The Clayton Fire Department is mourning the second COVID-19 related death to a person close to the department in less than two weeks.
Alison Michaud Vessie, 53, the wife of part-time firefighter Matthew Vessie, died from complications of COVID-19 Monday morning, the department announced on its Facebook account.
A Clayton spokesperson confirmed to ABC 11 that Vessie died the same day a funeral procession was held for Deputy Chief Jason Dean, who also died from COVID-19 last week.
In August, 17 Clayton firefighters, including Dean, tested positive for COVID-19 and five, along with Vessie, were hospitalized due to severe complications. As of Thursday, only one of the firefighters is still recovering from COVID-19 and is in a rehabilitation facility, according to ABC 11.
Vessie was a local real estate agent with HomeTowne Realty, a pastry chef who owned the Plain Jane Baking Company and a 15-year social worker. She was born in Canada and lived on Long Island and in Massachusetts before moving to Clayton.
The Clayton Fire Department described Vessie as a "people person" who enjoyed "helping people through difficult times, being that expert listener that everyone needs in times of stress." She also volunteered at food pantries and animal rescue organizations.
Vessie had previously battled stage four cancer, having gone through chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
"Please, in honor of Alison, understand that this pandemic is not an issue of politics but one of public health and protecting each other," the department wrote on its Facebook account. "Please continue to wear masks, socially distance, and wash your hands frequently. This family has seen how miserable COVID is to live through - in this case proving even more formidable than cancer - and they just don't want anyone else to experience the suffering and pain that Alison and their family have gone through."
The Vessie family is asking for residents to respect their privacy at this time and no public services have been planned as of Thursday.
Arrangements are being handled by McLaurin at Pinecrest Memorial Park Funerals & Cremations.
Photo: Clayton Fire Department