BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The mother of a family devastated by a fire at their home on French Street in November has died, her family told 7 News.
The fire broke out early on the morning of November 29 at the house at 69 French Street. 30-year-old Joselyn Rodriguez, a mother of five, died Tuesday after being hospitalized since the fire.
Two of her children, Jose Junior and Jace, died in the blaze. Her husband, Jose, and their daughter, Ava, were hospitalized and have since recovered. Two other children, 6-year-old Noah Rodriguez and his 4-year-old sister Rosie survived the fire.
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Fire investigators say an electrical issue was the cause of the fire, which has been ruled accidental.
On Thursday, 9-year-old Ava spoke about her mother.
"I love my mom. I miss her so much," Ava said. "She's the best person I know. I love when she hugged me. Her favorite thing to do was collect Care Bears and play with us."
And her husband, Jose Rodriguez, shared this statement:
"My wife Joselyn, the mother of my 5 beautiful babies, is and was a great mother, friend, soul mate. We had a lot of ups and downs, but we always had each other and our babies. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life or mother to my kids than her. We were supposed to grow old together, but death did us part after almost 13 lovely, beautiful, hard years of marriage. I adore, I'm obsessed, I'm in love with my beautiful wife, Joselyn. And I'm so sorry."
Jennifer Perez, whose husband is Jose's cousin, said that Jose is coping.
"The kids are helping him with his strength. Obviously, he misses his wife. He has his times," she said. "His kids, and when he sees them all laughing and playing, obviously, he remembers his other two that are not there."
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He said he's been overwhelmed by Buffalo's kindness.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $81,000. There's also an Amazon wish list for his family that's mostly filled.
An anonymous donor is letting Jose and his family stay in a home until they're back on their feet, Perez said. She said Jose and the family welcome the public to the services scheduled for next week.
"He would love whoever wants to show their love to come out to the funeral."
A wake for Joselyn, Jose Jr. and Jace Rodriguez will take place on Monday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Castiglia Funeral Home, 873 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220. Perez said Monday would have been Jose Jr's 11th birthday.
The funeral is scheduled for January 20 at 10 a.m. with a burial at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
