Urgent: 91-Year-Old Woman Faces Eviction Over Tax Lien Sale

UPDATE: A 91-year-old woman in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, is facing imminent eviction due to a tax lien sale that her family claims resulted from a simple oversight. Just last week, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office informed the family that the new owners of the property, who purchased the lien for $3,500, plan to forcibly remove Gloria Gaynor from her home.

Gaynor, bedridden and in poor health, is running out of time. Her daughter, Jackie Davis, expressed her despair, saying, “I don’t have a proper place for her as yet; so, I’m asking for time.” Time is indeed critical, as Davis, who lives in Florida, struggles to secure an alternative living arrangement for her mother.

Gaynor’s troubles began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she could not leave her home to pay property taxes. Although she managed to make the payment in 2021, it was not applied to her outstanding balance, leading to the tax lien being auctioned off. “This is stripping generational wealth from a family,” said Alexander Barth, the family’s attorney, emphasizing the exceptional nature of this case compared to typical tax sales.

The CJD Group acquired the property lien and is now pursuing eviction. Despite their legal efforts, Gaynor’s family has not been able to overturn the sale, which the courts have repeatedly upheld. “This is essentially kind of the end game of the situation, unfortunately,” Barth added, highlighting the family’s dire circumstances.

Davis has been criticized for not arranging her mother’s care sooner, but she argues that her mother cannot survive in assisted living. “I’m praying. I am praying and hope to luck it doesn’t happen, and I can find a place for her,” Davis stated, illustrating the emotional toll this situation has taken on the family.

The Delaware County authorities have clarified that once a property is sold at tax sale, the new owner has the right to determine occupancy. Mike Connolly, Delaware County’s communications director, confirmed, “The Sheriff’s Office becomes involved only if the court issues a Writ of Possession, and there is no such action on file for this address at this time.”

As the clock ticks, Gloria Gaynor’s future remains uncertain. Her family is pleading for compassion and time as they navigate this harrowing situation. Families across Pennsylvania and beyond are reminded of the potential consequences of tax lien sales, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Gaynor family seeks to avert this eviction crisis.