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Michelle Gardner-Quinn Remembered

Burlington, Vermont - October 15, 2006

Hundreds gathered at UVM's Ira Allen Chapel Sunday night to share their memories of Michelle Gardner-Quinn, and to celebrate the life of the student who loved music, nature, and yoga. 

UVM's Campus Minister, Rev. Sue Marie Baskette, presided over the memorial service. "In the time Michelle was in Burlington, she made many, many friends," said Rev. Baskette.

Michelle Gardner-Quinn's parents joined those many friends and admirers inside a packed Ira Allen Chapel. They came to do what may be impossible --  to try to make sense of the senseless. "She will sorely be missed in our dorm," said Fay Oppenheimer, a friend of Michelle's. "Her crazy personality and positive energy always made our dorm a fun and happy place. It definitely won't be the same without her."

Speakers remembered the 21 year-old Virginia native as a thoughtful daughter of the Earth, sharing stories of how Gardner-Quinn would often pause to admire plant life or insects -- that she felt a connection to eco-systems and cared intensely for their protection. Her Environmental Studies professor, Cecilia Danks, read from her student's most recent essay: "I hope my time in Vermont will further these goals, and aid me in a greater understanding of my place as a whole."

Her smile seemed as bright as her future. The senior's friends performed contemplative yoga, explaining how Michelle would look inward after being outside -- where, she wrote, that she discovered her core -- Her soul. Stephanie Kaza, another of her teachers, read from her journal: "I feel I experienced this most when I was quite young. The miracles of life fascinated me and I felt a deep connection with all beings."

Following the hour-long service, Gardner-Quinn's family left the chapel in tears. Through the minister, they thanked the crowd, and the whole community for their support. "On behalf of the family, I would like to extend great appreciation for all who stood by the family in the last few days," said Rev. Baskette.

Jack Thurston - Channel 3 News