107-Year-Old Woman Returning To Barclay's After Devastating Fire

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 107-year-old woman was honored on her birthday recently by State Sen. Andy Dinniman as she prepares to return to Barclay Friends Senior Living after the devastating fire last November.

Gertrude Faillaci is believed to be the oldest resident of Chester County.

“She is one tough woman and has seen a lot in her day," Dinniman said. "Including living through 17 presidents and raising a beautiful family of two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.”

>>Alarms Faulty During Fatal West Chester Fire: Report

Dinniman said that Faillaci has been living at Brandywine Hall since the fatal fire on Nov. 16 displaced 137 residents and 15 staff members. Four elderly residents were killed in the blaze.

Now, Faillaci, a survivor, is ready to return to the place that has been her home. Her relatives said she will be back at Barclay Friends on April 9.

Faillaci's daughter Gloria Bilunas told Dinniman's office that it took hours for her family to find her mother. It wasn't until 6 a.m. in the morning after the fire that they were able to track her down.

Attorneys for the victims of the fire allege that the sprinkler system and the alarm system did not function properly, exacerbating the damage done by the fire. The victims were 92-year-old Delores G. Parker and 88-year-old Thomas F. Parker, who were husband and wife. Two other women, Mildred E. Gadde, Theresa J. Malloy, were also confirmed dead. Their cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation.

Representatives with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms did not comment on the allegations. They have not released an official cause for the fire, and investigation remains ongoing.

“The Barclay Friends fire will always be remembered as a very sad day for Chester County,” Dinniman said in a statement. “We continue to grieve the lives lost, but we must also remember the community’s sense of resilience and renewal in moving forward. And part of the includes continuing to respect and honor the contributions of all our elders – men and women like Gertrude Faillaci.”

Faillaci was presented with a special Senate citation in honor of her birthday.

For more information about the fire, see Patch's previous coverage below:

>>Sprinklers To Blame In Catastrophic West Chester Fire: Attorneys

>>Remains Of Final 2 Victims Of Fire Found In Rubble In West Chester

>>Community Rallies After Devastating West Chester Fire

>>Massive Fire Destroys Pennsylvania Senior Living Facility: Video

Image via State Sen. Andy Dinniman's Office