INTERLACHEN, Fla. – A North Florida couple who celebrated 60 years of marriage in June is now trying to rebuild after a fire destroyed the Interlachen home they spent decades building together.
According to a GoFundMe fundraiser posted by their daughter, Sherry McGoldrick, Marion and Cawley Holstein marked their diamond anniversary on June 15.
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One week later, on June 22 at about 4 p.m., the couple’s house caught fire and was destroyed, leaving them without a home or many of their belongings and personal keepsakes.
McGoldrick wrote that Cawley Holstein, 83, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and spent more than 25 years in the fire service. Marion Holstein, 79, is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she said.
The fundraiser says Marion Holstein is currently hospitalized due to COPD complications, adding another strain as the couple faces the immediate needs that follow a major loss.
The GoFundMe is raising money to help the family with temporary housing and living expenses, clothing and personal necessities, medical-related expenses during Marion’s recovery, and the replacement of essential household items as the couple begins rebuilding, the post said.
Family members and supporters are also asking people who cannot donate to share the fundraiser and keep the couple in their prayers.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated with more details and any information from fire officials, including the fire’s cause and whether anyone was injured.