Saying goodbye to Stamford fire victims

New York (WTNH) - It was an emotional day at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City as the three girls killed in a Christmas Day fire in Stamford were put to rest.

Fifth Avenue was silent as the bodies of 10 year old Lilian Badger, and her 7 year old twin sisters Sarah and Grace were slowly carried in and eventually out of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. 

The girls' parents, Matthew Badger and his estranged wife, Madonna, held hands. Michael Borcina, who took the embers out of the fireplace that would eventually ignite the deadly blaze, stood behind. About 40 Stamford firefighters paid their respects and like many there, they were too overcome with emotion to speak.

During the service, Madonna Badger spoke before the congregation. She tearfully remembered her girls and advised everyone be like them by offering and sharing love. She said she would always be a mother, the girls kept in her heart. Her words were absorbed by the more than 1,000 people who found some comfort in an ocean of grief.

Lily loved to dance, Badger said. Matthew Badger said that a day with Lily was like spending a day with a beautiful song.

Ms. Badger also talked about her twins, 7-year-olds Grace and Sarah. Sarah was full of life and had a unique sense of humor, her mother said. While Grace was the adventuresome one. She liked to play with bugs and show her mother things that were "icky."

"She said they're going to live forever in my heart, and that's what it is, it's in your heart,' said Badger's friend Kevin Sullivan.

Badger was escorted out of the church following the coffins of her three children.

The normally busy and loud streets of New York City were silent and somber as the coffins were loaded into the waiting hearses.

The Badger family then headed to a private memorial service at a nearby cemetery.

The Pastor gave thanks to the firefighters who tried desperately to save the lives of the three girls and their grandparents, who were also killed in the fire at the family's home on Shippan Ave.

"You feel life is more fragile, take it day by day, and appreciate life," said Martin Schneit, who attended the funeral.

A private wake was held for the girls Wednesday night.

Through a spokeswoman, Madonna Badger thanked people for their thoughts and prayers.

"The incredible outpouring of love and compassion that has come from our community and around the world has been amazing," Kate Askew said.

The fire was caused by embers that were removed from the fireplace to another place in the home, which was undergoing renovations. The embers were removed because the girls were concerned about Santa coming down the chimney.