Family and friends of an Edmonton native who was found murdered in Cary, North Carolina five days ago gathered at the church she attended to say their final goodbyes to a woman they say was taken far too soon.
Loved ones described 34-year-old Nancy Cooper as a loving woman with a passion for life.
"She just made everything shine a little brighter and we're just going to miss her so much," said friend Clea Morwick.
"When I first moved here two years ago it was a little bit lonely at first and then I met Nancy and my world changed," said Hannah Pritchard as she wiped tears out of her eyes.
The memorial was attended by Cooper's parents, siblings, two young daughters and friends.
She was born and raised in Edmonton, but moved to North Carolina eight years ago when her husband, Brad Cooper, was offered a job there.
Her body was found in a storm sewer near her home on Monday morning; two days after she was reported missing.
On Saturday her husband, Brad, was absent from the memorial. He has been accused by his wife's family of having an affair and emotionally abusing his wife and children.
The allegations have not been proven by police.
Coopers parents and sister were granted emergency custody of her two children earlier in the week and are expected to be in Edmonton by Sunday afternoon.
A memorial at Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m.
With files from Scott Roberts
