MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee woman who helped countless people overcome addiction was among those killed in the Highland Court Apartments fire on Mother's Day.
For Lolita and Darewin Dysart, Maureen Green's impact on their lives is immeasurable. The couple credits Green with helping them maintain decades of sobriety.
"Now she's gone. It's a small space in my heart that misses her. I don't know what I'm gonna do now," Darewin said.
Green was one of the victims killed in the Mother's Day fire at Highland Court Apartments.
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"She didn't deserve to go that way. She didn't," Lolita said.
The Dysarts said Green dedicated herself to helping people suffering from addiction in both Milwaukee and Sheboygan.
"All she wanted me do was stay in the meeting, stay clean. And we'd be all right. And she was right," Darewin said.
According to the couple, Green touched countless lives through her work.
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"You can talk to Maureen about anything, and whatever you share with Maureen, it stayed with Maureen," Lolita said.
Friends describe Green as having a welcoming presence that was reflected in both her style and personality.
"It's an aura she had that she has an effect on people," Lolita said.
"Anytime she saw me, she always [said], 'Hey, Darewin, give me a hug,'" Darwin said.
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That embrace is something both Lolita and Darewin now deeply long for, though they remain thankful for the time they got to spend with Green.
"You can love somebody so much that you don't, you don't, you don't, you don't want to see them leave," Darewin said.
"I'm gonna miss her. I'm going to miss her," Darewin said.
The fire remains under investigation.
If you have been displaced by the Highland Court fire and have not already been in touch with the American Red Cross contact them directly by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
This story was reported by Mike Beiermeister and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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