Funeral set for Saturday for shooting victim with local ties
Posted at: 12/17/2012 6:39 PM
| Updated at: 12/17/2012 6:43 PM
By: Chris Ramirez, KOB Eyewitness News 4
 Photo: Emilie Parker |
Funeral arrangements for Emilie Parker, the former Rio Rancho student killed at Sandy Brook Elementary Friday has been set for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Ogden, Utah.
The tragedy in Connecticut has left the nation unable to comprehend how Parker and 19 of her classmates became victims in a senseless act of violence and tragedy. In an interview, Randy Parker, Emilie’s paternal grandfather, said he was devastated by his family’s loss.
"I got the call that there's been a shooting at Emilie's school and they haven't been able to account for yet," Randy Parker said. "She was just very loving. She loved taking care of people. If she saw someone with her feelings hurt, it was ‘what can I do to help you.’ She was that kind of a child."
Randy described Emilie as a girl with a beautiful and kind soul. If she knew her shooter was having a bad day, she likely would have been the first to write him a card.
"I can't count the number of times Emilie noticed someone feeling sad or frustrated and would rush to find a piece of paper to draw them a picture or to write them an encouraging note," said Robbie Parker, Emilie’s father, during a news conference in Connecticut.
Emilie was a kindergarten student at Maggie Cordova Elementary in Rio Rancho last school year. Her former principal, Cathy Gaarden, still remembers Emilie for her sweet and kind personality.
"Emilie was a beacon of light and love and sheer joy,” Gaarden said. “She greeted her teachers each morning by saying ‘Salutations Teachers.’ She loved the book Charlotte's Web and that heartfelt greeting is the epitome of who Emilie Parker was."
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