The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles have claimed the life of Erliene Kelley, an 83-year-old grandmother and retired pharmacy technician. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, who lived with her, has since launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help recover from the loss of their home. Kelley, known for her kindness and dedication to her community, chose to stay in her Altadena home despite the rapidly spreading fire. Her decision ultimately led to a heartbreaking outcome, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and care.

A Life Dedicated to Community and Family

Erliene Kelley was a pillar of her Altadena neighborhood, where she had lived since the late 1960s after moving from Monmouth, Illinois. As a retired pharmacy technician, she was beloved by those around her for her compassion and friendly demeanor. Neighbors fondly remember her as an "angel" and the "perfect neighbor," someone who always had a smile and kind words for everyone she met. Kelley's deep connection to her community extended beyond mere acquaintance; she knew almost everyone in town and took pride in maintaining her garden and home.

Kelley's granddaughter, Briana Navarro, described her grandmother's love for gardening and decorating her home. "She loved taking care of her garden," Navarro shared, highlighting how Kelley would often water the grass and buy new furniture and decorations. This passion for beautifying her surroundings reflected her caring nature and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all who visited. Her home was not just a place to live but a reflection of her warm and generous spirit.

The Tragic Night of the Fire

On the night of January 7th, as the Eaton Canyon fire began to spread, Kelley made the fateful decision to remain in her home. Despite her family's urging, she insisted on staying, believing it was safer inside. Navarro, along with her husband and two daughters, evacuated the house by 9 p.m., but Kelley stayed behind, expressing her faith in divine protection. The last communication between Navarro and her grandmother came at 1:22 a.m., when Kelley mentioned she was observing the fire from the living room.

When Navarro's father returned to check on Kelley later, he found the house completely destroyed. The only recognizable feature was an old blue Cadillac Coupe DeVille parked outside. The family initially hoped Kelley might have been evacuated to a shelter or staying with a friend, but a social media post about someone trapped inside the home confirmed their worst fears. By January 9th, the L.A. County medical examiner reported at least ten fire-related fatalities, including Kelley's. Her passing left a profound impact on her family and community, prompting reflections on what could have been done differently.