Lackawanna Community Mourns Mother and Daughter Killed in Tragic House Fire
LACKAWANNA, NY — A quiet Girard Avenue neighborhood is in mourning after a devastating house fire late Tuesday evening claimed the lives of Felicia Toporek, 28, and her 4‑year‑old daughter, Audrey Zosowski.
What began as a seemingly ordinary evening turned into an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken the close-knit community of Lackawanna to its core. The fire, which broke out shortly after 11 p.m., quickly engulfed the modest single-family home, leaving neighbors stunned and first responders fighting desperately to contain the flames. Despite their heroic efforts, Felicia and her young daughter Audrey could not be saved.
The loss of Felicia and Audrey has left a deep scar on the hearts of those who knew them. They were more than just names on a headline—they were beloved members of the community, full of life, love, and promise.
Felicia Toporek was known for her kind and compassionate heart. A devoted mother, loving daughter, and cherished friend, she brought a quiet strength to every space she entered. Felicia had recently returned to school with hopes of pursuing a career in healthcare, driven by her natural empathy and desire to help others. Friends describe her as selfless, fiercely loyal, and endlessly nurturing—a woman whose greatest joy came from being a mother to her beloved Audrey.
Audrey Zosowski, just four years old, was a bright, bubbly little girl whose laughter could light up a room. With her curly hair, sparkling eyes, and boundless energy, Audrey was adored by all who met her. She loved coloring, playing with her stuffed animals, and dancing to her favorite songs in the living room with her mom. She had just started preschool and was already winning hearts with her curiosity and joyful spirit.
Neighbors recall seeing the two walking hand in hand around the block, Audrey always in step with her mother, who protected and guided her with gentle care. They were inseparable—a duo whose bond was evident to anyone who saw them together.
As investigators continue to look into the cause of the fire, the community has rallied around the grieving family and each other, offering comfort and support in the face of overwhelming loss. A memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now grows outside the charred remains of the home, a heartbreaking but beautiful tribute to two lives taken far too soon.
Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo expressed condolences on behalf of the city, stating, “This tragedy has shaken our entire community. Felicia and Audrey were cherished, and their loss is profoundly felt. We are committed to supporting the family and ensuring resources are available as they navigate this unimaginable pain.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by family friends to assist with funeral expenses and help the surviving family members begin the long process of healing and rebuilding. Vigils are being organized, and local churches and schools have opened their doors to offer grief counseling and support.
Though Felicia and Audrey are no longer physically with us, their memory will live on in the stories shared by those who loved them—in the laughter of Audrey’s classmates, in the quiet strength of Felicia’s friendships, and in the lasting impact of their love. They leave behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and deep connection that even tragedy cannot erase.
A joint memorial service for Felicia Toporek and Audrey Zosowski will be held at [Location] on [Date and Time], where family, friends, and community members are invited to come together to mourn, remember, and celebrate their lives.
May Felicia and Audrey rest together in eternal peace, forever united in love.