - July 17, 2018
Wevertown:
Tina M. (Vaughn) Parker, 49, of Wevertown was called home to be with her parents Tuesday, July 17, 2018 with her daughters by her bedside at Westchester Medical Center.
Born September 14, 1968 in Glens Falls to the late Donald and Blanche (Olsteen) Vaughn.
Tina was a graduate of Lake George Central School, class of 1987. She worked various jobs in the area while becoming a housewife and homemaker. Marrying William A. Parker in 1990 and beginning her family in the town of Thurman.
Tina enjoyed shooting her bow, taking road trips, playing cards, volunteering at Thurman town events and sitting on her porch swing watching the deer. Her most pleasurable past time was being with her grandchildren, family and friends.
Tina is survived by her daughters, Robin Parker and her companion Joseph Sheloski II of Warrensburg and Rebecca and Ronald Rising Jr. of Brant Lake. Her 3 grandchildren, Leon Bills III (Little Man), Leigha and Parker Rising. A brother, Donald (Lynn) Vaughn of Hudson Falls, two sisters in laws, Carol Morrison and Judy Mabb of Queensbury. Three nephews, Tony, Cody, and Michael. Two nieces, Jessica and Michelle as well as four great nieces, five great nephews and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tina will be greatly missed and remembered as a devoted grandmother, friend, and “Mom” to all who knew her.
Friends may call on Tina’s family on Tuesday, July 24 from 2-4 pm at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St. Warrensburg. A memorial service to celebrate her life will immediately follow the visitation at 4 pm.
Tina’s daughters would like to thank all of the emergency responders, medical staff and friends, Roxy and Bob Johnston for their love and support.