AUBURN, Maine — Close to a year after Tricia Johnson-Asselin was killed in the Lewiston tragedy, her lasting impact still remains as dozens celebrated her life Saturday in Auburn.
Hosted at the VFW Post 1603, friends and family members came together to reminisce over photos and share memories from their time knowing Asselin.
"Just knowing her, you're better for it. She's a tender-hearted person," Steven Cornish, who knew Asselin when they were growing up as teenagers, said.
Asselin was among the 18 people killed in the shootings on Oct. 25, 2023. Asselin's sister, Bobbi Nichols, was with her that night and said she wants to keep her sister's memory alive.
"Today, she got to be with her friends and her family," Nichols said. "She's here in spirit. I feel her. I know she's here."
Those who worked with Nichols said she was always giving 100 percent of her energy toward the people that needed her help.
"We all should run into a person like her in life that's full of energy, positivity," Bob LaFleur, who worked with Asselin for a handful of years, said. "When we look around the world today, we don't see that."
Asselin's mother Alicia Lachance said her daughter was always giving back to the community around her during her free time.
"She did the giving tree every year, actually, Make-a-Wish Foundation. ... She did a lot of good in this world," Lachance said.
To continue her legacy of giving back, Asselin's family is working to fundraise for a scholarship in her honor to be given to students at Mt. Ararat High School for excellence in sports.
A raffle and donations were accepted at the celebration of life to go towards the scholarship fund.
Friends and family members also took the time Saturday to celebrate what would have been Asselin's 54th birthday on Aug. 30.