Okotoks mom mourned in Manitoba
More than 500 people showed up to say goodbye to a mother, teacher and friend.
Tara Roe, the 34-year-old mother of two who died in the Oct. 1 mass shooting at a Las Vegas country music festival, was remembered Friday at a memorial service in her hometown of Brandon, Man.
“We did not dwell on the evil that took our Tara from our lives, but we shared — with laughter and tears — her happy times, her accomplishments, our memories of her and why she was loved so much, by so many,” said Roe’s father, Mark Smith, in a joint statement issued by the family.
“We are very grateful for all the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time. It is very much appreciated and we are very thankful.”
Roe was among 58 killed when a gunman perched in the nearby Mandalay Bay Resort opened fire on the 22,000 attendees of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.
She was separated from her husband when the shots rang out, and it wasn’t until the next night that her family learned the devastating news.
She was one of four Canadians killed in the shooting — the deadliest in recent U.S. history.
Roe’s husband Zach was also on hand to pay tribute to her, along with family and friends from both Alberta and Manitoba.
Employed as an educational assistant with the Foothills School Division, she spent her career in child development working with autistic students.
“She knew the importance of family and good friends — she could be counted on for compas- sion and support during both good times and bad,” her father said.
“Like everyone here today who had their own connection to Tara, we will support each other as we go forward. And while we find a way to live our lives without Tara, she will never be forgotten.”
Since news broke of Roe’s death, her family has been overwhelmed with outpourings of grief and sup- port for Tara. An online fundraising campaign started 10 days ago has collected more than $160,000 in support of her family — more than $140,000 of that raised in the first three days.
A table was set up featuring mementos of Roe’s life, including school projects, crafts from her children, Tara’s hat and sash from Brownies and photo albums.
“With all of my memories, and all of my heart, I will keep her closer to me than ever before,” read a statement from Roe’s sister, Tami Spiropoulos.
“Because distance means so little, when someone means so much to you, like Tara does to me, and to all who knew her.”