106-Year-Old Cranford Woman Could Lose Her Home Because Of Taxes

CRANFORD, NJ - She's lived in her Cranford colonial since 1943, and now 106-year-old Rose Estwanick may see it sold out from under her because she is behind on her property taxes.

"The State of New Jersey has no hardship exemptions for centenarian homeowners on social security income," Rosanne Estwanick, Rose's 67-year-old daughter and caregiver wrote on the fundraising page she established for donations. "We have one option available to avoid the Cranford Township Tax Sale scheduled for Sept. 18. Make a minimum payment of $8,367.18."

According to Rosanne Estwanick, that is not possible as she lost her job in 2011.

"I’ve been caregiving my Mother Rose. I’m her keeper, her guardian, her shadow as she navigates her way in a world and its operations she barely understands. Mom is dementia challenged. Her cognitive abilities are on a permanent decline," Estwanick said. "A survivor of over a dozen operations, a breast cancer survivor since 1989, diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at 98 and extreme arthritis in both knees at 103, Mom struggles every day but still manages to live and carry on with dignity and grace."

Estwanick said her mother longer understands how the world or her own body operates so the worry of paying property taxes falls "outside the scope of her existence."

So Estwanick has turned to the public for help and established a GoFundMe page for donations.

"All donations will be used to pay down the 2018-2019 property tax bill balance of $12,376.43," she said.

Since posting the fundraising plea there has been an explosion in support and outpouring of love.

"No human being should go through what this family is living and much less a lady of that age," Florinda Avelenda said on the page.

William Lamprecht noted that this type of campaign is what GoFundMe is for. Diana Smith said the was touched by their plight.

"I was moved by this story," she said. "The 'greatest generation' is a national treasure and we have to honor our elderly and the most vulnerable among us."

Some laid the blame on the public officials.

"Our government has to curtail wasteful spending if for no other reason than their taking of senior citizens homes and giving illegals a free ride," Edward Vignola said.

That sentiment was echoed by Melissa Mack.

"I feel maybe this state government should take the money put aside for undocumented people and give it to the people who are legal citizens in need such as this beautiful soul. This is what is wrong with this state and all of the government worry about everyone else but our own. Who takes care of us," Mack wrote. "God bless this family."

According to George Kneisser, Sr., the executive director of the non-profit group NJ Citizens for Property Tax Reform, the blame for the situation falls New Jersey politicians and Governor Phil Murphy.

"The sad truth is that Rose is only one of thousands of families losing their homes in New Jersey every year because of property taxes. Her only failing is that she is on a fixed income and can no longer contribute toward the lavish benefits your allies, the public workers and school teachers, get in New Jersey. So she gets punished and gets kicked out from her own home, where she’s been living for the past 75 years," Kneisser said in an open letter to Murphy. "Despite all your deceiving claims that a millionaires’ tax is needed to relieve property taxes for the middle class, how does taxing the millionaires help Rose Estwanick keep her home? The $125 voucher you are suggesting she will get from a millionaires tax is insignificant."

For her part, Rosanne Estwanick expressed gratitude for the support she has received.

"I am overwhelmed tonight completely in awe of your generosity and kindness. I deeply appreciate your support and your kind words," she said.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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