A Massachusetts native, Willett spent more than 20 years as a secretary and even worked briefly as a cocktail waitress, her granddaughter said. Her home was always a base for everyone in her family, Mallowes said.

A fire broke out at about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday a Fall River assisted living residence, which drew nearly 50 firefighters to the scene and left a vulnerable population calling for help from their windows.

After a devastating fire at an assisted living facility on Oliver Street, Fall River residents are mourning the dead and looking to help the survivors.

A Massachusetts assisted-living center where nine residents died in a fire was cited for failing to immediately report more than two dozen health and safety incidents.

Sunday’s fatal fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River killed 9, injured at least 30 and left dozens shocked and devastated in the aftermath.

Gabriel House residents described a chaotic scene Sunday night before they were rescued from the blaze that left nine dead and dozens more injured.