SPRING VALLEY – A Spring Valley family’s home burned down last week in a devastating fire, but the community has stepped up to help the woman known as the Lunch Lady, the Donut Lady and the McDonald’s Lady.

Spring Valley Fire responded to the fire at 10:48 a.m. Monday, April 27 at W306 Cleveland St. Pierce County property records list the property owner as Judy Larrieu. The home has been deemed a total loss.

According to a GoFundMe page organized by Darcie Larrieu, Judy lost all her belongings in the fire and her two beloved dogs. They were miraculously able to recover her wedding ring.

“To make matters more difficult, she did not have insurance to help her recover from this loss,” Darcie Larrieu said. “The road ahead is uncertain and overwhelming.”

Judy Larrieu, a familiar face to those who frequent the Ellsworth McDonald’s in the mornings, has spent years serving others with a smile, never asking for anything in return, Darcie Larrieu said.

“Right now, she needs help to secure a safe place to stay, replace her clothes, medications, and other daily essentials. She has always been the one to give, and now she finds herself in a position where she truly needs the support of her community. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference as she begins to rebuild her life. Thank you for considering a gift to help her through this incredibly difficult time,” the GoFundMe states.

Colten Sothman of Down to Earth Tree Service LLC, which is based out of Ellsworth, has experienced a house fire himself, which motivated him to help Judy Larrieu.

During the week of May 4-9, he agreed to donate 50% of proceeds from every tree and stump job sold and completed to Judy’s rebuilding fund.

“We are also asking local contractors, suppliers, and businesses to reach out if they are willing to assist with labor, materials, equipment, demolition, or rebuilding support. We will be coordinating with Judy and her son to help aid every step of the way,” Sothman posted on Facebook.

In a May 4 update, Sothman said the support has been overwhelming, so they decided to extend the fundraiser for an additional week. People interested in booking work should call 715-273-9800 and tell the office they wat the job included in Judy’s fundraiser. Sothman and others also plan to begin demolition of Judy’s house on Monday, May 11.

“We will also be posting updates throughout the week and spotlighting the businesses, homeowners, and supporters who step up to be part of this fundraiser so the community can see the impact being made in real time,” Sothman wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has shared, donated, scheduled work, and stepped up already. Let’s keep this momentum rolling and show Judy what this community is truly capable of.”

To donate directly to Judy, visit https://gofund.me/b4ed5976e

Spring Valley Area Fire Department was assisted by United Fire, Ellsworth Fire, Elmwood Fire, Spring Valley Area Ambulance, Elmwood Area Ambulance, River Falls Fire, Pierce County Dispatch, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Spring Valley Police Department.