GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Hundreds of people gathered in Grand Haven Monday to remember Mandy Karolkiewicz and her six children, one month after their deaths shocked the community.
WATCH: Hundreds gather in Grand Haven to remember Mandy Karolkiewicz and her six children
A public memorial service was held at Harvest Vertical Church, giving family, friends and members of the community a chance to honor the lives of Mandy and her children and reflect on the impact they had on those around them.
The Karolkiewicz family was killed inside their Grand Haven Township home on July 24 in what investigators have called a murder-suicide.
Investigators say Mandy's husband and the children's father, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, shot and killed his wife and their six children before shooting himself.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Investigators ID family found dead in Grand Haven Twp home, ruled murder-suicide
Outside cameras were not allowed inside Monday’s memorial service, but FOX 17’s Paige Meyer was among those permitted to attend as loved ones remembered Mandy for the way she dedicated her life to children, both as a mother and through her work as an educator and author.
Family members and close friends took the stage to honor and remember the lives the Karolkiewicz's lived through speeches and musical tributes. A video of the service captured by Harvest Vertical Church is available to watch here.
But for Mandy’s family, remembering her is about more than looking back. They’re also finding ways to carry the impact she had on children and the Grand Haven community forward.
The Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation Fund has been created in Mandy’s memory to support the Grand Haven community, including music and arts opportunities for students.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Grand Haven community to honor family killed in July murder-suicide
Mandy’s family says the foundation is a way to turn their grief into something that can help others and ensure her love for children continues to have an impact.
