By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
The greater Baldwinsville community has come together to support the Annal family, which lost their two daughters in a car accident Sept. 3.
Thomas and Maureen Annal and their daughters, 11-year-old Maryella and 9-year-old Elizabeth, were traveling westbound on the Thruway near Junius Ponds in Seneca County when a pickup truck struck their minivan the morning of Sept. 3. Maryella and Elizabeth, students at Palmer Elementary, were killed. The Annals’ minivan then hit another car, which hit a tractor trailer.
According to New York State Police, the pickup truck driver, 73-year-old Abraham Hara of Geneva, was not injured. The investigation continues and charges are pending.
Maureen and Tom were airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Maureen remains hospitalized, but Tom was discharged Sept. 8, according to updates on a GoFundMe site created for the family.
Relatives Jennifer Annal Bacon and Jennifer Canale Annal created the GoFundMe to raise money for the family’s medical expenses as well as memorial efforts for Maryella and Elizabeth.
“To say that we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity is an understatement. We cannot thank you all enough for your kindness,” Bacon wrote on GoFundMe. “Tom is improving after suffering a concussion and rib injuries. Maureen has sustained a spinal cord injury and will require months of intensive rehabilitation. They will be in Rochester for quite some time so your generosity will help with expenses in the upcoming months.”
Other fundraising efforts were underway last week in Baldwinsville. 4 Seasons Car Wash, located on Oswego Road in Liverpool, donated 100% of its proceeds Sept. 11 to the family.
“The Smith/Murman families, owners of 4 Seasons Car Wash and their staff, have been touched by this story as local Baldwinsville residents whose children attended the same school,” read a statement from 4 Seasons.
Throughout neighborhoods in Baldwinsville, families tied purple and teal ribbons to their mailboxes in honor of Maryella and Elizabeth’s favorite colors.
A fellow Palmer parent is making and selling purple and teal ribbons in memory of Maryella and Elizabeth. Each ribbon is $1 and proceeds will go directly to the Annal family. If you are interested in purchasing a ribbon, email [email protected] to get in touch with the parent.
In a statement on the Baldwinsville Central School District’s website, Superintendent Matt McDonald expressed condolences to the Annal family and announced the availability of counselors for the Palmer community.
“As a close-knit school community that loves our students deeply, our hearts are broken. Our thoughts are with the Annal family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” McDonald said.
Palmer families can call 315-638-6127 or email Principal Alex Ewing at [email protected] for additional support.
“It’s important to allow children to talk about their grief experiences and what they need. Counselors urge you to listen to your child’s concerns and questions. After communicating this difficult news to your child, if you feel that they need additional support, our counselors will be available to provide you with resources and strategies,” McDonald continued.
St. Mary’s Church held a candlelight vigil for the Annal sisters Sept. 6. The church, which the Annal family attends, encouraged parishioners to email [email protected] if they need help during this time.
“Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us if you are in need of spiritual counseling or someone to talk to,” read a statement from the parish. “We are a family and as a family, we will get through this terrible tragedy together.”
To donate to the Annal family, visit gofundme.com/f/tom-and-maureen-annal-fund.
