A fire was lit in the bedroom where she stored most of her dresses.
The slow-burning fire engulfed a bed and the blaze was so intense it burned a hole in the floor.
The rest of the house was badly smoke-damaged, with a layer of soot covering all her treasured photos and ornaments in the lounge.
The once-sparkling kitchen bench was covered in a film of black soot.
"They ought to get their just desserts," she reckoned.
"There wasn't a lot of money in that yellow elephant [money box] but I set aside a little bit so if there was anything I needed I could buy it."
While she was putting on a brave face and saying "I've just accepted it and it's no good crying about it", she was devastated by the news.
Pearl's hopes of returning home are now months off.
Her nephew, Ray Broad, said Pearl had sobbed her heart out when he told her the news.
He said it was likely she would go to a rest home for a few days when she was released from hospital.
Insurance would then cover the cost of a rental or motel, Mr Broad said.
Pearl wasn't shy when it came to describing her desire to get home.
"The worst thing of all is that bed," she says casting a glance at the hospital bed. "I can't abide it."
The incident has left a sour taste in the mouths of local residents in Boundary Rd, Tikipunga.
Neighbour Donna Yorke said she had lived across from Pearl for seven years.
"She has always been lovely, and fluffs over my little daughter. I'm devastated for her and we are not happy this has happened in our street. Someone has been so gutless to do this to an elderly woman in hospital," Mrs Yorke said.
Police were continuing to follow up on reports of two young people seen acting suspiciously around the house on Sunday evening.
Anyone who can help police with this investigation should contact Constable Gordon Romley at Whangarei police station on 09 430 4500 or on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
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A message from the editor:
Pearl Sanger's family hope to place her with a rest home for a few days and have received an offer of help that may well make it happen.
Radius Rimu Park on Kamo Rd have offered Pearl two weeks at the home, free. ``Wow'' was the response from Pearl's nephew Ray.
Radius Rimu Park manager Ann McAteer said she and staff had been disgusted to read of Pearl's plight and were happy to offer help.
Yesterday morning, an Advocate reader walked into our Robert St reception and handed over $200 cash for Pearl.
We have also received several other offers of help that we will pass on to her nephew Ray. One reader is dropping a Whitcoulls voucher off, as Pearl is an avid reader.
Contact me and I am happy to pass offers of support on to Pearl's family.
Craig Cooper - editor
Phone 470 2852 or email craig.cooper@northernadvocate.co.nz
