The body of Tillie Springett was found in her London apartment after other tenants smelled smoke early Sunday morning.
By Sandra Coulson
The London Free Press
An elderly London woman • remembered by her church Community as a “prayer warrior” died early Sunday in a fire at her apartment.
Tillie Springett, 86, was a member of Central Baptist Church for more than 50 years, said church member Vella Mathews. The church is a few blocks east of the Four Seasons apartment Building at 396 Queens Ave, where Springett lived in Apt. 807.
Reverend Ronald Baxter Said a prayer warrior is someone who believes strongly in the power of prayer and prays for others. GOOD ATTENDANCE: Matthews said Springett was involved in many activities in her younger years, such as packing clothing for missionaries. “She has been very faithful in her attendance.” Matthews said. “She was always present at all meeting.” Baxter :said Springett was at a prayer meeting on the Wednesday before her death. Alva McKellar, a superintendent of the apartment building, said Springett “was a dear, sweet lady and will be sadly missed.”
McKellar said a tenant notified her and her husband of smoke on the eighth floor before 6 a.m. Sunday. They tried to get into Springett’s apartment but were driven back by smoke. A city police officer who also tried to enter was overcome. Constable Bruce Miller was assisted by firefighters at the scene and taken to hospital,. but released later Sunday, said Fire Platoon Chief Jim Brown.
ACCIDENTAL: Brown said an Ontario fire marshal’s investigator· was unable to0 determine the cause of the fire, although it’s considered accidental. Damage was set at $25,000. Pamm Donnelly, who lived across the hall from Springett, said she heard a noise that she now thinks was a smoke alarm about 2 a.m. There was also a loud crash.
