GoFundMe For 2 Artists Who Died In Hoboken Chambord Fire

HOBOKEN, NJ — Rose Marie Vos and Alexander von Schlinke were Hoboken-based artists who also worked at Acme and Home Depot in Hudson County. They were loved by people who met them at work or knew them from the old factory full of studios in Hoboken that caught fire last week. Sometime overnight from Sunday, Dec. 19 to Monday, Dec. 20, they died in the blaze.

Now, Vos' sister Barbara is raising money for their funeral.

"Rose was my sister," wrote Barbara Stise. "My family and I were as shocked and sadden why what happened to Rose and Alex. They had been together for well over 40 years, they worked together & if you found one the other was never far off."

She added, "They loved each other they were creative, caring and loving to a fault.

"The tragic fire in Hoboken has shaken us to our core but I am so immensely touched by the out pouring of love and support that their friends and co-workers have shown us.

"But now we have to look to the funeral arrangements for both of them. I was Rose's only sister and last living relative. But Alex had no next of kin and I can't not in good conscious attend to my sister final arrangements and not take care of Alex's. Funds are limited and money is short as you know so every little bit helps."

A commenter on the page wrote, "Alex helped us multiple times at Home Depot over the years. He was so enthusiastic about his job and helping people ... If you live in the Hoboken area and bought paint at Home Depot Jersey City, there's a good chance you knew him too, if only for a brief moment."

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office has only publicly identified Rosemary, 60, as one of two deceased, saying they were still trying to locate next of kin of the other victim. They have only said he was a man, 61.

Prosecutors said last week that they could not answer questions from Patch about where the victims lived, or whether they worked in the building.

The century-old building — a former pudding factory that was set to be redeveloped — is full of small businesses and studios, but no residences.

The fire is being investigated by the Hudson County Arson Task Force. A police officer first heard an explosion at the building around 12:20 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, and responded. Firefighters fought the stubborn blaze on Monday, and a week ago Wednesday it flared up again.

Numerous small businesses, artists, and musicians lost items in the fire and have started fundraisers (see link). And many people are mourning the couple who died.

"Alex and Rose Marie were such kind, positive people," wrote another commenter. "I used to
have a couple different warehouse spaces in the Chambord building and got to know them over the years."

"Alex and Rose were some of the most helpful and caring employees I’ve ever met," wrote a commenter. "My brother Joe who passed away in 2019 absolutely loved Alex. Anytime he would send me to Home Depot he always told me to just ask Alex."

Vos identified herself on various social media as a baker at Acme, a garden associate at Home Depot, and an "Experienced Owner of Vintage/Antique refinishing and reselling business."

READ MORE: More Than 15 Businesses In Chambord Fire Seek Help

Patch will publish updates when they're available. Email Hoboken Patch here.

Did you know? You can sign up to get breaking news alerts in Hoboken or a free daily newsletter each morning at 6 a.m. with local news. Sign up with your zip code here and you'll get an email asking for your preferences.

Get a free morning newsletter with news in Hoboken or your town: https://patch.com/subscribe