Lauren Rio Landmark and Shelby Landmark were sisters and best friends.
Lauren was there for most everything, including the first time her little sister got bucked off a horse, Shelby recalled, addressing an audience of about 500 at the 16-year-old's funeral Saturday at Rud-der High School Auditorium.
She witnessed Shelby's first day of school, the first time she rode a bike without training wheels, her first kiss.
"And I was there when she died," said the 13-year-old girl, flanked by two friends and still wearing a knee wrap, evidence of the collision that left her sister dead.
Lauren Landmark was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of University and Copperfield drives -- a construction zone where crews are putting in a light and improving the shoulder on University after massive growth in the area demanded the safety measures.
Police continued over the weekend to investigate the cause of the accident.
Shelby Landmark was a passenger in the car, along with 13-year-old Shaylynn McClendon, when their car -- driven by Lauren -- was struck by an F-250 truck.
She said she found comfort in knowing she was able to be there for such an important transition in Lauren's life. In a way, her death will bring them closer, the younger sibling said.
"I know it's not good-bye, but more like a see you later," she said.
Young and tear-streaked faces dominated the crowd, while Landmark's parents were surrounded by friends and colleagues during a visitation before the funeral. More than two dozen floral arrangements lined the front of the auditorium.
Lauren Landmark was a junior at Rudder High, a member of the tennis team and vice president of the social board for the Rangerettes.
She also attended Hammond Oliver, which is a half-day program for students who are interested in a health-related career.
She wanted to become a physician's assistant, and less than a month ago, she helped raise more than $2,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in memory of her grandmother, who died of the disease in December.
Fellow Rangerettes and the group's coach spoke at the service among others -- all of whom sought to bring comfort to those left behind and attempted to find justification for a life cut short.
One man read the familiar phrase: It's not the number of years in your life that is important, but rather the life in your years.
At the bottom of Lauren Landmark's obituary, given to everyone in attendance, was a note from her family.
"Lauren, you will always be your daddy's Precious Princess, your mother's miracle baby and the big sister who always looked out for Shelby. You will never be replaced and you will be in our hearts and memories forever."
RSS
Mobile
Daily Emails
Twitter
Facebook
