ON A BEAUTIFUL autumn day hundreds of people gathered under blue skies to remember Stephanie Scott – who brought a smile to so many lives.
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The main street of Leeton was deserted from 1pm, as businesses opted to close for an hour out of respect to the slain 26-year-old teacher.
Leeton businesswoman Maryann Vitelli said the decision to stop trade for one hour was not even a conversation – just something that had to be done.
Sam’s Tile and Light Centre owner Ms Vitelli – who did not know Ms Scott personally – said the entire town had been horrified by her murder.
“It’s really hit our town,” Ms Vitelli said.
“A lot of people have been saddened by it and it is a symbol of respect for the family – that we shut our doors for an hour and do not trade.
“We can’t be at the funeral but we can make a statement and show respect.”
At 1pm Ms Vitelli and her entire staff visited Mountford Park for a lunch which coincided with the funeral time.
“The situation and the event was horrifying and terrifying – it would be no matter where you were but in a small town where everyone knows everyone it has more of an effect on everyone.”
As people lined up at Mountford Park to sign memorial books, people hugged, cried and comforted each other.
Formal school classes at Leeton High School, where Ms Scott taught, were cancelled.
Leeton’s Anglican priest Father Robert Murphy said commemorating and celebrating Ms Scott’s life was essential for the town to heal.
“This is a way to remember, to commemorate, to celebrate a life, and to support each other and to move on, bring hope and comfort to a community that’s in shock and grief.”
Father Murphy urged the community to remember Ms Scott’s positive contribution to the school, the community and many personal lives.
“I think it will help the family because they know the community supports them, and I believe Aaron will continue to reside in this community so there’s great support for them.
“They’ve become part of our extended family as well.”
Commonwealth Bank employee Jessica Cassone said it was important for the branch to close today.
"We just wanted to show our respects to Stephanie and her family, none of us knew her but we wanted to do something to remember her.”
Ms Cassone said the town had never “shut down like this before” and it showed the enormous impact Ms Scott’s death had had on the town.
For Ms Cassone the park memorial was not a sombre occasion – instead it was a celebration of Ms Scott and everything she loved in life.
“More than looking at it as a sombre day, it definitely is sad, but for everyone to move forward for everyone to treat it as a celebration of her.
"It's a nice sunny day, so everyone's got a positive vibe about it.”
