Amenia woman loses nearly everything

AMENIA — Life is hard enough these days, but  things got even tougher for Amenia resident Monique Montaigne, who lost nearly everything she owned in a house fire on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Montaigne, who was renting a carriage house on South Street, is now getting by thanks to the help of her friends. One such friend is Charlotte Murphy, who has helped organize a fundraiser in Montaigne’s name, to help the German native get back on her feet.

“I don’t think she’s been able to salvage anything,� Murphy said. “The fire destroyed everything. The place didn’t burn to the ground, there’s still a shell standing, but the stuff inside is gone. The fire really had a huge head start. I think the firemen got out there pretty quick once the alarm was out and I think the smoke alarm woke her up at four in the morning... but it was serious. She was very lucky she got out. They [the firefighters] were down there all night.�

Departments from Amenia, Wassaic and Sharon were on the scene. According to Murphy, whose son, Andy, is the captain of the Amenia Fire Company, the fire was electrical in nature and started in the refrigerator. Making matters worse is the fact that Montaigne had no renter’s insurance to help pay for any of the damaged items.

Despite the devastating blaze and the realization that all of her possessions and the life she created is now in ashes, Montaigne said there’s much to be grateful for.

“The whole town has been amazing, just amazing. Compassionate, kind and generous,� Montaigne said. “I don’t have family here, so they had to call the Red Cross, who came while the fire was still blazing. They were three strangers, but the kindness those three people showed me was extraordinary, it was as if we had been lifelong friends.

“They really saved my sanity for the first few hours,� she continued, adding that all who can should give to the Red Cross. “I can’t describe how magnificent they were. They are there when you need them, they come to help and do amazing things. I don’t have their names but I have to find out who they are and thank them. I never had a need for the Red Cross before, but when I did they were there.�

Montaigne has been in the Amenia area for roughly a decade. She’s worked at the Amenia Town Hall in the past, as well as at Silamar Farm in Millerton. She also belongs to the Amenia Women’s Club. A bad fall a few years ago has limited the type of work she can do, and currently she is not employed.

“She’s very caring and very involved with community activities, but she’s past retirement age,� Murphy said, adding that Montaigne is currently staying with a friend. “We’re just collecting money for now, because [we can’t accept anything else] because she doesn’t have any place to put anything.

“Monique is a proud person, but I think she’s very grateful for what people are doing for her now,� added Murphy.

Trudy Walter is the friend Montaigne has been staying with. Walter said it’s a tough time for Montaigne, who returns to her now shadow-of-a-home to retrieve whatever remnants she can of her pre-fire life.

“People have been very supportive  and she finds that very encouraging, so there is hope,â€� Walter said. “I know that she’s so grateful for everything that people have donated and I know she wants to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and caring.â€�

For her part, Walter said inviting Montaigne to stay at her home was a simple decision to make.

 â€œThere was no question in my mind to do it,â€� she said. “She’s a good friend... and you do what you can to help.â€�

To donate to the collection fund, make checks payable to: Charlotte Murphy for Monique Montaigne and mail to: Charlotte Murphy, 200 Depot Hill Road, Amenia, NY 12501. Checks may also be taken to the M&T Bank at Fountain Square in Amenia, or they may be dropped off at the Amenia Free Library on Route 343.