Fundraiser started for funeral of Mass. woman who died in Millbury brushfire

After Maryann Audette died in a Millbury brush fire, her family started a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral costs. 

The fundraiser description said Audette’s sister, Tiffani Santini, is assuming the responsibility of planning the funeral. Stantini said she wants to give her sister a “dignified farewell,”

but was not prepared to cover the cost on her own.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to giving Maryann the respectful goodbye she deserves and will ease the financial stress on Tiffani as she navigates this

heartbreaking journey,” the description said.

A spokesperson for the Worcester County District Attorney’s office confirmed Audette died on Oct. 26 after a small brush fire swept through the encampment she was living in at the time.

State troopers responded to reports of a fire near the Blackstone River Bikeway near Route 146, the spokesperson said. Troopers said Audette was dead on the scene.

“Maryann faced many struggles in her life, including a long battle with addiction, which ultimately led her to experience homelessness,” the description said. “Despite these challenges,

Maryann was loved dearly by her family and friends who remember her for her kindness, her smile, and the times she brought joy into their lives.”

As of Monday evening, the online fundraiser raised $3,119, over $100 more than its original goal. The description said funds raised past $3,000 will go to HALO of Greater Worcester. HALO is

a grassroots organization made of drug users who are homeless and trying to create change in their community, their Facebook page says.

On Instagram, HALO posted a tribute to Audette, calling her a “mother of the group.”

“This tragedy highlights the need for a sanctioned encampment in Worcester for the unhoused community,” the post said. “This tragedy is on the city. This was an avoidable tragedy.”

A post shared by Homeless Addicts Leadership Organization (@halo_worc)

Eva Levin is a general assignment co-op for Boston.com. She covers breaking and local news in Boston and beyond.