The Sarnia community said its final goodbyes on Jan. 8 as several hundred mourners packed inside St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church to remember the life of beloved kindergarten teacher Noelle Paquette.
Family, close friends and members of the community watched as Paquette was laid to rest, one week after the University of Ottawa graduate was reported missing.
The 27-year-old’s body was discovered in a rural woodlot, 20 km southeast of downtown Sarnia, where she had last been seen leaving a New Year’s Eve party, according to police.
Mayor Mike Bradley, who wrote to the Paquette family a few days ago, said that the city remains deeply shocked by the tragedy.
“Obviously, the community has been shaken and [everyone] is grieving,” Bradley said.
“I did not know her personally. But obviously, from all of the reports, she was intelligent, engaging, very respected by people, and very much loved.”
Police arrested Tanya Bogdanovich, 31 and Michael MacGregor, 19 in connection with the homicide at a London, Ont. hotel by Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police. Both have been charged with first-degree murder.
Details pertaining to the case have yet to be released to the public as the police investigation is still ongoing.
Paquette’s friends and family however, have decided to place their focus on preserving the legacy of a generous young woman who had made a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Noelle’s Gift, a website where people can donate money to help underprivileged students in Lambton County, was created in her memory. Over $30,000 has been raised to date, all of which will be used to provide classroom supplies, nutritional meals, clothing and footwear for those in need.
