In Loving Memory of Ray and Beverly Drzewiecki
FENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — In the stillness of early Thursday morning, a devastating fire claimed the lives of two beloved members of the community, leaving neighbors heartbroken and a family forever changed. Ray Drzewiecki, 66, and his wife, Beverly Drzewiecki, 64, were found inside their home after it became engulfed in flames in the 3100 block of Ponemah Drive, across from the south shore of Lake Ponemah.
According to authorities, the fire was reported around 5:20 a.m., prompting a rapid response from local emergency crews. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was consumed by heavy flames. Despite their efforts and the eventual containment of the fire, Ray and Beverly were discovered inside the home they had built their lives in together. Several of their beloved dogs were also found deceased, a heartbreaking detail that speaks to the deep bond the couple shared with their pets.
Chris Swanson, Sheriff of Genesee County, confirmed that the couple’s bodies were transported to the Genesee County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies to help determine the exact cause of death. “We know something happened inside,” Swanson said. “We are trying to find out what those answers are, so it’s going to take some time.” He also assured the public that there is no ongoing danger to the Fenton community.
While investigators work carefully to uncover what led to this tragic event, those who knew Ray and Beverly are left reflecting not on the flames, but on the warmth they brought into the lives of others.
Ray Drzewiecki was known as a steady and dependable presence — someone who offered a helping hand without hesitation and whose quiet strength spoke volumes. Beverly Drzewiecki carried a spirit of kindness and compassion, especially evident in her love for animals. Their home near Lake Ponemah was more than just a residence; it was a sanctuary filled with laughter, loyalty, and the joyful energy of their dogs. The couple’s devotion to their pets reflected the tenderness and care that defined their lives together.
Married for many years, Ray and Beverly built a partnership rooted in love and shared purpose. They were the kind of couple neighbors admired — always together, always supportive, always ready with a friendly greeting. Whether tending to their home, enjoying the beauty of the lake nearby, or spending time with their animals, they lived a life of quiet fulfillment and connection.
The loss of their dogs alongside them adds another layer of sorrow to an already heartbreaking tragedy. For those who understand the unconditional love between people and their pets, it is a painful reminder of how deeply intertwined their lives were. They were a family in every sense of the word.
As autopsies and investigations continue, the focus for their loved ones remains on honoring their memory. Grief now fills the spaces where warmth once lived. A driveway sits empty. A porch light no longer flickers on in the early dawn. Yet memories endure — of shared holidays, of backyard conversations, of loyal companionship and steadfast love.
The Fenton Township community mourns alongside the Drzewiecki family. In moments like this, neighbors draw closer, offering prayers, comfort, and support to one another. Though the cause of the fire is still under investigation, what remains certain is the impact Ray and Beverly had on the lives around them.
Today, we remember Ray Drzewiecki and Beverly Drzewiecki not for the tragedy that ended their lives, but for the years they lived with devotion, kindness, and love. May their souls rest in peace. May their family find strength in the days ahead. And may the memory of their bond — with each other and with their cherished pets — forever shine brighter than the flames that took them too soon.

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