A celebration of life was held for Gracie Muehlberger on Saturday at Real Life Church, giving family and friends an opportunity to remember the young woman who was killed during the Saugus High shooting.

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Family members, friends, and members of the community gathered at Real Life Church in Valencia Saturday afternoon for what pastor Rusty George described as a “celebration of life” for 15-year-old Gracie Muehlberger, who was killed as the result of the Saugus High shooting.

“Today, we’re going to continue to grieve and mourn, but we’re not going to allow Gracie’s loss to let us lose Gracie’s life,” Rusty said. “This is way more than a funeral service. This is a celebration of life.”

After those in attendance sang several worship songs, Gracie’s father Bryan came up to speak, along with his two sons.

“We have what feels like a hole, or emptiness in our chest,” Bryan said, “We keep asking why, but the answer isn’t here yet.”

A picture of a young Gracie Muehlberger.

Bryan shared a variety of his favorite memories with Gracie, from dancing with her to going on family vacations.

“She was able to make a larger impact on more people and more communities than most of us will do in a lifetime,” Bryan said.

Many of Gracie’s friends also had the opportunity to share some of their thoughts and memories of the young woman, including her best friend Addison Koegle, who was also shot during the shooting at Saugus High School.

“I have never felt more pain, both physically and emotionally, here in my life.” Addison said.

Addison went on to describe Gracie as a vibrant, lively girl who always made others smile, and this description was echoed by all of her friends and family who came up to speak.

“Everybody knows that she will always be in our hearts,” said Gracie’s young cousin Stella. “I miss her very much, and I hope you will all remember her forever.”

A photo of Gracie and her family at her brother Riley’s high school graduation.

As he spoke, Bryan noted that they had received thousands of comments from people both within the community and across the nation.

“It has been a bit overwhelming at times,” Bryan said. “We have yet to read any of them, but we plan to read them all.

As the grieving process for many continues, Rusty encouraged all in attendance to stay alongside the Muehlberger family during this difficult time.

“They’re going to need you,” he said. “Not just this day, but in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.”

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