For those who knew Traci Genereaux, the world will never be the same.

Human remains found on a farm in Silver Creek were confirmed to be those of the Vernon teen, who was last heard from on May 29 and reported missing June 9.

鈥淢any spent countless hours searching for her, praying for her, and doing everything within their power to bring her home. Yet, this didn鈥檛 end the way we wanted,鈥� Pastor Dave Bootsma told the crowd of approximately 60 friends and family members gathered at the Upper Room Mission Tuesday afternoon to remember the 18-year-old Vernon woman.

The ceremony, organized by the mission鈥檚 staff at the request of Genereaux鈥檚 grieving family, was also attended by two RCMP officers and several frontline workers. Members of the media were allowed to attend but asked not record or take photos, at the request of the family.

鈥淭raci loved animals, and especially ducks,鈥� Bootsma read in his eulogy.

鈥淪he had the biggest heart. She had so much love to give to anybody鈥︹�� While living on the street, she often told her grandmother she didn鈥檛 understand why people took her things 鈥� she would have shared if only they鈥檇 asked,鈥� Bootsma continued, before inviting others to share their memories of the 鈥渇eisty tomboy.鈥�

鈥淭raci was too young, too bright, had too much potential for her life to end in such a tragic way,鈥� said Bootsma. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not right. It鈥檚 not Ok.鈥�

Born in Vernon in 1998, the 鈥渇iery,鈥� 4 ft 11 red-head was remembered as 鈥渓oud, quick-witted and funny.鈥�

鈥淪he had the best sense of humour of anyone I know,鈥� one 鈥榗lose friend鈥� who asked not to be named, recalled at the beginning of the 35-minute celebration of life.

鈥淓ven at her worst, she always made sure everyone around her was OK.鈥�

Though she never got a chance to complete her formal education, one of Genereaux鈥檚 favourite teachers, Bob Oldfield said she liked school.

Oldfield, a former vice-principal at Ellison Elementary School, told the audience he taught the young girl poetry when she was in Grade 7, and remembered her as a child with striking emotional depth.

鈥淪he had a real grasp on emotional cause and effect,鈥� the now-retired administrator recalled. 鈥淪he had a depth of understanding of what was around her, and she found beauty in everything.鈥�

Oldfield鈥檚 sentiments were echoed by Lisa Anderson, executive director of the Upper Room Mission, who met Genereaux at the URM three years ago.

Though like any teen, Anderson said Genereaux had her 鈥渟assy鈥� moments, she ultimately viewed her as vulnerable.

鈥淪he seemed really fragile, like someone you just want to take home with you and love.鈥�

Erin Christie

Vernon Morning Star

erin.christie@vernonmorningstar.com
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