PORT ANGELES – Tears shed for Vanna K. Francis, 17, were ceremoniously burned Saturday afternoon, after the young member of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe was laid to rest.
There were many tears from the candlelight memorial and prayer service Friday evening as well as the funeral Saturday for the popular teenager, who was killed in a car crash in the Elwha River last Sunday.
Tissues that absorbed the tears were collected and burned by tribal singers Saturday.
More than 1,000 mourners attended the funeral for the young woman, whose happiness was described by her friends as inspirational.
Miss Francis was beautiful, popular and kind, they said.
“She was always laughing, and very lovable,” said 28-year old Angela Risingsun, Miss Francis’ sister-in-law.
“She was always greeting everybody with a laugh and smile.
“When at your hardest times, she always brought you up.”
Jackie Reaume, 17, one of Miss Francis’ closest friends, said she was kind and a friend to anyone.
“‘Absolutely gorgeous’ is such an understatement, because she is an angel, just an angel,” Reaume said.
“I feel like a part of me is missing.”
The family held a memorial and prayer service Friday evening at the Lower Elwha Tribal Center on Lower Elwha Road,
A funeral service and community potluck followed on Saturday.
Nearly half of those who attended the events were either teenagers or young adults, a point not lost on James Kallappa, pastor of the Neah Bay Assembly of God Church.
“I thank the young people for standing together, for all the unity that you have,” he said Saturday.
Kallappa was among the clergy at the Friday funeral of 15-year old Makah member Ronnie L. Scroggins, who died with Miss Francis.
Some teenagers and young adults wore pink shirts, with Miss Francis’ picture on the front and the phrase, “We will never forget our beautiful sister” written on the back in both English and Klallam.
Tribal friends wrote her name on small, three-inch paddles, and put them with hand-made collages of Miss Francis’ photos.
Displayed several times was a soft black and white photo of Miss Francis in ceremonial dress, her arms raised, praying.
