Community honors St. James fire victims with outpouring of support

Neighbors, friends and local supporters are coming together to honor the lives of a mother and son who were killed in a St. James house fire on Thanksgiving weekend.

A GoFundMe campaign launched in their memory has raised more than $2,000 as of early Tuesday afternoon.

The fundraiser, organized by “Family Lehmann,” honors Christine Lehmann, 52, and her 25-year-old son Nicholas. It supports causes close to the family — helping children and adults with special needs, and showing appreciation for first responders.

“This fundraiser is a way to honor their memory by helping others and supporting those who rush toward danger to protect us all,” the fundraiser states, noting the efforts of 80 fire and emergency personnel that fought the fire and participated in the rescue attempt on Nov. 30.

Homeowner Ronald Montagna, 91, was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns he suffered in the fire, which broke out shortly after 3 p.m.

Nicholas is described as “one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet — gentle, kind, and loving to everyone around him,” while his mom is called “a hero in her last moments.”

_{Top: Courtesy of GoFundMe}