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The year started on a sad note in Stamford with the funeral for the three Badger sisters, Lily, 9, and twins, Sarah and Grace, 7, who died when their Shippan Point home burned down Christmas morning. It took place Jan. 5 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City.
The funeral was marked by the eulogies from their mother, Madonna Badger, and the Rev. William Shillady, who read a letter on behalf of their father, Matthew Badger. Both shared heartfelt memories and descriptions of the girls.
The girls' maternal grandparents, Pauline and Lomer Johnson, also died in the fire. The cause of death for all five was smoke inhalation. Madonna Badger, the homeowner, and boyfriend Michael Borcina were the lone survivors.
The blaze was caused by embers that were removed from the fireplace and put in a bag in the rear of the house, officials said. Firefighters couldn’t reach the victims because of the strength of the blaze.
Since the funeral, both parents as well as Wade Johnson, Madonna’s brother and administrator of their parents' estate, have filed lawsuits against the city of Stamford. Johnson and Matthew Badger’s suits also name Borcina and his construction company as defendants.
Madonna recently told “Today” she has moved to Arkansas and will be spending Christmas in Thailand. Matthew has been working on the LilySarahGrace Fund, a nonprofit that supports the arts in underfunded public schools.
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