Woman killed in fire touched many lives
The family of the woman killed in a house fire has identified her as 30-year-old Ilyssa Kanerva.
In a statement to Postmedia, Kanerva’s family called her a vibrant woman and loving mother to her eight-year-old son.
“Those who knew her describe her as being bright and shiny, the way a child would draw the sun,” the statement said.
“She was a loving mom to her beautiful son, Keaton. He was her ‘best guy.’
“Ilyssa was charismatic in the most genuine and sincere way. She was goofy and silly and could make anyone smile. It was easy to underestimate Ilyssa, but there was so much more to her than most people knew. She was a fierce defender of those she loved, be it her friends or her family. She touched many lives and there are many who will miss her dearly.”
The family thanked Edmonton Fire Services, emergency medical services, the doctors and nurses at the University of Alberta Hospital.
“The team in the burn unit were very understanding and accommodating, allowing for her large family to come and say goodbye to her before she was taken off life support,” the family said.
Friends of Kanerva are holding their own fundraiser for a celebration of her life. Her family is currently making plans for a memorial.
Firefighters were called to the home near 58 Avenue and 109 Street around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday where they pulled the woman out of the home. She was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition where she later died.
Two males managed to escape from the home.
Investigators continue to search for a cause of the fire that caused $170,000 in damage to the home and $24,000 to the contents. A dog in the house also died.
No other neighbouring homes were damaged.