13-year-old Hania Noelia Aguilar was laid to rest Saturday afternoon. Her funeral services were held at Lumberton High school.
“Today is a very hard day for me,” said Hania’s mother Celeste Hernandez.
Hundreds of people gathered hand in hand to say their final goodbyes.
“I’m so proud of my daughter, she gave me some of the best moments,” said Hernandez.
Emotions ran high during the 2 hour bilingual service at Lumberton High. Hania Aguilar was a daughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend, and they all say she touched many lives.
“In one hand we’re happy because now we know she’s resting in peace, and on the other we’re sad because we lost a 13-year-old girl,” said family friend Mario Alvarado Salas.
Community members shared all the great memories they had with Hania, and say her future was bright. Hania’s favorite school subject was science and her career goal was to become an architect one day.
“It really saddens me that there’s people that are so mean in this world,” said family friend Avila Flores Basilisa.
Hania’s biological father couldn’t attend but wrote a letter that read during the service “You left before me, my gorgeous princess. Now I know I have an angel in heaven.”
Hania’s mother, gave words of thanks and says to never wait until this day comes to say I love you to your children.
“This has taught me to fight for my children,” said Hernandez.
Lumberton city Councilman, John Cantey spoke during the funeral service and declares December 8 to be ‘Hania Aguilar Day’.