Crime & Safety

Woman Killed in Dearborn House Fire Identified

The victim was identified as 76-year-old Valeria Ann Damian by the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home.

The elderly woman who died in a house fire in Dearborn Monday night was identified as Valeria Ann Damian, 76, by the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home.

Damian was a lifelong resident of Dearborn, where she was a manicurist for the past 30 years and established several businesses. She is survived by her sons William, Peter and David; seven grandchildren, 14 nieces and nephews, and her brother, Nick Gritu.

The Fire Department received a call about the fire from a neighbor around 9:45 p.m. There was heavy smoke and intense flames in all floors of the house by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, said Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray.

The fire appeared to have started in the basement, though the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Additonally, no working smoke detectors were found in the home, which could have been a large factor, he said.

They were able to control the blaze in about a half hour. 

"The Fire Department extends our condolences to the family in regards to this difficult event," Murray said.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Ave. Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday.

Memorial donations can be made to the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter.


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