LIVERPOOL -- Friends and family of Jenni-Lyn Watson have exceeded their goal, raising more than $750 to buy a park bench in the murdered Liverpool woman's name. It will be placed in the butterfly garden in Onondaga Lake Park.
The group known as "Team Jenni-Lyn" held a celebration Thursday night, on what would have been her 21st birthday. "She should still be with us, she's not. But today we can celebrate her life," said family friend Kelly Kinahan. Holding back tears, she told the crowd they should only shed "happy tears" today.
"I miss Jenni-Lyn so much, and it's her birthday so why not be here to celebrate such a beautiful life," said friend Jackie Harris.
"I think she would have the biggest smile on her face just seeing all of us here. Me and Jenni-Lyn were so close, and it's been hard since she's been gone. But I'm here to celebrate her 21st birthday because I know she would want us all to be happy today," said friend Brittany Piazza.
A birthday card was filled with messages of love and hope. One note asking the ballerina to dance forever in Heaven.
"Everyone wants to keep her memory positive. In light of everything that happened, it's important to do that," said friend Aubrey Ellis.
The party even sent a bit of the celebration up to Jenni-Lyn. They released pink and green balloons, her favorite colors, into the air. Family and friends wanted the event to be light - hearted and fun but though the emotion was overwhelming at times. "This life is temporary, so we will see her again some day hopefully it will just make us all appreciate each other. Don't take one day for granted because it can end at any time," said Kinahan.
And while Jenni-Lyn's life was cut short she's danced her way into so many hearts forever leaving a legacy of grace and poise. "Her smile would just light up a room. She was an amazing friend and a beautiful dancer," said Piazza.
Scroll down below to see how you can send a donation to causes in Jenni-Lyn's name.
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Friends and family of a murdered Liverpool woman will honor her memory Thursday, on what would have been her 21st birthday.
"We cry everyday, those of us who love her," said family friend Kelly Kinahan. "We're hoping to have a day, we will still shed tears, but to smile and dance and laugh. I think that's what Jenni-Lyn would want."
The team organizing the event calls themselves team Jenni-Lyn, they desperately worked to get the word out when the Liverpool woman vanished in November. "As a neighbor and a parent, I couldn't just sit back and let things go by, I needed to do something," said neighbor Kelly Hodge.
Jenni-Lyn was just 20-years-old when her life was suddenly cut short. She was home visiting her family on Thanksgiving break when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Steven Pieper. He recently plead guilty to 2nd degree murder in her death.
Thursday, Jenni-Lyn's birthday celebration will be held at the Joseph Griffin Visitor Center at Onondaga Lake Park in memory of her. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The group will have pink and green cupcakes, sing Happy Birthday and take a group photograph, which they will then give to Jenni-Lyn's parents. They'll also launch balloons into the air. Kinahan says friends who cannot make it to Central New York for the event, will also release balloons and sing for Jenni-Lyns birthday.
Jenni-Lyn was a promising young dancer, studying at Mercyhurst College. Her death touched many people in Central New York, even those who did not know her. A memorial fund was recently set up in her name.
"She danced her way into all of our hearts so we just want to get together and celebrate that," said neighbor Krissy Alpuerto.
Organizers hope tomorrow's event gives people a chance to remember Jenni-Lyn's life, and honor her on the day she came into this world. They hope it will provide some solace for her family. Kinahan says some of her family members are planning to attend.
If you are unable to attend the event, you are encouraged to send donations to Hope for the Bereaved. Donations are tax-deductible. Organizers hope to raise $750 to buy a bench at the garden in honor of Jenni-Lyn. "Butterflys represent hope, and for the 8 days that we searched for her, that's what we held onto," said Kinahan.
To make a donation send a check to:
Hope for Bereaved attn. Jenni-Lyn bench
4500 Onondaga Blvd.
Syracuse, NY 13219
Leave your words of support for Jenni-Lyn's family below.
