On Monday, Brenda Cropper should be celebrating turning 67 at Gabriel House in Fall River surrounded by friends and family.
But after a deadly fire took her life on July 18, her family is marking the day by celebrating the way she lived — with kindness, her favorite color and the things that made her smile.
“She found joy in the simple things — whether it was a good word search puzzle, a festive Christmas tree, or a cold Coke Zero paired with a Devil Dog,” the obituary stated.
The fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River killed 10 people and injured at least 30 in what is believed to be the deadliest residential fire in Massachusetts in decades. The former motel-turned-assisted living home had 70 people living there.
Cropper was in critical condition for days following the fire. She died July 18 after she was taken off life support. Her final act was saving others by donating her organs.
“And while she was a victim of the Gabriel House fire, that tragedy does not define her. Brenda will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and unshakable light,” her obituary read.
To help celebrate the grandmother, people are asked to wear her favorite color purple, share a smile with someone who may need one and enjoy her favorite food, a Devil Dog and a Coke Zero.
“Her legacy is one of love in action,” the obituary stated. “Brenda lives on in every kind gesture, every joyful moment, and every heart she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.”
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