MADISON, Wis. — A Madison teacher was laid to rest one week after the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
Erin West, 42, and student Rubi Vergara, 14, were killed when a teenager opened fire at the school. Vergara's funeral was held on Saturday.
West attended and served at Doxa Church and worked at ALCS for four years. During the funeral service, emotions were high as crowds of people filled the church to honor the teacher. West grew up in Georgia. Speakers described West as thoughtful, kind, and a fighter.
"No one wants to be here, but in another sense I believe, that we're all supposed to be here right now to hurt and to heal together," Pastor Rob Warren said.
For some time, the line of mourners was out the door.
"Erin loved Jesus. She loved her husband Jack. She loved her girls. She loved us and our church family," church member and friend Nate Kaloupek shared.
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West enjoyed camping and wine tasting. In May, West would have celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary. A friend said West was looking forward to taking her girls to Disney World.
"She was someone who when she said she loved you she really meant it," Kaloupek explained.
"I just want all to come together," Jimmy Davison told TMJ4 News.
Davison was among the several people who paid their respects. He says that he volunteered at ALCS where his son graduated.
"He needed support from his dad. They all did," Davison added.
Madison's Police Chief Shon Barnes and other officers attended services for both victims. Barnes added that in the coming days, healing will include looking for opportunities to grow.
"Making sure we look at process improvements whether it's communications or whether it’s making sure that we have alert systems in place," Barnes said. "What can we do to ensure that the mental health of our students is taken care of? What early warning things can we put in place and making sure most importantly the teachers, family members, and community members know where to go if you need help."
West was a wife and a mother to three daughters.
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