The community of St. Paul gathered to say goodbye to Megan Wolitski, the girl who was killed after a van crashed into her Grade 6 classroom at Racette Junior High School, last Thursday.
11-year-old Wolitski’s funeral was held at the St. Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral, Saturday morning.
Hundreds of family members, friends and classmates gathered for the ceremony, many dressed in pink, Wolitksi’s favourite colour. So many people attended the ceremony that overflow was directed to the nearby Elementary School to watch the funeral on a live feed.
Family members described Wolitski as a loving, caring young girl with a passion for dance, especially ballet and jazz.
Inside the church, Wolitski’s god parents spoke about the girl who was a devoted big sister who went by the name “Miss Megan.”
Others who attended the funeral say it was an amazing tribute to the sweet, young girl who always wore a smile.
“It’s very hard for the family, and just to watch them have to go through this,” Carmen Gerlansky said holding back tears adding, “It’s not fair. Megan was such a beautiful girl and it’s just hard to believe she’s gone.”
“I danced with her this year and when I heard what happened it was quite sad,” said Bailey Lang adding, “She was super kind and she was always a great dancer.”
“It was really difficult. I have a young daughter as well so, the old saying of ‘hug your kids one more time’ is so true because, you never know when they can be taken away,” said Bailey’s mother, Jennifer Lang who knows Wolitski’s family well.
After the ceremony, family and friends gathered outside the Cathedral to release balloons in her honour.
The funeral comes one day after a celebration of life was held for the young girl at the St. Paul Recreation Centre, Friday evening. The entire town pulled together to support Wolitski’s family.
Pink heart decals were sold and put up in a number of residences and businesses in Wolitski’s honour. They were pink to represent her favourite colour, and hearts to show love and sympathy.
Wolitski’s family wants to thank the entire town of St. Paul, as well as Canadians from coast to coast, for their overwhelming support through this tragic time.
“The support we have received has been incredible. We would like to thank the first responders, the St. Paul Hospital, the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the RCMP for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank all Canadians who have provided kind words and prayers, they have provided comfort to the family. Finally, we would like to thank the town of St. Paul for their generosity and support. We are honoured to live in such an amazing community,” said Wolitski’s uncle Les Miskolzie.
A Facebook page entitled: “Megan Wolitski Tribute”, has been created for people who wish to express their condolences to the family.
St. Paul Servus Credit Union has set up the “Megan Wolitski Memorial Fund” to help the family and support a scholarship in honour of the young girl.
Two other girls were seriously injured in the crash, and both remain in hospital. One of the young girls is in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition.
The man accused of crashing into the school, 46-year-old Richard Edward Benson was denied bail on Thursday. He is charged with criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, along with charges of resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.
With files from Laurel Clark, Jenna Bridges.