LAKE VIEW, N.Y. (WKBW) — Friends are still in shock over the sudden death of Joene Pease, after her family’s Lake View home exploded Monday night.
Joene was killed in the explosion. First responders saved her husband, John, who remains hospitalized in critical condition, and their family dog.
WATCH: Below you can watch drone video that shows the aftermath of the deadly explosion.
On Wednesday night, roughly 20 friends gathered at Lake View Community Church, which the Peases attended. Many friends shared their favorite memories of Joene, who all her friends knew simply as Jo. Friends said she leaves behind two daughters and one grandson.
“My son was deployed to Afghanistan. She took it upon herself to correspond with him regularly, send him care packages, write him notes on coffee filters,” Sharon Hoak said. “I still can’t believe what has happened, has happened.”
"Years ago, my wife broke her ankle, and the house was a mess. We had little kids. She came and helped my wife out, took the decorations down, cooked and cleaned,” Rob Nagel said. “I heard it when it exploded, I live nearby, never imagined it was somebody I actually knew.”
“I pray [her family can] have what peace they can with what’s going on,” Lizbeth Sckuterski said. "It can't be real, I keep hearing her voice thinking she’s going to come in the door."
A spokesperson for National Fuel said the utility company conducted a thorough investigation and found no leaks or other operational issues.
On Thursday, we received a statement on behalf of the Pease family, which you can find below.
"On behalf of the Pease, Pratt, and Maranto families, we would like to thank the first responders, the ECMC staff, the Lindbergh and Holmes Elementary School staff, and the many neighbors and community members who have supported our family in this difficult time.
Our parents were married for 57 years and lived happily in their home for 47 years. John and Joene grew up together and married after high school. John is a Vietnam veteran and is very proud of his service. Our mother was a fantastic baker and was always the person who brought dessert.
As parents and grandparents, they are and were amazing and created a beautiful life.
As a family, we ask that people respect our privacy at this difficult time. We also ask that the community thank and celebrate the heroes of the fire and police communities in Lake View, Hamburg, and beyond."
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family after the home explosion, which you can find here.
