Family and friends are remembering a young Nova Scotia woman today, whose remains were found earlier this month, eight months after she was reported missing.
Melissa Dawn Peacock was laid to rest today in her hometown of Dartmouth, N.S. Her life came to a tragic end but those who knew her say they are trying to focus on her kindness and generosity.
“I only had the pleasure of meeting her twice but she was a beautiful, beautiful girl,” says family friend Wendy McDonald.
Friends describe the 20-year-old woman as a pretty girl who loved music and going to bible study with her grandfather.
According to her obituary, the one request she had on her birthday each year was to spend it with family.
Pastor Bryan Hagerman presided over today’s service and he says the importance of family was reiterated at Peacock’s funeral.
“There was an aunt who read the eulogy, the grandfather, he preached a small homily, her brother actually read the scripture,” he says.
The scripture was read from Peacock’s bible and Hagerman says today’s message was simple.
“I was telling the children…feel your feelings,” he says. “Whatever they are, let your emotions come out. Grieve.”
“It was very touching,” says McDonald. “It was the most beautiful service I ever attended.”
Peacock was reported missing in November, 2011 and her remains were found in Upper Stewiacke, N.S. earlier this month.
Joshua Preeper, 20, and Dustan Preeper, 24 have been charged with first-degree murder in her death.
Joshua Preeper is due back in court in less next month, while his brother is scheduled to appear in court in September.
Until then, Hagerman says those who knew Melissa are still trying to come to terms with the situation and focus on a young life lost.
“They learned that she was a wonderful girl, she was happy, she always made people feel at ease. She smiled a lot,” he says.
“Great person, great personality,” says friend Melinda Bernard. “She always had good comebacks.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster
