Funeral and Memorial Services Were Finally Held for Victims of Christmas Eve Massacre

Those lost at the Christmas Eve Massacre were Mourned as Funeral and Memorial Services Were Finally Held for Victims of Christmas Eve Massacre. It has taken 22 days to finally be able to say good bye to those who were lost.

Hundreds of friends and family members attended funeral services held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in San Dimas Friday, January 16Th, 2009, for the nine victims of the Christmas Eve massacre in Covina, California.

There were no coffins. As there were no bodies. Photos of the victims were displayed on easels and urns holding their ashes were placed on the altar.

(pic) Silvia Ortega and friend.

Cardinal Roger Mahoney was on hand to welcome the mourners, including many family members, who journeyed all the way from Mexico. Priests from other parishes and many law enforcement officers also attended the huge memorial for the 9 victims of the Christmas Eve Massacre.

A long time family friend, Eddie Perry spoke at the funeral Mass, talking about each slain member of the Ortega family. Those members were, Sylvia Pardo, 46, of Covina; her parents Joseph Ortega, 80, Alicia Ortega, 70; her two brothers Charles Ortega, 50, of West Covina, and James Ortega, 52, of Upland; their wives, Cheri, 45, and Teresa, 51; Pardo’s sister Alicia Ortiz, 46, of Upland; and Ortiz’s son, Michael Ortiz, 17.

“The Ortega family is the closest family I ever met,” Perry said. “I thank God for each and every moment with the Ortegas.”

Perry recalled that James Ortega owned a racehorse named Return of the King, who finished first in a race at Santa Anita last week, racing for the last time in James Ortega’s name.

The funeral service ended with a trumpet solo of “Amazing Grace” and the call to post played before horse races.

The funeral procession then proceeded at high noon, to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina, California. After wards, there was a reception at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, also in Covina, California.

On Thursday night, more than one thousand people attended a standing room only prayer vigil at the church to remember the 9 victims, who were slain Christmas Eve.

It was a very emotional service, many sobbed as they recalled the tragedy that claimed so many lives.

“Unbelievable… I still can’t swallow it,” said family friend Grace Mares, who attended the vigil.

At least 13 young people were orphaned after the massacre.

Friends and loved ones say the surviving family members are in need of support, both emotionally and financially, as a result of this horrific tragedy.

For those who would like to help the surviving Children and family members…Checks for the family can be made to:
Ortega Family Fund
c/o The Law Offices of Scott J. Nord
500 N. Brand Blvd.
Suite 550,
Glendale, Calif.
91203

It has taken a long time for the family members and friends to be able to have their Funeral and Memorial Services Finally Held for Victims of Christmas Eve Massacre. BBAC sends it’s heart felt condolences, to all family members and friends.

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