FLOOD OF TEARS AND LOVE
No words for ‘how much we miss’ mom, kids lost in fire
Hundreds filled a Baptist church Monday for the heart-wrenching funeral of a Harlem mom and her four youngest children killed in the flames of a kitchen fire in their NYCHA apartment — mourning the tragic loss with tears, memories, a letter from a grieving sister and an inconsolable father’s tender elegy.
Five white caskets along with large portraits of each victim were lined up inside First Corinthian Baptist Church at a tearful service for mom Andrea Nadine Pollidore, 45, daughters Nakiyra, 11, and Brook Lynn, 6, and sons Andre, 8, and Elijah Belot, 4.
In a moving recitation, an obituary of each was read, as soft sobbing could be heard inside the church.
“Nadine was a mother first and loved all eight of her children dearly,” and “a protector” who was “there to defend them, no questions asked,” friend Nicole Fireson told congregants.
“Nadine was born here in the United States but was West Indian to the heart, and took pride in her Trinidadian culture which she celebrated unapologetically,” she added. “Once reggae, calypso or soca music came on, her smile would light up the room and she would not be able to stay still.”
Continuing in heartbreaking detail, Fireson noted Nakiyra was a “chef in the making,” who generously dispensed advice and homework help to her siblings; Andre “wanted to start a dance team with a friend and his sister;” Brook Lynn had a “heart of gold” who copied her adored mom’s every move, and Elijah “melted the hearts” of everyone around him.
“Dear Mommy and little siblings, words can’t even explain how much we miss you guys right now,” surviving sister Sahilah said in a letter read on behalf of
herself and the other surviving siblings. “To Andrew and Eli, you guys were the best little brothers anyone can ever have,” she added.
The father of Elijah, Jean Belot Jr., also presented his poem, titled “Mourn Me Not,” writing: “Elijah my baby boy, carry on my name, know that in my memories you will forever reign.”
Principal Kerianne Harrison of Public School 194 tearfully noted “As a community, we will never be the same without Nakiyra, Andre and Brook Lynn,” describing the older child as “a deeply introspective and curious young lady” while her brother Andre “filled the classroom and the hallways with laughter and love” and sister Brook Lynn “had a 1,000-watt smile that lit up any room that she’d enter.”
The close-knit family was asleep early on May 8 when flames raged inside their three-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor of the Frederick E. Samuel Houses at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and W. 142nd St. — and they couldn’t reach a door or fire escape. Also killed in the blaze was Nadine Pollidore’s 32-year-old stepson, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
Fire officials had speculated a fire alarm may have been disabled before the blaze erupted in a pan or pot on an unattended stove.
At the service, state Sen. Brian Benjamin, (DHarlem), vowed to work with Diane Blackwell, the tenant association president of the Samuel Houses, and NYCHA to pass legislation to ensure there are fire sprinkler systems in all public housing buildings.
“Enough is enough,” Benjamin told mourners. “Buildings built before a certain year have to have a fire sprinkler system.”
In videotaped remarks, the Rev. Al Sharpton reminded the family and friends “that in this tragic moment, know that you’re loved, know that the community stands with you, know that we’ll be there long after the cameras are gone.”