Katie Socci and Sidney Renee
AUBURN -- Updated (10:30 pm Saturday):
Hundreds of people came out to St. Francis Church in Auburn Saturday night for a candlelight vigil in memory of Katie Socci. The lawn outside the chuch was packed as folks remembered the murdered woman. This as family and friends prepare for calling hours on Sunday and a funeral on Monday.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday from 2pm - 5pm at the White Chapel on South Street in Auburn.
The funeral service will be Monday at 11am at St. Francis Church on Clark Street, also in Auburn.
Original Story from CNY Central's Alex Dunbar:
As Katie Socci's family went through photos together, they laughed and cried as they were reminded of vacations, family weddings and the day Katie first brought her dog Bo home as a teenager.
"She said it's my dog. I'm going to take care of it," said her father John Socci.
"Then went off to college!" said her mother Tina with a laugh.
Katie's father said a watercolor portrait showing Katie at age 5 captured her fun loving nature. Everyone in her family said Katie loved to help and support others whenever she could. They also described her unique ability to connect with anyone she met.
"She was easy to be with and she was funny - it was just easy to be around her," said Tina Socci.
"Anytime anyone needed anything - it was Katie. Katie was the first one anybody called," said her sister Jennifer.
Katie Socci's parents say they will never forget how her eyes lit up when she would come home at the end of a long day and see her 18 month old daughter Sydney Renee.
"She didn't know how much she could could love until she had Sydney," said Tina Socci.
"Thank god she at least had almost two years of that enjoyment because she was the perfect mother," said John Socci.
Katie's parents say they will raise Sydney as they believe Katie would have - and say the love they shared will be with the family every day.
"I know it in my heart...that she will be with us always," said John Socci.
The Soccis said they are overwhelmed by all the support they have received from Katie's friends from Central New York and from across the country.
Funeral arrangements have been finalized for homicide victim Katie Socci.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday from 2pm - 5pm at the White Chapel on South Street in Auburn.
The funeral service will be Monday at 11am at St. Francis Church on Clark Street, also in Auburn.
Socci disappeared from her Swift Street home Tuesday night, leaving her 18-month-old daughter, Sidney Renee, home alone. A memorial fund has been set up to benefit Sidney Renee. If you would like to help, you can send donations here:
"Katie Socci Memorial Fund to benefit Sydney Renee"
c/o Savannah Bank
PO Box 7201
Auburn, NY 13022
Click here to read more about the investigation into Socci's death.
