Hundreds of people came together at the Recreation Centre on Friday evening in an emotional and heartwarming celebration of the life of 11-year-old Megan Wolitski.
Community members of all ages shared stories of the ways that Megan had a positive influence on their lives, from the fact that her smile always lit up the room, to the compassion she showed to everyone she met on a daily basis.
The Saturday morning funeral ended with a poignant balloon release, as those who loved Megan said goodbye. Racette School students and others, dressed in pink in honour of Megan's love of that colour, made their way down the stairs of the cathedral and released a flood of pink balloons into the sky, as couples and students hugged one another with tears in their eyes.
As Megan's hearse drove down the street, a 'Pink Procession' stood at Racette School, the site of the Oct. 25 vehicle crash that took Megan's life and critically injured two other students. Flanked by pink hearts and holding pink hearts, about 30 people braved the cold to show their support for the family and to send Megan off on her final journey.
In a statement to the public last week, Megan's family expressed appreciation for the “incredible" support they have received in the wake of her death, thanking first responders, the St. Paul hospital, the Stollery Children's Hospital and RCMP for their care and compassion.
“We would also like to thank all Canadians for their kind words and prayers. They have provided comfort to the family," read the statement. “Finally, we would like to thank the town of St Paul for their support and generosity. We are honoured to live in such an amazing community."
The family of 11-year-old Angelina Luce also sent out a statement through Alberta Health Services (AHS) last week, giving an update on her progress following the Oct. 25 crash. “Angelina is in stable condition but she still has a long journey to recovery ahead. Angelina misses her classmates and is in mourning for a dear friend and concerned for another. We simply ask that you keep all three families in your prayers and respect our privacy."
As of Monday, AHS was unable to give further information or updates about the third student injured in the crash.
Plans are underfoot to bring the pink hearts out again upon the return home of the two girls who remain in hospital care in Edmonton, said Brandi Findley-Frowen, an organizer for the Pink Procession.
“I want the families to know we're supporting them to the very end," she said, noting the girls would have a long journey to recovery even after coming home. “It's far from being over."