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UPHAM - Dot Fowler will never sleep a night in the home her community has been building for her and her family.

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Just a little more than a month after her family home was ravaged by fire in Hanford Brook near Upham, the 79-year-old died of cancer.

Her July 12 death also came just days before a benefit to be held for her and husband Jim tonight at the Central Kings Recreation Centre in Upham.

Wanda Allaby, organizer of tonight's fundraiser that will go ahead as planned, said the community has been crushed by the devastation handed to the Fowler family in recent weeks.

"When we heard of the fire, everyone started rallying to build them a new home," she explained.

What cannot be replaced is the memorabilia lost, especially reminders of Dot, that were all charred in the blaze.

In the past few weeks, men have been volunteering their time to hammer nails and build and the women have been preparing lunches for the workers.

And in just that short time, the bungalow is almost complete.

Along with the labour, the community has been fundraising through every means possible to help pay for the new home since the one lost on May 29 didn't have insurance.

Allaby said the Fowlers are a family that has given much to the community.

Dot lived her final days in palliative care at the Saint John Regional Hospital as the community prepared a home she would never see. While it was known Dot's two-year battle with cancer was coming to an end, Allaby said the people who knew and loved her wanted her to die with the peace of knowing her husband and daughter had another home.

"We prayed and prayed that she would be able to see her new home," Allaby said. "She always did so much for other people, and we wanted that for her."

In describing Fowler, Allaby said she had a true love for her community and the people in it.

"She was a sweet, sweet soul," Allaby said. "She just made you feel warm and cozy, and her outlook was so positive.

"When Dot hugged you, it just went so deep. We have had some sad, sad days lately, but the community has pulled together."

The benefit will begin with a roast beef supper tonight from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Central Kings Recreation Centre on the Titusville Road in Upham. Cost is $8 per person, or $20 for a family of four. Children under six are free.

Then a dance will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live music by Danny O'Donnell and Down Time. The band has volunteered their time and talents. Admission is a donation at the door.